The increasing prevalence of proximal humerus fractures in the elderly population, particularly osteoporotic fractures, necessitates a biomechanical evaluation of Kirschner wire (K-wire) configurations used in percutaneous fixation. This study investigates the stability of different K-wire configurations and examines the effect of wire size and type (smooth vs. threaded). Using 27 synthetic humeri models, we compare three configurations as follows: four parallel ascending K-wires (box-type), two ascending and two descending K-wires, and a combination of both. Results show that adding descending K-wires significantly enhances stability, particularly against torsional forces. This study highlights the importance of wire type and configuration in stabilizing proximal humerus fractures. Multiplanar constructs with descending K-wires, especially threaded ones, offer better stability. These insights help improve surgical techniques for elderly and osteoporotic patients, but further research using cadaver models is needed for clinical validation.
Ebola virus is a lipid-enveloped filamentous virus that affects human and non-human primates and consists of several types of protein: nucleoprotein, VP30, VP35, L protein, VP40, VP24, and transmembrane glycoprotein. Among the Ebola virus proteins, its matrix protein VP40 is abundantly expressed during infection and plays a number of critical roles in oligomerization, budding and egress from the host cell. VP40 exists predominantly as a monomer at the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane, and has been suggested to interact with negatively charged lipids such as phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) and phosphatidylserine (PS) via its cationic patch. The hydrophobic loop at the C-terminal domain has also been shown to be important in the interaction between the VP40 and the membrane. However, details of the molecular mechanisms underpinning their interactions are not fully understood. This study aimed at investigating the effects of mutation in the cationic patch and hydrophobic loop on the interaction between the VP40 monomer and the plasma membrane using coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulation (CGMD). Our simulations revealed that the interaction between VP40 and the plasma membrane is mediated by the cationic patch residues. This led to the clustering of PIP2 around the protein in the inner leaflet as a result of interactions between some cationic residues including R52, K127, K221, K224, K225, K256, K270, K274, K275 and K279 and PIP2 lipids via electrostatic interactions. Mutation of the cationic patch or hydrophobic loop amino acids caused the protein to bind at the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane in a different orientation, where no significant clustering of PIP2 was observed around the mutated protein. This study provides basic understanding of the interaction of the VP40 monomer and its mutants with the plasma membrane.
Metisa plana (Lepidoptera: Psychidae) bagworm is a leaf-eater caterpillar ubiquitously found as a damaging pest in oil palm plantations, specifically in Malaysia. Various strategies have been implemented, including the usage of chemical insecticides. However, the main challenges include the development of insecticide resistance and its detrimental effects on the environment and non-target organisms. Therefore, a biorational insecticide is introduced by targeting the juvenile hormone (JH) biosynthetic pathway, which is mainly present in the insect and vital for the insect's growth, diapause, metamorphosis, and adult reproduction. This study aimed to investigate the potential inhibitor for the rate-limiting enzyme involved in the JH pathway known as farnesol dehydrogenase. A 255 amino acids sequence encoded for the putative M. plana farnesol dehydrogenase (MpFolDH) open reading frame had been identified and isolated. The three-dimensional structure of MpFolDH was predicted to have seven β- sheets with α-helices at both sides, showing typical characteristics for classical short-chain dehydrogenase and associated with oxidoreductase activity. Then, the ensemble-based virtual screening was conducted based on the ZINC20 database, in which 43 768 compounds that fulfilled pesticide-likeness criteria were screened by site-specific molecular docking. After a short molecular dynamics simulation (5 ns) was conducted towards 102 compounds, only the top 10 compounds based on their most favourable binding energy were selected for a more extended simulation (100 ns). Based on the protein-ligand stability, protein compactness, residues rigidity, binding interaction, binding energy throughout the 100 ns simulation, and physicochemical analysis, ZINC000408743205 was selected as a potential inhibitor for this enzyme. Amino acids decomposition analysis indicates Ile18, Ala95, Val198 and Val202 were the critical contributor residues for MpFolDH-inhibitors(s) complex.
The escalating challenges posed by seafood waste generated by the fishing and aquaculture industries underscore the urgent need for innovative solutions that promote both environmental conservation and economic viability within the seafood sector. Seafood waste biorefinery emerges as a promising solution, offering the potential to transform waste materials into valuable products. However, it is essential to recognize that seafood waste biorefinery operations also entail environmental impacts that warrant careful consideration. Environmental assessment tools like Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) provide a valuable framework for assessing these impacts comprehensively. This review critically examines LCA studies in seafood waste biorefinery, focusing on key concepts, emerging technologies, and potential product avenues. Despite the growing body of research in this area, direct comparisons between published studies prove challenging due to discrepancies in feedstocks, processing techniques, value-added products, and LCA methodologies. Nevertheless, the findings consistently demonstrate significant reductions in environmental impacts achieved through seafood waste biorefinery processes. The selection of technologies significantly influences both product quality and sustainability measures. High energy consumption, including diesel fuel consumption in fishing vessels and electricity consumption in processing steps, should be carefully considered and reduced to mitigate associated environmental impacts. In conclusion, while seafood waste biorefinery processes hold significant promise for providing environmental and economic benefits, substantial challenges remain. This review provides invaluable insights for researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of continuous interdisciplinary collaboration and methodological standardization to advance sustainable waste management practices in the seafood industry.
Interleukin-27 (IL-27) has a pleiotropic role either as a pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory cytokine in inflammatory related diseases. The role and involvement of IL-27 during malaria was investigated and the effects of modulating its release on the production of major inflammatory cytokines and the histopathological consequences in major affected organs during the infection were evaluated. Results showed that IL-27 concentration was significantly elevated throughout the infection but no positive correlation with the parasitaemia development observed. Augmentation of IL-27 significantly elevated the release of anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10 whereas antagonising and neutralising IL-27 produced the opposite. A significant elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ and IL-6) was also observed, both during augmentation and inhibition of IL-27. Thus, it is suggested that IL-27 exerts an anti-inflammatory activity in the Th1 type response by signalling the production of IL-10 during malaria. Histopathological examination showed sequestration of PRBC in the microvasculature of major organs in malarial mice. Other significant histopathological changes include hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the Kupffer cells in the liver, hyaline membrane formation in lung tissue, enlargement of the white and red pulp followed by the disappearance of germinal centre of the spleen, and tubular vacuolation of the kidney tissues. In conclusion, it is suggested that IL-27 may possibly acts as an anti-inflammatory cytokine during the infection. Modulation of its release produced a positive impact on inflammatory cytokine production during the infection, suggesting its potential in malaria immunotherapy, in which the host may benefit from its inhibition.