Analyzing the topological properties of resting-state brain function network connectivity based on graph theoretical methods in patients with high myopia.

Aim: Recent imaging studies have found significant abnormalities in the brain's functional or structural connectivity among patients with high myopia (HM), indicating a heightened risk of cognitive impairment and other behavioral changes. However, there is a lack of research on the topological characteristics and connectivity changes of the functional networks in HM patients. In this study, we employed graph theoretical analysis to investigate the topological structure and regional connectivity of the brain function network in HM patients.

Asymptotic approach for stable computations of the spherically layered media theory with large orders and small arguments.

The computation of electromagnetic wave scatterings of a layered sphere is a canonical problem. Lorentz-Mie theory is suitable for plane wave incidence whereas spherically layered media theory can deal with arbitrary incident waves. Both theories suffer from the notorious numerical instabilities due to the involved Bessel functions with large order, small argument or high loss.

Overexpression of SPHK1 associated with targeted therapy resistance in predicting poor prognosis in renal cell carcinoma.

Background: Sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1) is a key enzyme that catalyzes the phosphorylation of sphingosine. Recent studies reported SPHK1 to be associated with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) progression by inducing targeted therapy resistance. However, the expression and the clinical significance of SPHK1 on RCC in those having received targeted therapy have not been elucidated.

N-Aryl and N-Alkyl Carbamates from 1 Atmosphere of CO.

We have successfully isolated and characterized the zinc carbamate complex (phen)Zn(OAc)(OC(=O)NHPh) (1; phen=1,10-phenanthroline), formed as an intermediate during the Zn(OAc) /phen-catalyzed synthesis of organic carbamates from CO , amines, and the reusable reactant Si(OMe) . Density functional theory calculations revealed that the direct reaction of 1 with Si(OMe) proceeds via a five-coordinate silicon intermediate, forming organic carbamates. Based on these results, the catalytic system was improved by using Si(OMe) as the reaction solvent and additives like KOMe and KF, which promote the formation of the five-coordinated silicon species.

Halogen-Free Synthesis of Carbamates from CO and Amines Using Titanium Alkoxides.

A direct synthesis of carbamates from amines and carbon dioxide in the presence of Ti(OR) (R=nBu (1), Me (2), Et (3), nPr (4)) was investigated. Aniline was reacted with titanium n-butoxide (1) in the presence of carbon dioxide (5 MPa) to give the corresponding n-butyl N-phenylcarbamate (BPC) in nearly quantitative yield (99 %) within 20 min. Furthermore, 1 could be regenerated upon reaction with n-butanol during water removal.

A Simple Zinc Catalyst for Carbamate Synthesis Directly from CO.

Several zinc salts were employed as catalysts for the synthesis of carbamates directly from aromatic amines, CO , and silicate esters. Zn(OAc) offered the best performance among the salts tested. The addition of an N-donor ligand such as 1,10-phenanthroline increased the yield.

Ezetimibe-mediated protection of vascular smooth muscle cells from cholesterol accumulation through the regulation of lipid metabolism-related gene expression.

Background: Ezetimibe is a potent inhibitor of Niemann-Pick type C1-Like 1 and has been approved for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Our preliminary study showed that ezetimibe promotes cholesterol efflux from vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Our aim was to investigate the cellular mechanisms underlying the ezetimibe actions.

Pharmacists promote rational use of antibiotic prophylaxis in Type I incision operations via application of drug use evaluation.

Objective: Drug use evaluation (DUE) criteria were established to assess the rational use of antibiotic prophylaxis (RUAP) in Type I incision operations (TOIO) during peri-operation period and to enhance pharmacists' responsibilities for antibiotic stewardship.

Methods: The criteria were set with a threshold based on a literature review and discussions with multidisciplinary experts. Patients who received TOIO from July 2008 to June 2012 were enrolled in the study.

Drug use evaluation of cefepime in the first affiliated hospital of Bengbu medical college: a retrospective and prospective analysis.

Background: Cefepime is a fourth generation cephalosporin antimicrobial. Its extended antimicrobial activity and infrequent tendency to engender resistance make it popular for the treatment of infections. However, proper use of cefepime has not been studied adequately.

Static pressure accelerates ox-LDL-induced cholesterol accumulation via SREBP-1-mediated caveolin-1 downregulation in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells.

Objective: To investigate the effect of static pressure on cholesterol accumulation in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and its mechanism.

Methods: Rat-derived VSMC cell line A10 treated with 50mg/L ox-LDL and different static pressures (0, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180 mm Hg) in a custom-made pressure incubator for 48 h. Intracellular lipid droplets and lipid levels were assayed by oil red O staining and HPLC; The mRNA levels of caveolin-1 and ABCA1, the protein levels of caveolin-1 SREBP-1 and mature SREBP-1 were respectively detected by RT-PCR or western blot.

Curcumin inhibits cellular cholesterol accumulation by regulating SREBP-1/caveolin-1 signaling pathway in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Aim: To investigate the protective effect and the possible mechanism of curcumin on anti-atherosclerosis.

Methods: Morphological changes of atherosclerotic lesions taken from apoE knockout (apoE-/-) mice were determined by hematoxylin- eosin staining. Intracellular lipid droplets and lipid levels were assayed by oil red O staining and HPLC.

Heat shock protein 90 acts as a molecular chaperone in late-phase activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 stimulated by oxidative stress in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Aim: To investigate whether cytosolic heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) acts as a molecular chaperone on the activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and cell proliferation stimulated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) in rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC).

Methods: VSMC were exposed to 1 micromol/L LY83583 (6-anilinoquinoline-5,8-quinolinedione, producer of ROS) for 120 min in the presence or absence of 5 micromol/L geldanamycin, a specific inhibitor of HSP90. Then the total, soluble, and insoluble proteins of the cells were collected.