The presented analysis concerns the inter-domain and inter-protein interface in protein complexes. We propose extending the traditional understanding of the protein domain as a function of local compactness with an additional criterion which refers to the presence of a well-defined hydrophobic core. Interface areas in selected homodimers vary with respect to their contribution to share as well as individual (domain-specific) hydrophobic cores. The basic definition of a protein domain, i.e., a structural unit characterized by tighter packing than its immediate environment, is extended in order to acknowledge the role of a structured hydrophobic core, which includes the interface area. The hydrophobic properties of interfaces vary depending on the status of interacting domains—In this context we can distinguish: (1) Shared hydrophobic cores (spanning the whole dimer); (2) Individual hydrophobic cores present in each monomer irrespective of whether the dimer contains a shared core. Analysis of interfaces in dystrophin and utrophin indicates the presence of an additional quasi-domain with a prominent hydrophobic core, consisting of fragments contributed by both monomers. In addition, we have also attempted to determine the relationship between the type of interface (as categorized above) and the biological function of each complex. This analysis is entirely based on the fuzzy oil drop model.
(1) Background. This paper presents a case of hip joints that were initially described as either normal or physiologically immature in four successive ultrasound examinations using the static method by Graf; however, the final treatment of the patient involved multiple hip reconstruction surgeries. (2) Case presentation. The patient was born with an Apgar score of 10 and did not exhibit neurological diseases that could deform and lead to pathological dislocation of the right hip joint. The subsequent analysis of medical data revealed that the hip luxation was due to secondary (late) developmental dysplasia of the right hip. (3) Conclusion. The article emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and treatment standards for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The development of uniform international medical guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of hip dysplasia, along with the unification of DDH-related terminology, would allow for more effective management of DDH cases and reduce the cost of patient treatment.
The paper presents the physicochemical and structural characteristics as well as the comparison of selected statins. Statins are relatively popular compounds used in modern medicine. They are increasingly often combined with other medications to improve the effectiveness of therapy. We analyzed the characteristics of pravastatin, simvastatin, atorvastatin, pitavastatin, lovastatin, mevastatin, fluvastatin, and rosuvastatin obtained from the PubChem Substance database. On the basis of data related to chemical structure and physicochemical properties, the statins were grouped into more and less similar ones. Statins are not homogeneous in terms of physicochemical properties and structure. Three groups of statins were identified. Mevastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin are the most similar to each other, while pravastatin shows a slightly lower similarity to them. Pitavastatin and fluvastatin are also highly similar, while atorvastatin and rosuvastatin, because of their properties, are the most different from other statin groups.
The study presents a fragment of pilot studies showing the reconstruction of the transverse arch of the foot using a specially constructed orthosis for this purpose. It involves the mechanical reinforcement of the effect by an orthosis, which pushes down the I, IV, and V metatarsal bones while elevating or blocking the fall of the near-immobile II and III metatarsal bones according to the “three-force” rule. The correction of the transverse arch of the foot runs simultaneously with the correction of hallux valgus (HV). As a result, the significant correction of HV and associated toe deformities was achieved. In stage I foot deformity, the reduction of HV was reduced from 19.1° before to 15.1° after putting on orthosis (p = 0.024). In stage II, the reduction was from 20.1° (before) to 16.2° (after; p = 0.032). Equally satisfactory results were obtained for the remaining angles of the metatarsal bones. In the future, the method can be suitable for patients undergoing preparation for corrective HV surgery and for maintaining postoperative HV results. It can be used preventively, for example, by women who frequently wear high-heeled shoes and by those who need to remain standing for prolonged periods of time.
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