Misfolding and aggregation of cellular prion protein is associated with a large array of neurological disorders commonly called the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. Designing inhibitors against prions has remained a daunting task owing to limited information about mechanism(s) of their pathogenic self-assembly. Here, we explore the anti-prion properties of a combinatorial library of bispidine-based peptidomimetics (BPMs) that conjugate amino acids with hydrophobic and aromatic side chains. Keeping the bispidine unit unaltered, a series of structurally diverse BPMs were synthesized and tested for their prion-modulating properties. Administration of Leu- and Trp-BPMs delayed and completely inhibited the amyloidogenic conversion of human prion protein (HuPrP), respectively. We found that each BPM induced the HuPrP to form unique oligomeric nanostructures differing in their biophysical properties, cellular toxicities and response to conformation-specific antibodies. While Leu-BPMs were found to stabilize the oligomers, Trp-BPMs effected transient oligomerization, resulting in the formation of non-toxic, non-fibrillar aggregates. Yet another aromatic residue, Phe, however, accelerated the aggregation process in HuPrP. Molecular insights obtained through MD (molecular dynamics) simulations suggested that each BPM differently engages a conserved Tyr 169 residue at the α2-β2 loop of HuPrP and affects the stability of α2 and α3 helices. Our results demonstrate that this new class of molecules having chemical scaffolds conjugating hydrophobic/aromatic residues could effectively modulate prion aggregation and toxicity.

This study attempts to explore factors influencing occupational stress faced by Indian army soldiers and evaluate applicability of the scale used for measuring occupational stressors. Structured interview schedules were used to collect first hand data from a sample of 415 soldiers. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) highlights lack of control at work, role conflict, inadequate awareness about profession, workload and job pressure, and indifferent organisational attitude as the major occupational stressors in the Indian army. In addition, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) confirms occupational stressor as an eight factor model in the army. The study recommends implementing commitment-based management approach and techniques such as Sahaja Yoga meditation in the army.

A series of designer lipidated pseudopeptidic triazolophanes was synthesized using a copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition reaction. These 32-membered cyclophanes form sturdy vesicles and pot-like supramolecular structures, as demonstrated by ultramicroscopic studies.

Women face several obstacles and barriers in order to attain high managerial positions as compared to men. They struggle to get fair representation in corporate boards and higher management levels. This is known as ‘glass ceiling’. The present study aims to explore the level of glass ceiling for women (GCW) in terms of its three major barriers, that is, personal barriers, organizational barriers and societal barriers among women managers working in the Indian service sector and identify the impact of GCW on their work engagement level as well as the moderating effect of marital status (single or married) on the relationship of GCW and work engagement. A total of 553 women managers working in the three major industries of the service sector, that is, banking, hospitality and information technology (IT), operating in the state of northern India (Punjab) were selected by using multistage sampling technique. The hypotheses were tested through one-sample t-test and moderated hierarchical regression analysis using ‘Statistical Package for Social Sciences’. It was apparent from the findings of the study that the women managers face glass ceiling in terms of organizational and societal barriers at an above-average level. The study also revealed that the organizational and societal barriers had a major impact of 39 per cent on work engagement. Additionally, marital status of the women managers acted as a moderator between the organizational and societal barriers of GCW and their work engagement level. On the basis of the results, the study provides recommendations to raze the GCW in terms of organizational barriers and societal barriers and to increase the work engagement level among the women managers.

Background: Pregnant women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) pose an important public health problem, because diabetes not only affects the maternal and the fetal outcome but the women suffering with DM, their fetuses are also at an increased risk of developing diabetes and related complications later in their life. Case description: A 28-year-old woman with the diagnosis of G3P1L1A1 with 32 weeks' gestational age with previous vaginal delivery and known case of chronic T2DM and hypothyroidism since 4-5 years. On admission, she was having altered sensorium, breathlessness, and palpitations. She was in latent phase of labor. Fetal heart sound was not heard on Doppler. Ultrasonography (USG) revealed intrauterine death of fetus. Her investigation reports suggested severe diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). She was managed in medicine intensive care unit (ICU) where her labor progressed spontaneously and delivered a male dead baby, weighing 1500 g. It was sent for autopsy. Patient had postpartum hemorrhage and managed medically. But medical management did not suffice for her and so decision of laparotomy was taken with the plan of obstetric hysterectomy. Objectives: We examined the precipitating factors, laboratory abnormalities, treatment strategies, and clinical recovery in pregnancies complicated by DKA. Conclusion: Diabetes during pregnancy is associated with higher maternal and fetal morbidity. Early screening, detection of complications, close monitoring, and intervention are essential to reduce maternal and fetal short-and long-term adverse effects, especially in high-risk pregnancies. Pregnancy provides an opportunity to clinician to control the disease process and inculcate healthy lifestyle practices in these patients.

Pyrene and tryptophan groups judiciously placed on a novel molecular scaffold, namely, bispidine exhibited fluorescence due to the formation of an unprecedented emissive intramolecular complex in polar solvents. Upon protonation, the emission signal from the pyrene unit enhances at the expense of the emission signal from the complex. The probe demonstrates good sensitivity, excellent selectivity, and adequate reversibility towards proton sensing. The present design based on the bispidine scaffold opens up newer opportunities for the design of novel bispidine-peptide sensors.

The crystal structure of deoxy-vasicine zinc complex has been determined by X-ray structure analysis. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2,/c with cell parameters a = 9.24(4), b = 14.74(2), c = 19.84(10) A, / 3 = 115.6". The structure has been solved by Patterson and successive Fourier methods and refined by full matrix least-squares methods to an R-index of 0.084. The molecular structure is found to be in ionic form, with ZnC1, as a divalent anion and two moieties of deoxy-vasicine (C,,H,,N,H) as independent monovalent cations. The dihedral angle between the mean planes of two cationic moieties is of the order of 50". The crystal structure seems to be stabilized by ionic and van der Waals interactions as no hydrogen bonds have been observed.

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