Conversion of CO2 from Air into Methanol Using a Polyamine and a Homogeneous Ruthenium Catalyst.

A highly efficient homogeneous catalyst system for the production of CH3OH from CO2 using pentaethylenehexamine and Ru-Macho-BH (1) at 125-165 °C in an ethereal solvent has been developed (initial turnover frequency = 70 h(-1) at 145 °C). Ease of separation of CH3OH is demonstrated by simple distillation from the reaction mixture. The robustness of the catalytic system was shown by recycling the catalyst over five runs without significant loss of activity (turnover number > 2000).

Normal Macular Thickness in Healthy Indian Eyes Using Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography.

Purpose: To determine macular thickness and its variation with age and sex in healthy Indian eyes using Zeiss spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).

Design: A prospective, cross-sectional study.

Methods: Four hundred healthy adult subjects (≥18 years) underwent macular cube scanning using Zeiss SD-OCT.

Predictive Value of Glycated Hemoglobin and Body Mass Index for Pretreatment Neuropathy in Patients With Multiple Myeloma.

Background: Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is detected in up to 62% patients with multiple myeloma (MM) at diagnosis. No specific risk factor for pretreatment neuropathy has been identified.

Patients And Methods: We evaluated 29 sequential patients with MM attending our tertiary care center for peripheral neuropathy at diagnosis using symptoms, clinical examination, and nerve conduction studies (NCSs).

Superelectrophilic Activation of Crotonic/Methacrylic Acids: Direct Access to Thiochroman-4-ones from Benzenethiols by Microwave-Assisted One-Pot Alkylation/Cyclic Acylation.

An efficient microwave-assisted protocol for the synthesis of 2-/3-methylthiochroman-4-ones by superacid-catalyzed alkylation followed by cyclic acylation (cyclization via intramolecular acylation) is described. Using easily accessible benzenethiols and crotonic acid/methacrylic acid with triflic acid (as catalyst of choice for needed optimal acidity), the reaction was tuned toward the formation of the cyclized products in good selectivity and yield. A mechanism involving the formation of carbenium-carboxonium superelectrophilic species is suggested.

Synthesis of 3-substituted isoindolin-1-ones via a tandem desilylation, cross-coupling, hydroamidation sequence under aqueous phase-transfer conditions.

A simple and expedient method for the synthesis of 3-methylene-isoindolin-1-ones 4 under aqueous phase-transfer conditions has been developed. Starting from 2-iodobenzamides 1 and (silyl)alkynes, the products are obtained in high yields and short reaction times (30 min) with the use of inexpensive CuCl/PPh3 catalyst system in the presence of n-Bu4NBr (TBAB) as a phase-transfer agent. Terminal alkynes are conveniently "unmasked" upon in situ desilylation under the reaction conditions.

Diazo Strategy for the Synthesis of Pyridazines: Pivotal Impact of the Configuration of the Diazo Precursor on the Process.

Phosphazenes of vinyldiazocarbonyl compounds having cis stereochemistry of the functional groups on the vinyl bond readily produce pyridazines by a diaza-Wittig process, whereas their counterparts with trans configuration remain intact under similar reaction conditions. Upon UV irradiation trans-phosphazenes furnish pyridazines through a tandem trans-to-cis isomerization followed by intramolecular cyclization. At elevated temperatures trans-(triphenyl)phosphazenes dissociate to give the initial vinyldiazo compounds, which produce pyrazoles in high yields.

Improvement of Basmati rice varieties for resistance to blast and bacterial blight diseases using marker assisted backcross breeding.

Marker assisted backcross breeding was employed to incorporate the blast resistance genes, Pi2 and Pi54 and bacterial blight (BB) resistance genes xa13 and Xa21 into the genetic background of Pusa Basmati 1121 (PB1121) and Pusa Basmati 6. Foreground selection for target gene(s) was followed by arduous phenotypic and background selection which fast-tracked the recovery of recurrent parent genome (RPG) to an extent of 95.8% in one of the near-isogenic lines (NILs) namely, Pusa 1728-23-33-31-56, which also showed high degree of resemblance to recurrent parent, PB6 in phenotype.

Development of Alkyne-Containing Pyrazolopyrimidines To Overcome Drug Resistance of Bcr-Abl Kinase.

Despite the success of imatinib at inhibiting Bcr-Abl and treating chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), resistance to the therapy occurs over time in patients. In particular, the resistance to imatinib caused by the gatekeeper mutation T315I in Bcr-Abl remains a challenge in the clinic. Inspired by the successful development of ponatinib to curb drug resistance, we hypothesize that the incorporation of an alkyne linker in other heterocyclic scaffolds can also achieve potent inhibition of Bcr-Abl(T315I) by allowing for simultaneous occupancy of both the active site and the allosteric pocket in the Abl kinase domain.

Clinical Outcomes With Dose-Escalated Adaptive Radiation Therapy for Urinary Bladder Cancer: A Prospective Study.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess feasibility, clinical outcomes, and toxicity in patients with bladder cancer treated with adaptive, image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) for bladder preservation as a part of trimodality treatment. The role of dose escalation was also studied.

Methods And Materials: Forty-four patients with localized bladder cancer were enrolled in a prospective study.

Differences in central and non-central keratoconus, and their effect on the objective screening thresholds for keratoconus.

Purpose: To evaluate the differences in central and non-central keratoconus (based on cone location), and their effect on the objective screening thresholds for keratoconus.

Methods: This comparative case series was performed at tertiary care cornea and refractive surgery service. Three groups were made: KC apex within central 2 mm (central keratoconus, n = 50), apex outside central 2mm (non-central keratoconus, n = 50) and normal controls (n = 100, with 50 cases each with apex within and outside central 2 mm).

Persistent γδ T large granular lymphocytosis in a patient with refractory pure red cell aplasia, celiac disease, and chronic hepatitis B infection.

The disorders of large granular lymphocytes include reactive proliferation as well as indolent or aggressive neoplasms of cytotoxic T cells, γδ T cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. They are associated with autoimmune and infectious disorders and have varied immunophenotypic features. We report a case, which highlights this complex association of autoimmune and infectious diseases with large granular lymphocytosis, the overlapping spectrum of large granular lymphocyte leukemias, and γδ T cell lymphomas as well as the difficulties in the diagnosis and management of these indolent T cell lymphomas in the usual clinical settings.

Strong Photocurrent from Two-Dimensional Excitons in Solution-Processed Stacked Perovskite Semiconductor Sheets.

Room-temperature photocurrent measurements in two-dimensional (2D) inorganic-organic perovskite devices reveal that excitons strongly contribute to the photocurrents despite possessing binding energies over 10 times larger than the thermal energies. The p-type (C6H9C2H4NH3)2PbI4 liberates photocarriers at metallic Schottky aluminum contacts, but incorporating electron- and hole-transport layers enhances the extracted photocurrents by 100-fold. A further 10-fold gain is found when TiO2 nanoparticles are directly integrated into the perovskite layers, although the 2D exciton semiconducting layers are not significantly disrupted.

Salzmann's Nodular Degeneration.

Salzmann's nodular degeneration (SND) is a rare, noninflammatory, slowly progressive degenerative disease of the cornea that is characterized by the appearance of nodular bluish gray opacities that vary in number and size. It is usually bilateral; most commonly occurring in people aged 50-60 years old, with a female preponderance; and often associated with a history of prior corneal inflammation. The clinical features usually depend on the location of the nodules.

Are we Underestimating the Real Burden of Malnutrition? An Experience From Community-Based Study.

Background: Since the inception of childhood nutritional programs in India, underweight has been taken to judge the nutritional status of children; but is it a true indicator of overall prevalence of malnutrition in a community?

Objective: To estimate the overall prevalence of malnutrition by using Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF) and to assess its usefulness over various conventional anthropometric indicators among under 5 children residing in Agra city.

Materials And Methods: A cross-sectional, community-based study was conducted among under 5 years age children, from June 2012 to July 2013 in an urban slum of Agra. Nutritional status was assessed using anthropometry and clinical examination, and classified as per World Health Organization (WHO) 2006 Growth Standards and CIAF.

Residue evaluation of imidacloprid, spirotetramat, and spirotetramat-enol in/on grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) and soil.

A combination of imidacloprid and spirotetramat effectively controls sucking pests on grapevines. Residues of these insecticides on grapes were evaluated after treatment with spirotetramat 12% + imidacloprid 12% (240 SC) three times at 90 and 180 g a.i.

Femtosecond Laser-assisted Wavefront-guided LASIK Using a Newer Generation Aberrometer: 1-Year Results.

Purpose: To evaluate long-term outcomes of wavefront-guided LASIK with a new advanced aberrometer.

Methods: Fifty eyes of 25 LASIK candidates with myopia and/or astigmatism underwent aberrometry (iDesign Advanced WaveScan; Abbott Medical Optics, Santa Ana, CA), femtosecond laser-assisted flap creation, and excimer ablation. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), spherical equivalent (SEQ), and astigmatism outcomes were measured at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.

Single session, intrauser repeatability of anterior chamber biometric and corneal pachy-volumetric parameters using a new Scheimpflug+Placido device.

Purpose: To analyze single session, intrauser reliability of a Scheimpflug device for anterior chamber (AC) and corneal parameters.

Methods: In this observational study, 100 normal candidates underwent Scheimpflug analysis with Sirius 3D Rotating Scheimpflug Camera and Topography System (Costruzione Strumenti Oftalmici, Italy). Two scans in dark room conditions were performed by the same experienced user.

Steering healthcare service delivery: a regulatory perspective.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore regulation in India's healthcare sector and makes recommendations needed for enhancing the healthcare service.

Design/methodology/approach: The literature was reviewed to understand healthcare's regulatory context. To understand the current healthcare system, qualitative data were collected from state-level officials, public and private hospital staff.

Myeloid Sarcoma: An Unusual Case of Mediastinal Mass and Malignant Pleural Effusion with Review of Literature.

Myeloid sarcoma is an extramedullary tumor seen most commonly in patients with acute myeloid leukemia and less frequently in chronic myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome and rarely, in an isolated form without any other underlying malignancy. Malignant pleural effusion in hematological malignancies is rare when compared with solid tumors. We present an unusual case of myeloid sarcoma in which a mediastinal mass with pleural effusion was the initial presentation.

Factors Affecting Early Molecular Response in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia.

Objectives: There is controversy about whether 3- or 6-month molecular assessment predicts progression-free and overall survival in those with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The factors predicting molecular response at 3, 6, and 12 months have not been studied extensively. The study objective was to study the factors affecting molecular response at 3 and 6 months in patients with CML who are receiving imatinib mesylate.

Preparation of fluorinated RNA nucleotide analogs potentially stable to enzymatic hydrolysis in RNA and DNA polymerase assays.

Analogs of ribonucleotides (RNA) stable to enzymatic hydrolysis were prepared and characterized. Computational investigations revealed that this class of compounds with a modified triphosphate exhibits the correct polarity and minimal steric effects compared to the natural molecule. Non-hydrolysable properties as well as the ability of the modified nucleotide to be recognized by enzymes were probed by performing single-turnover gap filling assays with T7 RNA polymerase and DNA polymerase β.

Comparative Evaluation of the Corneal and Anterior Chamber Parameters Derived From Scheimpflug Imaging in Arab and South Asian Normal Eyes.

Purpose: To evaluate the differences in the normal corneal and anterior segment Scheimpflug parameters in Arab and South Asian eyes.

Methods: This hospital-based study was performed at a cornea and refractive surgery service in Abu Dhabi. A total of 600 consecutive normal candidates of South Asian (group 1, n = 300) and Arab (group 2, n = 300) origins underwent Scheimpflug imaging (Sirius; Costruzione Strumenti Oftalmici, Italy).

Ab initio/GIAO-CCSD(T) (13)C NMR study of the rearrangement and dynamic aspects of rapidly equilibrating tertiary carbocations, C6H13(+) and C7H15(+).

The rearrangement pathways of the equilibrating tertiary carbocations, 2,3-dimethyl-2-butyl cation (C6H13(+), 1), 2,3,3-trimethyl-2-butyl cation (C7H15(+), 5) and 2,3-dimethyl-2-pentyl cation (C7H15(+), 8 and 9) were investigated using the ab initio/GIAO-CCSD(T) (13)C NMR method. Comparing the calculated and experimental (13)C NMR chemical shifts of a series of carbocations indicates that excellent prediction of δ(13)C could be achieved through scaling. In the case of symmetrical equilibrating cations (1 and 5) the Wagner-Meerwein 1,2-hydride and 1,2-methide shifts, respectively, produce the same structure.