HIV Care Seeking Pathways and Barriers to the Continuum of Care Faced by Persons Living With HIV in Rural Nepal: A Qualitative Study.

Background: The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has a major impact on a person's social and personal lives, affecting both physical and mental health. To meet the global 95-95-95 target, it is essential to understand and address the multi-level challenges to improve the continuum of care for persons living with HIV (PLWH). This study delves into the care-seeking pathways and barriers encountered by PLWH residing in rural areas of Nepal, shedding light on the complexities of accessing and navigating the continuum of care.

Association between vascular endothelial growth factor and atrial fibrillation: a systematic review.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent form of sustained cardiac arrhythmia, with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) increasingly recognized for its potential role in the pathogenesis of AF through mechanisms involving atrial remodeling, inflammation, and fibrosis. This systematic review aims to synthesize available evidence on the association between VEGF and AF, exploring the implications of VEGF as a biomarker and therapeutic target.

Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search across PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science until November 10 2024, selecting studies based on pre-defined criteria that involve adults with AF and measurements of VEGF levels.

Alternative healthcare delivery arrangements in Nepal: a systematic review of comparative effectiveness, safety and cost-effectiveness studies.

Background: The way that healthcare services are organised and delivered (termed 'healthcare delivery arrangements') is a key aspect of a health system. Changing the way health care is delivered, for example, task shifting that delivers the same care at lower cost, may be one way of improving healthcare system sustainability. We synthesised the existing randomised trial evidence to compare the effects of alternative healthcare delivery arrangements versus usual care in Nepal.

Factors affecting mental health service delivery from primary healthcare facilities of western hilly district of Nepal: a qualitative study.

Aim: To explore factors at different socioecological levels that affect mental health service delivery from primary healthcare (PHC) facilities of Arghakhanchi district, a western hilly district of Nepal.

Background: Mental health service delivery has seen four transformational shifts from Alma Ata to Astana Declaration. Mental Health Gap Action Programme has facilitated the delivery of evidence-based interventions on mental, neurological and substance use disorders by non-specialised health workers in PHC settings as well as advocated scaling up of mental healthcare through integration of mental health in PHC.

Assessing the drivers of sexual behavior among youth and its social determinants in Nepal.

Introduction: Sexual behavior among youth is a public health concern, particularly in contexts where cultural norms, socio-economic factors, and access to comprehensive sexual education play pivotal roles. This paper aims to examine the determinants of sexual behavior among Nepali youths.

Methods: This study analyzed data from 7,122 individuals aged 15-24 years from the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2022, focusing on a nationally representative sample.

Tobacco consumption behavior and its associated factors among in-school adolescent students of Saptari, Nepal.

Tobacco consumption among adolescent students in Nepal has grown to an alarming proportion, raising serious concerns about associated factors. The study aimed to describe the tobacco consumption behavior of in-school adolescent students and its associated factors. A cross-sectional survey design was followed to conduct the study.

Novel Inherited N-terminus TAP1 Variants and Severe Clinical Manifestations- Are Genotype-Phenotype Correlations Emerging?

Major histocompatibility complex class I deficiency results from deleterious biallelic variants in TAP1, TAP2, TAPBP, and B2M genes. Only a few patients with variant-curated TAP1 deficiency (TAP1D) have been reported in the literature and the clinical phenotype has been variable with an emphasis on autoimmune and inflammatory complications. We report TAP1D in a Nepalese girl with a severe clinical phenotype with serious viral infections at a very young age.

Efficacy and safety of Cerebrospinal drains in preventing and managing spinal cord ischemia and Injury: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis.

Spinal cord ischemia and injury pose significant challenges in spinal surgery and traumatic events. Cerebrospinal drains are considered a potential intervention to mitigate these risks, although their efficacy and safety are uncertain. We conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cerebrospinal drains in preventing and managing spinal cord ischemia and injury.

Clinico-epidemiological study of snakebite: an audit of 13 years of data from a community-based treatment centre in eastern Nepal.

Background: Snakebite envenomation is a global public health concern, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. We describe the demography, presentations, treatments and outcomes of snakebites from a community snakebite treatment centre in Nepal.

Methods: This was a retrospective study of snakebite cases from 2008 to 2021 presenting in a community-based treatment centre in eastern Nepal.

Clade Ib: a new emerging threat in the Mpox outbreak.

Monkeypox, a zoonotic virus in the , has drawn global attention for its impact on public health. In the current Mpox outbreak, a novel clade, Ib, has emerged as a significant and potentially fatal threat. This review examines the dynamics of MPXV transmission, person-to-person spread, and infection mechanisms, highlighting key risk factors.

Primary Leiomyosarcoma of the Kidney: A Case Report.

Primary renal leiomyosarcoma is a rare but highly aggressive tumor with a poor prognosis. Early detection and surgical excision provide the most effective initial treatment. However, vigilant postoperative surveillance is critical due to the elevated risk of tumor recurrence and metastasis, as seen in this case.

Quantum machine learning for Lyapunov-stabilized computation offloading in next-generation MEC networks.

Quantum computing and machine learning convergence enable powerful new approaches for optimizing mobile edge computing (MEC) networks. This paper uses Lyapunov optimization theory to propose a novel quantum machine learning framework for stabilizing computation offloading in next-generation MEC systems. Our approach leverages hybrid quantum-classical neural networks to learn optimal offloading policies that maximize network performance while ensuring the stability of data queues, even under dynamic and unpredictable network conditions.

Spectroscopic, quantum chemical, and topological calculations of the phenylephrine molecule using density functional theory.

In this work, Density Functional Theory (DFT) on Gaussian 09 W software was utilized to investigate the phenylephrine (PE) molecule (C9H13NO2). Firstly, the optimized structure of the PE molecule was obtained using B3LYP/6-311 + G (d, p) and CAM-B3LYP/6-311 + G (d, p) basis sets. The electron charge density is shown in Mulliken atomic charge as a bar chart and also as a color-filled map in Molecular Electrostatic Potential (MEP).

Health care systems and policies for older adults in Nepal: new challenges for a low-middle income country.

Background: Nepal, like other low- and middle-income countries, is experiencing a rapid increase in the number of older adults and the rate of aging in the population. This has increased the number of older adults with age-associated chronic illnesses, which in turn will escalate the demand for specialized healthcare and long-term care in Nepal. However, very little is known regarding the current healthcare system and health policies for older adults in Nepal.

Screening of Breast among Women: A Cross-Sectional Study in Nepal.

Background: Breast cancer ranks as the second most prevalent malignancy among women in Nepal. This cancer has a high likelihood of cure, if detected early. Therefore, it is imperative to emphasize awareness and screening for breast cancer in Nepal.

Acquired Lymphangioma Circumscriptum of Vulva in a Patient With Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Rare Case at a Rare Site.

Lymphangioma circumscriptum, one of the common forms of lymphangioma, can be either congenital or acquired. Various acquired conditions can lead to its causation and one of the causes might be untreated hidradenitis suppurativa. So, this report highlights the need of early interventions for hidradenitis suppurativa as lymphangioma circumscriptum can be one of its consequences later in life.

The Role of Plain Radiography in Diagnosing Brodie's Abscess: Clinical Image.

Plain radiographs can still be of considerable diagnostic value for recognizing Brodie's abscess, especially in resource constrained settings.

Food insecurity and women's mental health in the Chitwan Valley of Nepal.

Food insecurity is a major threat to global public health and sustainable development. As of 2022, 2.4 billion people worldwide experienced moderate to severe food insecurity.

Clinical, Hematological, and Biochemical Profile in Seropositive Dengue Cases at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Nepal.

Dengue virus infection is a major source of morbidity and mortality in the majority of tropical and subtropical nations. In Nepal, the first case of dengue was reported in 2004, followed by numerous outbreaks exerting a critical impact on public health. This study aims to describe the clinical and laboratory characteristics of dengue patients visiting a tertiary care hospital to see the trend of presentation.