Analysing the genetic code degeneracy: a consequence towards bacterial staining.

As 20 naturally occurring amino acids are coded by 61 mRNA codons out of 64, it is obvious that 61→20 cannot have one-to-one mapping which generates the problem of codon degeneracy. Despite several efforts there is no specific outcome which can describe this well-known enigmatic degeneracy of the codon table. Since, every biological behaviour is regulated by protein which in turn consists of amino acids bearing the inherent characteristics of degeneracy among mRNA codons (Crick F.H.C. The Origin of the Genetic Code. J. Mol. Biol.1968; 38: 367-379), it is worthy to analyse the impact of such degeneracy on biological behaviours. Here, based on mathematical models using the concept of b-type of the nucleotide bases and hamming distances, an effort has been initiated to understand the impact of biasness of genetic code degeneracy on biological behaviours. The proposed models have been utilized to understand the characteristic features of bacterial genes of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first mathematical model to capture the effect of genetic code degeneracy, showing a paradigm towards understanding the behavioural difference between gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, and thereby opening a new avenue for revealing differential biological properties.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

(Y)ears of Freedom? Customized Splints in Microtia Reconstruction to Maintain Cephloauricular Angle.

Background Maintaining ear projection and preservation of cephaloauricular sulcus from obliteration following graft contracture is a challenge following staged microtia reconstruction. Authors have designed simple, effective, and easy-to-use splints to ensure improved aesthetic outcomes and patient compliance. Materials and Methods This is a prospective study over 3 years including 8 patients of both sexes aged 6 to 12 years. Custom-made ear splints were designed separately for females and males and used to maintain ear projection. Projection of the ear was measured postoperatively and at follow-up using goniometer and photographic records. Outcome was assessed in terms of cephaloauricular angle, conchal depth, pain, cost-effectiveness, splint retention period, and aesthetics. Results and Conclusion Maximal follow-up was 2 years. The splint effectively maintained ear projection of more than 30 degrees. Patient compliance was optimal, and no major complications were associated with its prolonged use.

Enhanced strain and temperature sensing by reduced graphene oxide coated etched fiber Bragg gratings.

This Letter reports on an etched fiber Bragg grating (eFBG) sensor coated with reduced graphene oxide (RGO) having enhanced sensitivity for physical parameters such as strain and temperature. The synergetic effect of the changes in grating pitch and refractive index of RGO with change in temperature or strain enhances the shift in Bragg wavelength (λB). The RGO-coated eFBG sensors exhibit a strain sensitivity of 5.5 pm/µÏµ (∼5 times that of bare fiber Bragg gratings) and temperature sensitivity of 33 pm/°C (∼3 times that of bare fiber Bragg gratings). The resolutions of ∼1 µÏµ and ∼0.3°C have been obtained for strain and temperature respectively, using RGO-coated eFBG sensors.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Selected Dihydroxyflavones.

BACKGROUND: The mechanism of inflammation is attributed, to release of reactive oxygen species from activated neutrophils and macrophages. Over production of reactive oxygen species may result in tissue injury by damaging macromolecules. Flavones are the polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant property. This antioxidant property of flavones may have beneficial effect against inflammation. AIM: To study the anti-inflammatory effect of selected dihydroxyflavones (DHF) in albino rats. The prime objective of the present study is to identify safe and effective agents to treat inflammation from among the selected DHF group of compounds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was designed to investigate the anti-inflammatory action of four selected dihydroxyflavone derivatives; 2',3'- dihydroxyflavone and 2', 4' -dihydroxyflavones, 5, 3'- dihydroxyflavone and 7, 3' dihydroxyflavone. The anti-inflammatory activity of selected DHF was studied in rats by carrageenan induced hind paw oedema method. RESULTS: All the selected dihydroxyflavone derivatives showed dose and time dependent inhibition of carrageenan induced paw oedema.