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This research study is about Malaysians view and their intention to use GrabPay. There are four variables selected in this research: perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived security, and social influence. A total of 100 questionnaires were distributed online to the respondents, and the data were analyzed using SPSS software. Through research, we found that these four variables are positively associated with the intention to use GrabPay among Malaysians. To conclude, it is believed that Malaysian's intention to use E-Wallet is gradually increasing. Thus, GrabPay needs to pay more attention to its security system, expand its service coverage, and make some optimization and simplifications on its application to strengthen its future status.

Uttar Pradesh is the densely populated state of India and is the sixth highest COVID-19 affected state with 22,904 deaths recorded on November 12, 2021. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is being used as a potential approach to investigate genomic evolution of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. In this study, a total of 87 SARS-CoV-2 genomes−49 genomes from the first wave (March 2020 to February 2021) and 38 genomes from the second wave (March 2021 to July 2021) from Eastern Uttar Pradesh (E-UP) were sequenced and analyzed to understand its evolutionary pattern and variants against publicaly available sequences. The complete genome analysis of SARS-CoV-2 during the first wave in E-UP largely reported transmission of G, GR, and GH clades with specific mutations. In contrast, variants of concerns (VOCs) such as Delta (71.0%) followed by Delta AY.1 (21.05%) and Kappa (7.9%) lineages belong to G clade with prominent signature amino acids were introduced in the second wave. Signature substitution at positions S:L452R, S:P681R, and S:D614G were commonly detected in the Delta, Delta AY.1, and Kappa variants whereas S:T19R and S:T478K were confined to Delta and Delta AY.1 variants only. Vaccine breakthrough infections showed unique mutational changes at position S:D574Y in the case of the Delta variant, whereas position S:T95 was conserved among Kappa variants compared to the Wuhan isolate. During the transition from the first to second waves, a shift in the predominant clade from GH to G clade was observed. The identified spike protein mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 genome could be used as the potential target for vaccine and drug development to combat the effects of the COVID-19 disease.

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) orchestrate cell motility and differentiation. Deregulated RTKs may promote cancer and are prime targets for specific inhibitors. Increasing evidence indicates that resistance to inhibitor treatment involves receptor cross-interactions circumventing inhibition of one RTK by activating alternative signaling pathways. Here, we used single-molecule super-resolution microscopy to simultaneously visualize single MET and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) clusters in two cancer cell lines, HeLa and BT-20, in fixed and living cells. We found heteromeric receptor clusters of EGFR and MET in both cell types, promoted by ligand activation. Single-protein tracking experiments in living cells revealed that both MET and EGFR respond to their cognate as well as non-cognate ligands by slower diffusion. In summary, for the first time, we present static as well as dynamic evidence of the presence of heteromeric clusters of MET and EGFR on the cell membrane that correlates with the relative surface expression levels of the two receptors.

BACKGROUND Prolonged immobilization of the body following Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) is associated with certain metabolic changes in calcium (Ca) metabolism leading to hypercalciuria. This is associated with an increased risk of developing urinary calculi, urinary tract infection, & osteoporosis. Excretion of excess 24 hours urinary calcium in these cases can be reduced with weight bearing in the form of tilt table standing along with passive and active strengthening exercises. MATERIALS AND METHODS A prospective study was conducted on 18 patients with spinal cord injury hospitalized for post-acute rehabilitation program after observing all ethical formalities. Urinary calcium excretion was measured for 24 hours period before and after a structured weight bearing given on tilt table for 1 hour a day and passive and active upper limb strengthening exercise program given half an hour daily, for 2 weeks. RESULTS All the patients belonged to traumatic SCI with immobilization ranging from 2 to 8 months and the structured treatment program lead to significant reduction in hypercalciuria. The level of lesion, diagnosis and different periods of immobilization did not influence the outcome significantly. CONCLUSION This being a short term longitudinal study, the demographics differed from larger earlier studies. Majority of our patients (94%) were young males of 15-50 years age. Paraplegics constituted 72% of our patients while 28% were quadriplegics. The significant reduction in hypercalciuria after a standard regimen of tilt table standing coupled with exercises in all the cases established the value of the treatment. There was no correlation between the periods of immobilization to the change in urine calcium excretion in response to our treatment. It was a short term, small sample study and needs further validation with a larger study of longer duration to establish the efficacy of tilt table standing coupled with exercises.

The present article is an attempt to empirically investigate the long-term market efficiency and price discovery in Indian commodity futures market. The study has been conducted with eight commodities which include two agricultural commodities, two industrial commodities, two precious metal and two energy commodities. Sophisticated statistical methods like restricted cointegration and vector error correction model (VECM) are used to analyse the spot and futures prices time series. Restricted cointegration test shows that near-month futures prices for all the commodities are cointegrated with the spot prices but futures prices of all the commodities are inefficient to predict the future spot price. Indian commodity futures market evidenced as the thinly traded market (Kumar & Pandey, 2013, Journal of Indian Business Research, 5(2), 101–121) rejects the null hypothesis of efficiency and unbiasedness for all the eight commodities which reconfirms the result of Fortenbery and Zapata (1997, Journal of Futures Markets, 17(3), 279–301). The presence of short-term biases in the Indian futures market is evidenced in the results of VECM model which indicates the presence of informational efficiency. The statistically significant value of past prices of spot and futures confirm the short-term inefficiency and biasedness. The significant value of error correction term (ECT) of futures prices suggests that commodity futures are the most important indicator of commodity price movements. The important implication of the results is for market traders. They can use the futures prices to discover the new equilibrium and earn profits by transmitting it to the spot market. The better understanding of the interconnectedness of these market would be useful for policymakers who try to establish stability in the financial markets.

Introduction: Ayurveda considers, Padadari (cracked feet) as disease condition, under Kshudra Kushtha (minor diseases of skin). Cracked feet also known as heel fissures is a common foot problem characterized by yellowish color of the skin on the heel of the foot, hard skin growth, hardening and cracks in the feet associated with pain, bleeding or itching. Vaidya Manorama, Ayurvedic compendia, recommended Snuhi oil as a remedy for Padadari. An open-labeled clinical trial has been conducted to evaluate the effect of Rakta Snuhi-based formulation in Padadari. Materials and Methods: Snuhi oil was prepared by mixing Saindhava Lavana (Rock salt) 24 g; 300 ml latex of Rakta Snuhi (Euphorbia caducifolia); 4.8 l. of water, Sarshapa Taila (mustard oil) 1.2 l. and further heating of oil, following classical guidelines of Sneha Kalpana. For better acceptability, the medicated oil was then gradually mixed with “Aerosil,” a thickener, for converting the mixture into gel form. Twenty-six patients, diagnosed with Padadari, were treated by applying 3 g (or as per requirement) of Rakta Snuhi Ksheera gel twice daily for 21 consecutive days. Results: Response to the treatment was recorded on a weekly basis and therapeutic effect was evaluated through symptomatic relief. Conclusion: The study yielded statistically highly significant results in symptoms such as cracks associated with pain (P < 0.001), Rukshata (dryness) (P < 0.001) and Kandu (itching) (P < 0.001).

This article examines the hedge ratio and hedging effectiveness in agricultural (castor seed, guar seed) and non-agricultural (copper, nickel, gold, silver, natural gas and crude oil) commodities traded in National Commodity and Derivative Exchange (NCDEX) and Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), respectively. Constant and dynamic hedge ratios are estimated by using ordinary least square (OLS), vector autoregression (VAR), vector error correction model (VECM) and vector autoregressive-multivariate generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity model (VAR-MGARCH). The results of constant as well as dynamic hedge ratios reveal that the Indian futures market provides higher hedging effectiveness in case of precious metal (65–75 per cent) compared to industrial metal and energy commodities (less than 50 per cent). Hedging effectiveness for castor seed and natural gas is even lower than 10 per cent. This study concluded that VECM and VAR-MGARCH both are providing higher hedging although VECM is providing the highest hedge ratio. It has been found that the next to near month futures provide better hedging effectiveness as compared to near month futures for crude oil and silver. It is recommended that the policy makers should pay attention towards the number of delivery centres, standard of quality of underlying assets and transaction costs in spot market.

Xanthogranulomatous inflammation (XGI) of female genital tract is a chronic inflammatory disease, aetiology and pathogenicity of which are yet unclear. XGI has been reported in multiple organs, most common in kidney and gall bladder (Gray and Libbey in Arch Pathol Lab Med 125:260–263, [1]; Korkes et al. in Urology 71:178–180, [2]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urology.2007.09.026 ). Primary XGI involving female genital tract has been reported in only few cases. This study reports a case of xanthogranulomatous salpingo-oophoritis in a 60-year-old postmenopausal woman that gave impression of adnexal mass clinically and radiologically, thereby masquerading as an ovarian malignancy. Histopathological findings revealed characteristic features of XGI. The approach to such a case, differential diagnosis and review of literature are also discussed. The clinical manifestations and diagnostic imaging of XGI of female genital tract can mimic ovarian neoplasm. Although a correct diagnosis is made chiefly through histology, a suggestive preoperative diagnosis can lead to less radical surgery.

Introduction: Ficus semicordata Buch.-Ham. ex Sm. (Syn. Ficus cunia Buch.- Ham. ex Roxb.) of familyMoraceae, is one of the plants used by the folklore of Odisha for medicinal purposes. Traditional healers use the plant’s leaf, stem, stem bark, root, and fruit to treat jaundice, stomach disorders, skin diseases, and other ailments. The present research article explores the quantitative estimation of tannins, alkaloids, phenols, and flavonoids of leaf, stem, stem bark, root, and fruit powder of Ficus semicordata, as these are responsible for antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and other activities. Materials and Methods: The plant and its various useful parts, after through identification and authentication, were collected from the Gandhamardana hills in Paikamal, Odisha. Quantitative estimation of different parts was performed following standard procedures. Results: Quantitative estimation revealed the presence of maximum tannin in stem bark followed by leaf; maximum alkaloid in fruit followed by leaf; maximum phenol in stem followed by root; and maximum flavonoid content in stem followed by root. Quantitative analysis revealed the presence of tannin and alkaloid in all the samples, which plays a significant role oxidative defence, antimalarial, anticancer, cholinomimetic, vasodilatory, analgesic, antibacterial, and antihyperglycemic activities. Conclusion: Quantitative estimation revealed the presence of tannin and alkaloid in all the parts of F. semicordata.

Objective(s): To compare the efficacy, safety and induction-abortion interval of "intravaginal Misoprostol alone" versus "extra-amniotic Ethacridine lactate 0.1% followed by intravaginal Misoprostol" for mid-trimester (13-20 weeks) abortion. Method(s): 60 women undergoing mid-trimester abortion were recruited for comperative study.They were devided into 2 groups. Group-A (30 cases) received intravaginal tab Misoprostol 600 g followed by 400 g 8 hourly and Group-B (30 cases) received extra-amniotic Ethacridine lactate 0.1% followed 6 hours later by intravaginal Misoprostol 400 g 3 hourly until abortion occurred or upto 48 hours. Result(s): Mean induction-abortion interval in Group-A was 24.9  10.83 hours whereas 18.3  6.1 hours in Group-B. In Group-A complete abortion occurred in 70% cases and in Group-B 83.33%. Failure rate in GroupA was 6.67% while none in Group-B. Efficacy of abortion in Group-A was 93.33% while 100% in Group-B. Side effects and complications were more common in Group-A than Group-B. Conclusion(s) : Ethacridine-lactate followed by Misoprostol is definitely a better and effective method for midtrimester abortion rather than using Misoprostol alone. Keyword(s): Intravaginal Misoprostol, Extra-amniotic Ethacridine lactate, mid-trimester abortion

The present study documents the finding of a survey of brokers’ perception pertaining to the recently introduced commodity derivatives market in India. The survey results show the brokers’ assessment about trading/marketing activities and their perception of the benefits and concerns about commodity derivatives. It also throw some light on the perception of brokers about the efficiency of Indian commodity derivatives in performing the functions of price discovery, hedging effectiveness and volatility dynamics. The survey results show that high net worth individual are contributing significantly in the trade volume of commodity derivatives. Interestingly, retail investors are also emerged as the significant contributor in total turnover of brokers. Survey results exhibit that price discovery and hedging effectiveness functions are well performed by all the commodity futures except the energy commodities futures. Energy commodities, being the most volatile commodities, are perceived as having less hedging effectiveness as compared to others. Brokers are assenting on the high to moderate impact of open interest, volume and time to maturity on the volatility of the commodity futures derivatives.

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is increasing at an alarming rate among pregnant women in various parts of India. Purpose of present study is to investigate the seroprevalence of HIV infection in Jammu region of India and to trace various risk factors responsible for its spread. Another objective is to look for strategies which can be adapted to curtail transmission of this dreadful infection. Methods: Pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic of Government Medical College and Hospital, Jammu (India) from October 2013 to September 2014, were counseled and those who agreed to undergo testing, were subjected to HIV testing by ELISA method. Pre-designed and post-testing questionnaire was used for collecting the data. In addition, all the unbooked HIV positive patients, who were directly admitted in labor ward and delivered in this hospital during this period, were also included in the present study. Results: Out of 17918 women attending the antenatal clinic, 5695 agreed for HIV testing at ICTC (integrated counseling and testing center), SMGS hospital and only 5 cases were confirmed positive. Prevalence rate of HIV positivity was found to be 0.088%. Majority of women were between 21-25 years of age, primigravidas, from rural background, lower middle class and spouses of laborers/drivers. Conclusions: Seroprevalence of HIV in Jammu region is relatively low when compared to the national figures. More attention is to be focused on the risk factors to control the transmission of HIV infection.

Background: Congenital anomalies have emerged as a main cause of perinatal mortality as well as infant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to determine the incidence of congenital anomalies and to study associated factors. Methods: It is an observational study conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of SMGS Hospital during a period of one year from October, 2012 to September, 2013. All women with anomalies proven on Ultrasonography and those having no antenatal record but after delivery/abortion, examination of newborns revealed anomalies; were included in the study. Results: The pattern of congenital anomalies included Central nervous system (49.60%), Urinary system (13.79%), musculoskeletal system (12.99%), GIT (7.16%), CVS (5.83%) etc. The overall incidence of congenital anomalies was 1.85%. Higher incidence of anomalies was found in babies of mother between 26-30 years of age (2.13%) and parity of 4 and above (3.65%). Frequency was more common in Muslims as compared to Hindus (2.8% vs 1.68%), in non-cephalic presentation as compared to cephalic presentation (10.28% versus 1.51%). Conclusion: This study stresses upon incidence of congenital anomalies as they are an important cause of perinatal mortality. To decrease the incidence of various congenital anomalies and their prevalence in the particular region, it is important that the distribution and prevalence are identified in that region and country as a whole.

Introduction: Ayurveda recommends standardization of different useful parts of herbal drug, either organized or unorganized, starting from its collection. The latex of snuhi is said to be collected at the end of Shishira ritu. This article highlights the result of scientific study on effect of season on collection of latex of Euphorbia caducifolia Haines. (EC), one of the botanicl source of Snuhi. Materials and Methods: The fresh crude latex of EC was collected in clean glass vials in all the six ritu, i.e. Hemanta-S1 (November–December), Shishira-S2 (January–February), Vasanta-S3 (March–April), Grishma-S4 (May–June), Varsha-S5 (July–August), and Sharada-S6 (September–October). The collection was done for 4 days in each ritu and 3 times in a day, i.e. before sunrise, 3 h after sunrise, and 6 h after sunrise (6AS), by incision of branch, incision of main stem, and Plucking of branch. The observations regarding volume, girth of plant parts, pH, viscosity, and specific gravity along with preliminary phytochemical analysis of latex were carried out in samples of crude latex collected in six seasons. The seasonal similarity and diversity was assessed by applying principal component analysis using Unscrambler software 9.7 version. Results and Conclusion: Rakta Snuhi latex collected during Hemanta ritu (November–December) was well differentiated from other ritu, with regard to volume and girth. Highest volume of latex was collected by plucking of branch. Data shows that the latex is having highest pH (5.29) in Varsha ritu (July–August), specific gravity (1.034) in Vasanta ritu (March–April), and the relative viscosity (2.444) in Shishira ritu (January–February)

Background: Latex of Euphorbia caducifolia Haines. (Euphorbiaceae), botanical source of Rakta Snuhi, a caustic irritant, is being used in different Ayurvedic therapeutics, after proper processing (Shodhana) in some specific media. Shodhana of Snuhi latex with Chincha-Patra Swarasa (juice of tamarind leaves) using Raudra Yantra (instrument/pot kept under sunlight for drying) has been recommended in Ayurveda texts. Snuhi is one of the Upavisha (sub toxic group of herbal drugs) and a well-known plant in the Indian system of medicine. It is used in pharmaceutical procedures like preparation and processing of drugs. Aim: The aim of the study was to carry out Shodhana of E. caducifolia latex with Chincha-Patra Swarasa. Material and methods: Fresh latex of Snuhi was collected from the Sapada area of Jamnagar, Gujarat and fresh leaves of Tamarindus indica L. were collected from the herbal garden of the university and Swarasa was extracted by traditional expression technique. Shodhana of Snuhi Kshira was done under sunlight dried and shade dried method by mixing it with leaf juice of Tamarindus indica L. in a glass bowl in different ratio i.e. Kshira: leaf juice was 8:4, 8:2, 8:1 respectively. Results: This study reveals certain changes in physico-chemical parameters (pH) and organoleptic characters of processed E. caducifolia latex by Tamarind leaf juice both in shade-dried and sunlight-dried samples. Under HPTLC, Shodhana of E. caducifolia latex with Tamarind leaf juice alters the number of spots both sunlight-dried and shade-dried samples. In sun-dried sample, the number of spots increased when the concentration of Tamarind leaf juice is decreased in HPTLC study. The study reveals that in case of shade-dried Shodhita (processed) Snuhi latex sample, the concentration of lupeol increases with the increasing quantity of Tamarind leaf juice. Conclusion: Shodhana with Tamarind leaf juice changes both qualitative and quantitative property of Snuhi latex.

Drug errors in the anaesthetic domain remains a serious cause of iatrogenic harm. To help reduce this issue, we aimed to explore the potential impact of a simple colour-coded tray to drug preparation and storage on safe drug administration during anaesthesia. Over a six-month period, a total of 30 cases were observed. The observations were conducted at three NHS Trusts by three different trained researchers. Ten observations involved the standard drug trays in ‘normal’ practice and 20 observations, before and after, were conducted where the new “Rainbow trays” were used. A total of 20 semi-structured interviews were conducted immediately upon completing the second observation with the involved anaesthetists. All discussions and detailed notes taken were transcribed and qualitatively analysed using line-byline coding. These codes were then synthesized into themes. Current practice using unicompartmental trays is quick, cheap, and portable but linked to potential or actual harmful errors such as syringe swaps. The Rainbow trays, seem to aid drug identification, allow for drug separation and act as a prompt to guard against drug errors. Limitations to the feasibility of use were around design and placement. The Rainbow trays were perceived as likely to reduce drug errors and improve patient safety. Additionally, there was an overall preference for this novel system at all three sites, as they were perceived to be easy to use and effective.

Classical texts of Ayurveda, basing upon the presence of spines, describes two types of Snuhi i.e, one having excess of spines and the other having less number of spines. The plant having more number of spines are considered as Shrestha (superior). Various parts of Snuhi were administered either externally or internally in multi dosage forms to combat varied disease conditions. Euphorbia neriifolia has been considered as the botanical equivalent of snuhi. A single hand data is unavailable on the usage of Snuhi, externally in various anomalies. This review portrays the wide usage of Snuhi in the form of external administration from 52 different classical texts consisting of treatise and compendia. It is observed that about 253 formulations, in 20 dosage forms, have been recommended, almost 62 varied diseases. Among these disease conditions, Kustha (Skin disorders) is maximum, followed by Arsha (Haemorhoids) and Vatavyadhi (Neuro-muscular anomalies) etc. where latex part of Snuhi has been indicated in external application.Â

Background: Ficus semicordata Buch.-Ham. ex Sm. (Moraceae) has been attributed with copious therapeutic claims in Indian traditional medical systems, especially for its ethnomedicinal and economical uses. Aims: The present study was carried out to evaluate the heavy metal, pesticide, aflatoxin content, antioxidant and nutritional value of leaves and fruits of F. semicordata. Materials and Methods: Heavy metal content; pesticide residues; aflatoxin content; antioxidant potential; and different nutritional parameters such as total carbohydrate, true protein, protein, total fat, energy, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, iron, zinc, manganese, phosphorus, calcium of the leaves, and fruits were evaluated following the standard guidelines. Results: Fruit powder shows the presence of 72.94 ppm Pb while

To study the association between antenatal umbilical coiling index (aUCI) and perinatal outcome.600 primigravidas with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies had an ultrasonography between 18 and 22 weeks of gestation for aUCI by colour Doppler. The aUCI was calculated as the reciprocal of the distance between a pair of coils. It was then correlated with the following pregnancy outcomes: birth weight, mode of delivery, meconium staining of liquor, Apgar scores and gestational age. The results were statistically analysed by χ(2)-test.The mean aUCI was 0.41. Undercoiling was associated with spontaneous preterm delivery (47.87 %), low Apgar score (52.13 %), LBW (52.59 %), FGR (21.28 %) and NICU admission (76.34 %). Overcoiling was associated with preterm deliveries (65.38 %), increased caesarean sections (61.54 %), meconium staining of liquor (67.31 %), low Apgar score (63.46 %) and NICU admission (72.55 %). There was a positive strong correlation between aUCI and birth weight (r = +0.426).Abnormal coiling is strongly correlated with low birth weight.

BACKGROUND: Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a group of symptoms which crop up from the extended viewing of the visual display terminals, when the demands of the task exceed the abilities of the viewer. The symptoms of CVS include eyestrain, dry eyes, burning sensation, headache, focusing difficulties, and neck and shoulder pain. AIM: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of Triphaladi compound and Shunthyadi eye drops in the management of CVS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this trial, forty patients were registered, of which 37 completed the treatment. In Group A, 18 patients had been prescribed Triphaladi compound internally and Shunthyadi eye drops, and in Group B, 19 patients had been prescribed the carboxymethylcellulose eye drops along with ergonomics adopted in both the groups. Assessment was done on the basis of eyestrain, redness, headache, blurring of vision, burning sensation, slow refocusing, irritation, fatigue, tear film breakup time, and Schirmer's I- test. RESULTS: In total, marked improvement was observed in 61% and 53% of patients in Group A and Group B, respectively. CONCLUSION: The study shows that Triphaladi compound and Shunthyadi eye drops provide better relief in breaking down the pathology of CVS topically and systematically.

Background: Hypertensive disorders complicating pregnancy are common (5-10%) and form one member of the deadly triad, along with haemorrhage and infection that contribute greatly to maternal morbidity and mortality rates. Although overt illness rarely appears until third trimester, there are multiple indications that the disease process begin early in the pregnancy. Since years there has been a search for an early predictor of PIH so that special antenatal care can be given to these patients. This prospective study was one of the efforts to predict preeclampsia by measuring serum beta HCG levels and lipid profile in 2nd trimester of pregnancy.Methods: This was a prospective study carried out on 200 pregnant women attending the outpatient antenatal clinic and estimating serum beta HCG and lipid profile in early second trimester.Results: Most of the women who entered the study were in the age group of 21-30 years. Out of 200 patients, 164 remained normotensive and 36 turned out to be hypertensive. 50% of patients in the normotensive group and 75% in the hypertensive group were primigravidas indicating that primigravidas have a higher risk of developing PIH compared to multiparas. No correlation was found between the residence and occurrence of hypertension. Among 45 patients with beta HCG >40,000mIU/mL, 30 developed hypertensions, whereas, among 155 patients who had levels 200 mg/dl. Among the hypertensive group, 83.4% cases had levels >250 mg/dl. A significantly higher number of hypertensive cases i.e.75% had serum VLDL >40 mg/dl. 83.4% of hypertensive patients had serum LDL >140 mg/dl. In our study, 5.5% of the cases among normotensive group had serum HDL

Objective and design — The objective of the study was to find out the prevalence of overweight, obesity, undernutrition and physical activity status in the urban populations of India. Cross-sectional surveys were conducted in 6-12 urban streets in each of five cities in five different regions of India using a common study protocol and criteria of diagnosis. Subjects and methods — A total of 6940∞∞subjects (3433 women and 3507∞∞men) aged 25∞∞years and above were randomly selected from the cities of Moradabad (n∞∞=∞∞2002),Trivandrum (n∞∞=∞∞1602), Calcutta (n∞∞=∞∞900), Nagpur (n∞∞=∞∞894) and Bombay (n∞∞=∞∞1542). Evaluation and validation were performed by a physician and dietitian-administered questionnaire at Moradabad. After pooling of data, all subjects were divided into various age groups for men and women. Obesity (body mass index∞∞=∞∞30 ≥ kg/m 2 ) and overweight (BMI ≥ 25-29.9∞∞kg/m 2 and∞∞>∞∞23∞∞kg/m 2 ) as well as waist-hip ratio (∞∞>∞∞0.85 in women and∞∞>∞∞0.88 in men, central obesity) were calculated and physical activity status assessed by a validated questionnaire. Results — The overall prevalence of obesity was 6.8% (7.8 vs. 6.2%, P∞∞ ∞∞23∞∞kg/m 2 was 50.8% and central obesity 52.6%.The overall prevalence of sedentary behaviour was 59.3% among women and 58.5% among men. Both sedentary behaviour and mild activity showed a significant increasing trend in women after the age of 35-44∞∞years. In men, such a trend was observed above the age of 45∞∞years. Sedentary behaviour was significantly (P

The JNK protein kinase is a member of the MAP kinase group that is activated in response to dual phosphorylation on threonine and tyrosine. Ten JNK isoforms were identified in human brain by molecular cloning. These protein kinases correspond to alternatively spliced isoforms derived from the JNK1, JNK2 and JNK3 genes. The protein kinase activity of these JNK isoforms was measured using the transcription factors ATF2, Elk-1 and members of the Jun family as substrates. Treatment of cells with interleukin-1 (IL-1) caused activation of the JNK isoforms. This activation was blocked by expression of the MAP kinase phosphatase MKP-1. Comparison of the binding activity of the JNK isoforms demonstrated that the JNK proteins differ in their interaction with ATF2, Elk-1 and Jun transcription factors. Individual members of the JNK group may therefore selectively target specific transcription factors in vivo.

Treatment of cells with pro-inflammatory cytokines or ultraviolet radiation causes activation of the c-Jun NH2-terminal protein kinase (JNK). Activating transcription factor-2 (ATF2) was found to be a target of the JNK signal transduction pathway. ATF2 was phosphorylated by JNK on two closely spaced threonine residues within the NH2-terminal activation domain. The replacement of these phosphorylation sites with alanine inhibited the transcriptional activity of ATF2. These mutations also inhibited ATF2-stimulated gene expression mediated by the retinoblastoma (Rb) tumor suppressor and the adenovirus early region 1A (E1A) oncoprotein. Furthermore, expression of dominant-negative JNK inhibited ATF2 transcriptional activity. Together, these data demonstrate a role for the JNK signal transduction pathway in transcriptional responses mediated by ATF2.

A less common fistula among the organs of the female genitourinary tract is the vesicouterine one, mostly due to cesarean section. During the last years, this type of fistula has been observed, as the classical cesarean section has given way to the lower segment cesarean section.