Amalgamation of DNAzymes and Nanozymes in a Coronazyme.

Artificial enzymes such as nanozymes and DNAzymes are economical and stable alternatives to natural enzymes. By coating Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) with a DNA corona (AuNP@DNA), we amalgamated nanozymes and DNAzymes into a new artificial enzyme with catalytic efficiency 5 times higher than AuNP nanozymes, 10 times higher than other nanozymes, and significantly greater than most of the DNAzymes on the same oxidation reaction. The AuNP@DNA demonstrates excellent specificity as its reactivity on a reduction reaction does not change with respect to pristine AuNP. Single-molecule fluorescence and force spectroscopies and density functional theory (DFT) simulations indicate a long-range oxidation reaction initiated by radical production on the AuNP surface, followed by radical transport to the DNA corona, where the binding and turnover of substrates take place. The AuNP@DNA is named coronazyme because of its natural enzyme mimicking capability through the well-orchestrated structures and synergetic functions. By incorporating different nanocores and corona materials beyond DNAs, we anticipate that the coronazymes represent generic enzyme mimics to carry out versatile reactions in harsh environments.

Hemoglobin levels and anemia evaluation among pregnant women in the remote and rural high lands of mid-western Nepal: a hospital based study.

BACKGROUND: Anemia though is a major risk factor for unfavorable pregnancy outcomes; no previous studies have yet described the hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations and anemia prevalence among pregnant women of remote mid western highlands of Nepal where the aggravating factors that increase the risk of anemia are very common. In addition, the physiological adaptive Hb rise to altitude was considered in the study while evaluating anemia. Thus, our primary objectives were to study the hemoglobin levels and prevalence of anemia among pregnant women of Jumla and its adjoining districts, and to assess the potential associations of hemoglobin and anemia with women's characteristics. METHODS: The study was conducted in 319 singleton term non-smoker pregnant women who visited to the teaching hospital for delivery. Their blood samples were tested for Hb and related sociodemographic information was collected. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and independent t-test were used to compare the mean Hb levels. Multiple linear regression model and multiple logistic regression model were used to assess the association of Hb level and anemia with pregnant women's characteristics. The prevalence of anemia was calculated based on the altitude and pregnancy-adjusted Hb cut off value for anemia [{11+ adjustment factor (1.3)} gm./dl]. RESULTS: The overall mean hemoglobin concentration was (13.497 ± 1.64) gm/dl, ranging from 8 to 19.20 g/dl. The pregnant women Hb level showed significant association with their age (Coeff = 0.059; 95% CI: 0.011, 0.106; p = 0.015) and parity (Coeff = - 0.21; 95% CI: - 0.382, - 0.038; p = 0.017). The overall prevalence of anemia in the study population was 17.9% (57/319), which varied with age, parity and ethnicity. The disadvantaged Janajatis were more likely (OR = 4.615, 95% CI: 1.48, 14.35, p = 0.008) to have anemia compared to upper cast group. CONCLUSION: The mean Hb concentration was high and prevalence rate of anemia was low among pregnant women in karnali zone compared to average Nepali pregnant women. Women's age and parity were significant predictors of Hb level. Ethnicity, however, was associated with the occurrence of anemia.

Situational Analysis and Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Antimicrobial Use and Resistance among Broiler Poultry Farmers in Nepal.

The purpose of this study was twofold: first, to conduct a situational analysis, and second, to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of broiler poultry farmers (BPF) regarding antimicrobial use (AMU) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Data were collected from 500 BPF across 40 districts, representing 88.1% of Nepal's broiler poultry population. Among these farmers, 81.0% were male, 59.6% had up to 4 years of experience in poultry farming, and 50.8% had completed at least a high school education. The most used antimicrobials on the farms were doxycycline (23.5%), neomycin (17.1%), and colistin sulfate (9.6%) out of 27 reported antimicrobials. While the BPF exhibited limited knowledge (62.6%) and practice (55.5%) related to AMU and AMR, their overall attitude toward these issues was positive (91.6%). This study also identified significant factors influencing farmers' attitudes toward AMU and AMR. Farmers aged 31-40 showed a stronger inclination compared to other age groups (OR = 4.2, p = 0.02), and those using antimicrobials for preventive purposes had a more favorable attitude compared to those using them for other purposes (OR = 5.9, p = 0.02). In light of these findings, this study recommends the implementation of effective regulatory measures for drug usage, along with awareness programs addressing AMU and AMR to address the issue of AMR in poultry production.

Anxiety among the General Population of Himalayan District during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent measures taken by the government to control the situation have imposed adverse impacts on the mental health and wellbeing of the general population. We conducted a study to determine the prevalence of anxiety among general population of a Himalayan district during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in rural communities of the Himalayan district during the early stage of the pandemic using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Data was collected for a period of one month from 13th April 2020 to 13th May 2020. Ethical approval was sought from the Institutional Review Committee of Karnali Academy of Health Sciences (Reference number: 2076/2077/07). All the participants of age 18 or above were included in the study excluding those with known mental illness. Convenience sampling method was used. A total of 427 participants were included in the study. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20. Point estimate at 95% confidence interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. RESULTS: The prevalence rate of anxiety was 196 (45.9%) (41.15-50.64 at 95% Confidence Interval). Anxiety was more prevalent among farmers, illiterate, widowed, and old aged. CONCLUSIONS: The study indicates a higher prevalence of anxiety amidst the COVID-19 pandemic compared to reported studies and highlights the need for a strategic intervention to promote awareness and wellbeing at mental health level.