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Uptake of excess iron by lowland rice plants causes iron toxicity, which is a major problem in the affected areas. This study investigated molecular diversity, genetic structure, and marker–trait associations for tolerance to iron toxicity in a panel of germplasm lines using microsatellite markers. The studied population showed a moderate to high degree of genetic diversity, as revealed by the estimated molecular diversity parameters and principal component, cluster and box plot analyses. The landraces Mahipal, Dhusura, Dhabalabhuta, Champa, Sunapani and Kusuma were identified as suitable for cultivation in the areas affected by high iron levels. The landraces Dhusura, Kusuma, Kendrajhali, Ranisaheba, Panjabaniswarna, Mahipal, Dhinkisiali, Champa, Kalamara and Ratanmali, which showed low scores for tolerance, were considered good donors for iron toxicity tolerance improvement programs. Utilizing STRUCTURE software, a total of four genetic structure groups were detected in the panel germplasm of lines. These structural subgroups exhibited good correlations among their members for iron toxicity tolerance and other yield-related traits. Marker–trait association analysis validated the reported iron toxicity tolerance QTLs qFeTox 4.2 and qFeTox 4.3, which are useful for marker-assisted improvement. A new QTL, qFeTox 7.1, located on chromosome 7, was detected as controlling iron toxicity tolerance in rice.

Abstract Background Primary pilocytic astrocytoma of the CPA (Cerebello-pontine angle), in the pediatric age group is an extremely rare entity, with just three cases reported so far. It mostly arises from the root entry zone of the cranial nerves found in this cistern. Case presentation A 11-year boy presented with headache, hearing impairment in right ear. Pure tone audiogram and BAER (Brainstem auditory evoked response) suggested retro-cochlear sensori-neural hearing loss. MRI revealed a heterogeneously enhancing extra-axial lesion in the right CPA. Tumor was approached through right retromastoid suboccipital craniotomy. Intraoperatively it seemed to arise from the REZ (root entry zone) of CN VIII and histopathology confirmed it to be pilocytic astrocytoma. We have reported this as only the fourth case and reviewed the already existing literature. In the previous case reports an extensive immunohistochemical analysis was not done and the final diagnosis was not as per the Harlem consensus guidelines. Conclusion In this case, we have tried to report the final histopathology in accordance with the 5th edition of WHO classification of CNS tumors. In the current era of molecular diagnosis and layered structural format of reporting a histopathology, this case is the first of its kind and emphasizes the need to consider PA as one of the differentials for lesions in CPA.

Despite extensive research on particulate matter (PM) pollution in India’s Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP), source apportionment remains challenging. This study investigates the effect of particulate matter (PM10)-associated water soluble inorganic ions (WSIIs) on ambient air concentration across the middle IGP from January to December 2018. Moreover, the seasonal fluctuation and chemical characterization of PM10 were assessed for the year 2018. The results revealed a high concentration of PM10 (156 µg/m3), exceeding the WHO and National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) limits. The highest PM10 levels were observed during autumn, winter, summer, and the rainy season. The study identified SO42− and NH4+ as the most common WSIIs, constituting 46% and 23% of the total WSIIs. Source apportionment analysis indicated that street dust, biomass burning, and vehicle and industrial emissions together with secondary formation significantly contributed to IGP’s PM pollution. Additionally, the investigation of air mass back trajectory suggests that air quality in IGP is largely influenced by eastern and western Maritime air masses originated from the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, Gujarat, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

Background: Tracheostomy is an important surgical procedure in the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) disease (COVID-19) pandemic, particularly those patients undergoing prolonged tracheal intubation. The timing and indications for tracheostomy in COVID-19 patients with ventilators are still controversial. Methods: We prospectively studied the best timing for performing surgical tracheostomy in COVID-19 patients (n = 22) from April 2020 to May 2021 in the COVID-19 ICU attached to our COVID-19 hospital. The tracheotomised patients were followed up and the number and timing of the death were documented. Results: There were 14 males (male:female = 1.75:1). The mean duration of endotracheal intubation to tracheostomy was 14.4 days (range 10-22 days). The mean time for tracheostomy was 18.45 min (range 12–25 min). Five patients (22.7%) died after tracheostomy. The median time between tracheostomy and death was 4 days. Conclusions: Surgical tracheostomy has to be performed in a proper time with safe manner for benefit of the patients with COVID-19 and the health care professionals managing the patient.

BACKGROUND: Tracheostomy in pediatric patients is considered a surgery of significant morbidity and mortality. However, the airway management with tracheostomy in the pediatric age group has changed over time with respect to indication and outcome. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the indications and complications of pediatric tracheostomies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective study done on pediatric tracheostomies at a tertiary care teaching hospital. The study period was from September 2011 to October 2021. The data on age, gender, indications, and complications over 10 years were analyzed. In this study, pediatric tracheostomy was classified into prolonged intubation, obstruction in the upper airway, anomalies in the craniofacial region, neurological disorders, and vocal fold paralysis. If a child required ventilator assistance, they were placed in the prolonged intubation group. RESULTS: There were 162 pediatric tracheostomies performed during the study time. Of 162 children, 98 (60.49%) were male and 64 (39.50%) were female, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.5:1. Of 162 children, 112 (69.13%) underwent tracheostomy for prolonged ventilation and 50 (30.86%) underwent tracheostomy for upper airway obstruction. Intraoperative complications were seen in 9 (5.55%) cases of pediatric tracheostomy. There were 28 (17.28%) pediatric patients with a tracheostomy who presented with postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: Standardization of the pediatric tracheostomy, the timing of the procedure, and appropriate indications of pediatric tracheostomy are helpful to minimize morbidity and mortality in pediatric patients.

A study was conducted at AFU livestock farm, Rampur, Chitwan in 2017-18 to determine the effect of dietary supplementation of garlic and ginger in different combination on feed intake, growth performance and economics by using commercial Cobb 500 broilers. A total of two hundred, 11-day-old chicks were allocated randomly to five different treatments. The experiment was designed in a Completely Randomized Design, each treatment with four replication and each replication had 10 birds. They were fed isoproteinous and isocaloric Basal diet (BD) and BD supplemented with four different levels of garlic and ginger such as T1 (BD only), T2 (BD + 1% garlic); T3 (BD + 1.0% ginger); T4 (BD + 0.5% garlic and 0.5% ginger) and T5 (BD + 1% garlic and 1% ginger). Weekly average body weight, weight gain, feed consumption, and feed efficiency were recorded up to sixth week of age. All data were statistical analyzed using Completely Randomized Design. The results showed that overall feed consumption was significantly (P≤0.05) higher for broiler fed diet supplemented with 0.5% garlic and 0.5% ginger (T4) followed by T5 (basal diet with 1% garlic and 1% ginger). On the other hand significantly higher (P≤0.01) cumulative weekly live body weight and body weight gain (g/bird) was found for the treatment with supplemented 1% garlic powder (T2), followed by broiler fed diet supplemented with 0.5% garlic and 0.5% ginger powder (T4). Similarly, feed conversion ratio was significantly (P≤0.01) better in broiler fed basal diet with supplementation of 1% garlic (T2) followed by basal diet with supplementation of 0.5% garlic and 0.5% ginger (T4). The maximum benefit was obtained from the broiler fed basal diet with supplementation of 1% garlic (T2). The findings revealed that broiler fed basal diet with supplementation of 1% garlic powder had helped as a growth promoter contributing to the better growth performance, feed efficiency and higher benefit: cost ratio. Thus, addition of 1% garlic powder can be safely recommended as a growth promoter in broilers.

Background: Foreign bodies (FBs) in the ear, nose, and throat are frequently encountered clinical entities among the children. These ear, nose, and throat FBs are often seen by pediatricians, primary care physicians, and otolaryngologists. Aim of the Study: The objective of this study is to analyze various types of FBs in the ear, nose, and throat among children and its clinical profile with its treatment in the pediatric age group. Materials and Methods: This descriptive retrospective study was carried out at a tertiary care teaching hospital. During 10-year period from April 2010 to May 2020, 452 pediatric patients with FB in the ear, nose, and throat were managed. The clinical profile and management of these children were analyzed. The clinical data were collected from the admission charts and clinic tickets. Results: In this study, the majority of the FBs were found in the nasal cavity, which constitutes 30.53%, whereas 28.31% found in the external auditory canal, 11.72% in the pharynx, 13.49% in the esophagus and 15.72% in laryngotracheobronchial (LTB) tract. The age ranges from 0 to 16 years, with a mean age was 7.21 years. The majority of the ear, nose, and throat FBs were found in the age group of 0–5 years. Out of the 452 cases, 243 (53.76%) were removed under general anesthesia. Vegetable seed was the most common FB in the nose. Coin was the most common FB in the esophagus, whereas vegetable seeds were the most common FB found in the bronchus. The open safety pin is a hazardous LTB FB. Conclusion: FBs in the ear, nose, and throat of children are common. The accurate diagnosis and treatment of the FBs in the pediatric age is often challenging. These FBs can be associated with significant morbidity and complications if not removed immediately.

Individuals with inflammatory rheumatic diseases such as lupus are considered at risk for severe COVID-19 infection due to their immunocompromised state and the use of immunosuppressive treatment. Its impact on lupus is yet to be determined. Herein, we report a case of COVID-19 pneumonia in a 40-year-old female with a history of hypothyroidism and mild pulmonary hypertension who presented with a 4-day history of fever and breathlessness. COVID-19 infection was confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). On examination, she had a malar rash, short hair, and crepitations on the right side infrascapular and infraaxillary areas. Investigations revealed to have anemia, thrombocytopenia, transaminitis, high ferritin, and low fibrinogen, which were suggestive of cytokine release syndrome. Her antinuclear antibody (ANA) by indirect immunofluorescence on Hep-2 cells was 4+ homogeneous in 1:100 titer dilution and extractable nuclear antigen panel showed antibodies positive for histone, nucleosome, Ro, and smith antigens. The patient was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with severe COVID-19 pneumonia with cytokine release syndrome and managed conservatively without specific antivirals or steroids. Her clinical condition and laboratory parameters improved afterward. On the 12th day, her RT-PCR for COVID-19 was negative and the patient was discharged. This would probably a reference case which showed conservative management can be helpful at times where no definite antiviral therapy has been approved with judicious use of immunosuppressants. Close monitoring of clinical conditions and laboratory parameters are recommended for such autoimmune disorders with COVID-19 infection.

Boron (B) and Tungsten (W) are often found enriched in high-temperature geothermal waters associated with the development of subduction-related mafic to felsic arc magma. However, knowledge about the sourcing and transportation of these elements from such hydrothermal systems is sparse and ambiguous. Being the only active continental collision site in the world, the Trans-Himalaya offers a unique chance to study how continental collision sources the high boron and tungsten concentrations in geothermal fluids. This study investigated the distribution of trace elements, major cations, and anions in three physicochemically distinct hotspring sites in the Ladakh region. The results were integrated with the existing geochemical and isotopic data to address the research problem more effectively. This study exhibits that the extreme concentrations of boron, sodium, chlorine, potassium, and tungsten in the hotspring waters were primarily governed by magmatic fluid inputs. In addition, this study recorded the highest-ever chlorine and boron concentrations for the Trans-Himalayan hotspring waters. The highest-ever boron and chlorine concentrations in the hotspring waters probably represented an increase in magmatic activity in the deeper source zone.

Introduction: The etiopathology and management of vestibular migraine (VM) are a puzzling dilemma among the clinician. The migraine and vertigo are important symptoms of VM. Objective: Clinical and audio-vestibular evaluation of VM patients. Materials and Methods: It is a prospective study which was conducted between June 2016 and May 2019. Patients attending vertigo clinic were thoroughly reviewed. The patients of VM were selected on the basis of criteria fulfilling the International classification of headache disorders, 3rd edition (beta version). Neuro-otological examinations with videonystagmography (VNG) and vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) tests were done in all cases those diagnosed for VM. Results: There were 51 VM patients out of 168 dizzy patients during the study period. Aural fullness (45.09%) was the most common aural symptom, followed by tinnitus and hearing loss. Phonophobia (82.35%) was the most common migrainous symptom. The relation between headache and menstrual period among female patients was significant. VNG was showing abnormality in 11.76% of cases during caloric test with the highest abnormality in positional test. In VEMPs, 32 patients (62.74%) had abnormal cervical VEMPs response, whereas abnormal ocular VEMPs response seen 38 patients (74.50%). Conclusion: VM is a leading cause of vertigo in the clinical practice and high percentage of patients presented with abnormalities in VNG and VEMPs during vestibular symptoms. Proper history taking and neuro-otological examination and vestibular investigations help for the early diagnosis and treatment.

Background: Pseudoaneurysm of the cavernous internal carotid artery (ICA) is an uncommon clinical incidence. This may cause massive epistaxis and pose a life-threatening situation for patient. Aim: The aim of this study to acquaint the clinicians with this rare cause of the massive epistaxis due to posttraumatic pseudoaneurysm of the cavernous ICA. This study evaluates the details of patient's profile including presenting symptoms, investigation, treatment, and outcomes. Materials and Methods: Data of seven patients with cavernous ICA pseudoaneurysm presenting with epistaxis from March 2018 to April 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: The age range of the patients was from 22 to 64 years. Duration of head trauma to the epistaxis ranged from 1 month to 4 months. All had history of head trauma. All were managed by endovascular coil embolization. Conclusion: Cavernous ICA pseudoaneurysm can cause life-threatening epistaxis. Patients present with severe epistaxis and history of head trauma should be thought for traumatic pseudoaneurysm of cavernous ICA. Endovascular coil embolization of the pseudoaneurysm is an important option for effective treatment.

In contrast to more frequently investigated priority pollutants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), only little is known about the fate and distribution of nitrated- and oxygenated-PAHs (NPAHs and OPAHs) in urban soils, particularly in Indian sub-continent. Moreover, experimental data on air-soil exchange and soil-air partitioning are also lacking, which is critical in assessing the partitioning, fugacity coefficient, and secondary emission of PAH-derivatives. Hence, this article provides an insight into the fate, sources, air-soil exchange, and soil-air partitioning of PAH-derivatives on a molecular basis. Prospective health risk due to their exposure has also been discussed. The result showed that PAH-derivatives had significantly polluted all four Nepalese cities. Ʃ15NPAHs and Ʃ2OPAHs in soil were 4 and 20 times lower than their parent-PAHs, and ranged 396–2530 ng/g (median 458 ng/g) and 91.9–199 ng/g (median 94.9 ng/g), respectively. Ʃ15NPAHs was higher than a few global studies, while Ʃ2OPAHs was lower than some of the less urbanized/remote areas worldwide. The 6-Nitobenzo[a]pyrene (6-NBaP) was most abundant in soil, and accounted for 10–12% of Ʃ15NPAHs, while Benzanthrone (BZONE) exceeded among OPAHs, and represented 71–76% of Ʃ2OPAHs, respectively. Source identification study indicated that direct emissions from domestic/residential cooking and heating and secondary formations are the essential sources of derivative chemicals in soil. Fugacity fraction ratio (f ratio) indicated volatilization from the soil. The soil-air partitioning study showed sorption by soil organic matter/black carbon has little role in soil-air partitioning of PAH-derivatives in Nepal's urban soil. The toxicity equivalency quotients (TEQs) of NPAHs (314 ± 102 ng/g) was estimated slightly higher than their parent-PAHs (294 ± 121 ng/g) suggesting a relatively higher risk of soil toxicity in Nepal.

Background and Aim: Smoking among the pediatric age group is a public health concern. It has direct link to laryngeal manifestations. Due to increased exposure to smoking, it is affecting the children directly or indirectly through involving upper airway, particularly the larynx. In this study, we explored the effect of cigarette smoking in laryngeal manifestations among the pediatric age group. Materials and Methods: It is a retrospective study conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital of eastern India between December 2017 and June 2019. There were 112 pediatric patients between the age of 5 and 16 years with complaints of hoarseness of voice. Out of 112, 32 (28.57%) had history of exposure to cigarette smoking. All the children of this study underwent a careful and detailed general and physical examinations and local examinations such as the ear, nose, and throat. All the children were also subjected to videolaryngoscopy for the assessment of the larynx. Results: The majority of the children with smoking habit were male (59.37%). The most common diagnosis among children with smoking habit was laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) (40.62%) followed by chronic laryngitis (25%), vocal fold keratosis (18.75%), Reinke's edema (12.50%), and malignancy (3.12%). All these laryngeal lesions were treated appropriately. LPR and chronic laryngitis were treated with conservative medications and speech therapy. Vocal fold keratosis and Reinke's edema were treated with microlaryngeal surgery and conservative treatment. Conclusion: Smoking has adverse effect on the larynx in the pediatric age group. It has an impact to alter the structural changes in the vocal folds. Speech therapy, vocal hygiene, and absolute cessation of the smoking are ideal treatment for pediatric dysphonia due to the effect of smoking.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) refers to laryngopharyngeal manifestations of acid reflux from the gastroesophageal part. LPR is diagnosed by assessing the clinical symptoms, videolaryngoscopic assessment of the larynx, and double-probe monitoring of the pH. Hoarseness of voice is an important symptom for the diagnosis of LPR in children and frequently the only presenting symptom. Ambulatory 24-h double-probe (esophageal and pharyngeal) pH monitoring is both specific and sensitive for the diagnosis of LPR. Early diagnosis and treatment often results in the improvement of hoarseness and prevent complications. Endoscopic examination of the larynx and hypopharynx is an important step for patient selection as selected laryngeal findings are related with diagnosis, treatment, and outcome. Treatment options are medications and lifestyle modifications. Here, we present vocal process granuloma and unusual presentations of prolonged LPR in a 12-year-old boy.

This research was objectively carried out to assess the dynamic of carbon, nitrogen and texture at root zone and location between plants. The plantation of Acacia catechu, Dalbergia sissoo, Phyllanthus emblica and Eucalyptus camaldulensis of Pragati community forest, Mahottari district, Nepal was selected for this study which was done in 2011. The stratified random sampling was applied to collect soil samples. Altogether 320 soil samples were collected from 0-10, 10-30, 30-60 and 60-90 cm depths. The result showed that soil carbon was about 8.16 t ha-1 at root zone which was only 7.56 t ha-1 at location between plants at 0-10cm depth in Phyllanthus emblica stratum. The soil carbon was the least nearly 2.08 t ha-1 at root zone which was 1.59 t ha-1 at location between plants in Eucalyptus camaldulensis stratum. The carbon percentage was the highest about 1.35% at root zone of Phyllanthus emblica stratum. However, the C/N ratio was the highest about 69:1 at location between plants of Dalbergia sissoo stratum. The texture of soil was loamy sand at root zone in Phyllanthus emblica, Acacia catechu and Dalbergia sissoo plantations while it was sandy at both root zone and between plants of Eucalyptus plantation. Plantations have significant effect on soil carbon and nitrogen at 95% confidence level.

Abstract Previous studies reported that forest ecosystems can play a vital role in scavenging anthropogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and act as primary reservoirs of these environmental pollutants. The present study aimed to investigate the occurrence, spatial pattern and source apportionment of PAHs across Chinese background forest soils (O- & A-horizons). The 143 soils collected from 30 mountains showed significantly (p

Accumulation of heavy metals in vegetables adversely affects the well-being of human health. In this study, we investigated the heavy metals (Hg, Zn, Cu, Pb and Mn) contamination in different environmental samples collected from five major sites (Gaighat, Paijawa, Danapur, Ranipur and Marchi) of Patna. In all the samples concentration of manganese (Mn) was found to be higher in soil samples. The concentration of heavy metals in soil samples were in the order Mn > Zn > Cu > Pb > Hg in water sample; Mn > Zn > Pb > Cu > Hg, and in vegetables Mn > Zn > Cu > Pb > Hg. In all sites, majority of heavy metal were within the permissible limits except the Zn and Pb. The Zn and Pb contents in vegetables and soil were measured above the permissible limit recommended by WHO/FAO (2007) and Indian standard. The bioconcentration factors (BCFs) for the heavy metal transfer from soils to vegetables are analysed and were ranked in the order of Hg > Pb > Zn > Cu > Mn. The estimated daily intake of metals suggested low health risk despite higher metal content in soil/vegetables. The metal pollution index (MPI) analysis showed high MPI for spinach (15.6) followed by red spinach (14.0) whereas beans (8.6) showed lower metal pollution index. Keywords: Heavy metals, Soil, Contamination, Risk

The ubiquitous occurrence of organophosphate ester flame retardants (OPFRs) may pose a threat to human health. Most of the OPFRs are suspected to be carcinogenic, neurotoxic and can cause fertility and reproductive effects (World Health Organization, 2000) and (Van der Veen and De Boer, 2012). Although a number of researches have detailed high level of organophosphate ester flame retardant worldwide, unfortunately Nepal has never been part of any global/regional monitoring campaign. This data article presents the concentration of eight different compounds of organophosphate ester flame retardants (OPFRs) measured in indoor air and house dust. Thirty four indoor air and 28 house dust samples were collected from four major cities (Kathmandu, Pokhara, Birgunj, and Biratnagar) of Nepal to investigate the contamination level and distribution pattern of OPFR. The median concentration and relative contribution of individual OPFR has been also discussed (Yadav et al., 2017). Keywords: Flame retardants, Indoor air, House dust, Nepal, Consumer materials

Public plantations (PPs) and Community planted forests (CPFs) are inimitable types of participatory forest management practices in Nepal, but their eligibility issues under the framework of clean development mechanism (CDM) and reducing emission from the deforestation and forest degradation mechanism (REDD+) are not evaluated. So, to explore the management system of PP and CPF, we compared forest carbon stocks in plantations and evaluated these plantations under these mechanisms as objectives of this research. The relevant documents were revised and altogether 55 samples were collected from Shreepur, Banauta and Bisbity PPs and Sita, Ramnagar and Jogikuti CPFs, in Mahottary district, Nepal. The equation of Chave et al was used to calculate the biomass, which was further converted into carbon. Meanwhile, management practices were evaluated under the framework of CDM and REDD+. The PPs are public land managed, especially by disadvantaged communities, while CPFs are the patches of national forest managed by users. The variation in carbon stock was found to be highest (148.89 ton ha-)1 in Sita CPF and lowest (30.34 ton ha-)1 in Bisbitty PP. In fact, it is difficult to certify plantations under CDM, due to its complexity, but they can easily be candidate to the REDD+ mechanism, if they are bundled with large forest blocks.

Introduction: Among the modifiable risk factors for stroke, tobacco smoking is well recognized. In some studies the use of Smokeless Tobacco (ST) has also been contributed as a risk factor for ischemic stroke. Use of ST is very common in SouthEast Asia. The form of ST varies according to the geographical and cultural variation. Aim: To study the various clinical symptoms and radiological findings of stroke due to different types of ST. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective hospital based study carried out over a period of 2 years. All the cases within age group of 16 – 60 years and with a clinical and radiological diagnosis of acute stroke were included in the study. The Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence for ST of more than 6 was taken as the inclusion criteria. Patients having other addictions like smoked tobacco, alcohol, etc., and with important risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia were excluded. The cases were extensively investigated and followed up for at least 6 months. Analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS- version 16.0). Descriptive statistics like percentage, mean were used wherever appropriate. Results: During a period of 2 years, a total of 54 patients were studied. Forty two (77.7%) were males and 12(22.3%) were females. The mean age at presentation was 42.72(± 8.6) years and among all 96.3% patients were diagnosed as ischemic stroke. Among ST, pan was most commonly used in 21(38.9%) patients with an average of 14.6(±3.27) years of addiction. Hemiplegia was the predominant symptom on presentation (46, 85.2%). According to Oxfordshire Stroke Classification, partial anterior circulation infarct was most common in 20(38.4%). The mean Modified Rankin scale after 5 days of hospital stay was 3.83(±1.03) and after 6 months of follow-up was 2.1(±0.8). Patients were counseled for deaddiction and after 6 months follow-up 48(88.8%) patients had quit ST. Conclusion: ST is an important etiological factor for young ischemic stroke. This is the first study depicting clinical symptomatology of ST addicted ischemic stroke patients from India. Considering the increasing prevalence of ST use in south-east Asia, further long term studies are needed from this region.

There are some key drivers that favor deforestation and forest degradation. Consequently, levels of carbon stock are affected in different parts of same forest types. But the problem lies in exploring the extent of the effects on level of carbon stocking. This paper highlights the variations in levels of carbon stocks in three different collaborative forests of same forest type i.e. tropical sal (Shorea robusta) forest in Mahottari district of the central Terai in Nepal. Three collaborative forests namely Gadhanta-Bardibas Collaborative Forest (CFM), Tuteshwarnath CFM and Banke- Maraha CFM were selected for research site. Interview and workshops were organized with the key informants that include staffs, members and representatives of CFMs to collect the socio-economic data and stratified random sampling was applied to collect the bio-physical data to calculate the carbon stocks. Analysis was carried out using statistical tools. It was found five major drivers namely grazing, fire, logging, growth of invasive species and encroachment. It was found highest carbon 269.36 ton per ha in Gadhanta- Bardibash CFM. The findings showed that the levels of carbon stocks in the three studied CFMs are different depending on how the drivers of deforestation and forest degradation influence over them.

Uptake of excess iron by lowland rice plants causes iron toxicity, which is a major problem in the affected areas. This study investigated molecular diversity, genetic structure, and marker–trait associations for tolerance to iron toxicity in a panel of germplasm lines using microsatellite markers. The studied population showed a moderate to high degree of genetic diversity, as revealed by the estimated molecular diversity parameters and principal component, cluster and box plot analyses. The landraces Mahipal, Dhusura, Dhabalabhuta, Champa, Sunapani and Kusuma were identified as suitable for cultivation in the areas affected by high iron levels. The landraces Dhusura, Kusuma, Kendrajhali, Ranisaheba, Panjabaniswarna, Mahipal, Dhinkisiali, Champa, Kalamara and Ratanmali, which showed low scores for tolerance, were considered good donors for iron toxicity tolerance improvement programs. Utilizing STRUCTURE software, a total of four genetic structure groups were detected in the panel germplasm of lines. These structural subgroups exhibited good correlations among their members for iron toxicity tolerance and other yield-related traits. Marker–trait association analysis validated the reported iron toxicity tolerance QTLs qFeTox 4.2 and qFeTox 4.3, which are useful for marker-assisted improvement. A new QTL, qFeTox 7.1, located on chromosome 7, was detected as controlling iron toxicity tolerance in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]