Tackling chronic kidney disease in Nepal: from evidence to action.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses a significant burden in Nepal. We reviewed the epidemiology of CKD in Nepal and proposed strategies to mitigate its burden. A nationwide survey of non-communicable diseases in 2019 reported CKD prevalence of 6.

Efficacy of Dexamethasone as an Adjuvant for Scalp Nerve Blocks to Prolong Analgesia: A Prospective, Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Study.

Background: Scalp nerve blocks (SNB) may significantly reduce post-craniotomy pain (PCP) but only for a short period of time. Dexamethasone, as an adjuvant to local anesthetics, was reported to prolong the analgesia duration of never block; however, the addition of dexamethasone to SNB is rare. We therefore tested the hypothesis that dexamethasone as an adjuvant to bupivacaine in SNB is positive after craniotomy.

Utilizing Indonesian Empty Palm Fruit Bunches: Biochar Synthesis via Temperatures Dependent Pyrolysis.

Biomass, though a major energy source, remains underutilized. Biochar from biomass pyrolysis, with its high porosity and surface area, is especially useful as catalyst support, enhancing catalytic activity and reducing electron recombination in photocatalysis. Indonesia, the world's top palm oil producer, generated around 12 million tons of empty fruit bunches (EFBs) in 2023, making EFBs a promising biochar source.

Parental motivations and perceived barriers to participating in pediatric vaccine clinical trials: Findings from the OCV-S trial in Nepal.

Background: Pediatric vaccine clinical trials are crucial for evaluating and ensuring the safety and efficacy of new vaccines for children. However, in low-resource settings like Nepal, where clinical trials are relatively new, recruitment and retention of participants are challenging particularly due to diverse parental backgrounds, motivations and concerns. As such, parental motivations, perceived barriers, and experiences of participating in pediatric vaccine trial in Nepal, which hasn't previously been explored, needs to be understood.