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In this work, we demonstrate that optical pulling forces (OPFs) can be induced by a hybrid dimer consisting of a Si nanoparticle (NP) and a coated nanoparticle with a gain core and Au shell under normal plane wave illumination. Analytical theory reveals that the underlying physical mechanism relies on interactions between the electric dipole (ED) modes excited in the NPs. As compared with the individual NP, it is found that the magnitude of optical force can be enlarged by almost three orders for the Si NP and one order for the coated gain NP in the coupled dimer. In addition, we find that the OPFs exerted on the NPs are heavily dependent on the gain level of the core materials, the incident polarization angle and the sizes of the NPs. More interestingly, we find that the OPF can also be exerted on a trimer system consisting of two identical Si NPs and a coated NP arranged in a line. The related results could be used to propose a versatile platform for manipulating NPs.

The present study is aimed at testing the antidepressant--like effects and probable mechanisms of action of low molecular mass chondroitin sulfate (LMMCS) on depression induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) in mice. Four weeks of CUMS exposure resulted in depressive-like behavior, expressed by a significant decrease in the locomotor activity and sucrose consumption and increased immobility time in the forced swim test. Further, there was a significant reduction of 5-HT level in the hippocampus region of depressed mice. Treatment of mice for four weeks with LMMCS ameliorated significantly both the behavioral and biochemical changes induced by CUMS. These novel results suggest that LMMCS produces an antidepressant-like effect in mice subjected to CUMS, which might be related, at least in part, to the increase of 5-HT concentration in the hippocampus.

Osmoregulation of atrial myocytic ANP release: osmotransduction via cross-talk between L-type [Ca.sup.2+] channel and SR [Ca.sup.2+] release. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 287: R1101-R1109, 2004. First published July 15, 2004; doi:10.1152/ajpregu.00063.2004.--Hyperosmolality has been known to increase ANP release. However, its physiological role in the regulation of atrial myocytic ANP release and the mechanism by which hyperosmolality increases ANP release are to be defined. The purpose of the present study was to define these questions. Experiments were performed in perfused beating rabbit atria. Hyperosmolality increased atrial ANP release, cAMP efflux, and atrial dynamics in a concentration-dependent manner. The osmolality threshold for the increase in ANP release was as low as 10 mosmol/ kg[H.sub.2]O (~3%) above the basal levels (1.55 [+ or -] 1.71, 17.19 [+ or -] 3.11, 23.15 [+ or -] 5.49, 54.04 [+ or -] 11.98, and 62.00 [+ or -] 13.48% for 10, 20, 30, 60, and 100 mM mannitol, respectively; all P < 0.01). Blockade of sarcolemmal L-type [Ca.sup.2+] channel activity, which increased ANP release, attenuated hyperosmolality-induced increases in ANP release (-13.58 [+ or -] 4.68% vs. 62.00 [+ or -] 13.48%, P < 0.001) and cAMP efflux but not atrial dynamics. Blockade of the [Ca.sup.2+] release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, which increased ANP release, attenuated hyperosmolality-induced increases in ANP release (13.44 [+ or -] 7.47% vs. 62.00 [+ or -] 13.48%, P < 0.01) and dynamics but not cAMP efflux. Blockades of [Na.sup.+]-[K.sup.+]-2[C1.sup.-] cotransporter, [Na.sup.+]/[H.sup.+] exchanger, and [Na.sup.+]/[Ca.sup.2+] exchanger had no effect on hyperosmolality-induced increase in ANP release. The present study suggests that hyperosmolality regulates atrial myocytic ANP release and that the mechanism by which hyperosmolality activates ANP release is closely related to the cross-talk between the sarcolemmal L-type [Ca.sup.2+] channel activity and sarcoplasmic reticulum [Ca.sup.2+] release, possibly inactivation of the L-type [Ca.sup.2+] channels. atrial natriuretic peptide; L-type calcium channels; sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium release; hyperosmolality

Changes in cyclic nucleotide production and atrial dynamics have been known to modulate atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) release. Although cardiac atrium expresses histamine receptors and contains histamine, the role of histamine in the regulation of ANP release has to be defined. The purpose of the present study was to define the effect of histamine on the regulation of ANP release in perfused beating rabbit atria. Histamine decreased ANP release concomitantly with increases in cAMP efflux and atrial dynamics in a concentration-dependent manner. Histamine-induced decrease in ANP release was a function of an increase in cAMP production. Blockade of histamine [H.sub.2] receptor with cimetidine but not of [H.sub.1] receptor with triprolidine abolished the responses of histamine. Cell-permeable cAMP analog, 8-Br-cAMP, mimicked the effects of histamine, and the responses were dose-dependent and blocked by a protein kinase A (PKA)-selective inhibitor, KT5720. Nifedipine failed to modulate histamine-induced decrease in ANP release. Protein kinase nonselective inhibitor staurosporine blocked histamine-induced changes in a concentration-dependent manner. KT5720 and RP-adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate, another PKA-selective inhibitor, attenuated histamine-induced changes. These results suggest that histamine decreases atrial ANP release by [H.sub.2] receptor-cAMP signaling via PKA-dependent and -independent pathways. atrial natriuretic peptide; histamine receptors; L-type calcium channels

Introduction: To investigate the effect of dose maintenance, reduction, or discontinuation of the etanercept biosimilar Yisaipu (YSP) on early axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) patients in remission with YSP 50 mg once weekly (QW).Material and Methods: Patients were enrolled in three groups: full dose (YSP50), half dose (YSP25), and discontinuation (YSP0). Patients were assessed by the same rheumatologist every 8 weeks for 48 weeks. The primary endpoint was the proportion of non-failure patients in each group. If a flare occurred during the study period, the patient resumed YSP 50 mg QW or was switched to another tumor necrosis factor inhibitor.Results: A total of 144 patients were included and each group included 48 patients. The proportion of non-failure patients was significantly greater in the YSP50 group than in the YSP0 group at 48 weeks (91.7% vs. 72.9%, p = 0.032). The difference in the other two comparisons was not statistically significant (YSP50 vs. YSP25 group, p = 0.522; YSP25 vs. YSP0 group, p = 0.132). The median time to flare did not differ significantly between the three groups (p > 0.05). Most patients who flared regained remission rapidly after resuming YSP 50 mg QW or starting adalimumab 40 mg every other week.Conclusions: For patients with early axSpA in remission on YSP for more than 12 weeks, continuation of YSP at full dose was superior to discontinuation of YSP, but not superior to halving the dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regulation of atrial release of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is coupled to changes in atrial dynamics. However, the mechanism by which mechanical stretch controls myocytic ANP release must be defined. The purpose of this study was to define the mechanism by which cAMP controls myocytic ANP release in perfused, beating rabbit atria. The cAMP-elevating agents forskolin and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) inhibited myocytic ANP release. The activation of adenylyl cyclase with forskolin inhibited ANP release, which was a function of an increase in cAMP production. Inhibitors for L-type [Ca.sup.2+] channels and protein kinase A (PKA) attenuated a minor portion of the forskolin-induced inhibition of ANP release. Go-6976 and KN-62, which are specific inhibitors for protein kinase C-[alpha] and [Ca.sup.2+]/calmodulin kinase, respectively, failed to modulate forskolin-induced inhibition of ANP release. The nonspecific protein kinase inhibitor staurosporine blocked forskolin-induced inhibition of ANP release in a dose-dependent manner. Staurosporine but not nifedipine shifted the relationship between cAMP and ANP release. Inhibitors for L-type [Ca.sup.2+] channels and PKA and staurosporine blocked forskolin-induced accentuation of atrial dynamics. These results suggest that cAMP inhibits atrial myocytic release of ANP via protein kinase-dependent and L-type [Ca.sup.2+]-channel-dependent and -independent signaling pathways. atrial natriuretic peptide; forskolin; phosphodiesterase; channels

AbstractAngoroside C (AgrC) is a compound with many pharmacological properties. However, its antitumour potential has not been well studied. The low bioavailability of AgrC suggests a strong link to gut bacteria. Therefore, we identified and quantified four AgrC metabolites in gut microbiota. Molecular docking and inhibitor-based experiments demonstrated that carboxylesterase played a key role in AgrC metabolism. Both AgrC and its metabolites inhibited the viability of CT-26 cells, and potential antitumour targets were further explored. Additionally, AgrC significantly increased the levels of propionic, butyric, valeric and isovaleric acids. This provides a new insight for the antitumour effects of AgrC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Qin, Z.; Jin, J.-Y.; Zhao, R.; Chuan, M., and He, L.-S., 2019. Empirical study on the relationship between total factor financial input and coastline length in China's coastal regions. In: Gong, D.; Zhu, H., and Liu, R. (eds.), Selected Topics in Coastal Research: Engineering, Industry, Economy, and Sustainable Development. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 94, pp. 897–902. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. In terms of economic development, financial development is a priority. In particular, Finance is the driving force of blue marine economic development. In this paper, the continental coastline length and financial total factor input index of 10 coastal provinces/municipalities in China were selected. Factor correlation analysis and regression model establishment were performed in order to demonstrate the relationship between coastline length and financial total factor input. Through an empirical study of the national coastal areas, the Yangtze River Delta Economic Circle, the Bohai Rim Economic Circle and the Pearl River Delta Economic Circle, it was found that the length of the coastline is positively correlated to financial factor inputs. Therefore, it is necessary to develop and utilize coastline resources rationally in order to attract financial support from financial institutions, security markets and insurance markets to coastal areas. This will aid in the promotion of the economic contribution of regional marine industries, and the enhancement of the economic development capacity of coastal cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is a complex disease characterized by excessive fat accumulation which is caused by genetic, environmental and other factors. In recent years, there has been an increase in the morbidity, disability rate,and mortality due to obesity, making it great threat to people's health and lives, and increasing public health care expenses. Evidence from previous studies show that weight loss can significantly reduce the risk of obesity-related complications and chronic diseases. Diet control, moderate exercise, behavior modification programs, bariatric surgery and prescription drug treatment are the major interventions used to help people lose weight. Among them, anti-obesity drugs have high compliance rates and cause noticeable short-term effects in reducing obese levels. However, given the safety or effectiveness concerns of anti-obesity drugs, many of the currently used drugs have limited clinical use. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists are a group of drugs that targets incretin hormone action, and its receptors are widely distributed in nerves, islets, heart, lung, skin, and other organs. Several animal experiments and clinical trials have demonstrated that GLP-1R agonists are more effective in treating or preventing obesity. Therefore, GLP-1R agonists are promising agents for the treatment of obese individuals. This review describes evidence from previous research on the effects of GLP-1R agonists on obesity. We anticipate that this review will generate data that will help biomedical researchers or clinical workers develop obesity treatments based on GLP-1R agonists., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Wang, Wang, Yang, Yang, Li, Jin, Zhang and Zhang.)

Objective: To investigate the epidemiological features of back pain, spondyloarthritis (SpA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in Beijing Shougang district., Methods: Set up Chinese version of questionnaire about incidence of spondyloarthropathy. Employees and retired ones were drawn out from sub-factory units by non-randomized sampling.15 357 subjects were investigated, of which 12 125 questionnaires were taken. Suspected cases were then screened with sacroiliac joint X ray and HLA-B(27) testing. 2009 assessment in ankylosing spondylitis (ASAS) criteria were used for diagnosing SpA., Results: Back pain is common with total incidence of 42.7%, and the most common pattern is mechanical pain. The incidence of SpA is 0.58% and that of AS is 0.36%, while only 28.9% AS patients had been diagnosed before and received treatment., Conclusion: The AS incidence in Shougang district is similar with the epidemiological data got from other districts of China. And knowledge of SpA and AS is needed in China.

Objective: To better understand the clinical characters of enteropathic arthritis patients., Methods: The clinical, laboratory and X-rays data of 30 enteropathic arthritis in-patients were analyzed., Results: Among the 30 patients, 14 were male, 16 were female. Average age at onset of gastroenteric manifestations was 16 - 48 (32.2 +/- 11.0) years old. The course of disease was 1 month - 20 (5.9 +/- 3.4) years. Average age at onset of arthritis was 15 - 52 (43.4 +/- 6.8) years old. The average interval between onset of diarrhea and arthritis was 0 - 13 (4.2 +/- 4.0) years. Peripheral arthritis was founded in 26 (87%) patients, and only 4 felt low back pain at onset. During the disease course, peripheral arthritis in 14 (54%) patients was similar to rheumatoid arthritis. The history of low back pain or buttock pain was recorded in 22 (73%) patients. Extra-articular features including fever occurred in 24 patients, enthesitis in 6, iritis or conjunctivitis in 4, dactylitis in 1 were observed. HLA-B(27) was positive in 36% (9/25) patients. Sacroiliitis in X-ray or CT was observed in 59% patients., Conclusion: The clinical manifestations of enteropathic arthritis are characterized by pauciarticular arthritis or symmetric polyarthritis or(and) sacroiliitis, a wide spectrum of extra-articular features, presence of HLA-B(27) and familial history of spondyloarthropathies. As other spondyloarthropathies, the sacroiliitis in enteropathic arthritis was also associated with HLA-B(27).

Liquid chromatographic enantiomer separation of several N-benzyloxycarbonyl (CBZ) and N-tert-butoxycarbonyl (BOC) alpha-amino acids and their corresponding ethyl esters was performed on covalently immobilized chiral stationary phases (CSPs) (Chiralpak IA and Chiralpak IB) and coated-type CSPs (Chiralpak AD and Chiralcel OD) based on polysaccharide derivatives. The solvent versatility of the covalently immobilized CSPs in enantiomer separation of N-CBZ and BOC-alpha-amino acids and their ester derivatives was shown and the chromatographic parameters of their enantioselectivities and resolution factors were greatly influenced by the nature of the mobile phase. In general, standard mobile phases using 2-propanol and hexane on Chiralpak IA showed fairly good enantioselectivities for resolution of N-CBZ and BOC-alpha-amino acids and their esters. However, 50% MTBE/hexane (v/v) for resolution of N-CBZ-alpha-amino acids ethyl esters and 20% THF/hexane (v/v) for resolution of N-BOC-alpha-amino acids ethyl esters afforded the greatest enantioselectivities on Chiralpak IA. Also, liquid chromatographic comparisons of the enantiomer resolution of these analytes were made on amylose tris(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate)-derived CSPs (Chiralpak IA and Chiralpak AD) and cellulose tris(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate)-derived CSPs (Chiralpak IB and Chiralcel OD). Chiralpak AD and/or Chiralcel OD showed the highest enantioselectivities for resolution of N-CBZ-alpha-amino acids and esters, while Chiralpak AD or Chiralpak IA showed the highest resolution of N-BOC-alpha-amino acids and esters., (Copyright 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)