Alternative Route Research Articles

Percutaneous Axillary Access in the Endovascular Era: A Viable Alternative

The common femoral artery is the most commonly used vascular access due to its low complication rate and high technical success rate. However, this approach may be less suitable in patients with certain factors such as obesity, the need to treat both lower limbs, and the inability to access the lesion via crossover. In this context, endovascular approaches using percutaneous puncture or upper arm access have emerged. Therefore, we evaluated the feasibility of percutaneous access to the axillary artery in routine endovascular procedures. This single-center observational study included consecutive patients requiring percutaneous access to the axillary artery for endovascular procedures from January 2020 to December 2023. Demographic and procedural characteristics were collected. The primary endpoint was efficacy (technical success rate) and safety (complications rate) at 30 days. Secondary endpoints were minor complications and risk factors of complications. 85 patients were included. Axillary approach was used to treat peripheral artery disease (PAD) in 77.6% (n=66), complex aortic aneurysm in 17.7% (n=15), and acute type B aortic dissection in 4.7% (n=4) of patients. This approach was used due to bilateral PAD treatment (n=20), obesity (n=18), prior EVAR (n=12), prior common femoral artery stenting (n=9), major iliac tortuosity (n=9), prior kissing stent (n=8), favorable angulation (n=5) and true lumen positioning in type B aortic dissection (n=4). The left axillary approach was used in 97.6% (n=83) of cases. The efficacy was 100%. At 30 days, safety was 85.6% with a major complication rate of 14.2% (n=12), including 10.6% (n=9) surgical conversion for hemostasis, 2.4% (n=2) covered stenting, and 1.2% (n=1) stroke. Body mass index was associated with a higher rate of complications (25.2 ± 6.17 vs. 29.0 ± 6.04, OR: 1.2 [1.05; 1.37] p=0.006). Axillary arteries are an effective alternative access route for patients with unsuitable iliofemoral arteries. Randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm our findings and to assess the best approach for the upper arm.

T lymphocyte recruitment to melanoma brain tumors depends on distinct venous vessels

To improve immunotherapy for brain tumors, it is important to determine the principal intracranial site of Tcell recruitment from the bloodstream and their intracranial route to brain tumors. Using intravital microscopy in mouse models of intracranial melanoma, we discovered that circulating Tcells preferably adhered and extravasated at a distinct type of venous blood vessel in the tumor vicinity, peritumoral venous vessels (PVVs). Other vascular structures were excluded as alternative Tcell routes to intracranial melanomas. Anti-PD-1/CTLA-4 immune checkpoint inhibitors increased intracranial Tcell motility, facilitating migration from PVVs to the tumor and subsequently inhibiting intracranial tumor growth. The endothelial adhesion molecule ICAM-1 was particularly expressed on PVVs, and, in samples of human brain metastases, ICAM-1 positivity of PVV-like vessels correlated with intratumoral Tcell infiltration. These findings uncover a distinct mechanism by which the immune system can access and control brain tumors and potentially influence other brain pathologies.

Efficient Alternative Route Planning in Road Networks

Efficient Alternative Route Planning in Road Networks

Lamellar COF solid-state electrolytes for robust ambient-temperature lithium-ion transfer enhanced by PEI-driven channel alignment

Ionic covalent organic framework (COF) lamellar membranes are the alternative materials as promising Li+ conductors for all-solid-state lithium batteries. However, COF lamellar membrane suffers from poor structural stability and inevitable cross-layer transfer resistance due to the weak interaction at interface of adjacent nanosheets. Herein, a lamellar polymer-threaded ionic COF (PEI@TpPa-SO3Li) composite electrolyte with single Li+ conduction was prepared by assembling lithium sulfonated COF (TpPa-SO3Li) nanosheets and then threading them with polyethyleneimine (PEI) chains. It reveals that the threaded PEI chains induce the oriented permutation of pore channel of PEI@TpPa-SO3Li electrolyte through electrostatic interaction between –NH2/−NH− and –SO3Li groups. This enables the construction of continuous and aligned –SO3− … Li+ … −NH2/−NH− pairs along pore channels, which act as efficient Li+ conducting sites and afford high Li+ hopping conduction (1.4 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 30 °C) with a high Young's modulus of 408.7 MP and wide electrochemical stability window of 0∼4.7 V. The assembled LiFePO4||Li and LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2||Li half-cells achieve high discharge capacities of 155.0 mAh g−1 and 167.2 mAh g−1 at 30 °C under 0.2 C, respectively, with high capacity retention of 98% after 300 cycles. This study provides an alternative route to highly ion-conductive lamellar porous electrolytes for high-performance energy devices.

Risk management in international supply chains: geopolitical and geoeconomic dimensions

In the current climate of global instability driven by dramatic geopolitical and geoeconomic transformations, international supply chains face numerous risks that significantly impact the continuity and efficiency of logistics processes. Threats such as military conflicts, port blockades, border instability, climate changes, and cyber threats introduce new challenges for companies, particularly Ukrainian ones, which require adaptive strategies to ensure the resilience of their supply chains. The purpose of this study is to systematize key geopolitical and geoeconomic risks affecting international supply chains and to identify optimal approaches to managing these risks under conditions of instability, especially for Ukrainian companies facing heightened threats. The study includes an analysis of global risks based on international scientific literature, specific risks in Ukraine and their impact on import, export, and transit chains, and the development of a generalized risk management model tailored to Ukrainian enterprises. The research identified effective risk management methods such as supply chain diversification, the creation of alternative routes, and the use of insurance mechanisms. A practical case study on risk management in the import of industrial fasteners illustrates the stages of collaboration with forwarders and carriers, partner selection, and response to disruptions, demonstrating approaches that can be used to minimize the impact of risks. The findings provide practical recommendations for Ukrainian companies, highlighting an adaptive approach to risk management that will help them maintain competitiveness and ensure supply chain resilience in a rapidly changing global environment. Future research should focus on integrating digital technologies, such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics, to strengthen the resilience and flexibility of international supply chains.

Optimizing Lower Extremity Local Flap Reconstruction in Peripheral Vascular Disease.

Local flaps remain a valuable reconstructive tool as a means for limb salvage for patients with advanced arterial disease. Our single-center, retrospective cohort study aims to compare the outcomes of different patterns of blood flow affected by vascular disease to pedicles in local flap reconstruction of the foot and ankle. A retrospective review of 92 patients and 103 flaps was performed. On angiograms, pattern of blood flow to the flap pedicle was determined to be direct inline flow (DF) or indirect flow (IF). Patterns of IF were either by arterial-arterial connections (AC) or unnamed randomized collaterals (RC). Primary outcomes were immediate flap success and limb salvage. Comparative analyses were performed using the χ2 and Fisher tests for categorical variables. Among all flaps, 73.8% (n = 76/103) had DF and 26.2% (n = 27/103) had IF. Both groups experienced similar rates of immediate flap success (DF = 97.3% vs IF = 92.6%, P = 0.281) and limb salvage (DF = 75.% vs IF = 66.7%, P = 0.403). However, the rate of contralateral amputation was significantly higher in the IF group (26.9% vs 5.3%, P = 0.006). When comparing the 3 distinct patterns of blood flow (DF vs AC vs RC), pedicled flaps were more commonly supplied by DF and AC, while random pattern flaps were more commonly supplied by RC (P = 0.042). Alternative routes of revascularization can maintain local flap viability and achieve similar rates of limb salvage but risks contralateral amputation. We found that pedicled and local muscle flaps require inline blood flow or blood supply by ACs. Meanwhile, random pattern flap can be supported by random collaterals.

The Strategic Importance of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Its Impact on Strategic Stability in South Asia

China intends to spend about $62 billion on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the coming years as a part of the broader Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). CPEC has both geoeconomic and geostrategic implications. This is a game changer for China globally as it wants to reach the Middle East, Europe, and Africa for trade and energy supplies via a shorter and alternate route. However, for Pakistan, this project not only helps in its economic development but also ensures its security against India. This study aims to examine India’s reaction to Chinese investment in the region and its impact on strategic stability in South Asia. India fears encirclement of its territory because of China’s presence in Pakistan, the Indian Ocean, and Myanmar. At the same time, the US is concerned that China is trying to revise the status quo in which the US sits at the apex. At this moment, the interests of the US and India seem to align, and they have already entered a strategic partnership. This study is qualitative in nature and relies on primary as well as secondary data available on CPEC and strategic stability. South Asia is becoming relevant to great powers’ politics. China’s investment in Pakistan will deter India from attacking Pakistan, and India will be helped by the US to prevent China from becoming a regional hegemon.

The Middle Corridor in current geopolitical turbulence

The Middle Corridor is emerging as a crucial alternative trade route due to recent geopolitical shifts. It provides a viable alternative to the established Northern Corridor, which connects Europe and Asia through Russia. The Middle Corridor offers shorter routes and access to emerging markets with significant growth potential. This study aims to assess the geopolitical impact of activating the Middle Corridor, analyze cargo traffic along the route, and evaluate both operational impacts and strategic implications. Addressing infrastructure and operational challenges, as well as securing necessary investments, will be essential for the corridor’s long-term success and competitiveness in global trade. For the participating countries, this corridor represents an opportunity to diversify trade routes and reduce dependency on the Northern Corridor.

Assessment of an Agent’s Wayfinding of the Urban Environment Through Reinforcement Learning

This simulation study explores wayfinding motivated behavioral patterns in the city through agent-based modelling. Agents were trained using Unity’s ML-Agents toolkit with reinforcement learning. The study uses the Sultan Ahmet Mosque and its surrounding boundary as a model environment for the training of an agent’s wayfinding. Agents are trained to locate the Sultan Ahmet Mosque target. The behaviors of agents trained with two different methods, “Complex” and “Simple” learning, comparing their navigation quests at various difficulty levels featuring respawn points. After the training of the agents, the alternative routes produced while attaining the target during the wayfinding process were analyzed. As an outcome of the analysis, it was observed that the agents were prone to go off-route, navigate to different locations they perceived in the urban space, and then would reach the target. This occurrence is justified as an agent’s curiosity trained through reinforcement learning. This study differs from the literature in a way that it attempts to understand the navigational behavior of agents that were trained with reinforcement learning. Moreover, this research discusses the perception of wayfinding through curiosity and aims to make a comprehension of the perception of the city, which is one of the key ideas in neurourbanism. The study contributes to the literature by showing that wayfinding behaviors acquired from agents’ curiosity-driven explorations and past experiences can be an input for neurourbanism, supporting urban design. It informs urban enhancements that are user-centric and rich in urban perception using the reinforcement learning method.

Pneumolysin contributes to dysfunction of nasal epithelial barrier for promotion of pneumococcal dissemination into brain tissue.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is one of the major pathogens responsible for bacterial meningitis and neurological sequelae. The present study was conducted to identify a non-hematogenous route used by S. pneumoniae to gain access to brain tissue without causing bacteremia or pneumonia, as well as bacterial and host factors involved in this process. To investigate the molecular mechanisms and dissemination pathways of pneumococcal infection in brain tissue, mice were intranasally inoculated with S. pneumoniae strain EF3030, a clinical isolate from a patient with otitis media. Pneumococci were isolated from the frontal olfactory bulb, caudal cerebrum, and cerebellum, with neither bacteremia nor pneumonia observed in the present model. Immunostaining imaging revealed the presence of S. pneumoniae organisms in olfactory nerve fibers. Knockout of the ply gene encoding pneumolysin (PLY) markedly compromised the ability of the bacterial organisms to disseminate into brain tissue, whereas the dissemination efficiency of the complemented strain was restored to nearly the same level as the wild type. Notably, distinct upregulation of Gli1 and Snail1, which are involved in the transcriptional repression of junctional proteins, along with downregulation of E-cadherin, was detected in nasal lavage samples from mice infected with the wild-type or complemented strain, but not in those from mice infected with the ply mutant. Taken together, the present findings indicate that PLY induces Gli1-Snail1-dependent dysfunction of the nasal epithelial barrier, thus allowing pneumococcal dissemination to brain tissue that occurs in a non-hematogenous manner.IMPORTANCEBacterial meningitis, considered to be caused by bacteremia, can lead to blood-brain barrier disruption and bacterial dissemination into the central nervous system. Despite the availability of intravenously administered antibiotics with cerebrospinal fluid transferability, bacterial meningitis remains associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Here, we utilized Streptococcus pneumoniae strain EF3030, clinically isolated from otitis media, for the construction of a murine infection model to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which nasally colonized pneumococci disseminate into brain tissue. The obtained findings indicate that pneumolysin (PLY) induces Gli1-Snail1-dependent dysfunction of the nasal epithelial barrier, which facilitates pneumococcal dissemination to brain tissue in a non-hematogenous manner. Our results support the existence of an alternative route by which S. pneumoniae can reach the central nervous system and indicate the need for the development of novel therapeutic strategies, which would be an important contribution to the clinical management of bacterial meningitis.

High-Yield Synthesis Route, Post-Synthesis Treatment, and Insights into the Photoluminescence and Magnetic Properties of Tricopper(I) Melaminate Cu3(C3N6H3).

A novel and more efficient synthesis of Cu3(C3N6H3) is presented through a salt-metathesis reaction using copper(I) chloride and sodium hydrogen cyanamide. This synthesis yields a melaminate trianion through the cyclotrimerization of (HNCN)- ions, offering an alternative route to the deprotonation of melamine for synthesizing melaminate. The reaction is analyzed via differential thermal analysis. After the unconventional formation of this MOF-like structure by solid-state reaction, this material still requires treatment via solvent exchange and vacuum drying due to the presence of a host molecule inside the channels of the structure. The process and the impact of the treatment of Cu3(C3N6H3) on its XRD pattern are thoroughly discussed. Additionally, results from stability, NMR and infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Finally, photoluminescence and magnetic studies are conducted to evaluate their potential as a functional material.

Novel spirooxindole-triazole derivatives: unveiling [3+2] cycloaddition reactivity through molecular electron density theory and investigating their potential cytotoxicity against HepG2 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines.

A novel analogue of hybrid spirooxindoles was synthesized employing a systematic multistep synthetic approach. The synthetic protocol was designed to obtain a series of spirooxindole derivatives incorporating triazolyl-s-triazine framework via [3 + 2] cycloaddition (32CA) reaction of azomethine ylide (AY) with the corresponding chalcones (6a-d). Unexpectedly, the reaction underwent an alternate route, leading to the cleavage of the s-triazine moiety and yielding a series of spirooxindole derivatives incorporating a triazole motif. A comprehensive investigation of the 32CA reaction mechanism was conducted using Molecular Electron Density Theory (MEDT). The viability of all compounds was evaluated through an MTT assay, and the IC50 values were determined using Prism Software. The antiproliferative efficacy of the synthesized chalcones and the corresponding spirooxindole derivatives was assessed against two cancer cell lines: MDA-MB-231 (triple-negative breast cancer) and HepG2 (human hepatoma). These findings were compared with Sorafenib, which was used as a positive control. The results revealed that chalcones (6c and 6d) were the most active among the tested chalcones, with IC50 values of 7.2 ± 0.56 and 7.5 ± 0.281µM for (6c) and of 11.1 ± 0.37 and 11.0 ± 0.282µM for (6d), against MDA-MB-231 and HepG2, respectively. Spirooxindoles (9b, 9c, 9h, and 9i) exhibited the highest activity with IC50 values ranging from 16.8 ± 0.37µM to 31.3 ± 0.86µM against MDA-MB-231 and 13.5 ± 0.92µM to 24.2 ± 0.21µM against HepG2. In particular, spirooxindole derivatives incorporating 2,4-dichlorophenyl moiety were the most active, with an IC50 of 16.8 ± 0.37µM for (9h) against MDA-MB-23 and 13.5 ± 0.92µM for (9i) against HepG2. Interestingly, the IC50 of compound (6c) (7.2µM) exhibited better activity than that of Sorafenib (positive control) (9.98µM) against MDA-MB-231. Molecular docking, ADMET, and molecular dynamic simulations were conducted for the promising candidates (6b, 6c, and 9h) to explore their binding affinity in the EGFR active site.

Оценка предложений по формированию сети альтернативных маршрутов следования коридора «Север — Юг»

Purpose: to develop proposals for the development of the expected growth in traffic volumes along the North–South transport corridor. To assess the capacity of the Upper Baskunchak — Astrakhan — Olya port section as the most heavily loaded, where cargo flows from several directions merge. To show the need to unload the main direction of the North-South corridor and form a network of alternative routes in the transport corridor to ensure transportation guarantees in case of force majeure. Consider the possibility of attracting parallel routes through the North Caucasus Railway (SKZHD). Methods: the calculation of throughput was carried out using the methodology used in JSC “Russian Railways” and the author’s proposals, taking into account additional reserves of throughput. General logical methods were used — quantitative and qualitative analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, analogies, classifications, a combination of historical and logical analyses. The proposed universal algorithm, which makes it possible to evaluate the possibility of choosing parallel moves, can be recommended for practical use. Results: the maximum number of trains that can be redirected to parallel routes has been established, taking into account the available capacity and their workload with export cargo traffic in the direction of the ports of the Azov-Black Sea basin. The relevance of the direction of development of heavy traffic aimed at reducing the required capacity and reducing inter-train intervals to increase the available capacity is shown. A universal algorithm has been formed that allows evaluating the possibility of choosing parallel moves. Practical significance: the necessity of mastering the expected cargo flow and preventing its departure to competing destinations, for example, through the Suez Canal, is shown. In the current political and economic conditions, the North — South International Transport Corridor (ITC) is changing its status: from an alternative to the Suez Canal, it is becoming one of the priority routes for Russian export cargo traffic.

Intercolonial Cinnamon: Fashioning Connections from the Eighteenth to Mid‐Nineteenth Centuries

AbstractIt is well known that the quest for spices fuelled navigational endeavours during early modern history, acting as a gateway to conquest. Historians from the field have often focused on the relations between the colonies and the colonised, but what role did this play in the forging of intercolonial connections? By delving into the allure of one spice, the current article argues that, more than merely a source of profit, a ceremonial means or an item of consumption, the quest for cinnamon revealed the pursuit of botanical knowledge, which reflected the use of alternative commercial routes. Rivalry between the colonisers prompted significant intercolonial connections rather than merely between them and the colonised, while prompting transimperial relations when these belonged to different empires. These connections resulted in nuanced practical outcomes that conveyed the intellectual stances and political hierarchy inherent in imperial networks.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Group A Streptococcal Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) are often caused by group A Streptococcus (GAS). As the number of invasive GAS infections decreased during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic restrictions, this study aimed to compare the occurrence of GAS-NSTIs before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. This retrospective cohort study included adult patients with NSTIs admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of the University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland, from July 2008 to December 2023. NSTI cases were categorized as pre-, during, and postrestrictions. The primary outcome was the proportion of GAS in NSTI, and the exploratory secondary outcome was in-hospital death. A data analysis was conducted using Firth logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, diabetes, and initially affected body region. Overall, 74 NSTI cases were identified, with 49 occurring before, 8 during, and 17 after the pandemic restrictions. GAS was isolated in 27 (36%) cases, with 17 (35%) pre- and 10 (59%) postrestrictions, but none during the restrictions. NSTIs caused by other bacteria persisted during the restrictions. The odds of GAS were significantly lower during the restrictions (adjusted odds ratio, 0.02; 95% CI, 0.001-0.81) compared with after, while no significant differences were found between the pre- and postrestriction periods. The significant decrease of GAS-NSTIs during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions suggests that isolation measures may have prevented the transmission of GAS, resulting in a decline of GAS-NSTIs while NSTIs caused by bacteria transmitted by alternative routes persisted.

Physico-Chemical Characterization and Initial Evaluation of Carboxymethyl Chitosan-Hyaluronan Hydrocolloid Systems with Insulin Intended for Intranasal Administration.

The nasal route of administration can bypass the blood-brain barrier in order to obtain a higher concentration in the brain, thus offering a feasible alternative route of administration for diseases associated with the central nervous system. The advantages of the intranasal administration and the potential favorable therapeutic effects of intranasally administered insulin led to the formulation of carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) and sodium hyaluronate (NaHA) hydrocolloidal systems with insulin for nasal administration, targeting nose-to-brain delivery and the initial assessment of these systems. The influence of the formulation variables on the response parameters defined as surface properties, rheology, and in vitro release of insulin were analyzed using experimental design and statistical programs (Modde and Minitab software). The systems recorded good wetting and adhesion capacity, allowing the spread of the hydrocolloidal systems on the nasal mucosa. The samples had a pseudoplastic flow and the rapid release of the insulin was according to our objective. According to the physico-chemical characterization and preliminary assessment, these formulations are appropriate for administration on the nasal mucosa, but further studies are necessary to demonstrate the beneficial therapeutic actions and the safety of using intranasal insulin.

Room Temperature Sensing of Volatile Organic Compounds Using Hybrid Layered SnO Mesoflowers and Laser-Induced Graphitic Carbon Devices.

In this work, we demonstrate chemiresistive volatile organic compound (VOC) sensors prepared by drop-cast assembly of layered tin monoxide mesoflowers (SnO-MFs) on additively produced laser-induced graphene-like carbon (LIG). The SnO-MFs were synthesized below 100 °C at ambient pressure and offer a low fabrication energy alternative route to typical furnace-prepared metal-oxide materials. The additive dropcast assembly of room-temperature operating metal oxide active material allows the substitution of LIG for metal current collectors and glass for alumina, reducing the environmental footprint of the sensor. The sensors can detect methanol (150-4000 ppm) at room temperature and humidity (∼18 °C, ∼55% RH), with response and recovery times (150 ppm methanol) of t 90,resp ≈ 50 ± 10 s and t 90,rec ≈ 5 ± 0.5 s, respectively. The sensors demonstrated a limit of detection (170 ± 40 ppm) below 8 h worker safety exposure levels (200 ppm) and stable DC resistance responses ΔR/R = 9 ± 2% to 710 ppm of methanol for over 21 days in ambient laboratory conditions, n = 4. First-principles density functional theory simulations were used to elucidate the interactions of VOC species on the SnO surfaces. LIG-SnO hybrid sensors thus present a resource-efficient route to develop chemiresistive sensors for low-power applications, although with cross-selectivity to other alcohol species.

Environmental protest outcomes in austerity-era neoliberalism: perseverance and politics

ABSTRACT This paper explores environmental protest outcomes during the decade of the 2010s in the UK. In doing so, it presents the results of a qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) of all 54 major environmental protest campaigns during the period. The study explores alternative causal conditions relating to a number of strategic and tactical options that environmental movements typically face. It finds that two alternative routes were sufficient for environmental protest campaigns to be successful: perseverance over time, in which longstanding campaigns staged a relatively large number of protest events; and instances where opposition political parties drew on, and supported, the demands of protesters. Interestingly, some of the more contested tactical options, including whether to adopt more or less disruptive methods, were inconclusive in explaining the successful outcome of protest-led campaigns. The article argues that this supports the case for tactical diversity. The findings show how in a context of austerity-era neoliberalism, where the government was (ostensibly) committed to tackling climate change, then protests (regardless of the organisational form or type of protest) proved able to exert effective pressure upon the government and firms, to ensure some degree of concession to the climate movement, provided that the protest campaign was able to persevere over time and/or secure the support of opposition political parties. This suggests a susceptibility, by both the state and firms during austerity-era neoliberalism, to (considerable) popular and political pressure arising from protest, but in the absence of which economic interests would otherwise take priority over environmental concerns.

On-demand nanoengineering of in-plane ferroelectric topologies.

Hierarchical assemblies of ferroelectric nanodomains, so-called super-domains, can exhibit exotic morphologies that lead to distinct behaviours. Controlling these super-domains reliably is critical for realizing states with desired functional properties. Here we reveal the super-switching mechanism by using a biased atomic force microscopy tip, that is, the switching of the in-plane super-domains, of a model ferroelectric Pb0.6Sr0.4TiO3. We demonstrate that the writing process is dominated by a super-domain nucleation and stabilization process. A complex scanning-probe trajectory enables on-demand formation of intricate centre-divergent, centre-convergent and flux-closure polar structures. Correlative piezoresponse force microscopy and optical spectroscopy confirm the topological nature and tunability of the emergent structures. The precise and versatile nanolithography in a ferroic material and the stability of the generated structures, also validated by phase-field modelling, suggests potential for reliable multi-state nanodevice architectures and, thereby, an alternative route for the creation of tunable topological structures for applications in neuromorphic circuits.

Time-course whole blood transcriptome profiling provides new insights into Microtus fortis natural resistance mechanism to Schistosoma japonicum

Microtus fortis is known as a non-susceptible animal host of S. japonicum. A better understanding of this animal immune defense mechanism during the early stage of infection may offer an alternative route for vaccine development or therapy. Here, we analyzed the whole blood transcriptome of M. fortis using next-generation sequencing (NGS) to identify immune genes of biological relevance that might be involved in the mechanism of its resistance. The blood samples were collected from uninfected animals (control group) and infected animals at different time points (3, 7, 10 and 14 days post-infection). We identified 5310 sequences as unigenes and successfully annotated 4636 of them. The immune response was more intense at 10 dpi. The upregulated genes at this time point were mainly activated in the TNF and NF-kappa B signaling pathways, Th1, Th2and Th17 cell differentiation as well as cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction. Based on the differentially expressed genes analysis, we report that the IF27L2B, RETN, PGRP, IFI35, TYROBP, S100A8, S100A11, CD162, CD88, CYBA, and LBP could play important roles in the mechanism of M. fortis resistance.