Conservation Tillage and Waste Crop Residue Based Zinc Fortification in Rice and Wheat under Reclaimed Sodic Soils: Progress toward Nutrient Circularity and Sustainability.

Nearly 50% of the population across the globe is at risk of malnutrition with respect to zinc (Zn) in areas where a cereal based dietary system dominates. The present study estimated daily Zn intake in humans through field experiments in reclaimed sodic soil, utilizing waste crop residue (CR) in conservation tillage where CR played a vital role in enhancing Zn uptake in rice and wheat grains. Zn dynamics, its bioavailability, interaction with soil properties, and plausible contribution in dietary intake were studied extensively to supplement the research. A higher mobility factor (2.70%) and plant available Zn resulted in its higher uptake in rice (58.2 mg kg-1) and wheat (67.2 mg kg-1) under zero tillage in rice followed by zero tillage in wheat where CR was retained on the surface (ZTR-ZTW+CR). Daily Zn intake was found to be maximum (0.651 mg kg-1 day-1) under ZTR-ZTW+CR, demonstrating zinc sufficiency. Thus, this study may help in formulating actionable policies for combating both nutritional security and environmental hazards due to CR burning.

Characterization of homogenous acid catalyzed biodiesel production from palm oil: experimental investigation and numerical simulation.

Biodiesel is a biological renewable source produced from the conversion of triglycerides to alkyl esters. Palm oil is one of the most used lipid feedstocks for biodiesel production. It becomes necessary to optimize the transesterification reaction parameters to reduce the cost and enhance the quality of biodiesel. This study focuses on the use of homogenous sulfuric acid as a catalyst for the transesterification of palm fatty acids to methyl esters in a batch-scale reactor. A novel examination of transesterification reaction input parameters using the technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution optimization technique and the effect of these parameters on yield, viscosity, and density of palm biodiesel using 3D surface graphs is investigated in this research. The present optimization approach is implemented to find out the optimum ranking of biodiesel production. From the experimental and numerical simulation, optimum results were observed at the catalyst concentration of 6% (w/w), reaction temperature of 70 °C, the reaction time of 120 min, and alcohol to oil molar ratio of 30:1 at which yield of 95.35%, viscosity of 5.0 cSt, and density of 880 kg/m3 of palm biodiesel were obtained. The different physicochemical properties of produced palm methyl esters are obtained within standards set by international authorities. Selected optimized process parameters can be used for commercial-scale biodiesel production.

Molecular characterization of Hyalomma dromedarii and evaluation of acaricidal potential of herbal methanolic extracts against H. dromedarii larvae in comparison to synthetic acaricides.

The present study had two aims: molecular characterization of Hyalomma dromedarii infesting one-humped camels of Haryana (North India), and assessment of the acaricidal potential of herbal methanolic extracts against H. dromedarii larvae in comparison to synthetic acaricides. Phylogenetics and population neutrality indices were assessed by targeting partial amplification of mitochondrial 16S rDNA sequences. Larval packet test (LPT) was performed to evaluate the acaricidal efficacy of herbal extracts (Ferula asafoetida and Trachyspermum ammi) and synthetic acaricides (deltamethrin and fipronil). Phylogenetic studies established the collected ticks to be H. dromedarii, exhibiting a homology of 99.8-100%. However, the present study isolates formed a different sub-clade compared to H. dromedarii sequences from Egypt, Senegal, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia. Nucleotide and haplotype diversity values were indicative of demographic expansion and low gene flow. Negative values of Tajima's D (-0.612) and Fu and Li's Fst (-0.479) highlighted deviations from neutrality and emphasized recent population expansion. The median lethal concentration (LC50) values recorded for T. ammi, F. asafoetida and their combination were 3.68, 2.87 and 2.59 mg/mL, respectively, whereas the 90% lethal concentration (LC90) values were 4.09, 3.58 and 3.35 mg/mL, respectively. It was also observed that the H. dromedarii population under study was completely susceptible to both the formulated synthetic acaricides. In conclusion, combination of methanolic extracts of F. asafoetida and T. ammi could provide a potential substitute to toxic synthetic chemical acaricides and might prove a valuable component of integrated tick management strategies.

Oleuropein as a Potent Compound against Neurological Complications Linked with COVID-19: A Computational Biology Approach.

The association of COVID-19 with neurological complications is a well-known fact, and researchers are endeavoring to investigate the mechanistic perspectives behind it. SARS-CoV-2 can bind to Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) that would eventually lead to α-synuclein aggregation in neurons and stimulation of neurodegeneration pathways. Olive leaves have been reported as a promising phytotherapy or co-therapy against COVID-19, and oleuropein is one of the major active components of olive leaves. In the current study, oleuropein was investigated against SARS-CoV-2 target (main protease 3CLpro), TLR-4 and Prolyl Oligopeptidases (POP), to explore oleuropein potency against the neurological complications associated with COVID-19. Docking experiments, docking validation, interaction analysis, and molecular dynamic simulation analysis were performed to provide insight into the binding pattern of oleuropein with the three target proteins. Interaction analysis revealed strong bonding between oleuropein and the active site amino acid residues of the target proteins. Results were further compared with positive control lopinavir (3CLpro), resatorvid (TLR-4), and berberine (POP). Moreover, molecular dynamic simulation was performed using YASARA structure tool, and AMBER14 force field was applied to examine an 100 ns trajectory run. For each target protein-oleuropein complex, RMSD, RoG, and total potential energy were estimated, and 400 snapshots were obtained after each 250 ps. Docking analyses showed binding energy as -7.8, -8.3, and -8.5 kcal/mol for oleuropein-3CLpro, oleuropein-TLR4, and oleuropein-POP interactions, respectively. Importantly, target protein-oleuropein complexes were stable during the 100 ns simulation run. However, an experimental in vitro study of the binding of oleuropein to the purified targets would be necessary to confirm the present study outcomes.

Smartphone Applications for Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery-A Recent Update.

Rise in the number of smartphone users have led to an increased development of smartphone applications. Advent of technology and increased awareness has led to an increased use of healthcare apps by both the physicians and patients. This study aims to provide an up to date review on applications related to Otolaryngology, head and neck surgery (Oto-HNS). The smartphone applications were reviewed in May 2020 in Google play store and apple app store using relevant search words. We included apps relevant for physicians, students as well as patients. Apps providing alternative therapies and home remedies were excluded. A total of 619 apps were included with 352 apps from play store and 267 apps from apple store. Number of apps have remarkably increased in the last 2 years till May 2020, 63 apps were developed and last year 141 Oto-HNS apps were developed. Maximum number of apps were available in hearing aid category with 144 (23.2%) mobile hearing aids and 138 (22.2%) hearing aid control apps. 445 apps were available free of cost. Use of smartphone apps have increased dramatically in the last few years. However, their authenticity is still uncertain. Actual involvement of Otolaryngologist in app development is still rare. We recommend formation of scientific committees to regulate the apps development, to access apps quality and effectiveness before incorporated in clinical practice, medical education and patients use.

Formulation and development of herbal microsponge sunscreen gel.

PURPOSE: The endeavor of this study is to prepare and developed a method for microsponge gel as a polyherbal formulation along with their evaluation methods for sunscreen properties. METHOD: Polyherbal extracts as an active component for preparing microsponge formulation used in ratio of a drug, i.e. Poly herbal extracts, ethyl cellulose used as polymer, Polyvinyl alcohol as an emulsifier present in the formulation was successfully obtained by using method quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion. The formulations prepared were considered for substantial characterization. The physical description of microsponge formulation, having a coating of Gel-3 exhibits more loading efficiency and production yield. The mentioned formulation of microsponge was formulated with the help of gel using carbopol and then test performed are pH, viscosity, spreadability, drug content, and in-vitro release. Most of the microsponge preparations are prepared by drug loading in it and the consequences are good to reproduce. The best formulation was prepared and then comparison study was done with one of the marketed simple gel of polyherbal extract and other one is microsponge loaded gel of polyherbal extract by using Franz diffusion cell. RESULT: The release profile details about that the microsponge loaded gels are showing excellent release rate while comparing to simple marketed gel of polyherbal extract.

Nitrogen Availability and Use Efficiency in Wheat Crop as Influenced by the Organic-Input Quality Under Major Integrated Nutrient Management Systems.

PURPOSE: One of the serious constraints for the integration of organics in soil fertility plans is the release and availability of nitrogen (N) to match the critical growth stages of a crop. The interplay between organic amendment characteristics and soil moisture conditions can significantly affect the nutrient release and availability, especially for dryland crops like wheat. In this study, the effects of integrated nutrient management strategies using diverse qualities of organic amendments on daily N mineralization and its availability to plants during the full growing season of the wheat crop were analyzed in a 10-year experiment. METHODS: The management included (1) F, inorganic fertilizers at 100% rate, compared to a reduced rate of inorganic fertilizers (55% N) supplemented with organic inputs via (2) GM, green manuring, (3) LE, legume cropping and its biomass recycling, (4) WS, wheat stubble retention, (5) RS, rice stubble retention, and (6) FYM, farmyard manure application, during the preceding rice season. Ion exchange resin (IER) membrane strips were used as plant root simulators to determine daily NH4 +-N and NO3 --N availability in soil solution during the full wheat growing period. RESULTS: Total available N for the full season was in the following order: GM (962 µg cm-2) > F (878 µg cm-2) > LE (872 µg cm-2) > FYM (865 µg cm-2) > RS (687 µg cm-2) > WS (649 µg cm-2). No significant differences were observed in NH4 +-N availability throughout the cropping period as compared to NO3 --N which showed significant differences among management at critical crop growth stages. CONCLUSION: Legume biomass incorporation (GM, LE) and farmyard manure (FYM) based management provided the most consistent supply equivalent to or even exceeding 100% inorganic fertilizers at several critical stages of growth, especially at tillering and stem elongation. Integration of organics in management increased nitrogen use efficiency 1.3-2.0 times, with cereal crop residue-based management having the highest efficiency followed by legume biomass incorporation.

Opium Withdrawal Delirium: Two Case Reports.

Two patients with opium dependence developed delirium during abstinence. The delirium resolved completely within 48-58 hours of appropriate treatment. Caution needs to be exercised during opioid detoxification in timely detecting and treating potentially life-threatening condition like delirium.

Phytochemical evaluation, antioxidant assay, antibacterial activity and determination of cell viability (J774 and THP1 alpha cell lines) of P. sylvestris leaf crude and methanol purified fractions.

Phoenix sylvestris (Arecaceae family) known as Indian Date Palm has been identified as a component of traditional medicine against various ailments. The present study was focused on phytochemical screening of crude hexane, dichloromethane and methanol leaf extracts. The crude extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenols in the plant leaves. In the study methanol extract was found most potent, so this extract was further fractionated by column chromatography and 9 methanol purified fractions (MPFs) were isolated. Most potential MPF8 (20:80 chloroform: methanol ratio fraction) significantly enhanced free radicals and antibacterial activity. The best MIC (Minimum inhibitory concentration) of MPF8 was investigated against M. luteus and E. coli at 1 mg/ml concentration. However, against other bacteria the MIC ranged from 1 mg/ml to 3 mg/ml. The GC-MS analysis showed the presence of many biologically active compounds such as alcohols, flavonoids, aromatic compounds, aldehydes, terpenoids fatty acid methyl esters, and phenolics. Pentadecanoic acid occupied maximum (52 %) area in GC-MS profiling. MPF8 was assayed for in-vitro cytotoxicity by MTT assay which confirms its less cytotoxicity at lower concentration and also significant ROS determination against J774 and THP1 cell lines after 2 and 4 hours.

Antioxidant, Antimicrobial Activity and Medicinal Properties of Grewia asiatica L.

Since ancient time, India is a well known subcontinent for medicinal plants where diversity of plants is known for the treatment of many human disorders. Grewia asiatica is a dicot shrub belonging to the Grewioideae family and well known for its medicinally important fruit commonly called Falsa. G. asiatica, a seasonal summer plant is distributed in the forest of central India, south India, also available in northern plains and western Himalaya up to the height of 3000 ft. Fruits of G. asiatica are traditionally used as a cooling agent, refreshing drink, anti-inflammatory agent and for the treatment of some urological disorders. Recent advancement of Falsa researches concluded its antimicrobial and anti-diabetic activity. Since ancient time medicinal plants are traditionally used for the treatment of different diseases G. asiatica fruit is the edible and tasty part of the plant, now considered as a valuable source of unique natural product for the development of medicines which are used in different disease conditions like anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous and antimicrobial. Now a days, G. asiatica is being used in different Ayurvedic formulation for the cure of different types of diseases. Different pharmacological investigations reveal the presence of phenols, saponnins, flavonoids and tannins compound in the fruits. Present review highlights the phytopharmacological and different traditional use of G. asiatica which is mentioned in ancient Ayurvedic texts. This review stimulates the researchers and scientists for further research on G. asiatica.

Flexible charge balanced stimulator with 5.6 fC accuracy for 140 nC injections.

Electrical stimulations of neuronal structures must ensure net injected charges to be zero for biological safety and voltage compliance reasons. We present a novel architecture of general purpose biphasic constant current stimulator that exhibits less than 5.6 fC error while injecting 140 nC charges using 1.4 mA currents. The floating current sources and conveyor switch based system can operate in monopolar or bipolar modes. Anodic-first or cathodic-first pulses with optional inter-phase delays have been demonstrated with zero quiescent current requirements at the analog front-end. The architecture eliminates blocking capacitors, electrode shorting and complex feedbacks. Bench-top and in-vivo measurement results have been presented with emulated electrode impedances (resistor-capacitor network), Ag-AgCl electrodes in saline and in-vivo (acute) peripheral nerve stimulations in anesthetized rats.

Cardiopulmonary interventions to decrease blood loss and blood transfusion requirements for liver resection.

BACKGROUND: Blood loss during liver resection is considered one of the most important factors affecting the peri-operative outcomes of patients undergoing liver resection. OBJECTIVES: To determine the benefits and harms of cardiopulmonary interventions to decrease blood loss and to decrease allogeneic blood transfusion requirements in patients undergoing liver resections. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Science Citation Index Expanded until January 2012 to identify randomised trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included all randomised clinical trials comparing various cardiopulmonary interventions aimed at decreasing blood loss and allogeneic blood transfusion requirements in patients undergoing liver resection. Trials were included irrespective of whether they included major or minor liver resections of normal or cirrhotic livers, vascular occlusion was used or not, and irrespective of the reason for liver resection. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently identified trials for inclusion and independently extracted data. We analysed the data with both the fixed-effect and the random-effects models using RevMan Analysis. For each outcome we calculated the risk ratio (RR), mean difference (MD), or standardised mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) based on intention-to-treat analysis or available case analysis. For dichotomous outcomes with only one trial included under the outcome, we performed the Fisher's exact test. MAIN RESULTS: Ten trials involving 617 patients satisfied the inclusion criteria. The interventions included low central venous pressure (CVP), autologous blood donation, haemodilution, haemodilution with controlled hypotension, and hypoventilation. Only one or two trials were included under most comparisons. All trials had a high risk of bias. There was no significant difference in the peri-operative mortality in any of the comparisons: low CVP versus no intervention (3 trials, 0/88 (0%) patients in the low CVP group versus 1/89 (1.1%) patients in the no intervention group); autologous blood donation versus no intervention (1 trial, 0/40 (0%) versus 0/39 (0%)); haemodilution versus no intervention (2 trials, 1/73 (1.4%) versus 3/77 (3.9%) in one of these trials); haemodilution with controlled hypotension versus no intervention (1 trial, 0/10 (0%) versus 0/10 (0%)); haemodilution with bovine haemoglobin (HBOC-201) versus haemodilution with hydroxy ethyl starch (HES) (1 trial, 1/6 (16.7%) versus 0/6 (0%)); hypoventilation versus no intervention (1 trial, 0/40 (0%) versus 0/39 (0%)). None of the trials reported long-term survival or quality of life. The risk ratio of requiring allogeneic blood transfusion was significantly lower in the haemodilution versus no intervention groups (3 trials, 16/115 (weighted proportion = 14.2%) versus 41/118 (34.7%), RR 0.41 (95% CI 0.25 to 0.66), P = 0.0003); and for haemodilution with controlled hypotension versus no intervention (1 trial, 0/10 (0%) versus 10/10 (100%), P < 0.0001). There were no significant differences in the allogeneic transfusion requirements in the other comparisons which reported this outcome, such as low CVP versus no intervention, autologous blood donation versus control, and hypoventilation versus no intervention. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: None of the interventions seemed to decrease peri-operative morbidity or offer any long-term survival benefit. Haemodilution shows promise in the reduction of blood transfusion requirements in liver resection surgery. However, there is a high risk of type I (erroneously concluding that an intervention is beneficial when it is actually not beneficial) and type II errors (erroneously concluding that an intervention is not beneficial when it is actually beneficial) because of the few trials included, the small sample size in each trial, and the high risk of bias in the trials. Further randomised clinical trials with low risk of bias and random errors that assess clinically important outcomes such as peri-operative mortality are necessary to assess any cardiopulmonary interventions aimed at decreasing blood loss and blood transfusion requirements in patients undergoing liver resections. Trials need to be designed to assess the effect of a combination of different interventions in liver resections.

Curcumin: a potential therapeutic polyphenol, prevents noradrenaline-induced hypertrophy in rat cardiac myocytes.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to evaluate the effect of curcumin on H9c2 cardiac cell line and primary rat cardiac myocytes, using purified noradrenaline as a hypertrophy-inducing agent. METHODS: The concentration of curcumin at which cells were treated was determined by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay. The effect of this safe dose in preventing noradrenaline-induced cardiac hypertrophy was assessed by biochemical analysis (estimating total protein content), molecular analysis (using RT-PCR to study the expression of fetal genes like ANF), immunological analysis (by determining the nuclear localization of GATA-4) and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA; to study DNA binding activity of GATA-4). KEY FINDINGS: Curcumin at a concentration of 8 µm was found to suppress the increase in cell size, protein content and enhanced marker gene expression (ANF) caused by noradrenaline. Immunocytochemistry and Western blot analysis showed that curcumin suppressed the localization of transcription factor GATA-4 in the nucleus. It also showed a reduced DNA-binding activity in the presence of noradrenaline as confirmed by EMSA. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that curcumin reduces the hypertrophic marker gene expression by inhibiting nuclear localization and DNA binding activity of GATA-4. Thus it has a great anti-hypertrophic potential.

Wirelessly powered stimulator and recorder for neuronal interfaces.

Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) is widely adopted in neuro-engineering to partially alleviate diseased functions in the brain, retina and cochlea. We present a 32-channel wirelessly powered constant current stimulator and low power recording amplifier for FES based applications. The biphasic stimulator utilizes innovative techniques for matched positive/ negative currents and thus improves charge balance. Electrode discharging scheme is added for stimulation artifact suppression. An improved low power amplifier is incorporated for evoked response measurements. Electrical performance is characterized using simulated electrode-electrolyte impedance. Closed-loop stimulation and recording experiments have been performed. Stimulation current magnitudes of 2 µA-200 µA and up to 400 Hz rate have been realized. Theory and limitation of discharging scheme is explored while suppressing artifacts down to 3 ms. Alternate anodic-first and cathodic-first stimulation pulses are adopted for enhanced charge balancing. The low power amplifier exhibits gain of 1200 and bandwidth 350 Hz-1.02 KHz. A multiplexer/ demultiplexer is used to share the front-end among 32 electrodes. The inductively coupled wireless energy harvester works at 125 KHz-135 KHz that can remotely deliver 1.4 mW at 1cm distance to an equivalent of 10K load. The system can accommodate multielectrodes with impedance up to 100 K Ω. The entire hybrid analog-digital system consumes 360 µW quiescent power. Miniaturization makes it suitable for in-vivo applications.

Cardiopulmonary interventions to decrease blood loss and blood transfusion requirements for liver resection.

BACKGROUND: Blood loss during liver resection is one of the most important factors affecting the peri-operative outcomes of patients undergoing liver resection. OBJECTIVES: To determine the benefits and harms of cardiopulmonary interventions to decrease blood loss and to decrease allogeneic blood transfusion requirements in patients undergoing liver resections. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Science Citation Index Expanded until November 2008 for identifying the randomised trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included all randomised clinical trials comparing various cardiopulmonary interventions aimed at decreasing blood loss and allogeneic blood transfusion requirements in liver resection. Trials were included irrespective of whether they included major or minor liver resections, normal or cirrhotic livers, vascular occlusion was used or not, and irrespective of the reason for liver resection. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently identified trials for inclusion and independently extracted data. We analysed the data with both the fixed-effect and the random-effects models using RevMan Analysis. For each outcome we calculated the risk ratio (RR), mean difference (MD), or standardised mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) based on intention-to-treat analysis or available case-analysis. For dichotomous outcomes with only one trial included under the outcome, we performed the Fisher's exact test. MAIN RESULTS: Nine trials involving 587 patients satisfied the inclusion criteria. The interventions included low central venous pressure (CVP), autologous blood donation, haemodilution, haemodilution with controlled hypotension, and hypoventilation. Only one or two trials were included under most comparisons. All trials had a high risk of bias. There was no significant difference in the peri-operative mortality or other peri-operative morbidity. None of the trials reported long-term survival or liver failure.The risk ratio of requiring allogeneic blood transfusion was significantly lower in the haemodilution and haemodilution with controlled hypotension groups than the respective control groups. Other interventions did not show significant decreases of allogeneic transfusion requirements. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: None of the interventions seem to decrease peri-operative morbidity or offer any long-term survival benefit. Haemodilution shows promise in the reduction of blood transfusion requirements in liver resection surgery. However, there is a high risk of type I (erroneously concluding that an intervention is beneficial when it is actually not beneficial) and type II errors (erroneously concluding that an intervention is not beneficial when it is actually beneficial) because of the few trials included, the small sample size in each trial, and the high risk of bias. Further randomised clinical trials with low risk of bias and random errors assessing clinically important outcomes such as peri-operative mortality are necessary to assess any cardiopulmonary interventions aimed at decreasing blood loss and blood transfusion requirements in liver resections. Trials need to be designed to assess the effect of a combination of different interventions in liver resections.

Scientific evaluation of some Ayurvedic preparations for correction of iron deficiency and anemia.

A number of preparations are available in Ayurved for treatment of anemia and iron deficiency. This study was designed to evaluate efficacy of some of them. Six most commonly used Ayurvedic iron containing preparations (Navayasa Curna, Punarnavadi Mandura, Dhatri Lauha, Pradarantaka Lauha, Sarva-Juara-Hara Lauha and Vrihat Yakrdari Lauha) were given in a dose of 250 mg b.d. for 30 days to six groups of iron deficient anemic patients; each group consisting of 20 patients. A control group was given Allopathic preparation-Irex-12, (containing-ferrous fumarate, vitamin C, folic acid and vitamin B(12)); 1 capsule daily for 30 days for comparison. All hematological and iron parameters were determined before and after completion of treatment. The results showed that there was statistically significant rise (p<0.001) in all of them-Hb, PCV, TRBC, MCV, MCH, MCHC and plasma iron, percent saturation and plasma ferritin. Total iron binding capacity decreased significantly (p<0.001). The response of most of Ayurvedic preparations was better than Allopathic preparation and there was no side effect as observed with iron salts The Hb regeneration rate was 0.10 g/dl/day for Allopathic preparation; while it was above this value for all Ayurvedic preparations exceptPradarantaka Lauha which was least effective.Sarva-Juara-Hara Lauha was the drug of choice as Hb regeneration with it was highest 0.16 g/dl/day. Upon analysis of Ayurvedic drugs, these results were found to be consistent and correlated with iron content of the preparation.

Uranium, radium and radon measurements in the environs of Nurpur area, Himachal Himalayas, India.

LR-115 plastic track detectors have been used for the measurement of radon exhalation rate and radium concentration in soil and rock samples from Nurpur and its adjoining areas of Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, India. Uranium concentration is also determined in these samples using fission track technique. The work is undertaken to explore the possibility of uranium prospection and health risk assessments due to uranium and radium in the study area. A positive correlation has been observed between uranium and radon exhalation rate in soil and rocks.