Male migrants act as a bridge for transmitting infection from core risk groups to general populat... more Male migrants act as a bridge for transmitting infection from core risk groups to general population and hence this group becomes essential for the HIV control program. Migrant workers constitute a large proportion of workforce in India and HIV/AIDS epidemic in them would cause huge economic losses. The aim of this study was to ascertain the HIV-risk behavior among male migrant factory workers. This was a cross-sectional facility based survey conducted in 2011. Male migrant workers aged ≥18 years, who were born outside Haryana, who had moved to current location after 15 years of age, who had worked in the current factory for at least one year, who were willing to participate and able to give valid consent were eligible. A consecutive sampling was done. Descriptive, bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were done. A total of 755 male subjects completed the interview. About 21.5% had experienced non-spousal sexual intercourse in last one year. Nearly 60% did not use a condom at the last non-spousal sex. Factors associated with recent non-spousal sex were being unmarried, younger age at migration, recent migration to Haryana, greater number of places migrated and lesser total duration of migration and those associated with non-use of condom at the last non-spousal sex were older age, lower education, lesser number of places migrated and lower level of HIV/AIDS knowledge. Unprotected, recent non-spousal sex was common among male migrants, which could increase their HIV/AIDS vulnerability.
In the last decade, neo-classical economists have used the Consumption-Growth Based Utility (CGBU... more In the last decade, neo-classical economists have used the Consumption-Growth Based Utility (CGBU) framework to suggest an appropriate discount rate for eco-system capital. The CGBU framework, being based on the simplicity and single-valued nature of man-made capital, is subject to many limitations. Three general limitations of the framework, irrespective of its use for man-made capital or ecosystem capital, paradox of consumption growth, expectations' insensitive utility specification, and insensitivity to the nature of returns, are discussed. With respect to its use for ecosystem capital, the framework has two limitations: ecosystems cannot be commoditized and ecosystem capital satisfies differentiated needs, and, hence, gross substitution between different components of ecosystem capital or between ecosystem capital and man-made capital is not possible. Therefore, the rate of discount for ecosystem capital suggested on the basis of the framework is arbitrary. In the context o...
The extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK) 4 (MAPK4) and ERK3 (MAPK6) are structurally related atyp... more The extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK) 4 (MAPK4) and ERK3 (MAPK6) are structurally related atypical MAPKs displaying major differences only in the C-terminal extension. ERK3 is known as an unstable mostly cytoplasmic protein that binds, translocates, and activates the MAPK-activated protein kinase (MK) 5. Here we have investigated the stability and expression of ERK4 and have analyzed its ability to bind, translocate, and activate MK5. We show that, in contrast to ERK3, ERK4 is a stable protein that binds to endogenous MK5. Interaction of ERK4 with MK5 leads to translocation of MK5 to the cytoplasm and to its activation by phosphorylation. In transfected HEK293 cells, where overexpressed catalytically dead ERK3 is able to activate MK5, catalytic activity of ERK4 is necessary for activation of MK5, indicating that ERK4 directly phosphorylates MK5. Interestingly, ERK4 dimerizes and/or oligomerizes with ERK3, suggesting that overexpressed inactive ERK3 recruits active endogenous ERK4...
HIV estimates in India were based on HIV sentinel surveillance (HSS) data and several assumptions... more HIV estimates in India were based on HIV sentinel surveillance (HSS) data and several assumptions. Expansion of sentinel surveillance to all districts and community based HIV prevalence measured by National Family Health Survey-3 (NFHS-3) in 2006 provided opportunity to replace many of the assumptions with evidence based information and improve the HIV estimate closer to reality. This article presents a detailed account of the methodology used for the 2006 HIV burden estimates for India. State-wise adult HIV prevalence among different risk groups observed from HSS 2006 was adjusted for site level variations using a random effects model and for the previous four years the same was back calculated using trend equations derived from a mixed effects logistic regression model based on consistent sites prevalence. The adjusted HIV prevalence among the general population was calibrated to the estimates from NFHS-3. Overall point estimates of adult HIV prevalence in each State for 2002-2006...
The biological response to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) involves activation of MAP kinases. Here w... more The biological response to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) involves activation of MAP kinases. Here we report a mechanism of MAP kinase activation by TNF that is mediated by the Rho GTPase family members Rac/Cdc42. This signaling pathway requires Src-dependent activation of the guanosine nucleotide exchange factor Vav, activation of Rac/Cdc42, and the engagement of the Rac/Cdc42 interaction site (CRIB motif) on mixed-lineage protein kinases (MLKs). We show that this pathway is essential for full MAP kinase activation during the response to TNF. Moreover, this MLK pathway contributes to inflammation in vivo.
Polygalacturonases are the pectinolytic enzymes that catalyze the hydrolytic cleavage of the poly... more Polygalacturonases are the pectinolytic enzymes that catalyze the hydrolytic cleavage of the polygalacturonic acid chain. In the present study, polygalacturonase from Aspergillus niger (MTCC 3323) was purified. The enzyme precipitated with 60% ethanol resulted in 1.68-fold purification. The enzyme was purified to 6.52-fold by Sephacryl S-200 gel-filtration chromatography. On SDS-PAGE analysis, enzyme was found to be a heterodimer of 34 and 69 kDa subunit. Homogeneity of the enzyme was checked by NATIVE-PAGE and its molecular weight was found to be 106 kDa. The purified enzyme showed maximum activity in the presence of polygalacturonic acid at temperature of 45 °C, pH of 4.8, reaction time of 15 min. The enzyme was stable within the pH range of 4.0-5.5 for 1 h. At 4 °C it retained 50% activity after 108 h but at room temperature it lost its 50% activity after 3h. The addition of Mn(2+), K(+), Zn(2+), Ca(2+) and Al(3+) inhibited the enzyme activity; it increased in the presence of Mg(...
Saturated free fatty acid (FFA) is implicated in the metabolic response to obesity. In vitro stud... more Saturated free fatty acid (FFA) is implicated in the metabolic response to obesity. In vitro studies indicate that FFA signaling may be mediated by the mixed-lineage protein kinase (MLK) pathway that activates cJun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK). Here, we examined the role of the MLK pathway in vivo using a mouse model of diet-induced obesity. The ubiquitously expressed MLK2 and MLK3 protein kinases have partially redundant functions. We therefore compared wild-type and compound mutant mice that lack expression of MLK2 and MLK3. MLK deficiency protected mice against high-fat-diet-induced insulin resistance and obesity. Reduced JNK activation and increased energy expenditure contribute to the metabolic effects of MLK deficiency. These data confirm that the MLK pathway plays a critical role in the metabolic response to obesity.
There is dearth of information about psychiatric morbidity at secondary level health facility in ... more There is dearth of information about psychiatric morbidity at secondary level health facility in India. To study psychiatric morbidity amongst patients attending psychiatry clinic in secondary level health facility. Present study is based on hospital record review of psychiatry clinic at secondary care hospital in Ballabgarh, Haryana. Service record of psychiatry clinic at civil hospital Ballabgarh was reviewed. Diagnosis of psychiatric morbidity was done according to DSM IV and ICD 10 classification. Descriptive analysis of data was carried out. A total of 724 (0.7%) new OPD patients consulted psychiatry clinic. Common Mental Disorders comprising of mood disorders, neurotic stress -related and somatoform disorders were the most commonly diagnosed disorders (60.5%) amongst reported psychiatric morbidity in the hospital. Substantial burden of psychiatry morbidity highlights necessity of psychiatry clinic at secondary care hospital in India.
There has been an increase in institutional delivery rates in India in the recent years. However,... more There has been an increase in institutional delivery rates in India in the recent years. However, in areas with high institutional delivery rates, most deliveries (>50%) occur in private institutions rather than in government facilities where zero expense delivery services are being provided. This study aimed to understand, from the community health volunteers' viewpoint, the reasons for underutilization of zero expense delivery services provided in government health facilities. Five Focused Group Discussions (FGD) were conducted among Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHAs) of a Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Dayalpur village, Haryana in December 2012. Participants were asked to articulate the possible reasons that they thought were responsible for expectant mothers not choosing to deliver in government health facilities. Verbal informed consent was obtained from all participants. The commonly stated reasons for underutilization of government health facilities for delivery...
Three problems-one-way effect hypothesis, data and estimation problems-in the existing econometri... more Three problems-one-way effect hypothesis, data and estimation problems-in the existing econometric models of global deforestation are addressed, robustness of the results is tested and country-specific policy prescriptions, for five countries, are suggested. A theoretical deforestation model is proposed by incorporating two-way effects of all explanatory variables, and hypothesizing that the net effect of a variable may vary across regions. Deforestation
The failure of forest owners,and managers,to exclude,user groups,from,use of the resource,forces ... more The failure of forest owners,and managers,to exclude,user groups,from,use of the resource,forces them,to opt for a collaborative management approach, termed as joint management or comanagement. Joint forest management has been compared,with agriculture crop sharing arrangements. With the objective of making joint forest manage- ment a sustainable venture, a model based on the cooperative/bargaining nature of the agreements for sharing the
The existing market-oriented valuation techniques for forest states (values), having public good ... more The existing market-oriented valuation techniques for forest states (values), having public good features, are subject to some conceptual limitations. Multiple forest values are closer to the concept of ‘social states’ than market price or monetary value, and the decisions related to SFM are decisions of ‘social choice’ and not decisions to be guided by conventional benefit–cost analysis, based on monetization
A single dimensional measure of economic welfare in terms of per capita income has neglected the ... more A single dimensional measure of economic welfare in terms of per capita income has neglected the contribution of the non-timber benefits of forests; hence forests have not received their due weight in literature on the development process. Advocates a multi-dimensional measure of economic welfare. Presents, at the global level, an overview of the contribution of non-timber forest products and at
The existing forest economic models, rooted in sustained yield timber management systems and neo-... more The existing forest economic models, rooted in sustained yield timber management systems and neo-classical economic framework, are subject to many limitations. Social, economic, and ecological features of sustainable forest management (SFM) are different than that of sustained yield timber management. Hence, the economics of SFM will be based on different economic principles. The two main requirements of the economics of
The present study aimed to estimate the age and cause-specific mortality in Ballabgarh Health and... more The present study aimed to estimate the age and cause-specific mortality in Ballabgarh Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) site for the years 2009 to 2012, using a probabilistic model (InterVA-4). All Deaths in Ballabgarh HDSS from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2012, were included in the study. InterVA-4 model (version 4.02) was used for assigning cause of death (COD). Data from the verbal autopsy (VA) tool were extracted and processed with the InterVA-4 model. Cause-specific mortality rate (CSMR) per 1,000 person-years was calculated. A total of 2,459 deaths occurred in the HDSS during the year 2009 to 2012. Among them, 2,174 (88.4%) valid VA interviews were conducted. Crude death rate ranged from 7.1 (2009) to 6.4 (2012) per 1,000 population. The CSMR per 1,000 person-years over the years (2009-2012) for non-communicable diseases, communicable diseases, trauma, neoplasm, and maternal and neonatal diseases were 1.78, 1.68, 0.68, 0.49, and 0.48, respectively. The mo...
Male migrants act as a bridge for transmitting infection from core risk groups to general populat... more Male migrants act as a bridge for transmitting infection from core risk groups to general population and hence this group becomes essential for the HIV control program. Migrant workers constitute a large proportion of workforce in India and HIV/AIDS epidemic in them would cause huge economic losses. The aim of this study was to ascertain the HIV-risk behavior among male migrant factory workers. This was a cross-sectional facility based survey conducted in 2011. Male migrant workers aged ≥18 years, who were born outside Haryana, who had moved to current location after 15 years of age, who had worked in the current factory for at least one year, who were willing to participate and able to give valid consent were eligible. A consecutive sampling was done. Descriptive, bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were done. A total of 755 male subjects completed the interview. About 21.5% had experienced non-spousal sexual intercourse in last one year. Nearly 60% did not use a condom at the last non-spousal sex. Factors associated with recent non-spousal sex were being unmarried, younger age at migration, recent migration to Haryana, greater number of places migrated and lesser total duration of migration and those associated with non-use of condom at the last non-spousal sex were older age, lower education, lesser number of places migrated and lower level of HIV/AIDS knowledge. Unprotected, recent non-spousal sex was common among male migrants, which could increase their HIV/AIDS vulnerability.
In the last decade, neo-classical economists have used the Consumption-Growth Based Utility (CGBU... more In the last decade, neo-classical economists have used the Consumption-Growth Based Utility (CGBU) framework to suggest an appropriate discount rate for eco-system capital. The CGBU framework, being based on the simplicity and single-valued nature of man-made capital, is subject to many limitations. Three general limitations of the framework, irrespective of its use for man-made capital or ecosystem capital, paradox of consumption growth, expectations' insensitive utility specification, and insensitivity to the nature of returns, are discussed. With respect to its use for ecosystem capital, the framework has two limitations: ecosystems cannot be commoditized and ecosystem capital satisfies differentiated needs, and, hence, gross substitution between different components of ecosystem capital or between ecosystem capital and man-made capital is not possible. Therefore, the rate of discount for ecosystem capital suggested on the basis of the framework is arbitrary. In the context o...
The extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK) 4 (MAPK4) and ERK3 (MAPK6) are structurally related atyp... more The extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK) 4 (MAPK4) and ERK3 (MAPK6) are structurally related atypical MAPKs displaying major differences only in the C-terminal extension. ERK3 is known as an unstable mostly cytoplasmic protein that binds, translocates, and activates the MAPK-activated protein kinase (MK) 5. Here we have investigated the stability and expression of ERK4 and have analyzed its ability to bind, translocate, and activate MK5. We show that, in contrast to ERK3, ERK4 is a stable protein that binds to endogenous MK5. Interaction of ERK4 with MK5 leads to translocation of MK5 to the cytoplasm and to its activation by phosphorylation. In transfected HEK293 cells, where overexpressed catalytically dead ERK3 is able to activate MK5, catalytic activity of ERK4 is necessary for activation of MK5, indicating that ERK4 directly phosphorylates MK5. Interestingly, ERK4 dimerizes and/or oligomerizes with ERK3, suggesting that overexpressed inactive ERK3 recruits active endogenous ERK4...
HIV estimates in India were based on HIV sentinel surveillance (HSS) data and several assumptions... more HIV estimates in India were based on HIV sentinel surveillance (HSS) data and several assumptions. Expansion of sentinel surveillance to all districts and community based HIV prevalence measured by National Family Health Survey-3 (NFHS-3) in 2006 provided opportunity to replace many of the assumptions with evidence based information and improve the HIV estimate closer to reality. This article presents a detailed account of the methodology used for the 2006 HIV burden estimates for India. State-wise adult HIV prevalence among different risk groups observed from HSS 2006 was adjusted for site level variations using a random effects model and for the previous four years the same was back calculated using trend equations derived from a mixed effects logistic regression model based on consistent sites prevalence. The adjusted HIV prevalence among the general population was calibrated to the estimates from NFHS-3. Overall point estimates of adult HIV prevalence in each State for 2002-2006...
The biological response to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) involves activation of MAP kinases. Here w... more The biological response to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) involves activation of MAP kinases. Here we report a mechanism of MAP kinase activation by TNF that is mediated by the Rho GTPase family members Rac/Cdc42. This signaling pathway requires Src-dependent activation of the guanosine nucleotide exchange factor Vav, activation of Rac/Cdc42, and the engagement of the Rac/Cdc42 interaction site (CRIB motif) on mixed-lineage protein kinases (MLKs). We show that this pathway is essential for full MAP kinase activation during the response to TNF. Moreover, this MLK pathway contributes to inflammation in vivo.
Polygalacturonases are the pectinolytic enzymes that catalyze the hydrolytic cleavage of the poly... more Polygalacturonases are the pectinolytic enzymes that catalyze the hydrolytic cleavage of the polygalacturonic acid chain. In the present study, polygalacturonase from Aspergillus niger (MTCC 3323) was purified. The enzyme precipitated with 60% ethanol resulted in 1.68-fold purification. The enzyme was purified to 6.52-fold by Sephacryl S-200 gel-filtration chromatography. On SDS-PAGE analysis, enzyme was found to be a heterodimer of 34 and 69 kDa subunit. Homogeneity of the enzyme was checked by NATIVE-PAGE and its molecular weight was found to be 106 kDa. The purified enzyme showed maximum activity in the presence of polygalacturonic acid at temperature of 45 °C, pH of 4.8, reaction time of 15 min. The enzyme was stable within the pH range of 4.0-5.5 for 1 h. At 4 °C it retained 50% activity after 108 h but at room temperature it lost its 50% activity after 3h. The addition of Mn(2+), K(+), Zn(2+), Ca(2+) and Al(3+) inhibited the enzyme activity; it increased in the presence of Mg(...
Saturated free fatty acid (FFA) is implicated in the metabolic response to obesity. In vitro stud... more Saturated free fatty acid (FFA) is implicated in the metabolic response to obesity. In vitro studies indicate that FFA signaling may be mediated by the mixed-lineage protein kinase (MLK) pathway that activates cJun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK). Here, we examined the role of the MLK pathway in vivo using a mouse model of diet-induced obesity. The ubiquitously expressed MLK2 and MLK3 protein kinases have partially redundant functions. We therefore compared wild-type and compound mutant mice that lack expression of MLK2 and MLK3. MLK deficiency protected mice against high-fat-diet-induced insulin resistance and obesity. Reduced JNK activation and increased energy expenditure contribute to the metabolic effects of MLK deficiency. These data confirm that the MLK pathway plays a critical role in the metabolic response to obesity.
There is dearth of information about psychiatric morbidity at secondary level health facility in ... more There is dearth of information about psychiatric morbidity at secondary level health facility in India. To study psychiatric morbidity amongst patients attending psychiatry clinic in secondary level health facility. Present study is based on hospital record review of psychiatry clinic at secondary care hospital in Ballabgarh, Haryana. Service record of psychiatry clinic at civil hospital Ballabgarh was reviewed. Diagnosis of psychiatric morbidity was done according to DSM IV and ICD 10 classification. Descriptive analysis of data was carried out. A total of 724 (0.7%) new OPD patients consulted psychiatry clinic. Common Mental Disorders comprising of mood disorders, neurotic stress -related and somatoform disorders were the most commonly diagnosed disorders (60.5%) amongst reported psychiatric morbidity in the hospital. Substantial burden of psychiatry morbidity highlights necessity of psychiatry clinic at secondary care hospital in India.
There has been an increase in institutional delivery rates in India in the recent years. However,... more There has been an increase in institutional delivery rates in India in the recent years. However, in areas with high institutional delivery rates, most deliveries (>50%) occur in private institutions rather than in government facilities where zero expense delivery services are being provided. This study aimed to understand, from the community health volunteers' viewpoint, the reasons for underutilization of zero expense delivery services provided in government health facilities. Five Focused Group Discussions (FGD) were conducted among Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHAs) of a Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Dayalpur village, Haryana in December 2012. Participants were asked to articulate the possible reasons that they thought were responsible for expectant mothers not choosing to deliver in government health facilities. Verbal informed consent was obtained from all participants. The commonly stated reasons for underutilization of government health facilities for delivery...
Three problems-one-way effect hypothesis, data and estimation problems-in the existing econometri... more Three problems-one-way effect hypothesis, data and estimation problems-in the existing econometric models of global deforestation are addressed, robustness of the results is tested and country-specific policy prescriptions, for five countries, are suggested. A theoretical deforestation model is proposed by incorporating two-way effects of all explanatory variables, and hypothesizing that the net effect of a variable may vary across regions. Deforestation
The failure of forest owners,and managers,to exclude,user groups,from,use of the resource,forces ... more The failure of forest owners,and managers,to exclude,user groups,from,use of the resource,forces them,to opt for a collaborative management approach, termed as joint management or comanagement. Joint forest management has been compared,with agriculture crop sharing arrangements. With the objective of making joint forest manage- ment a sustainable venture, a model based on the cooperative/bargaining nature of the agreements for sharing the
The existing market-oriented valuation techniques for forest states (values), having public good ... more The existing market-oriented valuation techniques for forest states (values), having public good features, are subject to some conceptual limitations. Multiple forest values are closer to the concept of ‘social states’ than market price or monetary value, and the decisions related to SFM are decisions of ‘social choice’ and not decisions to be guided by conventional benefit–cost analysis, based on monetization
A single dimensional measure of economic welfare in terms of per capita income has neglected the ... more A single dimensional measure of economic welfare in terms of per capita income has neglected the contribution of the non-timber benefits of forests; hence forests have not received their due weight in literature on the development process. Advocates a multi-dimensional measure of economic welfare. Presents, at the global level, an overview of the contribution of non-timber forest products and at
The existing forest economic models, rooted in sustained yield timber management systems and neo-... more The existing forest economic models, rooted in sustained yield timber management systems and neo-classical economic framework, are subject to many limitations. Social, economic, and ecological features of sustainable forest management (SFM) are different than that of sustained yield timber management. Hence, the economics of SFM will be based on different economic principles. The two main requirements of the economics of
The present study aimed to estimate the age and cause-specific mortality in Ballabgarh Health and... more The present study aimed to estimate the age and cause-specific mortality in Ballabgarh Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) site for the years 2009 to 2012, using a probabilistic model (InterVA-4). All Deaths in Ballabgarh HDSS from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2012, were included in the study. InterVA-4 model (version 4.02) was used for assigning cause of death (COD). Data from the verbal autopsy (VA) tool were extracted and processed with the InterVA-4 model. Cause-specific mortality rate (CSMR) per 1,000 person-years was calculated. A total of 2,459 deaths occurred in the HDSS during the year 2009 to 2012. Among them, 2,174 (88.4%) valid VA interviews were conducted. Crude death rate ranged from 7.1 (2009) to 6.4 (2012) per 1,000 population. The CSMR per 1,000 person-years over the years (2009-2012) for non-communicable diseases, communicable diseases, trauma, neoplasm, and maternal and neonatal diseases were 1.78, 1.68, 0.68, 0.49, and 0.48, respectively. The mo...
Uploads
Papers by shashi kant