Computational binding mechanism of Mycobacterium tuberculosis UDP-NAG enolpyruvyl transferase (MurA) with inhibitors fosfomycin, cyclic disulfide analog RWJ-3981, pyrazolopyrimidine analog RWJ-110192, purine analog RWJ-140998, 5-sulfonoxy-anthranilic aci

Worldwide, tuberculosis (TB) remains the most frequent and important infectious disease causing morbidity and death. One-third of the world's population is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the etiologic agent of TB. In this context, TB is in the top three, with malaria and HIV being the leading causes of death from a single infectious agent, and about two million deaths are attributable to TB annually. The bacterial enzyme MurA catalyzes the transfer of enolpyruvate from phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) to uridine diphospho-N-acetylglucosamine (UNAG), which is the first committed step of bacterial cell wall biosynthesis. In this work, 3D structural model of Mtb-MurA enzyme has been developed, for the first time, by homology modeling and molecular dynamics simulation techniques. The model provided clear insight in its structure features, i.e. substrate binding pocket, and common docking site. Multiple sequence alignment and 3D structure model provided the putative substrate binding pocket of Mtb-MurA with respect to E.coli MurA. This analysis was helpful in identifying the binding sites and molecular function of the MurA homologue. Molecular docking study was performed on this 3D structural model, using different classes of inhibitors like fosfomycin, cyclic disulfide analog RWJ-3981, pyrazolopyrimidine analog RWJ-110192, purine analog RWJ-140998, 5-sulfonoxy-anthranilic acid derivatives T6361, T6362 and the results showed that the 5-sulfonoxyanthranilic acid derivatives is showed best interaction compared with other inhibitor, taking in to this we also design a new efficient analogs of T6361 and T6362 which are showed even better interaction with Mtb-MurA than the parental5-sulfonoxy-anthranilic acid derivatives. Further the comparative molecular electrostatic potential and cavity depth analysis of Mtb-MurA suggested several important differences in its substrate and inhibitor binding pocket. Such differences could be exploited in the future for designing of a more specific inhibitor for Mtb-MurA enzym

Successful transportation of wild stock of endangered "Thooli" (Labeo dussumieri) spawners without anaesthetics

Several problems are encountered during transportation of fishes from wild to captivity. The note describes successful transportation of wild caught endangered Labeo dussumieri spawners over distances below 100 km without anesthesia or sophisticated transporting devices which is of immense help in the gene banking programme of endangered species

A study on functional outcomes of ‘Joshi’s external stabilization system distractor’ in the correction of deformities in neglected, resistant or relapsed cases of congenital talipes equinovarus

Early intervention by an optimal treatment modality in the management of congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) or club foot is of paramount importance in order to preserve the functional efficacy of foot. Neglected, resistant, or relapsed cases of clubfeet are even more challenging to treat, as with time the deformities become fixed and the feet develops secondary adaptive bony changes. Joshi’s external stabilization system (JESS) distractor is an effective treatment modality for such kind of deformities with a precise viability and efficacy. This case series study was conducted to evaluate the functional outcomes of JESS distractor in the correction of the deformities in neglected, resistant or relapsed cases of CTEV and to assess the complications associated with the procedure. Total 22 club feet (15 patients) included in this case series considering inclusion and exclusion criteria. JESS distractor was applied and distraction done as per distraction schedule, followed by its removal and corrective cast application. Functional outcome was based on the Pirani score with one year follow-up. The statistically significant (p value <0.05) improvement was found in all clinical and radiological parameters after the procedure in all the post-operative patients. Pirani score improved to good score (0-2) in comparison to its pre-operative poor score (5-6) without any significant complication. Considering the parents compliance, JESS distractor is a good alternative for neglected, resistant or relapse cases of club feet, as it avoids soft tissue as well as bony procedures to correct the deformity of CTEV while preserving the normal foot anatomy

A retrospective analysis of bone tumors and tumor like lesions: a hospital based study of 76 cases

Background: Globally Bone tumors constitute 0.5% of the total World Cancer Incidence. In addition to benign and malignant bone tumors there are a number of nonneoplastic lesions that present in a manner similar to neoplastic conditions. Relevant demographic features such as age, sex and skeletal site are important to come to a conclusive diagnosis. The present study aims to show the prevalence and demography of bone tumors and tumor like lesions.Methods: A total of 76 cases of Bone Tumors and Tumor like Lesions were studied. They were reviewed and analyzed for age, gender, site of tumor and histologic types. Classification was done according to WHO histologic Classification of Bone Tumors.Results: There were 49 cases of primary bone tumors and tumor Like lesions with a median age of 22 years and 27 cases of metastatic bone tumors with a median age of 56 years. Males are more commonly affected. Osteosarcomas and Chondrosarcomas are the most common primary malignant Bone Tumors.Conclusions: Metastatic bone tumors constitute the highest number of bone tumors occurring at an older age group. Maximum numbers of bone tumors are found in the age range 11-20 years and all are primary bone tumor and tumor like lesions