Surgeon Perspectives on Descemetorhexis Without Endothelial Keratoplasty for Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy: A UK National Survey.

Introduction: To provide an insight into the current perspective of UK ophthalmic surgeons on the role of Descemetorhexis without endothelial keratoplasty (DWEK) for the management of Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD).

Materials And Methods: A Google Form (Google, UK) was electronically distributed to UK ophthalmologists with a special interest in cornea from November 2023 to June 2024. The survey consisted of 13 mandatory questions.

Rabbit and Human Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme-2: Structure and Electric Properties.

The angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) is a transmembrane glycoprotein, consisting of two segments: a large carboxypeptidase catalytic domain and a small transmembrane collectrin-like segment. This protein plays an essential role in blood pressure regulation, transforming the peptides angiotensin-I and angiotensin-II (vasoconstrictors) into angiotensin-1-9 and angiotensin-1-7 (vasodilators). During the COVID-19 pandemic, ACE2 became best known as the receptor of the S-protein of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.

Intermolecular Electrostatic Interactions in Cytochrome Protein Monolayer on Montmorillonite Alumosilicate Surface: A Positive Cooperative Effect.

Montmorillonite (MM) crystal nanoplates acquire anticancer properties when coated with the mitochondrial protein cytochrome (cytC) due to the cancer cells' capability to phagocytize cytC-MM colloid particles. The introduced exogenous cytC initiates apoptosis: an irreversible cascade of biochemical reactions leading to cell death. In the present research, we investigate the organization of the cytC layer on the MM surface by employing physicochemical and computer methods-microelectrophoresis, static, and electric light scattering-to study cytC adsorption on the MM surface, and protein electrostatics and docking to calculate the local electric potential and Gibbs free energy of interacting protein globules.

Bilateral rapidly destructive coxopathy in rheumatoid arthritis.

Rapidly destructive coxopathy (RDC) is a rare type of coxarthritis marked by swift deterioration of the hip joint. Although its cause remains unclear, several pathophysiological mechanisms are proposed. To comprehensively analyze this poorly understood condition, a literature search was conducted focusing on associations of bilateral RDC and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Three-Dimensional Structural Stability and Local Electrostatic Potential at Point Mutations in Spike Protein of SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus.

The contagiousness of SARS-CoV-2 β-coronavirus is determined by the virus-receptor electrostatic association of its positively charged spike (S) protein with the negatively charged angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2 receptor) of the epithelial cells. If some mutations occur, the electrostatic potential on the surface of the receptor-binding domain (RBD) could be altered, and the S-ACE2 association could become stronger or weaker. The aim of the current research is to investigate whether point mutations can noticeably alter the electrostatic potential on the RBD and the 3D stability of the S1-subunit of the S-protein.