Integrating Experimental and Computational Analyses for Mechanical Characterization of Titanium Carbide/Aluminum Metal Matrix Composites.

This study investigates the mechanical properties of titanium carbide/aluminum metal matrix composites (AMMCs) using both experimental and computational methods. Through accumulative roll bonding (ARB) and cryorolling (CR) processes, AA1050 alloy surfaces were reinforced with TiCp particles to create the Al-TiCp composite. The experimental analysis shows significant improvements in tensile strength, yield strength, elastic modulus, and hardness. The finite element analysis (FEA) simulations, particularly the microstructural modeling of RVE-1 (the experimental case model), align closely with the experimental results observed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This validation underscores the accuracy of the computational models in predicting the mechanical behavior under identical experimental conditions. The simulated elastic modulus deviates by 5.49% from the experimental value, while the tensile strength shows a 6.81% difference. Additionally, the simulated yield strength indicates a 2.85% deviation. The simulation data provide insights into the microstructural behavior, stress distribution, and particle-matrix interactions, facilitating the design optimization for enhanced performance. The study also explores the influence of particle shapes and sizes through Representative Volume Element (RVE) models, highlighting nuanced effects on stress-strain behavior. The microstructural evolution is examined via transmission electron microscopy (TEM), revealing insights regarding grain refinement. These findings demonstrate the potential of Al-TiCp composites for lightweight applications.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of AA1050/AA6061 Laminated Composites Fabricated through Three-Cycle Accumulative Roll Bonding and Subsequent Cryorolling.

In this study, AA1050/AA6061 laminated composites were prepared by three-cycle accumulative roll bonding (ARB) and subsequent rolling. The effects of the rolling process on the microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of AA1050/AA6061 laminated composites were systematically investigated. The results indicate that the mechanical properties of the laminated composites can be effectively improved by cryorolling compared with room-temperature rolling. The microstructure analysis reveals that cryorolling can suppress the necking of the hard layer to obtain a flat lamellar structure. Moreover, the microstructure characterized by transmission electron microscopy shows that cryorolling can inhibit the dynamic recovery and significantly refine the grain size of the constituent layers. Meanwhile, the tensile fracture surface illustrates that AA1050/AA6061 laminated composites have the optimal interfacial bonding quality after cryorolling. Therefore, the laminated composites obtain excellent mechanical properties with the contribution of these factors.

Transcriptome analysis reveals that gga-miR-2954 inhibits the inflammatory response against Eimeria tenella infection.

Coccidiosis is an important parasitic protozoan disease in poultry farming, causing huge economic losses in the global poultry industry every year. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of RNA macromolecules that play important roles in the immune response to pathogens. However, the expression profiles and functions of miRNAs during Eimeria tenella (E. tenella) infection in chickens remain mostly uncharacterized. In this study, high-throughput sequencing of cecal tissues of control (JC), resistant (JR), and susceptible (JS) chickens led to the identification of 35 differentially expressed miRNAs among the three groups. Functional enrichment analysis showed that the differentially expressed miRNAs were mainly associated with the TGF-beta, NF-kB, and Jak-STAT signaling pathways. Notably, gga-miR-2954 was found to be significantly upregulated after coccidial infection. Functional analysis showed that gga-miR-2954 inhibited the production of the inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1ß, TNF-α, and IL-8 in sporozoite-stimulated DF-1 cells. Mechanistically, we found that gga-miR-2954 targeted the RORC gene and that RORC promoted the inflammatory response in sporozoite-stimulated DF-1 cells. In conclusion, our study was the first to identify differentially expressed miRNAs in chicken cecal tissue during E. tenella infection and found that gga-miR-2954 regulates the host immune response to coccidial infection in chickens by targeting the RORC gene.

An FcRn-targeted mucosal vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 infection and transmission.

SARS-CoV-2 is primarily transmitted through droplets and airborne aerosols, and in order to prevent infection and reduce viral spread vaccines should elicit protective immunity in the airways. The neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) transfers IgG across epithelial barriers and can enhance mucosal delivery of antigens. Here we explore FcRn-mediated respiratory delivery of SARS-CoV-2 spike (S). A monomeric IgG Fc was fused to a stabilized spike; the resulting S-Fc bound to S-specific antibodies and FcRn. Intranasal immunization of mice with S-Fc and CpG significantly induced antibody responses compared to the vaccination with S alone or PBS. Furthermore, we intranasally immunized mice or hamsters with S-Fc. A significant reduction of virus replication in nasal turbinate, lung, and brain was observed following nasal challenges with SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. Intranasal immunization also significantly reduced viral airborne transmission in hamsters. Nasal IgA, neutralizing antibodies, lung-resident memory T cells, and bone-marrow S-specific plasma cells mediated protection. Hence, FcRn delivers an S-Fc antigen effectively into the airway and induces protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection and transmission.

Comprehensive analysis of gut microbiome and host transcriptome in chickens after Eimeria tenella infection.

Background: Coccidiosis is an intestinal parasitic disease caused by Eimeria protozoa, which endangers the health and growth of animals, and causes huge economic losses to the poultry industry worldwide every year. Studies have shown that poultry gut microbiota plays an important role in preventing the colonization of pathogens and maintaining the health of the host. Coccidia infection also affects host gene expression. However, the underlying potential relationship between gut microbiome and host transcriptome during E. tenella infection in chickens remain unclear. Methods: In this study, metagenomic and transcriptome sequencing were applied to identify microbiota and genes in cecal contents and cecal tissues of infected (JS) and control (JC) chickens on day 4.5 postinfection (pi), respectively. Results: First, microbial sequencing results of cecal contents showed that the abundance of Lactobacillus, Roseburia sp. and Faecalibacterium sp decreased significantly after E. tenella infection (P < 0.05), while the abundance of Alistipes and Prevotella pectinovora increased significantly (P < 0.05). Second, transcriptome sequencing results showed that a total of 434 differentially expressed mRNAs were identified, including 196 up-regulated and 238 down-regulated genes. These differentially expressed genes related to inflammation and immunity, such as GAMA, FABP1, F2RL1 and RSAD2, may play an important role in the process of host resistance to coccidia infection. Functional studies showed that the enriched pathways of differentially expressed genes included the TGF-beta signaling pathway and the ErbB signaling pathways. Finally, the integrated analysis of gut microbiome and host transcriptome suggested that Prevotella pectinovora associated with FABP1, Butyricicoccus porcorum and Colidextribacter sp. associated with RSAD2 were involved in the immune response upon E. tenella infection. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study provides valuable information on the microbiota and key immune genes after chicken E. tenella infection, with the aim of providing reference for the impact of coccidia infection on cecal microbiome and host.

Feasibility and clinical benefits of the double-ProGlide technique for hemostasis after cryoballoon atrial fibrillation ablation with uninterrupted oral anticoagulants.

OBJECTIVE: To access the efficacy and safety of the double-ProGlide technique for the femoral vein access-site closure in cryoballoon ablation with uninterrupted oral anticoagulants (OAC), and its impact on the electrophysiology laboratory time as well as hospital stay after the procedure in this observational study. METHODS: Patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing cryoballoon ablation with uninterrupted OAC at Department of Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China from May 2019 to May 2021 were enrolled in this study. From October 2020, double-ProGlide technique was consistently used for hemostasis (ProGlide group), and before that conventional manual compression was utilized (manual compression group). The occurrence of vascular and groin complications was accessed during the hospital stay and until the three-month follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 140 participants (69.30% of male, mean age: 59.21 ± 10.29 years) were evaluated, 70 participants being in each group. Immediate hemostasis was achieved in all the patients with ProGlide closure. No major vascular complications were found in the ProGlide group while two major vascular complications were occurred in the manual compression group. The incidence of any groin complication was obviously higher in subjects with manual compression than patients with ProGlide devices (15.71% vs. 2.86%, P = 0.009). In addition, compared with the manual compression group, the ProGlide group was associated with significantly shorter total time in the electrophysiology laboratory [112.0 (93.3-128.8) min vs. 123.5 (107.3-158.3) min, P = 0.006], time from sheath removal until venous site hemostasis [3.8 (3.4-4.2) min vs. 8.0 (7.6-8.5) min, P < 0.001], bed rest time [8.0 (7.6-8.0) h vs. 14.1 (12.0-17.6) h, P < 0.001] and hospital stay after the procedure [13.8 (12.5-17.8) h vs. 38.0 (21.5-41.0) h, P < 0.001]. CONCLUSIONS: Utilization of the double-ProGlide technique for hemostasis after cryoballoon ablation with uninterrupted OAC is feasible and safe, which has the clinical benefit in reducing the total electrophysiology laboratory time and the hospital stay length after the procedure.

Flow diagram of the differential diagnosis and clinical decision making in a rare case of contrast-induced encephalopathy following cardiac catheterization: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Contrast-induced encephalopathy (CIE) is considered as an uncommon complication following cardiac catheterization. Due to the varied manifestations, CIE has no formal diagnostic criteria. In fact, the incidence of CIE may be greatly underestimated because of the difficulty in its differential diagnosis with other cerebrovascular complications. Thus, making a flow diagram according to patients' clinical symptoms and examinations after cardiac catheterization to help clinicians diagnose CIE is important and needed. CASE PRESENTATION: In this report, we describe a case of probable CIE in a 66-year-old Chinese man with hypertension who underwent cardiac catheterization with stents placement in the bifurcation lesion, during which 80 ml iopromide contrast was used. About 2 h following the procedure, the patient lost his consciousness suddenly and suffered from a status epilepticus. Malignant arrhythmias were not found through continuous electrocardiogram monitoring, but mild ST-segment elevation was displayed in leads I and aVL. The echocardiography, plasma glucose and electrolyte levels were normal. Emergency re-angiography with percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty was performed in the culprit lesion, which involved 60 ml iopromide contrast. However, the patient remained unconsciousness and epilepticus. Non-contrast computed tomography (CT) of the head showed cortical and subarachnoid enhancement as well as prolonged retention of contrast media in the middle cerebral artery. With supportive treatment of intravenous hydration, sedative and dehydrant, the patient recovered 3 h later and finally discharged without any neurological deficits. CONCLUSIONS: CIE is an acute reversible encephalopathy induced by contrast media. It is exceptionally challenging to make the diagnosis of CIE following cardiac catheterization since there is a lack of consensus on the definition of CIE. Via this case we reviewed the related literatures, through which a flow diagram of the differential diagnosis and clinical decision making was given, which could help to differentiate CIE from other neurological complications following cardiac catheterization.

Advances in High-Performance Non-Ferrous Materials.

Non-ferrous metallic materials are considered to be fundamental materials for manufacturing in-dustries, i [...].

Association of low-level viremia with mortality among people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy in Dehong, Southwest China: A retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association of low-level viremia (LLV) with mortality among people living with HIV (PLHIV) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Dehong, Southwest China. METHODS: We analysed data collected from a cohort of PLHIV on ART in Dehong. PLHIV were enrolled in this cohort after they started ART, with viral load (VL) tested once a year afterwards. Each VL level was then categorized into one of the four groups: <50, 50-199, 200-999 and ≥1000 copies/ml. VL levels of 50-199 and 200-999 copies/ml were defined as LLV. The VL level for each participant was re-categorized and fitted into an extended Cox regression model as a time-varying covariate to examine the associations of VL level with all-cause and AIDS-related deaths. RESULTS: Among the included 7273 of 8762 PLHIV in this study, median age (interquartile range, IQR) was 36 (30-43) years and 59.9% were male. The patients were followed up for a median duration (IQR) of 6.2 (4.3-8.2) years. Compared with VL <50 copies/ml, LLV 200-999 copies/ml (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] and 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.56 [1.04, 2.32]) were associated with elevated risk of all-cause mortality and LLV50-199 (aHR [95% CI]: 1.00 [0.68, 1.45]) were not. Similarly, only LLV200-999 copies/ml (aHR [95% CI]: 2.37 [1.36, 4.14]) corresponded to higher risk of AIDS-related mortality. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that PLHIV on ART may have elevated death risks even though the viremia is suppressed at a low level. Interventions targeting PLHIV with LLV should be developed to reduce their mortality.

An FcRn-targeted mucosal vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 infection and transmission.

SARS-CoV-2 and its variants cause COVID-19, which is primarily transmitted through droplets and airborne aerosols. To prevent viral infection and reduce viral spread, vaccine strategies must elicit protective immunity in the airways. FcRn transfers IgG across epithelial barriers; we explore FcRn-mediated respiratory delivery of SARS-CoV-2 spike (S). A monomeric IgG Fc was fused to a stabilized S protein; the resulting S-Fc bound to S-specific antibodies (Ab) and FcRn. A significant increase in Ab responses was observed following the intranasal immunization of mice with S-Fc formulated in CpG as compared to the immunization with S alone or PBS. Furthermore, we intranasally immunize adult or aged mice and hamsters with S-Fc. A significant reduction of virus replication in nasal turbinate, lung, and brain was observed following nasal challenges with SARS-CoV-2, including Delta and Omicron variants. Intranasal immunization also significantly reduced viral transmission between immunized and naive hamsters. Protection was mediated by nasal IgA, serum-neutralizing Abs, tissue-resident memory T cells, and bone marrow S-specific plasma cells. Hence FcRn delivers an S-Fc antigen effectively into the airway and induces protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection and transmission. Based on these findings, FcRn-targeted non-invasive respiratory immunizations are superior strategies for preventing highly contagious respiratory viruses from spreading.

Emerging trends and focus of giant cell tumor of bone research from 2001-2021: A visualization research.

Giant cell tumor of bone is a highly invasive benign tumor with a high postoperative recurrence rate. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to analyze the research hotspots and trends of global research on giant cell tumor of bone in the past 20 years, to provide a reference for relevant personnel in this field to carry out academic research. METHODS: The literature related to giant cell tumor of bone from 2001 to 2021 was retrieved from the Web of Science. The bibliometrics research method and VOS Viewer were used to extract and analyze the keywords of the journal authors' research institutions, and the research status and development direction in the recent 20 years were visualized. RESULTS: A total of 2063 articles were included. The number of global publications is increasing every year. The United States contributes the most to global research, with the most citations and the highest H-index. The journal Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research published the most articles on this issue. "Denosumab" and "h3f3a" will get more attention and be the next popular hotspot in the future. CONCLUSION: The study of giant cell tumor of bone is a hot spot of continuous development and has an important contribution to human health.

Long noncoding RNA profiling reveals that LncRNA BTN3A2 inhibits the host inflammatory response to Eimeria tenella infection in chickens.

Coccidiosis is a widespread parasitic disease that causes serious economic losses to the poultry industry every year. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in transcriptional regulation and are involved in a variety of diseases and immune responses. However, the lncRNAs associated with Eimeria tenella (E. tenella) resistance have not been identified in chickens. In addition, the expression profiles and functions of lncRNAs during E. tenella infection remain unclear. In the present study, high-throughput sequencing was applied to identify lncRNAs in chicken cecal tissues from control (JC), resistant (JR), and susceptible (JS) groups on day 4.5 post-infection (pi), and functional tests were performed. A total of 564 lncRNAs were differentially expressed, including 263 lncRNAs between the JS and JC groups, 192 between the JR and JS groups, and 109 between the JR and JC groups. Functional analyses indicated that these differentially expressed lncRNAs were involved in pathways related to E. tenella infection, including the NF-kappa B signaling, B cell receptor signaling and natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity pathways. Moreover, through cis regulation network analysis of the differentially expressed lncRNAs, we found that a novel lncRNA termed lncRNA BTN3A2 was significantly increased in both cecum tissue and DF-1 cells after coccidia infection or sporozoite stimulation. Functional test data showed that the overexpression of lncRNA BTN3A2 reduced the production of inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, IL-1ß, TNF-α and IL-8, while lncRNA BTN3A2 knockdown promoted the production of these inflammatory cytokines. Taken together, this study identify the differentially expressed lncRNAs during E. tenella infection in chickens for the first time and provide the direct evidence that lncRNA BTN3A2 regulates the host immune response to coccidia infection.

Effect of Annealing Temperature on the Interfacial Microstructure and Bonding Strength of Cu/Al Clad Sheets with a Stainless Steel Interlayer.

To explore the influence of annealing temperatures on the interfacial structure and peeling strength of Cu/Al clad sheets with a 304 stainless steel foil interlayer, an intermediate annealing treatment was performed at temperatures of 450 °C, 550 °C, and 600 °C, separately. The experimental results indicate that the interfacial atomic diffusion is significantly enhanced by increasing the intermediate annealing temperature. The average peeling strength of the clad sheets annealed at 550 °C can reach 34.3 N/mm and the crack propagation is along the steel/Cu interface, Cu-Al intermetallic compounds layer, and Al matrix. However, after high-temperature annealing treatment (600 °C), the liquid phase is formed at the bonding interface and the clear Cu/steel/Al interface is replaced by the chaotic composite interfaces. The clad sheet broke completely in the unduly thick intermetallic compounds layer, resulting in a sharp decrease in the interfacial bonding strength.

Grain Growth Mechanism of Lamellar-Structure High-Purity Nickel via Cold Rolling and Cryorolling during Annealing.

High-purity (99.999%) nickel with lamellar-structure grains (LG) was obtained by room-temperature rolling and cryorolling in this research, and then annealed at different temperatures (75 °C, 160 °C, and 245 °C). The microstructure was characterized by transmission electron microscopy. The grain growth mechanism during annealing of the LG materials obtained via different processes was studied. Results showed that the LG high-purity nickel obtained by room-temperature rolling had a static discontinuous recrystallization during annealing, whereas that obtained by cryorolling underwent static and continuous recrystallization during annealing, which was caused by the seriously inhibited dislocation recovery in the rolling process under cryogenic conditions, leading to more accumulated deformation energy storage in sheets.

Research Note: Expression of T cell-related cytokines in chicken cecal and spleen tissues following Eimeria tenella infection in vivo.

The T cell-mediated immune response plays an important role in coccidiosis. To reveal the host T cell immune response following Eimeria tenella (E. tenella) infection in chickens, we performed quantitative real-time PCR to analyze the dynamic expression of the Th1-related cytokines IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-12; the Th17-related cytokines IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-22; and the Treg-related cytokines IL-10, TGF-ß, and CTLA-4 in the cecum and spleen at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 d postinfection (dpi). In the cecal tissue, the expression of the Th1-related cytokine IFN-γ was significantly higher at 6 and 8 dpi than at other time points (11.97-fold and 39.78-fold, respectively, compared with 0 dpi, P < 0.05). IL-2 and IL-12 expression was significantly higher at 6 and 8 dpi than at 0, 2 and 10 dpi (P < 0.05). The expression of the Th17-related cytokines IL-17A and IL-17F at 2 and 4 dpi and IL-22 expression at 4 dpi were significantly higher than those at 0, 6, 8 and 10 dpi (P < 0.05). The expression of the Treg-related cytokines IL-10, TGF-ß and CTLA-4 was significantly higher at 6 and 8 dpi than at 0, 2 and 4 dpi (P < 0.05). In the spleen, IFN-γ and IL-12 expression peaked at 4 dpi, while IL-2 expression peaked at 10 dpi. IL-17A, IL-17F and IL-22 expression was significantly higher at 2 and 4 dpi than at 0, 6, 8 and 10 dpi (P < 0.05). Treg-related cytokine TGF-ß expression was almost unchanged and significantly decreased at only 4 dpi (P < 0.05), while CTLA-4 expression showed an overall decreasing trend from 0 to 8 dpi but increased significantly at 10 dpi (P < 0.05). The expression patterns of three T cell subset-related cytokines were different in the cecum and spleen. Furthermore, Th1 and Treg cells participate in the immune response mainly in the latter stage of coccidia infection (6 and 8 dpi), while Th17 cells play a role mainly in the early stages of infection (2 and 4 dpi). Our data will help to deepen the understanding of the complex T cell immune response after coccidia infection.

Comprehensive Analyses of circRNA Expression Profiles and Function Prediction in Chicken Cecums After Eimeria tenella Infection.

Coccidiosis is an important intestinal parasitic disease that causes great economic losses to the global poultry production industry. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are long non-coding RNAs that play important roles in various infectious diseases and inflammatory responses. However, the expression profiles and functions of circRNAs during Eimeria tenella (E. tenella) infection remain unclear. In this study, high-throughput sequencing was carried out to detect circRNAs in chicken cecal tissues from the control (JC), resistant (JR), and susceptible (JS) groups on day 4.5 postinfection (pi), respectively. A total of 104 circRNAs were differentially expressed, including 47 circRNAs between the JS and JC groups, 38 between the JR and JS groups, and 19 between the JR and JC groups. Functional analyses indicated that these differentially expressed circRNAs were involved in pathways related to E. tenella infection; the adaptive immune response was enriched in the JS vs JC group, the NF-kappa B signaling and natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity pathways were enriched in the JS vs JC and JR vs JC groups, while the B cell receptor signaling pathway was enriched in only the JR vs JC group. Moreover, the coexpression network of differentially expressed circRNAs and mRNAs suggested that circRNA2202 and circRNA0759 associated with DTX1 in the JS vs JC group, circRNA4338 associated with VPREB3 and CXCL13L3 in the JR vs JC group, and circRNA2612 associated with IL8L1 and F2RL2 in the JR vs JS group were involved in the immune response upon E. tenella infection. In conclusion, our results provide valuable information on the circRNAs involved in the progression of chicken E. tenella infection and advance our understanding of the circRNA regulatory mechanisms of host resistance and susceptibility to E. tenella infection in chickens.

Active case finding with case management: the key to tackling the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by WHO on March 11, 2020, the first non-influenza pandemic, affecting more than 200 countries and areas, with more than 5·9 million cases by May 31, 2020. Countries have developed strategies to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic that fit their epidemiological situations, capacities, and values. We describe China's strategies for prevention and control of COVID-19 (containment and suppression) and their application, from the perspective of the COVID-19 experience to date in China. Although China has contained severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and nearly stopped indigenous transmission, a strong suppression effort must continue to prevent re-establishment of community transmission from importation-related cases. We believe that case finding and management, with identification and quarantine of close contacts, are vitally important containment measures and are essential in China's pathway forward. We describe the next steps planned in China that follow the containment effort. We believe that sharing countries' experiences will help the global community manage the COVID-19 pandemic by identifying what works in the struggle against SARS-CoV-2.

Study of the Relationship between Polymorphisms in the IL-8 Gene Promoter Region and Coccidiosis Resistance Index in Jinghai Yellow Chickens.

Interleukin 8 (IL-8) participates in the immune response and has the function of inducing neutrophils to release lysosomal enzymes and eliminate pathogens. This study was to investigate the effect of single nucleotide mutations in the IL-8 gene promoter region on the coccidiosis resistance index. In this study, 180 infected Eimeria tenella (E. tenella) Jinghai yellow chickens were used as experimental samples. DNA sequencing technology was used to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IL-8 gene promoter region. The association between these SNPs and coccidiosis resistance indexes (including superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), catalase (CAT), nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, and interferon-γ (IFN-γ)) were analyzed. Three SNPs (T-550C, G-398T, and T-360C) were detected. Significant associations were found between each genotype at the T-550C site with NO (p-value = 0.006) and IL-8 (p-value = 0.034) indexes. Significant associations were found between each genotype at the G-398T site with SOD (p-value = 0.042), CAT (p-value = 0.049), NO (p-value = 0.008), and IL-2 (p-value = 0.044) indexes. Significant associations were found between each genotype at the T-360C site with SOD (p-value = 0.007), NO (p-value = 0.046), IL-2 (p-value = 0.041), IL-8 (p-value = 0.039), and IFN-γ (p-value = 0.042) indexes. Haplotype analysis showed that multiple indexes of the H1H3 haplotype combination were significantly higher than other haplotype combinations. Therefore, mutation of the IL-8 gene promoter region has a significant regulatory effect on the coccidiosis resistance index, with a change in transcription factor binding potentially altering IL-8 gene expression, thereby further affecting the IL-8 level in plasma. However, the specific mechanism needs further study.

Research Note: Correlation analysis of interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 gene expression in chicken spleen and cecal tissues after Eimeria tenella infection in vivo.

IL-6, IL-8, and C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCLi2) are important factors in inflammatory and immune responses. To investigate their relationships in the spleen and cecum and between coccidiosis-infected and uninfected states, we performed quantitative real-time PCR to compare the relative expression difference of IL-6, IL-8, and CCLi2 in the same tissues between the infection and control groups. In addition, the correlations of the relative expression levels of these 3 genes were determined in the same and different tissues within the same group. The results showed that the expression levels of IL-6, IL-8, and CCLi2 in the spleen and cecum of the infected group were all higher than those of the uninfected group (P < 0.05). The correlation coefficients among the IL-6, IL-8, and CCLi2 expression levels in the spleen or cecum were all positive in both the infection and control groups. In the spleen tissues, CCLi2 expression was strongly correlated with IL-6 and IL-8 in the uninfected group (P < 0.01), and the correlation coefficients reached 0.853 (R2 = 0.728) and 0.996 (R2 = 0.992), respectively. The expression of CCLi2 was also strongly correlated with IL-8 (R reached 0.890, R2 = 0.792) in the infected group. In the cecal tissues, the expression levels of the 3 genes were all extremely significantly correlated in the uninfected group (P < 0.01), and the correlation coefficients ranged from 0.498 to 0.765, indicating moderate correlations. The expression of IL-6 was extremely significantly positively correlated with IL-8 and CCLi2 in the infected group (P < 0.01), with moderate correlations (R ranged from 0.469-0.639). In addition, the expression levels of the 3 genes were not significantly correlated (P > 0.05) between the spleen and cecum tissues in either the infection group or the control group. These results indicate that IL-6, IL-8, and CCLi2 were correlated and play an important role in coccidiosis infection of Jinghai yellow chicken. Our data also provide a basis for further exploring the role of these 3 genes in genetic breeding for coccidiosis resistance.

Supervised Analysis of Hepatitis C Virus RNA-Positive Case Reporting in County-Level Hospitals - China, 2013-2018.

What is already known on this topic? To understand the status of the diagnosis and reporting of hepatitis C and standardize the reporting of hepatitis C cases in county-level hospitals, we conducted the first supervised analysis of hepatitis C cases in county-level hospitals in China from 2013 to 2018, covering all provincial-level administrative divisions (PLADs) except Tibet. What is added by this report? Through 6 years of supervision, we have obtained key data such as the nucleic acid detection rate and positive rate of hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody positive cases in our county-level hospitals, the report rate and accuracy of HCV RNA positive cases, and standardized and improved the hepatitis C case reporting in county-level hospitals to improve data quality and provide data support for the judgment and estimation of hepatitis C in China. What are the implications for public health practice? By strengthening the management and supervision of hepatitis C case reporting, the reporting rate and accuracy of HCV RNA positive cases in county-level hospitals in China had been greatly improved. By combining the number of HCV antibody tests and the number of viral nucleic acid tests in medical institutions around the country, it was possible to effectively assess the current status of hepatitis C in China and to provide a scientific basis for the development of hepatitis C prevention and treatment measures.