University of Hyderabad

About: University of Hyderabad is a education organization based out in Hyderabad, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Catalysis & Crystal structure. The organization has 6446 authors who have published 13005 publications receiving 237641 citations. The organization is also known as: Hyderabad Central University & HCU.

Database research in crystal engineering

Abstract: The Cambridge Structural Database is a storehouse of over 250 000 small-molecule organic and organometallic crystal structures. Statistical analysis of structural data provides a better understanding of the nature of hydrogen bonds and intermolecular interactions and facilitates in the identification of frequently occurring interaction patterns and supramolecular synthons. With an enhanced knowledge of hydrogen bond synthons in crystals, novel strategies may be designed for the self-assembly of supramolecular architectures from multi-functional molecules. The twin phenomena of polymorphism and pseudopolymorphism have been studied by extracting information on molecular conformations and solvent inclusion from the database. The approach geometry of hydrogen bond donors to various functional groups derived from small-molecule crystal structures is used as a model in structure-based drug design and pharmacophore mapping. Thus, the implications of crystal engineering today go far beyond organic and metal–organic crystal design into supramolecular materials, nanotechnology, ligand–protein binding and crystal structure prediction. This Highlight surveys the importance of database research in some of these areas.

Production of Schrödinger macroscopic quantum-superposition states in a Kerr medium

Abstract: We show how a special class of Schr\"odinger macroscopic quantum-superposition states can be produced by a coherent field propagating through a Kerr medium. We show that these states are eigenstates of the mth power of the photon-annihilation operator leading also to the possibility of producing these using multiphoton Jaynes-Cummings systems. We further show how superpositions of squeezed coherent states can be produced.

Advanced glycation end products mediated cellular and molecular events in the pathology of diabetic nephropathy

Abstract: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients and a leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Degenerative changes such as glomerular hypertrophy, hyperfiltration, widening of basement membranes, tubulointerstitial fibrosis, glomerulosclerosis and podocytopathy manifest in various degrees of proteinuria in DN. One of the key mechanisms implicated in the pathogenesis of DN is non-enzymatic glycation (NEG). NEG is the irreversible attachment of reducing sugars onto free amino groups of proteins by a series of events, which include the formation of Schiff's base and an Amadori product to yield advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGE modification of client proteins from the extracellular matrix induces crosslinking, which is often associated with thickening of the basement membrane. AGEs activate several intracellular signaling cascades upon interaction with receptor for AGEs (RAGE), which manifest in aberrant cellular responses such as inflammation, apoptosis and autophagy, whereas other receptors such as AGE-R1, AGE-R3 and scavenger receptors also bind to AGEs and ensue endocytosis and degradation of AGEs. Elevated levels of both serum and tissue AGEs are associated with adverse renal outcome. Increased evidence supports that attenuation of AGE formation and/or inhibition of RAGE activation manifest(s) in improving renal function. This review provides insights of NEG, discusses the cellular and molecular events triggered by AGEs, which manifest in the pathogenesis of DN including renal fibrosis, podocyte epithelial-mesenchymal transition and activation of renin-angiotensin system. Therapies designed to target AGEs, such as inhibitors of AGEs formation and crosslink breakers, are discussed.