Polymorphism of VDR Gene and the Sensitivity of Human Leukemia and Lymphoma Cells to Active Forms of Vitamin D

The active forms of vitamin D3 (calcitriol and tacalcitol) coupled to the vitamin D receptor (VDR) are known to exhibit anti-cancer properties. However, not all cancer cells are sensitive to the active forms of vitamin D3 and its analogs. The study aimed to determine whether polymorphism of VDR is responsible for the sensitivity of human leukemia and lymphoma cells to calcitriol and tacalcitol. The impact of calcitriol and tacalcitol on the proliferation and morphology of nine different leukemia and lymphoma cell lines was determined. Only MV-4-11, Thp-1, and HL-60 cell lines sensitive to proliferation inhibition by calcitriol and tacalcitol showed morphology changes. Subsequently, the levels of the VDR and 1,25D3-MARRS proteins of calcitriol and tacalcitol binding receptors and the VDR receptor polymorphism in human leukemia and lymphoma cells were ascertained. Contrary to the current understanding, higher levels of VDR are not responsible for the greater sensitivity of cells to calcitriol and tacalcitol. Importantly, we first showed that sensitivity to calcitriol and tacalcitol in leukemias and lymphomas could be determined by the VDR polymorphism. The FokI polymorphism and the presence of the “bat” haplotype were observed only in the sensitive cells.

Effect of Cooling Rate on the Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Properties of Iron-Rich Al–Si Alloy

The mechanical properties of iron-rich Al–Si alloy is limited by the existence of plenty of the iron-rich phase (β-Al5FeSi), whose unfavorable morphology not only splits the matrix but also causes both stress concentration and interface mismatch with the Al matrix. The effect of the cooling rate on the tensile properties of Fe-rich Al–Si alloy was studied by the melt spinning method at different rotating speeds. At the traditional casting cooling rate of ~10 K/s, the size of the needle-like β-Al5FeSi phase is about 80 μm. In contrast, the size of the β-Al5FeSi phase is reduced to 500 nm and the morphology changes to a granular morphology with the high cooling rate of ~104 K/s. With the increase of the cooling rate, the morphology of the β-Al5FeSi phase is optimized, meanwhile the tensile properties of Fe-rich Al–Si alloy are greatly improved. The improved tensile properties of the Fe-rich Al-Si alloy is attributed to the combination of Fe-rich reinforced particles and the granular silicon phase provided by the high cooling rate of the melt spinning method.

Is Elevated Red Blood Cell Distribution Width Value a Prognostic Marker in Sepsis Patients?

Sepsis and its complications are a common cause of infectious disease and death in worldwide. But the infection can be challenges to confirm and there is gold standard methods to confirm it. Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) value frequently measured at every complete blood count. In sepsis the RDW morphology changes are believed to be mainly related to prognosis. RDW has also been studied as an independent variable in different predictive score. We systematically review the articles can RDW be used as prognostic marker in patient with sepsis.

Sediment transport modeling at Stono Inlet and adjacent beaches, South Carolina

This report documents a numerical modeling investigation for dredged material from nearshore borrow areas and placed on Folly Beach adjacent to Stono Inlet, South Carolina. Historical and newly collected wave and hydrodynamic data around the inlet were assembled and analyzed. The datasets were used to calibrate and validate a coastal wave, hydrodynamic and sediment transport model, the Coastal Modeling System. Sediment transport and morphology changes within and around the immediate vicinity of the Stono Inlet estuarine system, including sand borrow areas and nearshore Folly Beach area, were evaluated. Results of model simulations show that sand removal in the borrow areas increases material backfilling, which is more significant in the nearshore than the offshore borrow areas. In the nearshore Folly Beach area, the dominant flow and sediment transport directions are from the northeast to the southwest. Net sediment gain occurs in the central and southwest sections while net sediment loss occurs in the northeast section of Folly Island. A storm and a 1-year simulation developed for the study produce a similar pattern of morphology changes, and erosion and deposition around the borrow areas and the nearshore Folly Beach area.

Meibomian Gland Morphology Changes After Cataract Surgery: A Contra-Lateral Eye Study

Purpose: To evaluate the morphology changes of meibomian glands (MGs) after cataract surgery.Setting: Hangzhou Branch of the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China.Methods: In this contra-lateral eye study, 40 patients received unilateral cataract surgery for age-related cataract. All the patients underwent the evaluation of non-invasive break-up time (NIBUT) and lower tear meniscus height (TMH) before the surgery and 6 months post-operatively. The MGs were evaluated via ImageJ and Meibomian Gland Bio-image Analyzer. MG dropout, length, width, area, gland diameter deformation index (DI), and gland signal index (SI) were recorded.Results: MG length, width, area, DI, and SI were significantly decreased after cataract surgery in the study group (operated eyes, P < 0.001, P = 0.003, P < 0.001, P = 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively) and showed no significant changes in the control group (non-operated eyes) (all P > 0.05). MG loss increased more in the study group (P = 0.030), and the changes in TMH and NIBUT were not significantly different between the two eyes (both P > 0.05).Conclusion: Cataract surgery aggravated meibomian gland morphology, such as MG loss, MG length, width, area, and SI, and produced no change in NIBUT and TMH at 6 months post-operatively.

Morphology and Microcirculation Changes of Optic Nerve Head Between Simple High Myopia and Pathologic Myopia

This study explored morphology and microcirculation changes of optic nerve head (ONH) in simple high myopia(SHM) and pathologic myopia(PM), in order to evaluate and identify ONH changes in the development of PM. We divided 193 right eyes of 193 patients into SHM and PM according to the retinopathy. We found that ONH is one of the earliest pathological changes in myopia, and its morphology changes were also the most obvious. PM is closely linked to the reduction of choroidal perfusion and structural changes of ONH. Microcirculation showed a significant priority changes in myopia. Further research should address whether these fndings are associated with future disease development in highly myopic eyes.

Evaluation of the effect of soft drinks on the surface roughness of dental enamel in natural human teeth

Background: Exposing enamel to soft drinks and beverages causes changes in the microscopical morphology. Changes in the physical characteristics, like hardness and surface roughness, were studied with various parameters. Factors such as pH, exposed duration, and other content of the soft drinks have different effects on the enamel. Methods: Thirty-six human premolar teeth were randomly divided into three groups (n=12). Group 1 consisted of teeth which were immersed in artificial saliva (control), group 2 consisted of teeth which were immersed in Pepsi, and group 3 consisted of teeth which were immersed in Mirinda. After the preparation of samples and necessary measures, surface roughness was measured using the profilometer. Baseline measurements were taken. Reading two and reading three were taken after exposing the specimens for three days and 15 days, respectively. All of the collected data were compared statistically using SPSS and presented in tables and graphs. Results: At the baseline, the surface roughness value was the same for all three groups. On the 3rd day, the Mirinda group showed more surface roughness compared to that of the test and Pepsi groups, which was statistically significant. On the 15th day, both the Pepsi and Mirinda groups showed increased surface roughness compared to that of the control, which was statistically significant. Conclusions: Within the limitation of this study, it can be concluded that surface roughness increased when teeth were exposed to both soft drinks