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The yield and quality of field pea are directly influenced by inoculation of Rhizobium and PSB with NPK, which increase various parameters, such as the yield and quality of field pea. This research was conducted during the Rabi season in 2022-2023 at Lovely Professional University in the Punjab region of India. The yields of pea grain and stover are greatly increased by the use of 100% RDF (the recommended dose of fertilizer) with PSB and Rhizobium. In addition to the combination of Rhizobium, PSB and NPK increased the harvest index of field pea. The protein content and number of nodules were strongly affected by this treatment, which was more beneficial than the other treatments. Overall, the net return was greater in T7 (100% RDF+ PSB + Rhizobium). In addition, in comparison with the other treatments, available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium also had positive effects on T7.

The limitations observed in achieving the goal of a tobacco-free Himachal Pradesh have necessitated the need to contextualize the existing policy directives in tobacco reduction. Our observation has been that despite having clearly defined policy guidelines and laws, the implementation may not have followed suit. An analysis of the gaps observed had led us to develop an implementation interface framework involving stakeholders from multiple sectors.

Background: Tobacco use is a modifiable risk factor for developing cardiovascular diseases, of which hypertension is a major killer. Uncontrolled hypertension (UHT) is a major public health concern that exerts a financial and service burden on the health system. Aim: The current analysis aimed to determine the association between tobacco use and UHT among Indian males. Material and Methods: Data from the 4th National Family Health Survey (NFHS) of 1,04,120 men aged 15–54 years were used. We estimated the adjusted prevalence ratio for having UHT among reported tobacco users and non-users. Results: The prevalence of UHT was the lowest (41.02%) among those who did not consume tobacco in any form. Among tobacco users, those smoking tobacco had the highest prevalence (53.53%) of UHT followed by those using both smoked and smokeless forms of tobacco (43.84%) and those using only smokeless forms of tobacco (42.26%). Factors significantly associated with UHT were alcohol consumption (aPR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.19–1.43), belonging to the richer wealth quintile (richest quintile- aPR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.05–1.38), being overweight (aPR: 3.14, 95% CI: 2.35–4.21), and being obese (aPR: 2.89, 95% CI: 2.12–.94). Higher educational status was significantly protective against UHT (aPR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.63–0.88). Conclusions: Tobacco use is significantly associated with hypertension in Indian men. Addressing tobacco control and prevention of UHT remain the cornerstones for achieving the SDG target 3.4 by 2030, which aims to reduce premature mortality from NCDs by a third by 2030 relative to 2015 levels.

Background: Globally, hypertension (HTN) and obesity are two cardinal causes of morbidity and mortality. The Asian population shows comorbidities associated with obesity at a much lower body mass index (BMI) than the western population. Aim: The primary objective of the present study was to evaluate the association between BMI and HTN among the adult population. Material and Methods: We did a cross-sectional secondary data analysis of the NFHS-4 datasets, conducted during 2015–16. We included the adult population, that is, ≥19 years of age (93,040 men and 5,46,066 women), and excluded adolescents and pregnant women from our analysis. HTN was the primary dependent variable, while BMI was the primary predictor variable. Other covariates included age, education, place of residence, wealth index, use of alcohol and tobacco, and diabetes. Weighted analysis was done to depict our results. Results: Around 18.7% of men and 13.5% of women were hypertensive, of which 53.86% of males and 38.7% females were either overweight or obese. The odds of living with HTN among obese men and women increased with age, wealth, use of alcohol and tobacco, and comorbidities such as diabetes. The prevalence of HTN was higher even among the underweight adults living with diabetes and those consuming alcohol and tobacco. Conclusion: We reaffirm the significant association between BMI and HTN among adults. The use of the Asian classification of BMI for India and its neighboring countries to assess the burden of obesity would help in planning better interventions. A community-based targeted approach would help in controlling and reducing the prevalence of HTN.

Context: Accumulated evidence suggests that X-radiations can induce genotoxic effects and are not safe at any particular radiation dose level. Various assays have been proposed as potential tools in cytogenetic biomonitoring studies, but they have limitations. Aims of the Study: To assess the genotoxic effects of panoramic radiography on oral mucosa by estimating micronuclei count (using acridine orange) and AgNORs (using silver stain) from cytological smear cells and to compare these two biomarkers. Material and Methods: 100 subjects who underwent panoramic radiography for dental treatment with pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria formed the sample for this cross-sectional study. Two smears were prepared using a cytobrush from the buccal mucosa wet fixed using 95% ethyl alcohol. After 10 days and 40 days, the subjects were recalled for a similar repetition of smear preparations from the same site. Before all the procedures, ethical approval was obtained from the institute's ethical committee where the study was conducted, and written informed consent was taken from all the patients before they participated in the study. Statistical Analysis: The results obtained were further assessed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Post Hoc Tukey's HSD for inter and intra observational comparisons. Results: Radiation exposure from panoramic radiography showed a statistically significant increase in micronuclei. However, the AgNOR count remained unchanged after radiation exposure. Conclusion: MN count is better for detecting the short-term genotoxic effect of panoramic radiation exposure on buccal mucosal cells than AgNORs.

Cercospora leaf spots is one of the major foliar diseases of urdbean (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper) causing a considerable yield loss. Screening of germplasm and induction of mutation has not yielded any source of resistance. Hence, an experiment was conducted at research farm of CSKHPKV Palampur, Himachal Pradesh during 2017–21 for introgression of disease resistance in urdbean. A total of 45 interspecific cross combinations were attempted between urdbean × moongbean [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek], urdbean × ricebean [Vigna umbellata (Thunb.) Ohwi and H. Ohashi] and urdbean × adzukibean [Vigna angularis (Willd.) Ohwi and H. Ohashi]. Only 12 interspecific crosses were successful. SSRs were used for confirmation of hybridity of the wide crosses. True F1’s were phenotyped for 13 morphological characteristics with respect to parental lines to study the trait expression. Most of the morphological characteristics of the interspecific F1’s were either intermediate to both the parents or resembled to their male parents. Here, we also report the interspecific wide hybridization in Vigna through bridge species crossing strategy where the F1 of urdbean × moongbean was hybridized separately with ricebean and adzukibean. All the interspecific hybrids of urdbean and ricebean showed resistant reaction to Cercospora leaf spots.

Introduction Apoptosis is involved in pathogenesis of Pre-eclampsia (PE), further research is needed to determine its molecular mechanism. Methods The study recruited two groups (controls; 09, PE; 11). Biochemical tests, RT-PCR and ELISA were employed for analysis of genes and MicroRNAs (miRNA). Bioinformatics tools were employed for interactomics analysis. Results There was increased apoptosis in maternal placental tissue (MPT) and Maternal Blood Cells (MBC) as demonstrated by expression of CASP3 and NF-κB1. miR-146-5p and 187-5p were downregulated in MBC and MPT but upregulated in fetal placental tissue (FPT).. Discussion An increased apoptosis in MBC and MPT is a significant contributory factor for PE in pregnancy, while FPT is immune to the aforementioned effects.

Objective. The aim of this research was access the effect of lockdown on the psychological health status of people. Methods. This was an online questionnaire survey developed and circulated among people using snow-ball sampling techniques from April to mid of June 2020. The online survey collected information on demographic data and psychosocial health elements. Results. This study included 604 peoples (59.1% were female and 40.8% were females) of Haryana. Of the total respondents, 57.6% were in age group of 18-30 years, 40.8% were in 31-45 years and 1.5% was in 45-60 years group. 90% of people have normal self- reported BMI, 6.5% were overweight, 3% were underweight and 0.5% people have obesity. 74% respondents were graduate, 11.5% postgraduate, 3.2% were PhD, and 9.2% were 12th pass. 31.8% were unemployed, 35.9% were student, 15.8% regular government employee, 4.7% were self- employed and 2.5% were ad-hoc/contract employee. 79.5% people reside in urban community and 16% in rural community and 4.5% in semi-urban area. Most of the respondents have agree with the statement that lockdown induced constant sense of insecurity (72.9%); anxiety (58.7%),psychological stress (66.4%); work & financial stress (52.4%), phobia of infection (50.9%); stigma towards symptomatic people, which might be because of simple flu (55.2%); stress from watching & listening COVID-19 news (38.6%); stress from practice of prevention measure (31.9%). Most of people also agree with that behavior-change modification (follow preventive regulations) can improve mental stress (53.2%). Conclusion. Majority of people has realized the lockdown have significant impact on psychological health status of people.

Abstract Background and Aims Postoperative sore throat (POST) is common after endotracheal intubation making patients uncomfortable and anxious in postoperative period. The present study was undertaken to compare efficacy of equal dose of dexamethasone in preventing POST via three different routes, i.e., intravenous, topical, and nebulization before surgery. Methods and Results The present prospective double-blind randomized parallel group trial included 190 patients of either sex above 18 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I–II posted for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The patients were divided into three groups. Patients in group N were nebulized with 8 mg dexamethasone prior to surgery, patients in group I received intravenous dexamethasone (8 mg) before induction of anesthesia, while patients in group C were intubated with endotracheal tube which was pretreated (cuff soaked in dexamethasone 8 mg). The severity of POST and hoarseness of voice was determined by interviewing patients after 24-h of completion of surgery. Incidence of POST decreased in all patients with maximum decrease in group N (18%), while 30.8% in group I and 30.4% in group C. This decrease was not statistically significant when compared to group I (p 0.14) as well as group C (p 0.15). Incidence of hoarseness significantly decreased in group N (15.6%) as compared to group I (40.3%) as well as group C (39.1%). This decrease was statistically significant when compared to group I (p 0.005) as well as group C (p 0.009). Conclusions Topical dexamethasone (group C) is as effective as intravenous dexamethasone in decreasing incidence of POST, while both the techniques are not effective in decreasing hoarseness of voice. Nebulization is most effective method in decreasing POST as well as hoarseness. Trial Registration CTRI/2017/08/009524 dated 29 August 2017 prospectively.

Present study aimed to assess the alterations in neurotransmitter expression and its association with Blood Lead Level (BLL) and neurobehavioral pattern in children. 72 school going children were recruited. Blood lead levels were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Neurobehavioral state was assessed by means of population specific scale i.e. CPMS (Childhood Psychopathological measurement Schedule). Serum serotonin and dopamine were estimated by ELISA, receptor and transporter gene expressions were assessed by quantitative real time PCR. Significant positive correlation was observed between Total CPMS score (i.e. adverse neurobehaviour) and BLL. Further, serum serotonin levels and dopamine receptor expression showed a negative and positive association with BLL, respectively. In similarity, serum serotonin levels showed a negative correlation and dopamine receptor expression had a significant positive correlation with total CPMS score. Environmental exposure to Lead (Pb) may result in significant alterations in the neurotransmitter levels which may be associated with neurobehavioral changes in the children exposed to Pb.

Interspecific hybridization was performed between five genotypes of urdbean & three genotypes of mungbean to check the crossability relationship. Thirteen cross combinations of urdbean x mungbean were successfully developed. Interspecific seeds showed no germination under soil conditions so various growth media were used for germination. Interspecific seeds germinated only on the salt solution. F1 seeds of cross UG-218 x Suketi exhibited highest crossability and showed maximum response on salt solution. The study put emphasis on the different kinds of fertilization barriers. In future genetic improvement studies can be carried out with the genotypes showing substantially high percent of crossability.

A rapid cross-sectional survey was conducted across India among frontline allopathic doctors to know their prime concerns. Four hundred and five responses were received from 16 states and 3 union territories. Among doctors working in COVID-dedicated hospitals, 56.18% are formally trained for the same, and 40.5% of these are satisfied with the training. 47.3% of these have personal protective equipment (PPE) kits, 35.1% have no PPE kits, and 17.6% are not aware of their availability. 31.1% of doctors reported attending to COVID suspects without PPE. 58.1% of institutions have a dedicated task force, 20.3% do not, whereas 21.6% of doctors are not aware of such a task force. Only 21.6% of the participants consider their institution to be fully prepared for COVID. After performing COVID duties, 45.9% are being provided with an alternative place of stay, whereas only 16.2% have been quarantined. In non-COVID institutions, 82.4% of doctors are using protective gear, of these 35.2% procured them on their own.

Objective: This study aims to find the blood lead levels in pregnant women and its association with pre-eclampsia. Material and methods: The study included 44 healthy pregnant females and 23 pre-eclamptic women. Demographic data and common risk factors for lead toxicity were recorded including age, residence, occupation, husband occupation, passive smoking, use of cosmetics, kajal, surma, receiving supplements/vitamins, history of house remodelling, plumbing, source of potable water, paint in house, use of lead-glazed ceramic and pica. Venous blood was collected and lead level was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Results: The mean blood lead level was 2.38 ± 2.43 ug/dL in controls and 3.42 ± 2.18 ug/dL in preeclamptic women which was significantly higher (p = 0.0132). Strong correlation of BLL was observed with blood pressure in pre-eclamptic women. Pre-eclamptic patients were observed to be at increased risk of being lead exposed in terms of occupation and living conditions. Conclusion: Higher blood lead level is associated with increased risk of preeclampsia. Patients should be counselled for lifestyle modification to prevent complications. Keywords: Lead, Preeclampsia, Heavy metal, Pregnancy

Background: Physical inactivity during adolescence and youth has been considered as potential risk factor for future mental health problems. The present study was conducted with the aim to examine whether an association exists between leisure-time physical activity (PA) and depression among the youth of Kangra district, studying in professional or degree colleges. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the students of Medical College (MC), Central University (CU) and Industrial Training Institute (ITI) of Kangra district. 370 adolescents and youth of age

With Universal Immunization Programme in India incorporating newer vaccines, the immunization schedule has been changing rapidly, varying from one state to another. The number of diseases being protected against has increased from 6 to 14 in the past few years. The immunization schedules of the states of Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and Haryana were compared among themselves and also with the schedule recommended by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics. Variations were observed. The migrants, service providers, and those users switching between private and public sector many a time are affected due to this variation among the immunization schedules.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) benefited through the valuable lessons learned from Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by forwarding the unfinished agenda of MDGs from 2015 onwards. India has also made tremendous improvements during implementations in concurrence with the MDGs, yet lacks in various fields. In 2017 National Health Policy (NHP 2017) was launched by Government of India (GOI) replacing National Health Policy 2002. There is much positive step forward in NHP 2017, but in combination with inadequacies regarding approaches to many key objectives necessary policy corollaries are much needed; otherwise many goals will remain unattainable. This new health policy will help keep improving the maternal and child health but still is unspecific about ‘Health as a fundamental right’ and many burning issues including, the emerging problems of non communicable diseases (NCD), violence on women, sanitation and most importantly ignoring the dire need of long term financial vision of primary health care as well as public health sector in the country.

Background: It has been hypothesized that the general physicians and specialists other than pediatricians operating in the private sectors of India do not access regular updates about the newer, and additional vaccines i.e., non-national schedule vaccines. Objective: To learn the vaccination practices of allopathic doctors operating in private sector of India followed by them in their own children, which could serve as a proxy indicator of their knowledge about childhood immunization. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted among non-pediatrician and non-specialist Allopathic doctors practicing in Indian private sector, whose last borne child was more than or equal to three and less than 4.5 years of age using an online semi-structured questionnaire. We received valid responses from 49 doctors from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Bihar, within a span of 30 calendar days. Results: Compliance with BCG and DPT was 100%. Around 92% babies were completely vaccinated with Oral polio drops (five doses). For rest of the UIP vaccines, including Hepatitis-B, HiB, Measles and Measles Mumps and Rubella combination vaccine; the coverage was poor ranging from 43-86%. Additional vaccines like IPV, Rotavirus, PCV, Varicella, Hepatitis-A and Typhoid were given only in a few of the children; maximum coverage for rotavirus vaccine (42.86%) and minimum for Hepatitis-A (4.00%). Conclusion: It could be commented that the complete immunization till date even for the UIP vaccines was nothing better in the children of doctors when compared with the national statistics. It is also likely that at times doctors are unaware of the newer and additional vaccines and their importance in vaccination schedule (presuming cost is not a limiting factor for them).

Background: The existence of an endemic goiter belt along the southern slopes of the Himalayas has been known for a long time. Prevalence of neonatal hypothyroidism is high and there has been little work on the prevalence of mental retardation in this part of India. Objective: The study was conducted with the aim to know the prevalence of mental retardation in the urban and rural populations of Himachal Pradesh, India and to generate a hypothesis on the differential distribution (geographical) of mental retardation. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the rural and urban areas of the district of Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India among children of 1-10 years of age. In the first phase, the children in the age group of 1-10 years were screened for mental retardation using the Ten Questions Screen, whereas in the second phase the suspects were evaluated clinically. Results: The prevalence of mental retardation was found to be 1.71% in the study population with higher prevalence (3.3%) in the 73-120 months age group. The prevalence was higher among the males in all study populations [rural: 1.9%, urban (nonslum): 1.6%, and urban slum: 7.14%). The prevalence was similar among the urban (nonslum) (1.75%) and rural (1.11%) populations, whereas it was higher (4%) in the urban slum population. A prevalence of 2% was seen in families from the lower middle class and 1.8% among families from the lower class in the rural population, whereas a prevalence of 2% was seen among lower middle class families of urban (nonslum) areas. Conclusion: The prevalence of mental retardation was higher in our study than in other parts of the country. The study concludes with the hypothesis that the prevalence of mental retardation is differentially distributed geographically with socioeconomic factors being important predictors.

Introduction: In India, obesity is emerging as an important health problem particularly in the urban areas, paradoxically coexisting with under nutrition. Almost 30-65% of adult Indians are either overweight or obese or have abdominal obesity. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used to assess the prevalence of obesity among undergraduate medical using consensus statement for obesity in India. Results: The results of the body mass index (BMI) calculations show 26 females and 4 males (29.79% of total students) with a BMI of