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Protein kinase C (PKC) has been the center of many cell signaling pathways. PKC isoforms, specifically PKC‐βII is linked to both diabetic complications as well as in promotion of angiogenesis and regulation of cancers. PKC‐βII activates the PKB/Akt pathway. Enzastaurin, a selective PKC‐βII inhibitor has been found to inhibit PKB/Akt by suppressing the regulation of various cancerous pathways. In the present work, we carried out an in depth study on the binding mode of inhibitors of PKC‐βII, enzastaurin and ruboxistaurin with the active site residues of PKB and PKC‐βII. A ligand based approach has been further used to determine the pharmacophoric features and spatial arrangement of molecules, having common properties necessary for appropriate binding to the active site of both targets. Virtual screening of the respective pharmacophores of both proteins led to identification of hits which may be useful for treatment of diabetic complications and cancer. The study has highlighted important features that may be considered in the future for designing novel inhibitors.

Diabetes causes contractile myocardial dysfunction through accelerated atherosclerosis and hypertension, termed Diabetic Cardiomyopathy. Experimental results reveals liaison between cardiovascular disease and diabetic complications. Protein kinase C (PKC), a heterogeneous family of phospholipid dependent kinases was found to be specifically involved in diabetic complications, of which PKC‐βII isoform played a significant role in induction of this fatal disease. Members of PKC family share high degree of similarity in both structure and functions, which has given rise to specificity related issues. In the present study, we have designed peptides and peptidomimetics based on RACK 1 (Receptor for Activated C Kinases) region, as this protein increases the substrate phosphorylation and stabilizes the activated form of PKC‐βII. RACK 1 being specific for PKC‐βII could resolve the specificity issue and also peptides and peptidomimetics, being conformationally restrained structures offers potential advantages of being used as drug molecules over organic molecules. This study has provided useful insights that may contribute to the development of molecules which may be useful in the treatment of diabetic complications.

Abstract: Neisseria meningitis is a common etiological agent in bacterial meningitis in humans. Common complications associated with meningococcal meningitis include cranial nerve palsies, hydrocephalus, seizures, stroke, cerebritis or brain abscesses. Spinal cord dysfunction is a very rare complication of meningococcal meningitis and its occurrence is limited to case reports only. We report such a case along with a review of available literature and underlying pathogenetic mechanisms. Case report: Our patient diagnosed as a case of meningococcal meningitis developed multiple cranial nerve palsies followed by flaccid paraplegia with bowel bladder involvement during the recovery phase of the disease. Spine MRI showed mild cord edema and diffuse patchy areas of altered intramedullary signal intensity in dorsal cord suggestive of myelitis. The patient was treated with antibiotics and intravenous methyl-prednisolone along with supportive physiotherapy. His neurological deficits showed marked improvement on subsequent follow up.

Near-ultraviolet sunlight is absorbed by sulfur dioxide to produce electronically excited molecules, which react with n-butane in the presence of wet or dry air to produce an aerosol and eventually a liquid precipitate. The product is a heavily oxidized, sulfur-containing, organic strong acid. The possible role of these reactions in photochemical air pollution is discussed.