The impact of meteorological parameters on the scrub typhus incidence in Baoshan City, western Yunnan, China.

Background: Scrub typhus has become widespread across various regions in China in recent decades, causing a considerable burden on residents. While meteorological variables significantly impact the spread of scrub typhus, there is insufficient quantitative evidence illustrating this association in known high-endemic areas. Methods: A distributed lag non-linear model was applied to explore the relationship between meteorological parameters and scrub typhus incidence from 2010 to 2019 in Baoshan City, western Yunnan Province, China. Results: High monthly mean (20°C) and maximum (30°C) temperatures were associated with a peak risk of scrub typhus in the current month. Higher minimum temperatures and higher relative humidity were followed by increasing cumulative risks over the ensuing 3 months. Higher precipitation was followed by increasing cumulative risk over the ensuing 2-month period, peaking at around 30 cm. Conclusion: The non-linear lag associations between meteorological parameters and scrub typhus incidence suggest that higher monthly minimum temperature and relative humidity could be associated with an increased risk of scrub typhus in the subsequent several months, while warm temperature is more likely to impact the occurrence of scrub typhus in the current month.

Molecular cloning and functional analyses of C-C motif chemokine ligand 3 (CCL3) in mandarin fish Siniperca chuatsi.

Chemokines are critical molecules involved in immune reaction and immune system homeostasis, and some chemokines play a role in antiviral immunity. It is not known if the C-C motif chemokine ligand 3 (CCL3), a member of the CC chemokine family, possesses antiviral properties in fish. In this study, a ccl3 was cloned from the mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi), and it has an open reading frame (ORF) of 276 base pairs, which are predicted to encode a 91-amino acid peptide. Mandarin fish CCL3 revealed conserved sequence features with four cysteine residues and closely relationships with the CCL3s from other vertebrates based on the sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis. The transcripts of ccl3 were notably enriched in immune-related organs, such as spleen and gills in healthy mandarin fish, and the ccl3 was induced in the isolated mandarin fish brain (MFB) cells following infection with infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV). Moreover, in MFB cells, overexpression of CCL3 induced immune factors, such as IL1ß, TNFα, MX, IRF1 and IFNh, and exhibited antiviral activity against ISKNV. This study sheds light on the immune role of CCL3 in immune response of mandarin fish, and its antiviral defense mechanism is of interest for further investigation.

Hepatocyte mitochondrial DNA mediates macrophage immune response in liver injury induced by trichloroethylene.

We have previously shown that excessive activation of macrophage proinflammatory activity plays a key role in TCE-induced immune liver injury, but the mechanism of polarization is unclear. Recent studies have shown that TLR9 activation plays an important regulatory role in macrophage polarization. In the present study, we demonstrated that elevated levels of oxidative stress in hepatocytes mediate the release of mtDNA into the bloodstream, leading to the activation of TLR9 in macrophages to regulate macrophage polarization. In vivo experiments revealed that pretreatment with SS-31, a mitochondria-targeting antioxidant peptide, reduced the level of oxidative stress in hepatocytes, leading to a decrease in mtDNA release. Importantly, SS-31 pretreatment inhibited TLR9 activation in macrophages, suggesting that hepatocyte mtDNA may activate TLR9 in macrophages. Further studies revealed that pharmacological inhibition of TLR9 by ODN2088 partially blocked macrophage activation, suggesting that the level of macrophage activation is dependent on TLR9 activation. In vitro experiments involving the extraction of mtDNA from TCE-sensitized mice treated with RAW264.7 cells further confirmed that hepatocyte mtDNA can activate TLR9 in mouse peritoneal macrophages, leading to macrophage polarization. In summary, our study comprehensively confirmed that TLR9 activation in macrophages is dependent on mtDNA released by elevated levels of oxidative stress in hepatocytes and that TLR9 activation in macrophages plays a key role in regulating macrophage polarization. These findings reveal the mechanism of macrophage activation in TCE-induced immune liver injury and provide new perspectives and therapeutic targets for the treatment of OMDT-induced immune liver injury.

Vitamin A-treated natural killer cells reduce interferon-gamma production and support regulatory T-cell differentiation.

Natural killer (NK) cells are innate cytotoxic lymphocytes that contribute to immune responses against stressed, transformed, or infected cells. NK cell effector functions are regulated by microenvironmental factors, including cytokines, metabolites, and nutrients. Vitamin A is an essential micronutrient that plays an indispensable role in embryogenesis and development, but was also reported to regulate immune responses. However, the role of vitamin A in regulating NK cell functions remains poorly understood. Here, we show that the most prevalent vitamin A metabolite, all-trans retinoic acid (atRA), induces transcriptional and functional changes in NK cells leading to altered metabolism and reduced IFN-γ production in response to a wide range of stimuli. atRA-exposed NK cells display a reduced ability to support dendritic cell (DC) maturation and to eliminate immature DCs. Moreover, they support the polarization and proliferation of regulatory T cells. These results imply that in vitamin A-enriched environments, NK cells can acquire functions that might promote tolerogenic immunity and/or immunosuppression.

[Establishment and Effective Evaluation of Haikou Ozone Concentration Statistical Prediction Model].

This study selected 15 key predictors of the maximum of 8-hour averaged ozone (O3) concentration (O3-8h), using the O3 concentration of Haikou and ERA5 reanalysis data from 2015 to 2020, and constructed a multiple linear regression (MLR) model, support vector machine (SVM) model, and BP neural network (BPNN) model, to predict and test the O3-8h concentration of Haikou in 2021. The results showed that the absolute value of correlation coefficients between the O3-8h and related key prediction factors was mainly among 0.2 and 0.507. The 1 000 hPa relative humidity (RH1000), wind direction (WD1000), and 875 hPa meridional wind (v875) showed a good indicative effect on the O3-8h, with the absolute correlation value exceeding 0.4. The three prediction models could predict the seasonal variation in the O3-8h in Haikou, which was larger in the winter half year and smaller in the summer half year. The root mean square error(RMSE) was the smallest (22.29 µg·m-3) in the BPNN model. The correlation coefficients between the predicted values of three statistical models and observations were ranked as 0.733 (BPNN) > 0.724 (SVM) > 0.591 (MLR), all passing the 99.9% significance test. For the prediction of the O3-8h level, we found that TS scores of these three prediction models decreased with the increase in O3-8h concentration level. Relatively, the point over rate and not hit rate increased with the rise in O3-8h concentration level. TS scores of the SVM and BPNN model were relatively larger than those of MLR, especially in the light pollution level with TS scores remaining above 70%, indicating a better prediction capability.

Rare-earth-based chalcogenides and their derivatives: an encouraging IR nonlinear optical material candidate.

With the continuous development of laser technology and the increasing demand for lasers of different frequencies in the infrared (IR) spectrum, research on infrared nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals has garnered growing attention. Currently, the three main commercially available types of borate materials each have their drawbacks, which limit their applications in various areas. Rare-earth (RE)-based chalcogenide compounds, characterized by the unique f-electron configuration, strong positive charges, and high coordination numbers of RE cations, often exhibit distinctive optical responses. In the field of IR-NLO crystals, they have a research history spanning several decades, with increasing interest. However, there is currently no comprehensive review summarizing and analyzing these promising compounds. In this review, we categorize 85 representative examples out of more than 400 non-centrosymmetric (NCS) compounds into four classes based on the connection of different asymmetric building motifs: (1) RE-based chalcogenides containing tetrahedral motifs; (2) RE-based chalcogenides containing lone-pair-electron motifs; (3) RE-based chalcogenides containing [BS3] and [P2Q6] motifs; and (4) RE-based chalcohalides and oxychalcogenides. We provide detailed discussions on their synthesis methods, structures, optical properties, and structure-performance relationships. Finally, we present several favorable suggestions to further explore RE-based chalcogenide compounds. These suggestions aim to approach these compounds from a new perspective in the field of structural chemistry and potentially uncover hidden treasures within the extensive accumulation of previous research.

Electrospinning Silk-Fibroin-Based Fibrous Membranes with AgNPs for Antimicrobial Application.

Silk fibroin (SF) has excellent biocompatibility and is one of the most commonly used polymer materials. However, SF fibers have serious drawbacks as antibacterial materials due to their lack of stability and bacterial resistance. Therefore, it is of paramount significance to enhance the stability and bolster the bacterial resistance of SF fibers. In this study, SF fibers were fabricated and loaded with Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) to improve the antimicrobial properties of the fibers. The impact of reduction conditions on the size of AgNPs was also investigated. In an antibacterial test, the fibers that were prepared exhibited over 98% bacterial resistance against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Therefore, as an efficient antibacterial material, these fibers are expected to become a candidate material in medical and textile fields. This study offers a novel approach for the utilization of SF fibers in the realm of antibacterial applications.

Mg-MOF-74 Derived Defective Framework for Hydrogen Storage at Above-Ambient Temperature Assisted by Pt Catalyst.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising candidates for room-temperature hydrogen storage materials after modification, thanks to their ability to chemisorb hydrogen. However, the hydrogen adsorption strength of these modified MOFs remains insufficient to meet the capacity and safety requirements of hydrogen storage systems. To address this challenge, a highly defective framework material known as de-MgMOF is prepared by gently annealing Mg-MOF-74. This material retains some of the crystal properties of the original Mg-MOF-74 and exhibits exceptional hydrogen storage capacity at above-ambient temperatures. The MgO5 knots around linker vacancies in de-MgMOF can adsorb a significant amount of dissociated and nondissociated hydrogen, with adsorption enthalpies ranging from -22.7 to -43.6 kJ mol-1, indicating a strong chemisorption interaction. By leveraging a spillover catalyst of Pt, the material achieves a reversible hydrogen storage capacity of 2.55 wt.% at 160 °C and 81 bar. Additionally, this material offers rapid hydrogen uptake/release, stable cycling, and convenient storage capabilities. A comprehensive techno-economic analysis demonstrates that this material outperforms many other hydrogen storage materials at the system level for on-board applications.

IL-12-Overexpressed Nanoparticles Suppress the Proliferation of Melanoma Through Inducing ICD and Activating DC, CD8+ T, and CD4+ T Cells.

Purpose: The drug resistance and low response rates of immunotherapy limit its application. This study aimed to construct a new nanoparticle (CaCO3-polydopamine-polyethylenimine, CPP) to effectively deliver interleukin-12 (IL-12) and suppress cancer progress through immunotherapy. Methods: The size distribution of CPP and its zeta potential were measured using a Malvern Zetasizer Nano-ZS90. The morphology and electrophoresis tentative delay of CPP were analyzed using a JEM-1400 transmission electron microscope and an ultraviolet spectrophotometer, respectively. Cell proliferation was analyzed by MTT assay. Proteins were analyzed by Western blot. IL-12 and HMGB1 levels were estimated by ELISA kits. Live/dead staining assay was performed using a Calcein-AM/PI kit. ATP production was detected using an ATP assay kit. The xenografts in vivo were estimated in C57BL/6 mice. The levels of CD80+/CD86+, CD3+/CD4+ and CD3+/CD8+ were analyzed by flow cytometry. Results: CPP could effectively express EGFP or IL-12 and increase ROS levels. Laser treatment promoted CPP-IL-12 induced the number of dead or apoptotic cell. CPP-IL-12 and laser could further enhance CALR levels and extracellular HMGB1 levels and decrease intracellular HMGB1 and ATP levels, indicating that it may induce immunogenic cell death (ICD). The tumors and weights of xenografts in CPP-IL-12 or laser-treated mice were significantly reduced than in controls. The IL-12 expression, the CD80+/CD86+ expression of DC from lymph glands, and the number of CD3+/CD8+T or CD3+/CD4+T cells from the spleen increased in CPP-IL-12-treated or laser-treated xenografts compared with controls. The levels of granzyme B, IFN-γ, and TNF-α in the serum of CPP-IL-12-treated mice increased. Interestingly, CPP-IL-12 treatment in local xenografts in the back of mice could effectively inhibit the growth of the distant untreated tumor. Conclusion: The novel CPP-IL-12 could overexpress IL-12 in melanoma cells and achieve immunotherapy to melanoma through inducing ICD, activating CD4+ T cell, and enhancing the function of tumor-reactive CD8+ T cells.

m6A-methylated KCTD21-AS1 regulates macrophage phagocytosis through CD47 and cell autophagy through TIPR.

Blocking immune checkpoint CD47/SIRPα is a useful strategy to engineer macrophages for cancer immunotherapy. However, the roles of CD47-related noncoding RNA in regulating macrophage phagocytosis for lung cancer therapy remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the effects of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) on the phagocytosis of macrophage via CD47 and the proliferation of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) via TIPRL. Our results demonstrate that lncRNA KCTD21-AS1 increases in NSCLC tissues and is associated with poor survival of patients. KCTD21-AS1 and its m6A modification by Mettl14 promote NSCLC cell proliferation. miR-519d-5p gain suppresses the proliferation and metastasis of NSCLC cells by regulating CD47 and TIPRL. Through ceRNA with miR-519d-5p, KCTD21-AS1 regulates the expression of CD47 and TIPRL, which further regulates macrophage phagocytosis and cancer cell autophagy. Low miR-519d-5p in patients with NSCLC corresponds with poor survival. High TIPRL or CD47 levels in patients with NSCLC corresponds with poor survival. In conclusion, we demonstrate that KCTD21-AS1 and its m6A modification promote NSCLC cell proliferation, whereas miR-519d-5p inhibits this process by regulating CD47 and TIPRL expression, which further affects macrophage phagocytosis and cell autophagy. This study provides a strategy through miR-519-5p gain or KCTD21-AS1 depletion for NSCLC therapy by regulating CD47 and TIPRL.

Intestinal malrotation complicated with gastric cancer: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal malrotation is a congenital defect of embryonic development caused by various teratogenic factors. In this condition, the intestinal tube, along with the superior mesenteric artery serving as the axis for the counterclockwise movement, is incomplete or abnormally rotated due to incomplete attachment of the mesentery and abnormal intestinal tube position. Such a case is usually asymptomatic and thus difficult to detect. Therefore, similar variant malformations are only found during an operation required for other abdominal diseases. CASE SUMMARY: An elderly male patient was admitted to the hospital due to gastric cancer. An abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan with contrast revealed that the ascending and descending colon were parallel on the right side of the abdominal cavity, while the sigmoid colon extended into the right iliac fossa, allowing the diagnosis of congenital midgut malrotation. Following thorough preoperative preparation, the patient underwent laparoscopic radical gastrectomy to treat his gastric cancer. Intraoperatively, an exploration of the abdominal cavity uncovered the absence of the transverse colon. The distal colon at the hepatic flexure, along with the ascending colon, extended into the right iliac fossa, where it continued as the sigmoid colon. As planned, the laparoscopic radical gastrectomy was performed, and the patient was discharged from the hospital 7 d after the surgery. CONCLUSION: Asymptomatic intestinal malrotation is best detected by CT, requiring no treatment but possibly interfering with the treatment of other diseases.

Nutritional Assessment Tools for Patients with Cancer: A Narrative Review.

Cancer patients are at high risk of malnutrition, which can lead to adverse health outcomes such as prolonged hospitalization, increased complications, and increased mortality. Accurate and timely nutritional assessment plays a critical role in effectively managing malnutrition in these patients. However, while many tools exist to assess malnutrition, there is no universally accepted standard. Although different tools have their own strengths and limitations, there is a lack of narrative reviews on nutritional assessment tools for cancer patients. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a non-systematic literature search using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library from their inception until May 2023. A total of 90 studies met our selection criteria and were included in our narrative review. We evaluated the applications, strengths, and limitations of 4 commonly used nutritional assessment tools for cancer patients: the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA), Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA), Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), and Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM). Our findings revealed that malnutrition was associated with adverse health outcomes. Each of these 4 tools has its applications, strengths, and limitations. Our findings provide medical staff with a foundation for choosing the optimal tool to rapidly and accurately assess malnutrition in cancer patients. It is essential for medical staff to be familiar with these common tools to ensure effective nutritional management of cancer patients.

Investigating the impact of protein S-sulfhydration modification on vascular diseases: A comprehensive review.

The post-translational modification of cysteine through redox reactions, especially S-sulfhydration, plays a critical role in regulating protein activity, interactions, and spatial arrangement. This review focuses on the impact of protein S-sulfhydration on vascular function and its implications in vascular diseases. Dysregulated S-sulfhydration has been linked to the development of vascular pathologies, including aortic aneurysms and dissections, atherosclerosis, and thrombotic diseases. The H2S signaling pathway and the enzyme cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), which is responsible for H2S generation, are identified as key regulators of vascular function. Additionally, potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of vascular diseases, such as the H2S donor GYY4137 and the HDAC inhibitor entinostat, are discussed. The review also emphasizes the antithrombotic effects of H2S in regulating platelet aggregation and thrombosis. The aim of this review is to enhance our understanding of the function and mechanism of protein S-sulfhydration modification in vascular diseases, and to provide new insights into the clinical application of this modification.

The correlation between lung ultrasound scores and outcomes of high-flow nasal cannula therapy in infants with severe pneumonia.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to explore the effectiveness of bedside lung ultrasound (LUS) combined with the PaO2/FiO2 (P/F) ratio in evaluating the outcomes of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy in infants with severe pneumonia. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed the clinical data of 150 infants diagnosed with severe pneumonia and treated with HFNC therapy at our hospital from January 2021 to December 2021. These patients were divided into two groups based on their treatment outcomes: the HFNC success group (n = 112) and the HFNC failure group (n = 38). LUS was utilized to evaluate the patients' lung conditions, and blood gas results were recorded for both groups upon admission and after 12 h of HFNC therapy. RESULTS: At admission, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of age, gender, respiratory rate, partial pressure of oxygen, and partial pressure of carbon dioxide. However, the P/F ratios at admission and after 12 h of HFNC therapy were significantly lower in the HFNC failure group (193.08 ± 49.14, 228.63 ± 80.17, respectively) compared to the HFNC success group (248.51 ± 64.44, 288.93 ± 57.17, respectively) (p < 0.05). Likewise, LUS scores at admission and after 12 h were significantly higher in the failure group (18.42 ± 5.3, 18.03 ± 5.36, respectively) than in the success group (15.09 ± 4.66, 10.71 ± 3.78, respectively) (p < 0.05). Notably, in the success group, both P/F ratios and LUS scores showed significant improvement after 12 h of HFNC therapy, a trend not observed in the failure group. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that lower P/F ratios and higher LUS scores at admission and after 12 h were predictive of a greater risk of HFNC failure. ROC analysis demonstrated that an LUS score > 20.5 at admission predicted HFNC therapy failure with an AUC of 0.695, a sensitivity of 44.7%, and a specificity of 91.1%. A LUS score > 15.5 after 12 h of HFNC therapy had an AUC of 0.874, with 65.8% sensitivity and 89.3% specificity. An admission P/F ratio < 225.5 predicted HFNC therapy failure with an AUC of 0.739, 60.7% sensitivity, and 71.1% specificity, while a P/F ratio < 256.5 after 12 h of HFNC therapy had an AUC of 0.811, 74.1% sensitivity, and 73.7% specificity. CONCLUSION: Decreased LUS scores and increased P/F ratio demonstrate a strong correlation with successful HFNC treatment outcomes in infants with severe pneumonia. These findings may provide valuable support for clinicians in managing such cases.

Translational Aspects of Epithelioid Sarcoma: Current Consensus.

Epithelioid sarcoma (EpS) is an ultra-rare malignant soft-tissue cancer mostly affecting adolescents and young adults. EpS often exhibits an unfavorable clinical course with fatal outcome in ∼50% of cases despite aggressive multimodal therapies combining surgery, chemotherapy, and irradiation. EpS is traditionally classified in a more common, less aggressive distal (classic) type and a rarer aggressive proximal type. Both subtypes are characterized by a loss of nuclear INI1 expression, most often following homozygous deletion of its encoding gene, SMARCB1-a core subunit of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex. In 2020, the EZH2 inhibitor tazemetostat was the first targeted therapy approved for EpS, raising new hopes. Still, the vast majority of patients did not benefit from this drug or relapsed rapidly. Further, other recent therapeutic modalities, including immunotherapy, are only effective in a fraction of patients. Thus, novel strategies, specifically targeted to EpS, are urgently needed. To accelerate translational research on EpS and eventually boost the discovery and development of new diagnostic tools and therapeutic options, a vibrant translational research community has formed in past years and held two international EpS digital expert meetings in 2021 and 2023. This review summarizes our current understanding of EpS from the translational research perspective and points to innovative research directions to address the most pressing questions in the field, as defined by expert consensus and patient advocacy groups.

Thrombosis density ratio can predict the occurrence of pulmonary embolism and post-thrombotic syndrome in lower-extremity deep vein thrombosis patients.

OBJECTIVE: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) formation of lower extremities can lead to serious complications including pulmonary embolism (PE) and chronic post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). We aimed to explore the relationship between the ratio of thrombotic density and the occurrence of PE and PTS in patients with DVT of the lower extremities. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted in patients who performed computed tomography venography, dividing into DVT with PE group (54 patients) and DVT-alone group (34 patients), The clinical data were recorded. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analysis variables associated with PE. The ability of thrombosis density ratio and Wells score to diagnose PE was evaluated by using the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) area under the curve (AUC). According to the treatment and follow-up results, subgroup analysis was performed, and the Villata score was used to determine the presence or absence of PTS and its severity. RESULTS: Compare with the DVT-alone group, more patients had dyspnea and chest pain in the DVT with PE group. DVT with PE group had lower the percentage of neutrophils, white blood cell count and platelet count, while had higher blood cell count, D-dimer, wells score, thrombus and thrombus density ratio. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that percentage of neutrophils (OR(95% CIs)=1.15 (1.01,1.31), P = 0.040), platelets (OR(95% CIs)=0.96 (0.93,0.99), P = 0.011), and thrombus density ratio (OR(95% CIs)=5.99 (1.96,18.35), P = 0.002) are independent predictors of PE. The Wells score and thrombosis density ratio were consistent in the diagnostic efficacy of PE. In the subgroup analysis, there was a relevance between the ratio of thrombosis density and the Villalta score. CONCLUSION: Percentage of neutrophils, platelets, and thrombus density ratio are independent predictors of PE. The thrombosis density of DVT patients may be an index to predict the risk of PE and PTS in DVT patients.

Molecular detection of Bartonella species in wild small mammals in western Yunnan Province, China.

Background: Small mammals serve as the main reservoir for Bartonella and as a proxy indicator of the potential risk of Bartonella transmission from nature to humans. They offer a valuable early warning for human infection. Nevertheless, geographical variations in the impact of the host on the occurrence of Bartonella infection are underestimated. This study was designed to investigate the infection characteristics of Bartonella and explore its species diversity in wild small mammals in western Yunnan Province, China. Methods: Wild small mammals were captured from Yulong, Jianchuan, and Lianghe counties in western Yunnan Province between 2015 and 2016. Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to detect Bartonella infection, and the Bartonella species were identified by phylogenetic analysis. The factors associated with Bartonella infection in small mammals were analyzed by the Chi-square Test. Results: The prevalence of Bartonella in small mammals was 47.85% (768/1605). Lianghe County had the highest Bartonella infection rate, with 56.27% of the samples tested positive, followed by a rate of 50.91% was tested in Yulong County, and 39.97% in Jianchuan County (p < 0.001). Bartonella was detected positive in a total 25 small mammal species, with infection rates ranging from 2.17% to 100%. Niviventer fulvescens had the highest Bartonella infection rate. In comparison with the dominant small mammal species, Eothenomys mileyus had the lowest Bartonella infection rate than that in Apodemus chevrieri, Rattus tanezumi, and Apodemus draco (p < 0.001). Male small mammals had a higher infection rate than females (p < 0.05). The prevalence of Bartonella in small mammals during the summer season was higher compared to the other three seasons (p < 0.001). Woodland landscape had the highest Bartonella infection rate (p < 0.001). Bartonella rochalimae, B. japonica, B. tribocorum, B. washoensis, B. sylvatica, and B. rattimassiliensis were obtained from infected small mammals. Conclusion: This study showed a high prevalence of Bartonella was detected with various Bartonella species in small mammals in Yulong, Jianchuan, and Lianghe counties of western Yunnan Province. These findings hold significant scientific clues, providing valuable reference points for further research of Bartonella natural foci in Yunnan or other analogues environments.

Anomalous segmental dynamics of supercooled polyrotaxane melts: A computer simulation study.

Polyrotaxanes, which consist of mechanically interlocked bonds with rings threaded onto soft polymer chains, exhibit unique mechanical properties and find applications in diverse fields. In this study, we investigate the anomalous segmental dynamics of supercooled polyrotaxane melts using coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations. Our simulations reveal that the presence of rings effectively reduces the packing efficiency, resulting in well-contained local motion even below the glass transition temperature. We also observe variations in dynamical free volume, characterized by the Debye-Waller factor, which shows a minimum at a ring coverage of 0.1 on threading chains. Such a non-monotonic dependence on coverage shows great consistency in structural relaxation time and dynamic heterogeneity. Specifically, the high segmental mobility of threading linear chains at large coverage can be attributed to the increased dynamical free volume due to supported rigid rings. However, such anomalous segmental dynamics is limited to length scales smaller than one ring size. Beyond this characteristic length scale, the diffusion is dominated by topological constraints, which significantly reduce the mobility of polyrotaxanes and enhance the dynamic heterogeneity. These findings offer microscopic insights into the unique packing structures and anomalous segmental dynamics of supercooled polyrotaxane melts, facilitating the design of advanced materials based on mechanical interlocking polymers for various applications.

Design of Recyclable Carboxylic Metal-Organic Framework/Chitosan Aerogels for Oil Bleaching.

Novel hierarchical metal-organic framework/chitosan aerogel composites were developed for oil bleaching. UiO-66-COOH-type metal organic frameworks (Zr-MOFs) were synthesized and integrated onto a chitosan matrix with different contents and named MOF-aerogel-1 and MOF-aerogel-2. Due to the compatibility of chitosan, the carboxylic zirconium MOF-aerogels not only maintained the inherent chemical accessibility of UiO-66-COOH, but the unique crystallization and structural characteristics of these MOF nanoparticles were also preserved. Through 3-dimensional reconstructed images, aggregation of the UiO-66-COOH particles was observed in MOF-aerogel-1, while the MOF was homogeneously distributed on the surface of the chitosan lamellae in MOF-aerogel-2. All aerogels, with or without immobilized MOF nanoparticles, were capable of removing carotenoids during oil bleaching. MOF-aerogel-2 showed the most satisfying removal proportions of 26.6%, 36.5%, and 47.2% at 50 °C, 75 °C, and 100 °C, respectively, and its performance was very similar to that of commercial activated clay. The reuse performance of MOF-aerogel-2 was tested, and the results showed its exceptional sustainability for carotenoid removal. These findings suggested the effectiveness of the MOFaerogel for potential utilization in oil bleaching treatments.

Personalised neoantigen-based therapy in colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) has become one of the most common tumours with high morbidity, mortality and distinctive evolution mechanism. The neoantigens arising from the somatic mutations have become considerable treatment targets in the management of CRC. As cancer-specific aberrant peptides, neoantigens can trigger the robust host immune response and exert anti-tumour effects while minimising the emergence of adverse events commonly associated with alternative therapeutic regimens. In this review, we summarised the mechanism, generation, identification and prognostic significance of neoantigens, as well as therapeutic strategies challenges of neoantigen-based therapy in CRC. The evidence suggests that the establishment of personalised neoantigen-based therapy holds great promise as an effective treatment approach for patients with CRC.