bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bridging yield gap of winter maize using improved agronomic management practices
Authors: Devkota Richa , Pandey Prem , Karki Tika Bahadur , Marahatta Santosh , Sah Shrawan Kumar 
Published: January 2021

Appropriate combinations of inputs determine the productivity of crops. A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of different combinations of inputs on the yield of winter maize at National Maize Research Program (NMRP), Rampur, Chitwan. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with four replications comprising of six treatments (T1= Hybrid (H) + recommended doses of NPK (RD) + irrigation (I) + high density (HD) (83333 plant ha-1) + improved weed management practice (IWMP), T2=Open pollinated variety (OPV)+RD+I+HD+IWMP, T3=OPV+ farmer’s doses of NPK (FD)+I+HD+IWMP, T4= OPV+FD+rainfed (R)+HD+IWMP, T5=OPV+ FD+ R+low density (LD) (55555 plant ha-1) + IWMP, T6=OPV+FD+R+LD+ farmer’s weed management practice (FWMP). The research result revealed significant variation on the grain yield among the different treatments. The highest grain yield (5357 kg ha-1) was obtained when hybrid maize was grown with recommended dose of fertilizer, higher density, irrigation and improved weed management practices. This treatment was followed by replacement of OPV in the above treatment (4410.77 kg ha-1). The decline in yield due to replacement of OPV from hybrid was 17.67 percent. The percent yield decline from full Package of practices (T1) were 23.01, 47.81, 36.66 and 35.95 when input combinations OPV+FD+I+ HD+IWMP, OPV + FD+R+HD+IWMP, OPV+FD+R+LD+IWMP and OPV+FD+R+LD+ FWMP respectively were used..The contrast for grain yield between hybrid vs. OPV, RD vs. FD and Irrigated vs. Rainfed were significant. Therefore, present investigation showed hybrid maize, recommended dose of fertilizer and irrigation were the most important inputs for improving maize productivity in winter season in Chitwan like climatic condition.
Nepalese legal standard of milk and common milk products and its implications
Authors: Upadhyay Namdev , Khanal Bipisha , Acharya Yogendra , Timsina Krishna Prasad 
Published: January 2021

The milk and milk products are diversified and there is increasing awareness about the quality standards of products among the consumers.Therefore this study reviewed the legal standard of milk and common milk Products in Nepal and its implications using desk review and exploratory research.In Nepal, the department of food technology and quality control has developed several legal standards for the quality assurance of milk and milk products. National Dairy Development Board has established the Code of Practice for Dairy Industry 2004 which directs six criteria for the standardization of milk and milk products like Organoleptic test, Clot On Boiling (COB) test, Alcohol Test,Fat test and Solids-Not-Fat (SNF)test, Adulteration test, phosphate test, and microbial and coliform test. The review identified the quality standards of milk products like ghee, butter, paneer, milk powders but some quality parameters for ice-creams and cheese are still missing. The research identifies the quality non-compliance rate of milk and milk products that is about 19% which is in a decreasing trend. To the effective implementation of the legal standards, maintenance of health and hygiene of livestock at the production site, lab and infrastructure support at the distribution site, and creating consumer awareness to the consumer site is imperative.
PREPARATION OF THE ELECTROSPUN POLYVINYLIDENE FLUORIDE / POLYVINYL ALCOHOL SCAFFOLD AS A POTENTIAL TISSUE REPLACEMENT
Authors: Hamzah Mohd Syahir Anwar , Razak Nurul Amira Ab , Ng Celine , Azize Akmal Hafiszi Abdul , Sukor Jumadi Abdul , Fhong Soon Chin , Idris Mohd Safiee , Nayan Nadirul Hasraf Mat 
Published: January 2021

: Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), a piezoelectric material, is commonly used in tissue engineering due to its potential for mimicking the electrical microenvironment of biological conditions for tissue development. In this present research, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was introduced into electrospun PVDF fabrication through an electrospinning process, aiming to enhance the nanofibrous membrane's biocompatibility properties by improving the hydrophilicity properties to act as an artificial tissue scaffold. The electrospun PVDF/PVA membranes are found to be optimum at a PVDF-to-PVA ratio of 90:10 due to its excellent mechanical, morphological, and hydrophilicity conductivity properties. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy verified strong hydrogen bonding interaction formed between the fluorine group of PVDF with oxygen-containing in the hydroxyl group of PVA. In-vitro cell culture showed that the enhanced hydrophilic property of electrospun PVDF/PVA could significantly enhance the cell growth. These positive results indicated that the scaffold could be implemented as artificial tissue material for tissue engineering applications.
ABSTRAK: Polivinilidena fluorida (PVDF) adalah bahan piezoelektrik yang biasa digunakan dalam kejuruteraan tisu kerana potensinya menyerupai keadaan persekitaran mikro-elektrik biologi bagi perkembangan tisu. Dalam penyelidikan ini, polivinil alkohol (PVA) diperkenalkan ke dalam fabrikasi pintalan-elektro PVDF melalui proses pemintalan-elektro, yang bertujuan bagi mengembangkan sifat biokompatibiliti membran nanogentian dengan meningkatkan sifat hidrofilik bagi menjadi perancah tisu tiruan. Membran pintalan-elektro PVDF / PVA didapati optimum pada nisbah PVDF-ke-PVA, 90:10 kerana sifat kekonduksian, mekanikal, morfologi dan hidrofiliknya yang sangat baik. Spektroskopi transformasi inframerah Fourier (FTIR) mengesahkan interaksi ikatan hidrogen yang kuat terbentuk antara kumpulan fluoro PVDF dengan oksigen yang terkandung dalam kumpulan hidroksil PVA. Kultur sel secara in-vitro menunjukkan bahawa sifat hidrofilik pintalan-elektro PVDF / PVA dapat meningkatkan pertumbuhan sel secara signifikan. Hasil positif ini menunjukkan bahawa perancah ini dapat digunakan sebagai bahan tisu buatan bagi aplikasi kejuruteraan tisu.
Histopathological Spectrum of Non-Neoplastic and Neoplastic Lesions of Thyroid: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Ghartimagar Dilasma , Ghosh Arnab , Shrestha Manish Kiran , Thapa Sushma , Talwar Om Prakash 
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Thyroid gland lesions are the most common endocrine disorders encountered globally. Diseases of the thyroid gland present with either an alteration of hormone secretion or as an enlargement of the thyroid gland. The objective of the study is to find the frequency of different thyroid lesions.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara from Jan 2005 to Jan 2020. Ethical approval was taken from the Institutional Review Committee (Ref: 330). Patients who had undergone thyroidectomy procedures for both non-neoplastic and neoplastic thyroid lesions were enrolled. Convenient sampling was done. IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21 and Microsoft Excel were used.
Results: Out of 345 thyroidectomy specimens, 246 (71.3%) cases of non-neoplastic lesions, and 99 (28.69%) cases of neoplastic lesions were present. There were 54 males and 291 females with a male to female ratio of 1:5.4. The age ranged from 9 to 76 years with a mean age of 43.67 years. In non-neoplastic lesions, the predominant lesion was the colloid goiter with 205 (83.33%) cases followed by Grave’s disease and lymphocytic thyroiditis with 14 (5.69%) cases each. In neoplastic lesions, papillary carcinoma was the commonest lesion with 56 (56.56%) cases followed by follicular carcinoma with 14 (14.14%) cases and follicular adenoma with 13 (13.13%) cases. There were also 9 (9.09%) cases of anaplastic carcinoma in neoplastic lesions.
Conclusions: Colloid goiter and papillary carcinoma was the most commonly encountered non-neoplastic and neoplastic lesion with a female predominance. Rare tumors like anaplastic carcinoma, papillary carcinoma, and follicular carcinoma with anaplastic transformation were also encountered.
Prevalence of Valvular and Non-valvular Atrial Fibrillation and the Application of Antithrombotic Treatment in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Dhungana Sahadeb Prasad , Ghimire Rinku 
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation is a common atrial tachyarrhythmia with an increased risk of thromboembolism. This study aims to provide information about the application of antithrombotic treatment based on risk stratification schemes for stroke in real-life clinical practices.
Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study in 260 patients admitted at the tertiary care hospital with a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation from January 2019 to February 2020 after approval from the Institutional Review Committee (ref. no. 207/2018). Convenient sampling was used. Predisposing conditions for atrial fibrillation, risk factors for stroke, and the use of antithrombotics were obtained based on the pre-structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.
Results: The prevalence of valvular and non-valvular atrial fibrillation was 125 (48.0%), and 135 (51.9%) respectively. Among patients with a non-valvular variant, 102 (75.5%) had a CHA2DS2VASC score of ≥ 2 who were eligible for oral anticoagulants, 13 (9.6 %) patients received it with a majority having sub-therapeutic international normalized ratio. Among patients with valvular type, only 47 (37.6%) patients were receiving oral anticoagulants and 20 (42.5%) patients achieved therapeutic international normalized ratio. Two hundred forty three (93.4%) patients had dilated left atrium (≥40mm), 119 (45.9%) had hypertension and 27 (10.3%) had diabetes mellitus.
Conclusions: Antithrombotics were markedly underused in patients with atrial fibrillation. There is a need for proper application of risk stratification schemes for stroke and appropriate use of antithrombotics to prevent thromboembolism.
Prevalence of Aeroallergens in Allergic Rhinitis in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Pokharel Monika , Shrestha Bikash Lal , Karn Dharmendra , Dhakal Ashish , K.C. Abha Kiran , Shrestha Krishna Sundar , Shakya Sushan 
Published: January 2021

Introduction: The prevalence of allergic rhinitis has increased significantly globally over the last two decades. Detection of sensitizing aeroallergens plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of this troublesome disease. This study aims to investigate the spectrum of aeroallergens sensitization in patients with allergic rhinitis in a tertiary care hospital.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of our hospital between January 2016 to December 2019. Ethical approval was taken from the Institutional Review Committee (No: 210/19). Patients diagnosed with allergic rhinitis were enrolled using the convenience sampling technique. Data entry and analysis was done using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20.0.
Results: Among 170 patients, altogether 103 (60.6%) patients yielded positive responses on the skin prick test. The most prevalent aeroallergens were Lepidoglyphus 86 (50.60%), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus 85 (50%), Dermatophagoides farina 82 (48.20%), Thyrophagus 50 (29.40%), Blomia 46 (27.10%), Acarus 43 (25.30%), cat dander 26 (15.30%), dog dander 24 (14.10%), cow and buffalo dander 20 (11.8%), ragweed 20 (11.8%), grass pollen 18 (10.60%) and mugwort 17 (10%).
Conclusions: This study highlights that the frequency of aeroallergens based on skin prick test in patients presenting to a tertiary care hospital which showed the dominance of house dust mites, dog and cat hair, pollen, and grasses. Reduced exposure and training of patients about protection against these agents will possibly help in controlling the severity of allergic rhinitis in this region.
Prevalence of Acute Pediatric Burns in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Nakarmi Kiran Kishor , Pathak Bishnu Deep 
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Burn injury is an important cause of mortality and morbidity in children worldwide. Mortality is higher in developing countries than in developed ones. Most of them occur in predictable domestic settings and can be prevented. The objective of this study was to find out the prevalence of acute pediatric burns in a hospital setting.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted by reviewing the secondary data of burn cases admitted during the years 2016 AD to 2018 AD in a tertiary care hospital after taking ethical clearance from the Institutional Review Committee (IRC No. 016-2019). The sample size was calculated and systematic random sampling was done. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 23. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data.
Results: The prevalence of acute pediatric burns at the hospital was found to be 101 (29.71%) (24.85-34.57 at 95% Confidence Interval). The majority of them were males 54 (53.47%) and toddlers 39 (38.61%). Scalding 54 (53.47%) was the main etiology. Most of the burn injuries occurred inside the house 76 (75.25%) and on November 11 (10.9%). The mortality rate was 11 (10.89%).
Conclusions: The prevalence of acute pediatric burns in a hospital setting was lower than most other countries but mortality was higher. The majority of the burn injuries occurred inside the house. Therefore, special focus should be done on prevention at the household level. Adequate medical services for emergency management of childhood burns should be available in different parts of the country.
Washing Hands according to the WHO Guideline since the COVID-19 Outbreak in the Context of Medical Undergraduates at a Tertiary Care Center: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Khadka Anuska , Dani Saurav 
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Hand washing is an important preventive measure to avoid transmission of Coronavirus Disease of 2019. Medical students should be acquainted with the World Health Organization’s hand-washing guidelines and should follow them to break the chain of spread of the virus. This study aims to find the acquaintance of medical undergraduates with the guidelines and to find out if they have started implementing these guidelines since the corona-virus outbreak.
Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted among MBBS, BSc, and PCL nursing students in their first year to the internship of a tertiary care hospital from May 2020 to August 2020, and ethical clearance was received from the Institutional Review Committee (ref no: IRC-LMC 11-D/020) of Lumbini Medical College and Teaching Hospital. Data collection was done through online questionnaires. Data analysis of the obtained information was done in Microsoft-excel. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data.
Results: Of 462 respondents, 265 (57.4%) (52.9-61.9 at 95% Confidence Interval) respondents followed the World Health Organization hand-washing guidelines during every hand wash. Among them 172 (37.2%) participants had learned the guidelines through awareness programs. The majority of respondents belonged to 20-25 age groups, 275 (59.5%), and the majority were pursuing an MBBS degree, 360 (77.9%).
Conclusions: We conclude that a notable number of medical undergraduates have been acquainted with standard hand-washing guidelines since the corona-virus outbreak, but some of them still do not follow the guidelines practically. Therefore, effective and impactful awareness programs need to be launched to improve hand hygiene practices.
Prevalence of Hysterectomy among Gynecological Surgeries in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Manandhar Tara , Sitaula Sarita , Thapa Baburam Dixit , Agrawal Ajay , Thakur Achala 
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Hysterectomy is the most common gynecological procedure. Over the last decade, the minimally invasive approach has been practiced more frequently. Fibroid uterus being the most common indication for hysterectomy justifies this minimal approach, however, whenever feasible, vaginal hysterectomy can be the preferred route. The objective of this study was to find out the prevalence and indication of hysterectomy among major gynecological surgeries in a tertiary care hospital.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done at a tertiary care hospital among 1912 patients who had major gynecological surgeries from January 2017 to December 2019. Ethical clearance was obtained from the institutional review committee (ref. no. ACD 935/076/077). Convenient sampling was used. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21.0. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data.
Results: During the study period, there were 1,912 major gynecological surgeries and the prevalence of hysterectomy was 1,131 (59.15%) (56.94-61.35 at 95% Confidence Interval). Fibroid uterus was the most common clinical indication for hysterectomy which was done in 397 (35.10%) patients, followed by uterovaginal prolapse in 254 (22.46) patients, adnexal mass in 210 (18.56%), and abnormal uterine bleeding in 117 (10.34%) patients.
Conclusions: Hysterectomy, being the most common gynecological surgery, selection of the most appropriate route is of paramount importance. As for any other surgery, it is not without complication and hysterectomy should always be justified. With the advancement in the conservative approaches, these organ-preserving options should be explored rigorously before opting for hysterectomy.
Cases of Left Against Medical Advice from the Emergency Department of a Tertiary Care Hospital in Kathmandu: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Pant Manish Nath , Jha Saswat Kumar , Shrestha Sauravi 
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Left against medical advice is a worldwide phenomenon. Patients leaving against Left against medical advice do not provide the health professionals with legal impunity. A well-informed consent should be present with surety that they are well understood by the patient before they leave. The study was undertaken to study the prevalence of patients that leave against medical advice.
Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study done in the emergency department of a tertiary care hospital from 1st February 2020 to 31 July 2020. Ethical approval was taken from the Institutional Review Committee (ref. no. 130120205). The sample size was calculated and the convenient sampling method was used. Data were analyzed in the Statistical Package of the Social Sciences version 22. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data.
Results: Out of 5834 visits, 332 (5.96%) (4.70-7.22 at 95% Confidence Interval) patients left against medical advice. The mean age was 36.48 years (3 days-91 years) and males 173 (52.3%) were prone to leave than females. Only 50 (15.1%) cases had well-informed consent with complications documented. Hundred (30.5%) patients had wanted to come on follow up the next day in the out-patient department while 41 (12.4%) had to leave because of financial reasons. Only seven (2.9%) of well-oriented patients gave their consent and the remaining 233 (97.1%) were by the kin present. Only 76 (23%) patients were sent home with a well-documented medicine prescription.
Conclusions: The proportion of patients who left against medical advice was more than the studies done in a similar setting.
Out of pocket Expenditure on Health Service Delivery at a Tertiary Care Women’s Hospital: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Gartaula Puja , Neupane Shristi , Thakur Dip Narayan , Sangroula Raj Kumar 
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Institutional delivery in Nepal is increasing in the past decades and has been the priority program of the government of Nepal. However, due to the hidden costs related to institutional deliveries, the financial burden remains unacceptably high for poor households. The study aimed to find out the major out of pocket expenditure on health service delivery at a tertiary care hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at a tertiary care hospital from December 2018 to May 2019. Ethical approval was taken from Nepal Health Research Council (ref. no. 2087) and permission was taken from the hospital. Informed consent was taken from the participants. Convenient sampling was done. A semi-structured questionnaire was used as a tool for the interview. Data was entered into Epidata and analyzed using the Statistical Package of the Social Sciences version 23. Descriptive analysis was done using mean, median, standard deviation, inter-quartile range, frequency, and percentage.
Results: The median out of pocket expenditure of the participants to maternal delivery was NRs. 11720 (7610–20263). The median expenditure was found highest for food and drinking NRs. 2500 (1500–5550) and transportation NRs. 2150 (1400–4543) respectively.
Conclusions: Indirect expenditures were found to be higher than direct medical expenditures. Accessibility of the birthing centers and health insurance may reduce the costs related to maternal deliveries.
Normal Anatomy and Variants of Renal Vasculature with Multidetector Computed Tomography in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Regmi Pradeep Raj , Amatya Isha , Kayastha Prakash , Paudel Sharma , Suwal Sundar , Ghimire Ram Kumar 
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Variation in renal vasculature is quite common and has important implication in surgical planning. Computed tomography has high accuracy in evaluation of renal vasculature. The study was done to estimate the prevalence and pattern of variations of renal vasculature through contrast-enhanced computed tomography in a tertiary care hospital.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from 6th April 2016 to 6th April 2017. Ethical approval was taken from Institutional Review Board, Institute of Medicine (reference number 325). Contrast-enhanced computed tomography was performed on 188 patients enrolled through convenient sampling and variations of renal vasculature were evaluated. Data were analyzed based on the types of variations and descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 16.
Results: Out of the 188 patients, 60 (31.9%) had accessory renal arteries. The most common variant was hilar artery comprising 38 (20.2%) cases whereas polar artery was present in 21(11.1%) cases and the capsular artery was present in one (0.5%) case. Eleven (5.8%) cases had single and five (2.6%) had multiple accessory polar arteries. Single and unilateral hilar artery was present in 28 (14.8%) whereas multiple accessory hilar arteries were present in two (1.1%) cases. Early bifurcation of the renal artery was noted in 15 (7.9%) cases. Double right renal vein was the most common venous variant seen in 12 (6.3%) cases. Retroaortic left renal vein was noted in four (2.1%) cases.
Conclusions: Significant patients undergoing computed tomography examination had renal vascular variations. Therefore, Computed Tomography plays key role as a noninvasive method for anatomic evaluation of renal vascular variants.