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Enhancing carbohydrate export from source to sink tissues is considered to be a realistic approach for improving photosynthetic efficiency and crop yield. The rice sucrose transporters OsSUT1, OsSWEET11a and OsSWEET14 contribute to sucrose phloem loading and seed filling. Crucially, Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) infection in rice enhances the expression of OsSWEET11a and OsSWEET14 genes, and causes leaf blight. Here we show that co‐overexpression of OsSUT1, OsSWEET11a and OsSWEET14 in rice reduced sucrose synthesis and transport leading to lower growth and yield but reduced susceptibility to Xoo relative to controls. The immunity‐related hypersensitive response (HR) was enhanced in the transformed lines as indicated by the increased expression of defence genes, higher salicylic acid content and presence of HR lesions on the leaves. The results suggest that the increased expression of OsSWEET11a and OsSWEET14 in rice is perceived as a pathogen (Xoo) attack that triggers HR and results in constitutive activation of plant defences that are related to the signalling pathways of pathogen starvation. These findings provide a mechanistic basis for the trade‐off between plant growth and immunity because decreased susceptibility against Xoo compromised plant growth and yield. Summary statement: The study reported in this manuscript concerns the emerging topic of the roles played by SWEET sugar transporters in plant immunity. The data reported in this manuscript show that overexpression of Clade III SWEET sucrose transporters OsSWEET11a and OsSWEET14 that are exploited by bacterial blight pathogen Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae to acquire sugars for its propagation elicits immune responses and activates plant defence responses leading to enhanced resistance against bacterial as well as fungal pathogens. The findings obtained by the overexpression of OsSWEET11a and OsSWEET14 in rice show that sucrose transport occurs via an apoplastic route, and overexpression of these sugar transporters inhibits sucrose synthesis and transport, which explains the inverse relationships between plant growth and yield, and resistance to pathogens. Moreover, our results show that sucrose transport and pathogen responses are coupled processes, and provide evidence for the concept that pathogen‐induced starvation is linked to plant defence. Also, to the best of our knowledge this is the first study where we show that disease susceptibility genes OsSWEET11a and OsSWEET14 can lead to hypersensitive reaction leading to enhanced plant immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Screening the adult population for mental disorders is essential for early diagnosis and prompt treatment. The current study aimed to assess adults' prevalence and predictors of mental health disorders. Methodology: This community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among 1056 adults. After obtaining their written informed consent, trained workers administered the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders Patient Health Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Epi Info software for Windows. Results: Out of 1056 study participants, 121 (11.5%) suffered from any mental health disorder. The most common mental health disorder was depression (5.1%), followed by anxiety (4.6%), somatoform disorder (2.8%), probable alcohol abuse (1.8%), and panic disorder (1.5%). In the logistic regression model, the odds of suffering from any mental health disorder were significantly higher among those having a chronic disease (odds ratio [OR] =1.8 [1.1-2.9]) and currently consuming tobacco (OR = 2.0 [1.2-3.3]), as compared to their counterparts. Conclusion: Around one-tenth of the study population suffered from any mental health disorder, the most common being depression. It is imperative that the general population be made aware of the signs and symptoms of mental health problems. Patients should be encouraged to seek early treatment for their mental health problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Smartphone addiction among adolescents is an increasingly recognized problem worldwide. It affects the psychological well-being of an individual. Aim and objective: The current study aimed to assess smartphone addiction's prevalence and its relation to depression among adolescents. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 school-going adolescents. Smartphone addiction scale - Short version (SAS-SV) and patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) were used to assess the prevalence of smartphone addiction and depression. Data were analyzed using Epi info software for windows (CDC, Atlanta). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of study participants was 14.4 years (SD=1.5 years). The prevalence of smartphone addiction was 23%, while depression was present among 45% of the study participants. Comparatively higher duration of smartphone use was significantly associated with smartphone addiction. Depression was significantly higher among smartphone addicts (77.2%) as compared to their counterparts (35.4%). Conclusion and Recommendation: The smartphone usage of adolescents, if not monitored, could lead to its addiction and thus increase the risk of depression among them. To prevent smartphone addiction, limiting children's screen time is recommended. In this regard, parents can play a pivotal role by becoming responsible digital role models for their children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of mental health problems in the adolescent population is higher than in the general population. Aims and Objectives: To assess the mental health and to identify depressive symptoms in the adolescent population in the schools in northern India and to study the association of sociodemographic and socioeconomic variables with depressive symptoms and screening instrument scores. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 350 adolescents studying in the 5th standard to 12th standard in two schools in village Palsora, Chandigarh, India. The socioeconomic status was assessed using Modified Kuppuswamy Classification. Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (SMQ) was used to measure mental health and screen for depressive symptoms among rural adolescents. Sociodemographic and socioeconomic variables, mental health, and depressive symptoms among adolescents were evaluated. The participants were interviewed by trained mental health professionals. Results: 62% of the study participants had a high SMQ score on the assessment instrument which measured depressive feelings felt in the last 2 weeks. Female adolescents had significantly higher SMQ scores than male adolescents. The younger adolescents in the age group 10-14 years and overcrowding in the family were associated with significantly high SMQ scores. Conclusions: The survey concluded that there was a high prevalence of depressive symptoms in adolescents studying in rural schools in northern India. 62% of the study participants had a high SMQ score and were at risk for depression and predicted future depression in adolescents. The female and younger adolescents had significantly higher SMQ scores than male and older adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Osteoporosis, defined as skeletal disorder characterized by reduced bone density and strength, is prevalent in both developing and developed countries. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) is an effective tool to diagnose low bone mineral density (BMD). Objective: This study objective was to know the prevalence and predictors of low BMD in a community-based screening program among the adult population using DEXA scan. Methods: In this community-based study conducted between January and June 2016, a population-based screening program was offered to both males and females of age 50 years and above. BMD was measured to derive T-scores and classify as normal, osteopenic, and osteoporotic individuals. Results: A total of 455 subjects were enrolled where 62.4% proportion was women; 42.6% subjects were in the age group of 50 to 59 years. The prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia was 20.9% and 48.1%, respectively. Hypertension (23.7%) and diabetes (8.4%) were common comorbidities. Age and gender (female) were independent predictors of low BMD. Conclusion: Osteoporosis/osteopenia is present in both genders with increasing trend with age advancement. Institution of timely screening will prevent the morbidity associated with fractures due to low BMD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In India, premarital partnerships whether involving sex or not are widely unacceptable. Various studies in India have reported heightened premarital sexual activities among youngsters. Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the involvement of youth in premarital sexual practices studying at Panjab University. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted at Panjab University situated in Chandigarh, India between February and August 2020. Purposive sampling was used to recruit students. Data was collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire. The nature of the data was quantitative and was analyzed through SPSS version 20. Results: A total of 211 (female/male: 51.7%/48.3%, mean age: 22.5 years) respondents were enrolled. Prevalence of premarital sex was 68.7% with an average age of sexual debut 18.5 years. 62.1% of respondents were practicing unprotected sex. 91% of respondents were involved in vaginal sex, 61.4% in oral sex, 29% in online sex, and 19.3% in anal sex. 66.8% of respondents were involved in the habit of masturbation. In students having a positive premarital sexual background, 78.2% of respondents had sexting, 38.8% had friends with benefits, 33.9% had one-night stands, 4.8% had a threesome and 2.3% had gay sex. Out of all the respondents involved in premarital sexual practices, 86.9% were satisfied with sexual life. Conclusion: There is a need to empower the younger population involved in risky sexual behavior by accelerating their sexual and reproductive rights education to propagate safe sexual behavior in premarital sexual practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Communication skills are the backbone for patient care services such as patient interviews, counseling the patient, and explaining treatment options. The present study was conceived to evaluate the communication training program and perceptions of medical interns and faculty regarding the same. Methodology: Sixty medical interns were included in this cross-sectional study. Training on communication skills was imparted which was later assessed on the basis of Kalamazoo scale. Attitude of the interns regarding communication skill training was assessed using Rees and Sheard Scale. The attitude of faculty regarding introduction of communication skill was also assessed. Results: The mean score on Kalamazoo Consensus Scale was 19.65 ± 4.97 with a range of 10–29. Females had a higher score (21.09 ± 5.80) as compared to males (17.88 ± 3.21), but this was not statistically significant (P = 0.157). The mean score for positive and negative attitude scale was 59.15 ± 5.51 and 25.20 ± 9.60. Conclusion: The ability to communicate effectively is a core competency expected of medical graduates and communication skills training of medical students and interns with the help of didactic lectures, role plays, and videos, etc., can go a long way in improving their communication skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Developing countries are characterised by high birth rates and explosive population growth. With a lower contraceptive usage rate among eligible couples and resistance towards family planning methods, the goal of population stabilisation looks distant. The present study was conceived to assess knowledge, attitude and practices regarding contraceptive usage and to identify the barriers in reproductive‑age couples in an urban slum area. Methods: The present study was cross‑sectional in nature and was conducted in an urban slum. Three hundred married subjects were enrolled through a convenient sampling technique. One member of the married couple was interviewed for the present study. Data were collected through a semi‑structured proforma. Results: 67% of the participants were using one or another contraceptive. Higher contraceptive usage was seen in more educated participants. Awareness was higher in males regarding contraception. Condom was the most known method for contraception. Three fourth of the participants agreed with two‑child norm. Preference for a male child was less than 50% in both genders. Current users of condoms and oral contraceptive pills were 71.8% and 7.1%, respectively. Wanting children, fear of side effects and lack of knowledge were cited as reasons for not choosing family planning methods. Conclusion: With a suboptimal level of awareness and attitude among respondents regarding contraceptive methods, there exists a gap between awareness and practice. Misconceptions regarding contraceptive methods can be allayed through health education, involvement of the community and religious leaders and peer counselling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In recent years, use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has increased with growing incidence of chronic and incurable diseases. Better understanding of opinions of alternative therapists is very important research area. Objective: Present study was conducted with the objective to explore awareness, perceptions and beliefs of health care providers regarding alternative therapies. Methodology: Qualitative survey was conduc ted among selec ted Alternative therapists/Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) practitioners of different flelds from different states of the country. Their opinions, perceptions and beliefs regarding CAM in cancer cure were explored by conducting personal interviews using semi-structured interview schedules. Study variables included knowledge, perceptions, and perceived reliefs, cost-effectiveness of alternative therapies, perceived benefits, positive and negative motivations concerning CAM, misunderstandings/misconceptions regarding CAM, reasons behind popularity of CAM use. Results: Total 244 CAM providers including 209 (85.7%) practitioners having some professional degrees whereas remaining 35(14.3%) were not having any professional degree. There were 121(49.6%) were practitioners of Ayurveda and 54(22.1%) of Homeopathy. The most common argument in favor of usefulness in CAM therapies was observed that CAM improves/built the immune of the patient (25.0%) followed by that CAM therapies subside the side effects without any side effect (14.3%). The most common argument in favor of CAM was having no side effects (77.5%) followed by close to nature (66.0%). More efficacy (48.8%) and easy availability (44.3%) were also among positive notions in favor of CAM. High toxicity of conventional therapies was reported as the most common shortcoming favoring use of alternative therapies among cancer patients. There were 216(88.5%) respondents who were in favour of scientific evaluation of CAM therapies. Conclusions and Suggestions: The study provided perceived supportive evidence in favour of CAM for treating cancer patients based on opinions of alternative therapists. Importance of healing of cancer patients is felt through addressing spiritual needs based of cancer patients. There is a need of continuous scientific evaluation of beneficial effects of CAM therapies. Study also suggests need of formal training of CAM practitioners for improving spiritual health of cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Physical inactivity is detrimental to health. It is a risk factor for noncommunicable diseases. Aim and Objective: The aim of this study was to find the prevalence and predictors of physical inactivity among adults. Methodology: A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted among 374 adults aged 20–50 years. Trained field investigators administered the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Epi Info software for Windows. Logistic regression model was used to study the factors associated with physical inactivity. Results: The prevalence of physical inactivity among the study participants was 52.1%. Females (OR=1.9[1.2-3.1]), literate individuals (OR = 1.8 [1.04–3.2]), and current tobacco users (OR = 2.2 [1.8–4.1]) were significantly more physically inactive; as compared to their counterparts. Conclusions: Nearly half of the study participants were physically inactive, according to the World Health Organization guidelines. This highlights the need for strengthening the existing interventions for promoting physical activity among adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]