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Background:In extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants, the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) with left-to-right shunt and an increase in systemic artery resistance may cause increasing preload and afterload of the left ventricle. The immature myocardium in ELBW infants has a limited ability to respond to the change, which leads to hemorrhagic complications. In this study, we detected the hemodynamic change of cardiac performance and applied a clinical strategy to prevent PDA-associated hemorrhagic complications in ELBW infants.Methods:We enrolled ELBW infants at a single medical center in Taiwan. The customized circulatory management was performed by echocardiography after birth until the PDA closed. Inotropic agents were administrated according to the requirements of hemodynamic parameters or clinical conditions. The primary outcomes were hemorrhagic complications including pulmonary hemorrhage and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) greater than grade II. The secondary outcomes were the rate of surgical ligation of PDA, mortality, necrotizing enterocolitis, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia.Results:A total of 20 ELBW infants were evaluated by customized circulatory management from 2019 to 2020. We reviewed 35 ELBW infants born between 2017 and 2018 in our hospital, who served as the non-management group. The management group had a significantly lower incidence rate of IVH greater than grade 2 (p= 0.02). Other outcomes showed no significant differences. Dobutamine was prescribed in 8 cases in the management group, and end-systolic wall stress (ESWS) was significantly decreased after Dobutamine administration (p= 0.017).Conclusion:The incidence rate of IVH greater than grade II in ELBW infants decreased after use of customized circulatory management in our study. The strategy of customized circulatory management might be an effective “early target therapy” for hemodynamically significant PDA in high-risk ELBW infants. Inotropic therapy with Dobutamine could be a useful medical choice for improving cardiac function to prevent hemorrhagic complications.

Background Lead, is one of the world’s highest-volume heavy metals in use today and remains ubiquitous in natural environment. High blood lead level (BLL) was associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and decline in renal function in general population. Considering CVD and diabetic kidney disease (DKD) has become top 2 in diabetic mortality rate, studies about their association with BLL in diabetic individuals were rather limited. We aimed to investigate whether higher BLL exposure associates with CVD and DKD in diabetic adults. We believe that this field of work may enable us to identify a novel risk factor for diabetic vascular complications. Methods 4,234 diabetic participants were enrolled from seven communities in Shanghai, China in 2018. Macrovascular measurements including common carotid artery (CCA) plaque and diameter were detected by ultrasound. CVD was defined as a composite measure including previous diagnosis of coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, or stroke , which were recorded in the registration platform. DKD were defined according to ADA statement and KDOQI recommendation. Results Compared with first quartile, Odds ratios (ORs) (95% CI) of CCA plaque ranging from none to bilateral in ordinal regression associated with BLL was 1.23 (1.04, 1.46) for the fourth BLL quartile and the odds of having CVD was significantly increased 47% for participants in the fourth quartile (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.22, 1.78) (P for trend

Background The incidence and mortality of cancer metastasis is high worldwide. Despite of the chemotherapeutic agents, many cancer patients still take traditional Chinese herbal prescriptions as adjuvant treatments. However, most of these herbal formulae/products lack of evidence-based efficacy. Based on our previous investigations on anti-tumor, anti-angiogenic, anti-metastatic, bone protective and immunomodulating activities of various Chinese herbal medicines, four constituent herbs, namely Andrographis paniculata, Acanthopanax senticosus, Camellia sinensis, and Hedyotis diffusa were eventually selected to form an innovative herbal formula. Methods The anti-tumor efficacies of the formula were evaluated in metastatic breast cancer mice model. The bone protective and immunomodulatory effects were also assessed after formula treatment. Results Our results showed that the breast tumor weight as well as lung and liver metastasis in mice could be reduced after herbal formula treatment for 4 weeks. The breast tumor-induced osteolysis in mice was restored by herbal formula treatment, in which the bone volume in treated mice tibia was comparable to that in the non-tumor bearing normal mice. The IL-12 level was augmented and the survival of mice with metastatic breast tumors was prolonged after treatment. Furthermore, combination of herbal formula with chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin resulted in better anti-tumor efficacy and increased life span in tumor-bearing mice, when compared with doxorubicin alone treatment. Conclusions In summary, our innovative Chinese herbal formula was demonstrated to possess anti-tumor, anti-metastatic and bone-protective activities in metastatic breast tumor-bearing mice. The preclinical data generated in this study would lead to the development of evidence-based supplement as adjuvant therapy for metastatic breast cancer. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13020-018-0222-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Background In the present study, we examined the effect of a two-herb traditional Chinese medicine (NF3), comprised of Astragali Radix and Radix Rehmanniae, on the healing of diabetic foot ulcer and the possible molecular mechanisms involved. Methods This was a prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. Sixteen diabetic patients were randomized to receive either placebo or NF3 for 6 months. Ulcer healing and sensory changes were examined. Molecular studies included measurement of serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and RNA microarray investigation. Results The daily rate of reduction in ulcer area was 3.55% in the NF3 group and 1.52% in the placebo group (P = 0.062). In the index limb, the number of negative tests for sensory neuropathy using monofilament was reduced from 27% to 7% in the NF3 group and from 37% to 35% in the placebo group (P

Composite beam takes full advantage of mechanical properties of brittle and ductile materials elements. The key point is to rely on the shear connectors ensure overall coordination of composite beam, so as to achieve the effect of flexural component. The crack in composite beam caused by brittle materials elements is not negligible. We obtained the slip of shear connectors with the second order precision under the conditions that there are cracks in the brittle material elements, and the ultimate moment is obtained too.

The measurement and description of the three-dimensional (3D) parameters of bridge surface defects are common technical problems in the field of bridge defect detection. These problems are difficult to solve through conventional methods. However, with the assistance of line-shaped lasers, 3D structure measurements can be converted to two-dimensional ones. Based on an analysis of the applications of 3D measurement techniques in other industries, a 3D measurement method for bridge surface defects is proposed. In this method, the parameters of line deformation are measured using digital imaging and pattern recognition techniques, and then the 3D parameters of bridge surface defects are calculated. The computational formula is also deduced. Subsequently, the feasibility of the method is verified by experiments.

Cracking is a typical kind of defect present in cement concrete bridges. Image-based bridge crack detection is a new technology for the lossless digital detection of bridge defects. An image-based method is proposed for recognizing and extracting the characteristic parameters of cracks on the bridge surface. Three main processes are aimed at resolving the interference of construction joints, sunlight, defacements, and vibration. First, the characteristics of cracks found in the acquired and denoised bridge images are analyzed. Second, suspicious cracks are extracted using pixel gray-value comparison. Finally, false cracks are removed through the computed measurement of the connected domain, whereas true cracks are maintained. The qualities of the images are tested, and the results show that the proposed method exhibits robustness and efficiency in detecting bridge cracks.

The real and measurable model is helpful for structure simulation. Photogrammetry technology provides a new method to model a structure by photos. This article explored the feasibility of photo-based 3D modeling for the arc bridge structures by ordinary digital camera. Firstly, the preparation processes before modeling were introduced, that included camera calibration, designation of shooting program, how to take photos and plan measurement. Secondly, photo orientation and modeling process were introduced, too. A measurement test was put forward to get some good points to enhance the accuracy. By comparing the measurement accuracy of modeling results from the four photos and eight photographs, some proposals were presented to improve the accuracy. The 3D model can be integrated with the loading conditions and material properties, to provide the detailed data for analyzing the structure.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), Smad2/3 and Smad7 expressions in carotid artery remodeling in renovascular hypertensive rats, and also the therapeutic effect of Enalapril and Amlodipine. METHODS The renovascular hypertensive rat (RHR) models with "two-kidney and one-clip" were established, including model group (n = 6), sham-operated group (n = 6), Enalapril group (10 mg/kg per day, n = 6), Amlodipine group (5 mg/kg per day, n = 6) and combination group (Amlodipine 2.5 mg/kg per day + Enalapril 5mg/kg per day, n = 6). The medication were continuous administrated for six weeks. Carotid artery morphological and structural changes in the media were observed by HE staining, Masson staining and immuno histochemical staining. Media thickness (MT), MT and lumen diameter ratio (MT/LD), and the expression levels of media α-smooth muscle actin (α-actin), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), TGF-β1, phosphorylated Smad2/3 (p-Smad2/3) and Smad7 in carotid arteries were measured. RESULTS The media of carotid arteries in RHR model group was significantly thickened, the volume of smooth muscle cell was increased, and the array was in disorder; MT, MT/LD, the proliferation index of smooth muscle cell and collagen fiber area percentage of carotid arteries in the model group were significantly higher than those in the sham-operated group (P < 0.01). Compared to sham-operated group, the model group had significantly higher expressions of TGF-β1 and p-Smad2/3 (P < 0.05) and lower Smad7 expression. Both Enalapril and Amlodipine improved smooth muscle hypertrophy and collagen deposition, reduced RHR carotid MT, MT/LD, proliferation index of smooth muscle cell, collagen fiber area percentage and the expressions of TGF-β1 and p-Smad2/3 (P < 0.05), increased Smad7 expression (P < 0.05). Moreover, the combination treatment of Enalapril and Amlodipine had significantly better effects than single Amlodipine group (P < 0.05), but not single Enalapril group. CONCLUSIONS TGF-β1/Smads pathway may participate in the mechanism of carotid artery remodeling in RHR; the role of Amlodipine and Enalapril in inversing carotid artery remodeling may be related to the change of TGF-β1/Smads pathway, the combination treatment of Amlodipine and Enalapril had better effects than single administration of Amlodipine.

Aiming at failure of closure segment in a prestressed concrete cable-stayed bridge, a strengthening technology, namely replacing the closure segment, was firstly put forward. But removing the old closure segment was a process of release of internal force and had great risk. So the structural safety possibly induced by removing must be analyzed and confirmed. Based on FEM and summary of engineering experience, the construction stages for removing the old closure segment were simulated, and then some analysis relevant to safety, including thermal effect, dynamic characteristics and global stability of the whole bridge structure, were systematically presented. According to these analysis results, corresponding prevention and control measures were provided to ensure construction safety. Studies showed that, variation range of its structural state between before and after removing is not obvious, and its dynamic characteristics changed little after removing. In addition, structural instability could not be induced by removing, but for the sake of improving construction safety reliability, necessary safety prevention and control measures were indispensable. Analysis on safety of removing the old closure segment constituted the important part of the strengthening technology of replacing the closure segment, and became the theoretical basis of removing partial structural members for existing bridges.

Mechanical behaviours of three-tower suspension bridges from perspective of influence line help insight into mechanical behaviour nature, and grasp the differences between two-tower and three-tower suspension bridges in Static and dynamic behaviours. Based on the Taizhou Yangtze River Bridge, three dimensional space finite element models of two-tower, three-tower with floating system and three-tower with elastic cables between mid-tower and the girder were constructed. Through analysis of influence lines characteristics of different key effects and effect envelop under vehicular load, main conclusions are got as follows: Some factors such as deflection-to-span ratio of girder, anti-slipping safety factor between the main cable and saddle of the mid-tower and force in the mid-tower, horizontal displacement at the end of girder, which are not important in two-tower design, become controlling ones in three-tower suspension bridges and effects under vehicular load is the most important. When live load acts on all or part of one main span, the four control factors reach the worst case, but in very low probability. Code restriction on deflection-to-span ratio of girder can be flexible to relax restriction to 1/220, and riding comfort is still guaranteed. Stresses of mid-tower under vehicular load plus dead load are in a state of compressive stress in the majority of operating conditions and fatigue problem is not obvious.

One of the interesting fields in recreational mathematics is the magic number arrangement. There are different kinds of arrays in the arrangement for a group of numbers. In particular, one of the arrays in magic number arrangement is called magic star. In fact, magic star involves combinatorics that contributes to geometrical analysis and number theory. Hence, magic star is suitable to be introduced as educational mathematics to cultivate interest in different area of mathematics. To obtain the solutions of normal magic stars of order six, the possible sets of numbers for every line in a magic star have been considered. Previously, the calculation for obtaining the solutions has been done manually which is time-consuming. Therefore, a programming code to generate all the fundamental solutions for normal magic star of order six without including the properties of rotation and reflection has been done. In this puzzle, a magic star puzzle is created by using Matlab software, which enables a user to verify the entries for the cells of magic star of order six. Moreover, it is also user-friendly as it provides interactive commands on the inputs given by the user, which enables the user to detect the incorrect inputs. In addition, user can also choose to view all the fundamental solutions as generated by the programming code.

The Danshen-Gegen formula (DG) is a traditional Chinese herbal formula which has long been used to treat cardiovascular disease. DG was found to be a cardiovascular tonic in our recent research. However, a comprehensive investigation of the molecular mechanism of DG in cardiovascular disease has not been performed. The aim of this study was to clarify the transcriptional profiling of genes modulated by DG on postmenopausal women by using DNAmicroarray technology. We obtained 29 whole blood samples both from DG-treated and placebo-treated subjects. Blood lipid profile and intima-media thickness (IMT) were measured. Affymetrix GeneChip was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs), followed by validation by the real-time PCR method. The results showed that DG-treated group has a significant improvement in IMT and lipid profile as compared to placebo-treated group. For the genomic study, the DG-treated group has a higher number of DEGs identified as compared to the placebo-treated group. Two important biological processes of “regulation of systemic arterial blood pressure by hormone” and “regulation of smooth muscle proliferation” have been identified by GePS in the DG-treated group. No significant biological process and cellular components were identified in the placebo-treated group. This genomic study on the molecular action of DG in postmenopausal women gathered sufficient molecular targets and pathways to reveal that DG could improve neointima thickening and hypertension.

This article explored the method of photo-based 3D modeling for the arc bridge structures by ordinary digital camera. Firstly, a series of processes had been studied by using ordinary digital camera that included the camera calibration, data acquisition, data management, and 3D orientation, setting scale and textures, etc., then the 3D model from photos can be built. The model can be measured, edited and close to the real structures. Take an interior masonry arch bridge as an example, build 3D model through the processes above by using camera HP CB350. The 3D model can be integrated with the loading conditions and material properties, to provide the detailed data for analyzing the structure. This paper has accumulated the experience in data acquisition and modeling methods. The methods can be applied to other structural analysis, and other conditions of 3D modeling with fast and economic advantages.

Objectives To investigate the effects of dietary salt on aorta and mesenteric artery remodelling in Wistar Rats and explore the possible mechanism of salt-induced arterial remodelling and AngiotensinII receptor blockers telmisartan intervention. Methods 60 Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control group, high salt (8%) model group and high salt+telmisartan group. The tail artery pressure was determined every 2 weeks. After 24 weeks, high salt model group was divided into model hypertension (MH) group and model normal pressure (MN) group. The structural changes and proliferation in the media of aorta and mesenteric arteries were observed by HE staining, Masson staining and immunohistochemical staining. The activities and mRNA levels of Na + pump and Ca 2+ pump in aortic media were determined by enzyme colorimetry and real-time PCR respectively. Results Compared with control group, the blood pressure was significantly increased in MH Group, Media thickness (MT), lumen diameter (LD), ratio of media to lumen (MT/LD), the collagen volume fraction and PCNA positive expressive percentage of arteries in high-salt group were increased (p + -K + -ATPase and Ca 2+ -ATPase in MH group were decreased (p + -K + -ATPase α 1 subunit in MH and MN groups was decreased (P Conclusions High-salt diet could lead to arterial remodelling directly or indirectly (elevated blood pressure), The decreased ion pump activity and abnormal gene expression may be one of the mechanisms of high-salt induced arterial remodelling. Telmisartan may inhibit the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle and collagen accumulation, and prevent salt-induced hypertension and arterial remodelling.

Objectives To study the effects of high-salt diet on myocardial remodelling, and investigate the relevant mechanisms of telmisartan on the reverse of myocardial remodelling in Wistar rats. Methods Twenty-four Wistar rats fed by high-salt diet for 23 weeks which were divided into two groups: high-salt hypertension group (HSH n=12) and high-salt normal blood pressure group (HSN n=12) according to the level of systolic blood pressure (SBP). The rats of telmisartan group (T n=12) were fed high-salt and telmisartan for 23 weeks too. Thirteen age-matched rats fed by normal-salt were used as controls (NS n=13). Myocardial morphology and structural changes were observed by HE staining and Masson staining. The content of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in blood and left ventricle (LV) were measured by biochemistry and enzymology. Radioimmunoassay and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were employed to determine the content of tumour necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) and C-reactive protein (CRP). The protein levels of nuclear factor-κb p65 (NF-κb p65) were evaluated by western blot. Results SBP in HSH was higher than other groups. In the high-salt groups, the ratio of left ventricular mass and body mass (LVMI), the myocardial cell diameter (CMD), the fibrosis area of myocardial interstitial (MIFI), the content of CRP, TNF-a (HSH (48.86±8.25), HSN (56.67±9.67) vs NS (40.89±4.37) ng/g, p Conclusions The myocardial remodelling caused by high salt diet may be related to decreased SOD activity and inflammatory mechanism. Telmisartan prevents the salt-induced myocardial remodelling at least in part through inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation.

Objectives To investigate the effects of long-term high-salt diet on blood pressure and kidney and the intervention of telmisartan. Methods Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: Control group (NS group: given 0.5% NaCl), High-salt group (given 8% NaCl), and Intervention group (GY group: given 8% NaCl+telmisartan). Systolic blood pressure was assessed by the tail-cuff artery pressure. The urine was collected to measure the concentration of Na + , K + , microalbumin, total protein, and creatinine. At 24 weeks, the renal hypertrophy index was calculated. HE, Masson staining were used to observe the kidney morphology. Results Compared with NS group, systolic blood pressure was significantly increased and continued until the end of the experiment in one part of rats fed high-salt diet, whereas the other part of rats fed high-salt diet developed transient increase in blood pressure only from 8 weeks to 10 weeks of the experiment. So high-salt group rats were finally divided into High-salt hypertension group (HH group) and High-salt normal blood pressure group (HN group). In high-salt group rats, the renal hypertrophy index, microalbumin, total protein, and the ratio of Na + /K + were increased p + /K + did not change (p>0.05). Conclusions Long-term high-salt diet may induce high blood pressure in part of the Wistar rats and cause renal damage independent of high blood pressure. Telmisartan can prevent high blood pressure and renal damage induced by high-salt diet in Wistar rats.

Objectives To study the influence of high salt diet on blood pressure and carotid artery remodelling and the intervention of telmisartan in Wiatar rats. Methods 60 Wistar rats were fed a normal salt diet (Control group, 0.5%NaCl), high salt diet (M group: 8% NaCl), and high salt diet+Telmisartan (Tel group, 8% NaCl+ Telmisartan) until 24 weeks. After the end of experiment, M group was divided into hypertension group (MH) and normal blood pressure group (MN) according of the tail-cuff blood pressure. The structural changes and proliferation in the media of carotid artery were observed by HE staining, Masson staining and immunohistochemical. Expression of TGF-β1, smad2/3, smad7, AngII, AT1 and AT2 in media of carotid arteries were measured with immunohistochemistry method. Aldosterone in vessel was measured by radioimmunoassay. Results (1) Media thickness (MT), ratio of media to lumen (MT/LD), proliferation index (PI)、collagen fibre area percentage of carotid arteries in MH and MN groups were increased compared with that of the control group p 0.05). The AT1 expression in MH and MN groups were higher than in the control group p Conclusions Long-term high-salt diet can cause the carotid artery remodelling directly or through high blood pressure, it may be related to positive and negative regulation of signal transduction in TGF-β1/smads and the RAAS components in local tissues. Telmisartan can prevent high salt-induced hypertension and remodelling of carotid artery.

Objectives To investigate the effects of single-drug or combination therapy of enalapril and irbesartan on carotid artery remodelling and TGF-β1/Smads signal pathway. Methods Renovascular hypertensive rats (RHR) developed by ‘two-kidney and one-clip’ method were treated respectively with distilled water (model group, n=6), enalapril (10 mg/(kg d), n=6), irbesartan (50 mg/(kg/d), n=6) and enalapril plus irbesartan (5 mg/kg/d+25 mg/(kg d), n=6) for 6 weeks. Six sham-operated rats were used as controls. Carotid artery morphology and structural changes were observed through HE staining, immunohistochemical staining and Masson staining. Media thickness (MT), lumen diameter (LD), media thickness and lumen diameter ratio (MT/LD) and collagen fibre area percentage of carotid arteries were measured. Moreover, the immunohistochemical staining was applied to detect the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), TGF-β1, p-Smad2/3 and Smad7. Results In the model group, the media thickness was significantly increased, and the volume of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) increased and disarranged. MT, LD, MT/LD, α-SMA, PCNA and collagen fibre area percentage of carotid arteries in the model group were higher than those in the sham-operated group (p Conclusions The TGFβ1/Smads signalling pathway may be involved in carotid remodelling of RHR. Enalapril or irbesartan can attenuate carotid remodelling of RHR through regulating TGF-β1/Smads pathway and both combination treatment seems to have interaction.

Purpose The present study evaluated the applicability of a rebound tonometer in measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) in rats and mice. Methods The accuracy of the TonoLab rebound tonometer was determined in cannulated mouse and rat eyes. IOP was manipulated by changing reservoir height, and tonometer pressure readings were recorded by an independent observer. IOP values were recorded in conscious Wistar rats and in four different strains of mice. The effects of anesthesia on IOP were evaluated in two different strains of mice. Results The IOP readings generated by the rebound tonometer correlated very well with the actual pressure in the eye. In rats, this linear correlation had a slope of 0.96 +/- 0.05 (mean +/- SEM, n = 4) and a Y-intercept of -2.1 +/- 1.2. In mice, the slope was 0.99 +/- 0.05 (n = 3), and the Y-intercept was 0.8 +/- 1.4. Using this method, the resting IOP of conscious male Wistar rats was observed to be 18.4 +/- 0.1 mm Hg (n = 132). In mice, strain differences in IOP were detected. Baseline IOP values in Balb/c, C57-BL/6, CBA, and 11- to 12-month-old DBA/2J mice were 10.6 +/- 0.6, 13.3 +/- 0.3, 16.4 +/- 0.3, and 19.3 +/- 0.4 mm Hg (n = 12), respectively. In separated studies, anesthesia lowered IOP from 14.3 +/- 0.9 to 9.2 +/- 0.5 mm Hg (n = 8) in C57-BL/6 mice, and from 16.6 +/- 0.4 to 9.4 +/- 0.6 mm Hg (n = 10) in CBA mice. Conclusions The rebound tonometer was easy to use and accurately measured IOP in rats and mice. This technique, together with advances in genetic and other biological studies in rodents, will be valuable in the further understanding of the etiology and pathology of glaucoma.