Entrepreneurship and Institutional Environment: Perspectives from the Review of Literature

The present study reveals how entrepreneurship and institutional environment has been addressed in the past theoretically and empirically. Main premise is to provide a broad overview of the existing studies on entrepreneurship and institutional environment throughout the world; show its development and movement over the past decades and fuse its findings on the basis of the insights gained from the review of the related literature. A methodical search was conducted in the leading journals of entrepreneurship. A total of 103 articles and research papers were reviewed. This methodical literature review not only increases the lucidity of the available literature but unveils significant areas for future research as well. Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Institutional environment

CATIONIC PEPTIDE LACTOFERRICIN B INHIBITS GLUTATHIONE S-TRANSFERASE P1 FROM HUMAN PLACENTA AND BREAST CANCER CELL LINE MDA-MB-231 PREVENTING ANTICANCER DRUG METABOLISM

Objective: To investigate the interaction of LfcinB (Lactoferricin B) with GSTP1 (Glutathione S-Transferase P1) from human placental and breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231.Methods: We examined the interaction of Lfcin B with human placental GSTP1 and breast adenocarcinoma MD-MB-231 cell line. Enzyme activity of GSTP1 was measured with and without pre-incubation with Lfcin B. Kinetic variables were determined by incubating the enzyme reaction mixture with fixed GSH (reduced glutathione) concentration and varying CDNB (1-chloro-2, 4-dinitrobenzene) concentrations or fixed CDNB concentration and varying GSH concentrations.Results: Lfcin B is a competitive inhibitor with respect to GSH binding site (G site) and noncompetitive inhibitor with respect to hydrophobic substrate unit (H site) of human placental GSTP1 enzyme. Lfcin B was also incubated with GSTP1 from breast adenocarcinoma MDA-MB-231 cell line. The activity of GSTP1 was much higher (0.2665 μ mol/ml/min) in Lfcin B untreated MDA-MB-231 cell line, whereas MDA-MB-231 with Lfcin B treatment showed a very low activity (0.0254 μ mol/ml/min).Conclusion: Our Findings suggest that Lfcin B can inhibit the GSTP1 activity in human placental and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines, which may induce synergistic effects when used in combination with antineoplastic drugs that are substrates of GSTP1 enzyme. This combination will exert a double attack on cancers over expressing GSTP1, first sensitizing them to anticancer drugs by preventing their metabolism.Â

Fabry’s Disease: Case Series and Review of Literature

Fabry’s disease is an X‑linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by a deficiency of alpha‑galactosidase A enzyme with the progressive accumulation of globotriaosylceramide in vascular endothelial cells leading to cardiovascular, renal, gastrointestinal, neuropathic, lenticular, and dermatological manifestations. It is a rare cause of end‑stage renal disease. It classically affects males whereas 10–15% of female heterozygote carriers are affected depending on localization. Both the FD and its association with ESRD is rare. With this background, this case series of five patient’s along with the review of literature is presented here.Keywords: Alpha‑galactosidase A, End‑stage renal disease, Fabry’s disease, Kidney transplantation, Proteinuri

Government Policy Ecosystem for Entrepreneurship Development in MSEs Sector

Government Policy Ecosystem is central to the entrepreneurship development in any economy and generally includes Policies relating to government spending, taxation and regulation etc. There are two distinct channels through which government Policy ecosystem impacts the rate of entrepreneurship; the first is through its impact on the quantity and quality of inputs going into the entrepreneurial process and the second is through the impact of Policy on the institutional structure that determines the rules of the game under which the entrepreneurial process unfolds. The present study aims to assess the ‘Government Policy Ecosystem’ existing in the Jammu & Kashmir State towards the overall entrepreneurship development in the Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) Sector. The study is based on the response of the representative respondents {existing MSEs Sector entrepreneurs from all the three regions (Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh) of the state} against the parameters: Policy focus and nature; Taxation and other regulatory Policies; and Policy implementation structure. Findings indicate that to the extent the Policy implementation structure is made proper and more coordination is brought in among the EPAs in implementing the state polIcies , there will be a remarkable entrepreneurship development in the MSEs Sector of the State. Towards the end of the study for the robust entrepreneurship development in Micro and Small Enterprises Sector of the State, on the basis of the findings, certain suggestions have been put forth for the improvement in the existing ‘Government Policy Ecosystem’ for MSEs Sector

CHEMOPROTECTIVE ROLE OF BOVINE LACTOFERRICIN AGAINST 7, 12 DIMETHYLBENZ (A) ANTHRACENE INDUCED SKIN CANCER IN FEMALE SWISS ALBINO MICE

Objective: To investigate the chemo-preventive effect of subcutaneous injection of bovine lactofericin (LfcinB) against 7, 12 dimethylbenz (a) anthracene (DMBA) induced carcinogenesis in swiss albino female mice.Methods: 30 animals were divided into 3 groups. 200μl of DMBA (0.025μg/μl) per animal three times per week as topical was used to induce skin cancer in both groups II and III. In addition to DMBA, group III was protected with subcutaneous injection of LfcinB (20μg/μl) while group I served as control. At the end of 16th week lysates/blood/serum were subjected to various tests such as antioxidant, glucose, liver enzymes and kidney marker parameters.Results: Topical application of 200μl DMBA (0.025μg/μl) per animal three times per week has produced 100% tumor incidence in DMBA treated group at the end of 16th week whereas only 20% developed tumors in the LfcinB+DMBA treated group. Antioxidants level were found to be significantly (P<0.01) depleted in reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) and liver enzymes, Alaninine aminotransferase (ALT) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Subcutaneous administration of 200μl of LfcinB (20μg/μl) significantly (P<0.01) normalized the antioxidants (GSH, GR, GPx and CAT) levels.Conclusion: LfcinB exerts its chemoprotective effect through acting as an antioxidant, thereby inhibiting carcinogenesis, hepatocellular and renal damage. Lfcin B may act as a promising chemoprotective agent against DMBA induced skin cancer

Personality profiles, emotional maturity and parental acceptance/rejection of children of working and non-working mothers.

The family is regarded as one of the primary group of society concerned with face to face relationship. A child receives his earliest education in his family. It is here that his basic ideas, ideals as well as many attitudes towards himself and his associates are initiated which determine his later adjustment to school and other out of home situations. The attitudes, economic status, behavioural experiences of his/her parents and family environment, all influence the child’s behaviour both directly and indirectly. Woman as a mother has a great role to play in the development of her children. The mother’s interaction with the child has a profound impact on the development of child. In the absence of mother a child feels lonely, insecure and this adversely affects not only the initial activities of the child but also the social and personal development of the child. A mother has more opportunities than the father to influence the child’s growth and behaviour. However it is obvious that when mother enters the employment market their children face crisis from their early age, because they are then usually reared by servants. They cannot take proper care of these children as their mothers can. So, they face hardships in terms of emotional support and rearing. Working Mothers usually place their children in childcare, which results less attention & instruction. It may have significant cognitive effects later in child hood. It has also been found that working mothers had a negative impact on their children, because after work they are sometimes too tired to interact with their children (Reynolds et al., 2003).Digital copy of Ph.D thesis.University of Kashmir

Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: Spectrum of Clinical Presentation from a Tertiary Referral Center in Pakistan

Background: Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (P-NETs) constitute a subset of pancreatic mass lesions characterized by diverse clinical presentations. Despite their inherent malignant potential, the timely identification and treatment of these tumors are critical for achieving favorable clinical outcomes. This study aims to shed light on the heterogeneous tumor biology of P-NETs and the management strategies employed at a tertiary care center in Pakistan.Method: A retrospective study encompassing all patients with a biopsy-confirmed diagnosis of P-NETs at Shifa International Hospital between January 1st, 2016, and June 30th, 2021, was conducted. Meticulous data extraction from pathology records and thorough searches of medical records were performed to gather relevant demographic and clinical information.Results: A total of 24 patients were retrieved from our database, with 13 (54%) female patients. The mean age was 49.5 ± 16.3 years. Eight out of the 24 patients presented with abdominal pain. Most patients (14 out of 24) had lesions in the pancreatic head region. In three cases, lesions exhibited multicentricity. The mean lesion size measured 4.4 ± 2.3 cm. Three of the 24 patients displayed distant liver metastasis at the presentation time. 19 out of the 24 patients underwent surgical resections, while endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided biopsy was performed in 4 out of 24 cases. EUS-guided tissue biopsy yielded accurate diagnoses in all four cases.Conclusion: Most P-NETs are non-functional, and there is an almost equal distribution between male and female patients. Solitary lesions predominate, and metastasis is uncommon at initial presentation. EUS-guided fine needle biopsy stands out as a dependable diagnostic modality for P-NETs

Systematic challenges and opportunities in insect monitoring: a Global South perspective

Insect monitoring is pivotal for assessing biodiversity and informing conservation strategies. This study delves into the complex realm of insect monitoring in the Global South—world developing and least-developed countries as identified by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development—highlighting challenges and proposing strategic solutions. An analysis of publications from 1990 to 2024 reveals an imbalance in research contributions between the Global North and South, highlighting disparities in entomological research and the scarcity of taxonomic expertise in the Global South. We discuss the socio-economic factors that exacerbate the issues, including funding disparities, challenges in collaboration, infrastructure deficits, information technology obstacles and the impact of local currency devaluation. In addition, we emphasize the crucial role of environmental factors in shaping insect diversity, particularly in tropical regions facing multiple challenges including climate change, urbanization, pollution and various anthropogenic activities. We also stress the need for entomologists to advocate for ecosystem services provided by insects in addressing environmental issues. To enhance monitoring capacity, we propose strategies such as community engagement, outreach programmes and cultural activities to instill biodiversity appreciation. Further, language inclusivity and social media use are emphasized for effective communication. More collaborations with Global North counterparts, particularly in areas of molecular biology and remote sensing, are suggested for technological advancements. In conclusion, advocating for these strategies—global collaborations, a diverse entomological community and the integration of transverse disciplines—aims to address challenges and foster inclusive, sustainable insect monitoring in the Global South, contributing significantly to biodiversity conservation and overall ecosystem health

Genome-wide association identifies nine common variants associated with fasting proinsulin levels and provides new insights into the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: Proinsulin is a precursor of mature insulin and C-peptide. Higher circulating proinsulin levels are associated with impaired β-cell function, raised glucose levels, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Studies of the insulin processing pathway could provide new insights about T2D pathophysiology. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We have conducted a meta-analysis of genome-wide association tests of ∼2.5 million genotyped or imputed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and fasting proinsulin levels in 10,701 nondiabetic adults of European ancestry, with follow-up of 23 loci in up to 16,378 individuals, using additive genetic models adjusted for age, sex, fasting insulin, and study-specific covariates. RESULTS: Nine SNPs at eight loci were associated with proinsulin levels (P < 5 × 10(-8)). Two loci (LARP6 and SGSM2) have not been previously related to metabolic traits, one (MADD) has been associated with fasting glucose, one (PCSK1) has been implicated in obesity, and four (TCF7L2, SLC30A8, VPS13C/C2CD4A/B, and ARAP1, formerly CENTD2) increase T2D risk. The proinsulin-raising allele of ARAP1 was associated with a lower fasting glucose (P = 1.7 × 10(-4)), improved β-cell function (P = 1.1 × 10(-5)), and lower risk of T2D (odds ratio 0.88; P = 7.8 × 10(-6)). Notably, PCSK1 encodes the protein prohormone convertase 1/3, the first enzyme in the insulin processing pathway. A genotype score composed of the nine proinsulin-raising alleles was not associated with coronary disease in two large case-control datasets. CONCLUSIONS: We have identified nine genetic variants associated with fasting proinsulin. Our findings illuminate the biology underlying glucose homeostasis and T2D development in humans and argue against a direct role of proinsulin in coronary artery disease pathogenesis

Global impacts of Covid-19 on lifestyles and health and preparation preferences: an international survey of 30 countries

Background: The health area being greatest impacted by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and residents' perspective to better prepare for future pandemic remain unknown. We aimed to assess and make cross-country and cross-region comparisons of the global impacts of COVID-19 and preparation preferences of pandemic. Methods: We recruited adults in 30 countries covering all World Health Organization (WHO) regions from July 2020 to August 2021. 5 Likert-point scales were used to measure their perceived change in 32 aspects due to COVID-19 (-2 = substantially reduced to 2 = substantially increased) and perceived importance of 13 preparations (1 = not important to 5 = extremely important). Samples were stratified by age and gender in the corresponding countries. Multidimensional preference analysis displays disparities between 30 countries, WHO regions, economic development levels, and COVID-19 severity levels. Results: 16 512 adults participated, with 10 351 females. Among 32 aspects of impact, the most affected were having a meal at home (mean (m) = 0.84, standard error (SE) = 0.01), cooking at home (m = 0.78, SE = 0.01), social activities (m = -0.68, SE = 0.01), duration of screen time (m = 0.67, SE = 0.01), and duration of sitting (m = 0.59, SE = 0.01). Alcohol (m = -0.36, SE = 0.01) and tobacco (m = -0.38, SE = 0.01) consumption declined moderately. Among 13 preparations, respondents rated medicine delivery (m = 3.50, SE = 0.01), getting prescribed medicine in a hospital visit / follow-up in a community pharmacy (m = 3.37, SE = 0.01), and online shopping (m = 3.33, SE = 0.02) as the most important. The multidimensional preference analysis showed the European Region, Region of the Americas, Western Pacific Region and countries with a high-income level or medium to high COVID-19 severity were more adversely impacted on sitting and screen time duration and social activities, whereas other regions and countries experienced more cooking and eating at home. Countries with a high-income level or medium to high COVID-19 severity reported higher perceived mental burden and emotional distress. Except for low- and lower-middle-income countries, medicine delivery was always prioritised. Conclusions: Global increasing sitting and screen time and limiting social activities deserve as much attention as mental health. Besides, the pandemic has ushered in a notable enhancement in lifestyle of home cooking and eating, while simultaneously reducing the consumption of tobacco and alcohol. A health care system and technological infrastructure that facilitate medicine delivery, medicine prescription, and online shopping are priorities for coping with future pandemics