NADP/H binding nearly doubles the stability of a Mycobacterium drug target: an unfolding study

Mycobacterium Aspartate beta semialdehyde dehydrogenase (ASADH) was studied using various spectroscopic techniques and size exclusion chromatography to examine the unfolding of free (apo) and NADP/H-bound (holo) forms of ASADH. Non-cooperative guanidinium chloride (GdnHCl)-induced unfolding of the apo ASADH was discovered, and no partially folded intermediate structures were stabilized. On the other hand, it was observed that GdnHCl's unfolding of holoenzyme was a cooperative process without any stable intermediate structure. The native form of holoenzyme is found to be stable against the lower concentration of GdnHCl only (namely up to 1.25 M GdnHCl). The tryptophan environment appears to unfold cooperatively in case of the holoenzyme and is in well coordination with the overall unfolding of the holoenzyme. The presence of NADP/H shows a stabilizing effect on the tryptophan environment as well as on the native NADP/H-bound enzyme. Δ G Solvent o values reveal nearly two-fold (∼1.9) conformationally more stable folded holoenzyme compared to its native apo state. The Cm for the apo and holo forms of ASADH are 1.3 and 1.9 M, respectively. Novel drug leads targeting the NADP/H binding domain of ASADH could offer promising drugs against extremely infective Mycobacterium tuberculosis.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Rugae pattern in a sample of population of Meerut - An institutional study

CONTEXT

Many studies on rugae pattern have been done on various samples of population, but no study has so far been done to assess the rugae pattern of population of western Uttar radesh, especially Meerut.

AIMS

This study was aimed to assess the rugae pattern in males and females of a sample of population of Meerut, which may be an additional method of determining gender when dealing with any crime or with mutilated bodies that have undergone damage beyond recognition.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

A total of 100 Class I dentulous subjects, 50 male and 50 female patients reporting to the outpatient department of Kalka Dental College, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh were randomly selected with an age range between 20-30 years. Exclusion criteria were subjects >14 years of age, congenital malformations, previous orthognathic surgery, allergy to impression material, bony and soft tissue protuberances, active lesions, deformity or scars and trauma of the palate. Prior approval from the Institutional Ethical Committee was taken.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Alginate impressions of palate of selected patients were poured in dental stone and rugae pattern was identified and analyzed by a single rater employing Thomas and Kotze's (1983) method.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

Two-sample t-test and Chi-Square tests were used for comparison of means and relationship between the attributes. A significance level of 5% was considered as critical value.

RESULTS

No significant difference was noted in total number or length of rugae between the genders. However, statistically significant difference in the circular type in males and converge type in females was observed.

CONCLUSION

Rugae pattern can be used as a method of differentiation between males and females to corroborate the findings of other methods such as anthropometric evaluation of the cranium and dental characteristics.

Efficacy of v-y closure of upper lip after le fort I osteotomy advancement and superior repositioning on facial esthetics in comparison to simple continuous closure: a statistical analysis

This study aims to evaluate efficacy of V-Y closure of upper lip incision on facial esthetics in comparison to simple continuous closure after Le Fort I advancement and superior repositioning of maxilla. Thirty-four patients were divided in two groups i.e. V-Y closure group (group I = 17 patients) and simple continuous closure group (group II = 17 patients). The preoperative and 1 year post-operative linear and angular changes of hard and soft tissue points of groups I and II were statistically compared. Labial changes were more favourable in V-Y closure group in comparison to simple continuous closure group in both the Le Fort I maxillary movements. The upturning and forward movement of the nose were seen in both the maxillary movements but these nasal changes did not differ significantly between the groups. It was observed that the technique of V-Y closure of upper lip delivers adequate results contributing to better facial esthetics when compared to simple continuous closure.