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Histopathological evaluation of tumours is a subjective process, but studies of inter-pathologist agreement are uncommon in veterinary medicine. The Comparative Brain Tumour Consortium (CBTC) recently published diagnostic criteria for canine gliomas. Our objective was to assess the degree of inter-pathologist agreement on intracranial canine gliomas, utilising the CBTC diagnostic criteria in a cohort of eighty-five samples from dogs with an archival diagnosis of intracranial glioma. Five pathologists independently reviewed HE and immunohistochemistry sections and provided a diagnosis and grade. Percentage agreement and kappa statistics were calculated to measure inter-pathologist agreement between pairs and amongst the entire group. A consensus diagnosis of glioma subtype and grade was achieved for 71/85 (84%) cases. For these cases, percentage agreement on combined diagnosis (subtype and grade), subtype only and grade only were 66%, 80% and 82%, respectively. Kappa statistics for the same were 0.466, 0.542 and 0.516, respectively. Kappa statistics for oligodendroglioma, astrocytoma and undefined glioma were 0.585, 0.566 and 0.280 and were 0.516 for both low-grade and high-grade tumours. Kappa statistics amongst pairs of pathologists for combined diagnosis varied from 0.352 to 0.839. 8 % of archival oligodendrogliomas and 61% of archival astrocytomas were reclassified as another entity after review. Inter-pathologist agreement utilising CBTC guidelines for canine glioma was moderate overall but varied from fair to almost perfect between pairs of pathologists. Agreement was similar for oligodendrogliomas and astrocytomas but lower for undefined gliomas. These results are similar to pathologist agreement in human glioma studies and with other tumour entities in veterinary medicine.

Antibiotic resistance ranks among the top threats to humanity. Due to the frequent use of antibiotics, society is facing a high prevalence of multidrug resistant pathogens, which have managed to evolve mechanisms that help them evade the last line of therapeutics. An alternative to antibiotics could involve the use of bacteriophages (phages), which are the natural predators of bacterial cells. In earlier times, phages were implemented as therapeutic agents for a century but were mainly replaced with antibiotics, and considering the menace of antimicrobial resistance, it might again become of interest due to the increasing threat of antibiotic resistance among pathogens. The current understanding of phage biology and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) assisted phage genome engineering techniques have facilitated to generate phage variants with unique therapeutic values. In this review, we briefly explain strategies to engineer bacteriophages. Next, we highlight the literature supporting CRISPR-Cas9-assisted phage engineering for effective and more specific targeting of bacterial pathogens. Lastly, we discuss techniques that either help to increase the fitness, specificity, or lytic ability of bacteriophages to control an infection.\ud \ud

Patients with progressing chronic kidney disease (CKD) are more likely to experience cardio‐ and cerebrovascular events than progressing to end‐stage renal disease. The authors explored whether retinal microvascular calibers differed with the degree of renal impairment and between the standard and extended optic disk and may serve as a simple additional tool for risk stratification in this highly vulnerable patient cohort. The authors analyzed central retinal arteriolar and venular equivalent calibers (CRAE, CRVE) at different retinal zones (zone B&C) using digital retinal imaging in hypertensive patients with stage 2 (n = 66) or stage 3 CKD (n = 30). Results were adjusted for age, sex, HbA1c, and 24‐hour diastolic blood pressure. Mean eGFR was 77.7 ± 8.9 and 48.8 ± 7.9 ml/min/1.73 m2 for stage 2 and 3 CKD, respectively. CRAE and CRVE in zones B and C were significantly lower in patients with stage 3 CKD compared to patients with stage 2 CKD (CRAE‐B:141.1 ± 21.4 vs. 130.5 ± 18.9 µm, p = .030; CRAE‐C:137.4 ± 19.4 vs 129.2 ± 18.2 µm, p = .049; CRVE‐B:220.8 ± 33.0 vs. 206.0 ± 28.4 µm, p = .004; and CRVE‐C:215.9 ± 33.0 vs. 201.2 ± 25.1µm, p = .003). In patients with stage 2 CKD, CRAE‐B was higher than CRAE‐C (141.1 ± 21.4 vs. 137.4 ± 19.4µm, p

The custom design of protein-dendron amphiphilic macromolecules is at the forefront of macromolecular engineering. Macromolecules with this architecture are very interesting because of their ability to self-assemble into various biomimetic nanoscopic structures. However, to date, there are no reports on this concept due to technical challenges associated with the chemical synthesis. Towards that end, herein, a new chemical methodology for the modular synthesis of a suite of monodisperse, facially amphiphilic, protein-dendron bioconjugates is reported. Benzyl ether dendrons of different generations (G1-G4) are coupled to monodisperse cetyl ethylene glycol to form macromolecular amphiphilic activity-based probes (AABPs) with a single protein reactive functionality. Micelle-assisted protein labeling technology is utilized for site-specific conjugation of macromolecular AABPs to globular proteins to make monodisperse, facially amphiphilic, protein-dendron bioconjugates. These biohybrid conjugates have the ability to self-assemble into supramolecular protein nanoassemblies. Self-assembly is primarily mediated by strong hydrophobic interactions of the benzyl ether dendron domain. The size, surface charge, and oligomeric state of protein nanoassemblies could be systematically tuned by choosing an appropriate dendron or protein of interest. This chemical method discloses a new way to custom-make monodisperse, facially amphiphilic, protein-dendron bioconjugates.

The self-assembly of proteins into higher-order superstructures is ubiquitous in biological systems. Genetic methods comprising both computational and rational design strategies are emerging as powerful methods for the design of synthetic protein complexes with high accuracy and fidelity. Although useful, most of the reported protein complexes lack a dynamic behavior, which may limit their potential applications. On the contrary, protein engineering by using chemical strategies offers excellent possibilities for the design of protein complexes with stimuli-responsive functions and adaptive behavior. However, designs based on chemical strategies are not accurate and therefore, yield polydisperse samples that are difficult to characterize. Here, we describe simple design principles for the construction of protein complexes through a supramolecular chemical strategy. A micelle-assisted activity-based protein-labeling technology has been developed to synthesize libraries of facially amphiphilic synthetic proteins, which self-assemble to form protein complexes through hydrophobic interaction. The proposed methodology is amenable for the synthesis of protein complex libraries with molecular weights and dimensions comparable to naturally occurring protein cages. The designed protein complexes display a rich structural diversity, oligomeric states, sizes, and surface charges that can be engineered through the macromolecular design. The broad utility of this method is demonstrated by the design of most sophisticated stimuli-responsive systems that can be programmed to assemble/disassemble in a reversible/irreversible fashion by using the pH or light as trigger.

In this work, aromatization of C5-rich light naphtha as feedstock obtained from the refinery of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (HPCL) was studied along with n-hexane (model compound for light naphtha) over non-noble metal oxide based catalyst; ZnGa/ZSM-5. Zeolite ZSM-5 was modified with zinc and gallium by co-impregnation method. High aromatic yields were obtained over modified ZSM-5 catalysts due to dissociative chemisorption of alkanes resulting in dehydrogenation/ aromatization. The effect of acid sites on aromatization was studied by varying SiO2/Al2O3 ratio (SAR) of ZSM-5 and correlated with the temperature programmed desorption of ammonia (NH3-TPD) studies. Optimized catalyst composition was further used for aromatization of n-pentane, n-heptane and light naphtha from a refinery. The Zn-Ga−H-ZSM-5 catalyst produced aromatics in high yields (64.8 % for light naphtha), especially high quantities of toluene with toluene/benzene ratio (T/B) ∼ 2. From the aromatization studies, it could be envisaged that a proper balance of acid sites with dehydrogenation function is required to achieve maximum aromatic yield. Nitrogen was found to be a better carrier gas compared to hydrogen for aromatization of light naphtha.

Objectives To assess rates of psychotropic medication use in patients with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) in seven different countries on five continents and to compare these with international treatment guidelines. Methods Researchers in the field of OCD were invited to contribute summary statistics on the characteristics of their patients with OCD and on their incidence of psychotropic use. Consistency of summary statistics across countries was evaluated. Results The data came from Brazil (n = 955), Italy (n = 750), South Africa (n = 555), Japan (n = 382), Australia (n = 213), India (n = 202) and Spain (n = 82). The majority (77.9%; n = 2445) of the total sample of 3139 participants received a psychotropic medication. Consistent with international guidelines, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were most commonly used (73.5%, n = 1796), but their use ranged from 59% in Australia to 96% in Japan. Clomipramine use varied from 5% in Japan and South Africa to 26% in India and Italy. Atypical antipsychotic use ranged from 12% in South Africa to 50% in Japan. Conclusions Pharmacotherapy for OCD varied significantly across sites. Prospective studies are required to determine the cultural, pharmacoeconomic and pharmacogenomic factors that may play a role in the variation in prescribing practices internationally and whether these variations influence treatment outcomes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A series of novel fused thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidin-3-ol derivatives have been synthesized by reaction of fused pyrimidine-thiones with 4-substituted phenacyl bromide/3(2-bromoacetyl)coumarin in refluxing acetic acid with good yields. All the synthesized compounds were confirmed by spectral studies and screened for their in vitro antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus thuringiensis (Gram positive), Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae (Gram negative) bacterial strains. Activity results revealed that all the compounds were weak to good active against the tested bacterial strains on comparing with the standard drug gentamicin.

A series of highly stereoselective polysubstituted cyclopropane derivatives were synthesized via one-pot two-step tandem reaction starting from pyridine, 4-chloro phenacyl bromide, 1,3-indandione and aromatic aldehydes in acetonitrile using triethylamine as catalyst. Pyridinium ylide generated from 4-chloro phenacyl bromide undergo cyclopropanation with 2-arylidene-2H-indene-1,3-dione in situ afford the title compounds. Structures of all the compounds were confirmed by their analytical and spectral studies. Single crystal X-ray analysis was also performed on compound 4c in order to determine the crystal structure. All the compounds were screened for antimicrobial and nematicidal activities. Significant antimicrobial activity was shown by the compounds derived from 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde (4i) and 4-(dimethylamino)benzaldehyde (4m) against all the tested bacterial and fungal strains. Compound 4i has shown good activity (48% mortality) against Meloidogyne incognita after 48 h of exposure at 250 µg/mL concentration.

A series of novel substituted imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine incorporated thiazolyl coumarin derivatives (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k, 4l, 4m, 4n, 4o, 4p, 4q, 4r, 4s, 4t) were synthesized in good yields via one-pot multicomponent condensation of substituted imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-3-carbaldehyde (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e), thiosemicarbazide (2), and substituted 3-(2-bromoacetyl)-2H-chromen-2-ones (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d)/2-(2-bromoacetyl)-3H-benzo[f]chromen-3-one (1e) in refluxing ethanol with catalytic amount of acetic acid. All the synthesized compounds (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k, 4l, 4m, 4n, 4o, 4p, 4q, 4r, 4s, 4t) have been characterized by IR, NMR, and mass spectral studies as well as elemental analyses and evaluated for their in vitro antimicrobial activity against different bacterial and fungal strains. All the compounds displayed moderate antibacterial activity with minimum inhibitory concentration 150 µg/mL, but none of the compounds have shown any antifungal activity.

Piperazirum, a new biologically active alkaloid isolated from Arum palaestinum Bioss, is described, starting from commercially available α-amino acids. Two synthetic strategies were developed for the synthesis of the enantiomeric pair of compounds corresponding to the proposed structure of piperazirum. The first strategy was used in the synthesis of stereoisomers, and the second one was used in generating the analogues. The compounds synthesized were screened against different cell lines to evaluate their cytotoxicity profiles.

ICRISAT scientists, working with Indian programme counterparts, developed the world's first cytoplasmic-nuclear male sterility (CMS)-based commercial hybrid in a food legume, the pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.]. The CMS, in combination with natural outcrossing of the crop, was used to develop viable hybrid breeding technology. Hybrid ICPH 2671 recorded 47% superiority for grain yield over the control variety ‘Maruti’ in multilocation on-station testing for 4 years. In the on-farm trials conducted in five Indian states, mean yield of this hybrid (1396 kg/ha) was 46.5% greater than that of the popular cv. ‘Maruti’ (953 kg/ha). Hybrid ICPH 2671 also exhibited high levels of resistance to Fusarium wilt and sterility mosaic diseases. The outstanding performance of this hybrid has led to its release for cultivation in India by both a private seed company (as ‘Pushkal’) and a public sector university (as ‘RV ICPH 2671’). Recent developments in hybrid breeding technology and high yield advantages realized in farmers' fields have given hope for a breakthrough in pigeonpea productivity.

Dienylaziridines, prepared in situ from the corresponding vinyl imines, undergo Nazarov cyclization reactions providing access to the title glycine derivatives in good yields.

Aim: Bipolar disorder (BD) is often comorbid with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). In this study, we compared clinical profile and course of subjects with a primary diagnosis of OCD with and without BD. Methods: We compared 34 subjects with primary diagnosis of OCD with BD and 57 subjects with a diagnosis of OCD without BD. Structured interview schedules, clinical rating scales, and information from clinical charts were utilized to assess patients. Results: OCD with BD was characterized by: (i) an episodic course; (ii) a higher number of depressive episodes, greater suicidality and a higher rate of hospitalization; (iii) fewer pathological doubts and more miscellaneous compulsions; and (iv) poorer insight into obsessive–compulsive symptoms. Conclusions: Episodic course appears to be typical of OCD with BD. Bipolarity has a pathoplastic effect on OCD and it is possible that some forms of OCD and BD are pathophysiologically related. Bipolar OCD is associated with a higher rate of depressive episodes, higher suicidality and more frequent hospitalizations, suggesting greater morbidity. Long-term prospective follow-up studies and studies addressing pathophysiology and genetic basis are needed to understand the complexity of such comorbidity.