α-Synuclein, an abundant and conserved presynaptic brain protein, is implicated as a critical factor in Parkinson's disease (PD). The aggregation of α-synuclein is believed to be a critical event in the disease process. α-Synuclein is characterized by a remarkable conformational plasticity, adopting different conformations depending on the environment. Therefore, it is classified as an "intrinsically disordered protein." Recently, a debate has challenged the view on the intrinsically disordered behavior of α-synuclein in the cell. It has been proposed that α-synuclein is a stable tetramer with a low propensity for aggregation; however, its destabilization leads to protein misfolding and its aggregation kinetics. In our critical analysis, we discussed about major issues: (i) why α-synuclein conformational behavior does not fit into the normal secondary structural characteristics of proteins, (ii) potential amino acids involved in the complexity of misfolding in α-synuclein that leads to aggregation, and (iii) the role of metals in misfolding and aggregation. To evaluate the above critical issues, we developed bioinformatics models related to secondary and tertiary conformations, Ramachandran plot, free energy change, intrinsic disordered prediction, solvent accessibility, and FoldIndex pattern. To the best of our knowledge, this is a novel critical assessment to understand the misfolding biology of synuclein and its relevance to Parkinson's disease.

No abstract

✓ A rare case of an epidural intracranial meningioma weighing 1890 gm is reported in a 5-year-old child.

Summary In leprosy, involvement of the posterior tibial nerve leads to sensory loss in the plantar aspect of the fo ot. As a result plantar ulcers are common and lead to deformity and disability. Restoration of plantar sensation can prevent ulcer fo rmation.Posterior tibial decompression was done for the recovery of sensation in the plantar aspect of the fo ot. Seventy-two patients under went decompression on 84 feet, 25 received steroids pre-and post-operatively. The recovery of sensation was better if surgery was done before 6 months of onset of anaesthesia. Decompres sion along with steroids gave better results than decompression alone in patients with active neuritis especially in BT cases whereas in BB, BL and LL cases there was no significant improvement of sensation. The results are discussed.Involvement of the posterior tibial nerve is common in leprosy and leads to loss of sensation in the plantar aspect and paralysis of the small muscles of the fo ot. Plantar ulcers are an unfortunate problem due to anaesthesia of the fe et. If sensory function is restored to the foot it is possible to prevent ulcers and late complications.Various studies1•2.4.6 have reported recovery of sensation and motor function after decompres sion of the ulnar nerve. An analysis of the recovery of sensation after PT decompression was done at CL T & RI, Chengalpattu. Initially PT decompression was done for painful neuritis and patients were on steroid therapy as well. Because there was a good recovery of sensation after surgery, patients with plantar anaesthesia but without neuritis were also considered for surgery although they were not given steroids. The results were analysed for recovery of plantar sensation after PT decompression with and without steroids. Steroids help in suppressing the immunological response in the nerve and relieve the tension by decreasing the oedema and inflammation. Surgical decompression relieves external and internal compression of the nerve.