Dynamic analysis of cylindrical foundations under torsional loading via generic discrete-element models simulating soil stratum.

Torsional vibration, considering soil-structure interaction, is essential to the dynamic response of most irregular structures. A systematic method is developed to seek the optimal simplified model among multiple model candidates for uniform soil on rigid base regarding dynamic soil-foundation interactions. A generic model is identified by the proposed method to simulate the cylindrical foundation resting on or embedded in the soil stratum under torsional vibrations.

Identity of the holotype and type locality of (Wall, 1923) (Colubridae: Natricinae), with notes on the morphology and natural history of the species in southwestern China.

The original description of (currently ) by Frank Wall in 1923, based on a specimen from the "Upper Burma Hills," lacked important morphological details that have complicated the assignment of recently collected material. Furthermore, although the holotype was never lost, its location has been misreported in one important taxonomic reference, leading to further confusion. We report the correct repository of the holotype (Natural History Museum, London), together with its current catalog number.

MiR-24-3p Attenuates Doxorubicin-induced Cardiotoxicity via the Nrf2 Pathway in Mice.

Objective: The nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NFE2)-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is associated with doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiac injury. It has been reported that microRNA-24-3p (miR-24-3p) may regulate the Keapl by mRNA degradation, whereas Keapl can suppress the activation of Nrf2. However, the role of miR-24-3p in DOX-related cardiotoxicity remains unclear.

Comparison of 3-Dimensional Pelvic Floor Ultrasonography and Defecography for Assessment of Posterior Pelvic Floor Disorders.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of 3-dimensional (3D) pelvic floor ultrasonography and compare it with defecography in assessment of posterior pelvic disorders.

Methods: Eligible patients were consecutive women undergoing 3D pelvic floor ultrasonography at one hospital between August 2017 and February 2019. All 3D pelvic floor ultrasonography was performed by one examiner.

A scale for prediction of response to AEDs in patients with MRI-negative epilepsy.

Objectives: Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are the first choice in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-negative patients with epilepsy, although the responses to AEDs are diverse. Preoperative evaluation and postoperative prognosis in MRI-negative epilepsy have been reported. However, there are few tools for predicting the response to AEDs.

Laparoscopic Posterolateral Rectopexy for the Treatment of Patients With a Full Thickness Rectal Prolapse: Experience With 63 Patients and Short-term Outcomes.

Purpose: Although numerous procedures have been proposed for the treatment of patients with a rectal prolapse, the most effective operation has not yet been established. Minimal rectal mobilization can prevent constipation; however, it is associated with increased recurrence rates. We describe our novel method for a laparoscopic posterolateral rectopexy, which includes rectal mobilization with a posterior-right unilateral dissection, suture fixation to the sacral promontory with a polypropylene mesh (Optilene), and a mesorectal fascia propria that is as wide as possible.

[Analysis of Greenhouse Gas Emission Characteristics and Their Influencing Factors in the Algae Zone of Lake Taihu].

In order to identify CH and CO emission flux characteristics and their impact factors in the algal lake zone of Lake Taihu, CH and CO fluxes were observed by the improved closed chamber method in Meiliang Bay in Lake Taihu. The relationships between CH and CO flux and meteorological factors were analyzed. The results showed that CH and CO fluxes had obvious diurnal variations.

Laparoscopic Vaginal Suspension and Rectopexy for Rectal Prolapse.

Purpose: Laparoscopic procedures for the treatment of patients with a rectal prolapse have gained increasing worldwide acceptance because they have lower recurrence and better functional outcome than perineal procedures. Nevertheless, ideal surgical methods are still not available. We propose a new surgical technique, laparoscopic vaginal suspension and rectopexy, for correcting a full-thickness rectal prolapse and/or middle-compartment prolapse.

A rat model of vascular dementia for evaluating Chinese medicine prescriptions.

Objective: To develop a new model of vascular dementia for evaluating Chinese medicine prescriptions.

Methods: Eighty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups. At d, d, d, d (n=20, 20, 24, 24) during fatty-feeding, rats in each group were further divided into 10 or 12 subgroups (n=2), respectively.

Glycyrrhizinate reduces portal hypertension in isolated perfused rat livers with chronic hepatitis.

Aim: To investigate the effects of diammonium glycyrrhizinate (Gly) on portal hypertension (PHT) in isolated portal perfused rat liver (IPPRL) with carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced chronic hepatitis.

Methods: PHT model was replicated with CCl₄ in rats for 84 d. Model was identified by measuring the ascetic amounts, hepatic function, portal pressure in vivo, splenic index, and pathological alterations.

Antiatherogenic and Anti-Ischemic Properties of Traditional Chinese Medicine Xinkeshu via Endothelial Protecting Function.

Including herbal medicine, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is popular worldwide. The traditional Chinese medicine xinkeshu has been widely used to treat coronary heart disease in China. This study was designed to investigate the protective effect and probable mechanism of xinkeshu tablet to atherosclerotic myocardial ischemia rabbit.