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HIV self-testing (HIVST) increases testing frequency among men who have sex with men (MSM). However, its impact on sexual risk behaviors is unclear. In a randomized controlled trial conducted in Hunan Province, China, HIV-negative MSM were randomized to receive one of two interventions for one year: (1) facility-based HIV testing, or (2) facility-based HIV testing augmented with free HIVST. From April to June 2018, 230 MSM were enrolled. They self-reported sexual behaviors every 3 months for 12 months. Among 216 MSM with follow-ups (intervention: 110; control: 106), adjusting for potential confounders in Generalized Estimating Equation models, there were no statistically significant differences in consistent condom use with male partners (regular/casual) or female partners, nor on number of male or female sexual partners. Provision of free HIVST kits does not increase risky sex and should be included in comprehensive HIV prevention packages, particularly for sexual minority men in China.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic disease caused by joint inflammation. Its occurrence and development depend on a continuous inflammation environment. The activated M1 macrophages play a critical role in the inflammatory response of OA. Regulating the pro-inflammatory M1 to anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages in the OA articular cavity could be a rational strategy for OA treatment. It has been acknowledged that activated macrophages could proactively capture opsonized nanoparticles in the bloodstream and then accumulate into the reticuloendothelial system (RES) organs. Based on this fact, a trapping strategy is proposed, which transforms a normal nanoparticle into an opsonized attractant to target and regulate macrophage polarization. In this study, the opsonized nanoparticle (IgG/Bb@BRPL) had several key features, including an immunoglobulin IgG (the opsonized layer), an anti-inflammatory agent berberine (Bb), and an oxidative stress-responsive bilirubin grafted polylysine biomaterial (BR-PLL) for drug loading (the inner nanocore). In vitro studies confirmed that IgG/Bb@BRPL prefer to be phagocytosed by M1 macrophage, not M0. And the internalized IgG/Bb@BRPL effectively promoted macrophage polarization toward the M2 phenotype and protected nearby chondrocytes. In vivo studies suggested that IgG/Bb@BRPL significantly enhanced therapeutic outcomes by suppressing inflammation and promoting cartilage repair while not prolonging the retention period compared to non-opsonized counterparts. This proof-of-concept study provided a novel opsonization trapping strategy for OA drug delivery and treatment.

Reticuloendothelial virus (REV) is widely found in many domestic poultry areas and results in severe immunosuppression of infected chickens. This increases the susceptibility to other pathogens, which causes economic losses to the poultry industry. The aim of our study was to determine whether polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid [Poly (I: C)] treatment could inhibit REV replication in chicken macrophage-like cell line, HD11. We found that Poly (I: C) treatment could markedly inhibit REV replication in HD11 from 24 to 48 h post infection (hpi). Additionally, Poly (I: C) treatment could switch HD11 from an inactive type into M1-like polarization from 24 to 48 hpi. Furthermore, Poly (I: C) treatment promoted interferon-β secretion from HD11 post REV infection. Moreover, Toll-like receptor-3 (TLR-3) mRNA and protein levels in HD11 treated with Poly (I: C) were markedly increased compared to those of HD11 not treated with Poly (I: C). The above results suggested that Poly (I: C) treatment switches HD11 into M1-like polarization to secret more interferon-β and activate TLR-3 signaling, which contributes to block REV replication. Our findings provide a theoretical reference for further studying the underlying pathogenic mechanism of REV and Poly (I: C) as a potential therapeutic intervention against REV infection.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is associated with worse outcomes. We assessed the impact of CKD on guideline directed coronary revascularization and outcomes among STEMI patients. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample dataset from 2012-2014 was used to identify patients with STEMI using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. Patients were categorized as non-CKD, CKD without dialysis, and CKD with dialysis (CKD-HD). Outcomes were revascularization, death and acute renal failure requiring dialysis (ARFD). A total of 534,845 were included (88.9% non-CKD; 9.6% CKD without dialysis, and 1.5% CKD-HD). PCI was performed in 77.4% non-CKD, 56.2% CKD without dialysis, and 48% CKD-HD patients (p < 0.0001). In-hospital mortality and ARFD were significantly higher in CKD patients (16.5% and 40.6%) compared with non-CKD patients (7.12% and 7.17%) (p < 0.0001). In-hospital mortality was significantly lower in patients treated revascularization compared with patients treated medically (non-CKD: adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.280, p < 0.0001; CKD without dialysis: aOR 0.39, p < 0.0001; CKD-HD: aOR 0.48, p < 0.0001). CKD was associated with higher length of hospital stay and cost (5.86 ± 13.97, 7.57 ± 26.06 and 3.99 ± 11.09 days; p < 0.0001; $25,696 ± $63,024, $35,666 ± $104,940 and $23,264 ± $49,712; p < 0.0001 in non-CKD, CKD without dialysis and CKD-HD patients respectively). In conclusion, CKD patients with STEMI receive significantly less PCI compared with patients without CKD. Coronary revascularization for STEMI in CKD patients was associated with lower mortality compared to medical management. The presence of CKD in patients with STEMI is associated with higher mortality and ARFD, prolonged hospital stay and higher hospital cost.

Background Reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) is a retrovirus that causes severe immunosuppression in poultry. Animals grow slowly under conditions of oxidative stress. In addition, long-term oxidative stress can impair immune function, as well as accelerate aging and death. This study aimed to elucidate the pathogenesis of REV from the perspective of changes in oxidative-antioxidative function following REV infection. Methods A total of 80 one-day-old specific pathogen free (SPF) chickens were randomly divided into a control group (Group C) and an REV-infected group (Group I). The chickens in Group I received intraperitoneal injections of REV with 104.62/0.1 mL TCID50. Thymus was collected on day 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 49 for histopathology and assessed the status of oxidative stress. Results In chickens infected with REV, the levels of H2O2 and MDA in the thymus increased, the levels of TAC, SOD, CAT, and GPx1 decreased, and there was a reduction in CAT and Gpx1 mRNA expression compared with the control group. The thymus index was also significantly reduced. Morphological analysis showed that REV infection caused an increase in the thymic reticular endothelial cells, inflammatory cell infiltration, mitochondrial swelling, and nuclear damage. Conclusions These results indicate that an increase in oxidative stress enhanced lipid peroxidation, markedly decreased antioxidant function, caused thymus atrophy, and immunosuppression in REV-infected chickens.

This study examined associations between the prevalence of HIV testing and factors or behaviors that influence HIV testing in U.S.A. 9th to 12th graders using the 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey (YRBSS) data. Selection criteria was based on a positive report of sexual debut (Ever had sex? Yes/No). Outcome of interest was having ever tested for HIV. Independent risk factors included age, sex, grade, race, condom use, age at first sexual intercourse, number of lifetime sexual partners, use of contraceptives, use of drug or alcohol before last sexual activity and several other factors. Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were conducted to evaluate factors associated with HIV screening participation. HIV testing prevalence was 20.34%. Females (53.97%) were more likely to participate in HIV screening test than males (67.37% females versus 32.63% males) and had higher odds of testing (OR: 2.229

The concept of compact waveguide window based on the low-loss cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) is proposed in this letter, which considers the characteristics of broadband performance, transparency, sufficient mechanical strength, and simple mechanical process, by simply integrating the machined bipyramids-type COC dielectrics into the modified waveguide. To verify our idea, two waveguide windows consisting of internal dielectrics and external fixtures are designed and fabricated. The two types of waveguide windows are measured along with two strain rectangular waveguides at the Ka -band with the return loss better than 18.5 dB over the related frequency range of 42.8% and better than 20 dB over the related frequency range of 49%, respectively. The measured results show the advantages of the proposed concept, which is an excellent candidate for broadband application at a millimeter-wave frequency or higher.

Evidence for putative pathophysiological mechanisms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including peripheral inflammation, blood–brain barrier disruption, white matter alterations, and abnormal synaptic overgrowth, indicate a possible involvement of neuroinflammation in the disorder. Neuroinflammation plays a role in the development and maintenance of the dendritic spines involved in glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission, and also influences blood–brain permeability. Cytokines released from microglia can impact the length, location or organization of dendritic spines on excitatory and inhibitory cells as well as recruit and impact glial cell function around the neurons. In this study, gene expression levels of anti‐ and pro‐inflammatory signaling molecules, as well as oligodendrocyte and astrocyte marker proteins, were measured in both gray and white matter tissue in the anterior cingulate cortex from ASD and age‐matched typically developing (TD) control brain donors, ranging from ages 4 to 37 years. Expression levels of the pro‐inflammatory gene, HLA‐DR, were significantly reduced in gray matter and expression levels of the anti‐inflammatory gene MRC1 were significantly elevated in white matter from ASD donors as compared to TD donors, but neither retained statistical significance after correction for multiple comparisons. Modest trends toward differences in expression levels were also observed for the pro‐inflammatory (CD68, IL1β) and anti‐inflammatory genes (IGF1, IGF1R) comparing ASD donors to TD donors. The direction of gene expression changes comparing ASD to TD donors did not reveal consistent findings implicating an elevated pro‐ or anti‐inflammatory state in ASD. However, altered expression of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory gene expression indicates some involvement of neuroinflammation in ASD. Autism Res 2020, 13: 870‐884. © 2020 The Authors. Autism Research published by International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals LLC Lay Summary The anterior cingulate cortex is an integral brain region in modulating social behaviors including nonverbal communication. The study found that inflammatory gene expression levels were altered in this brain region. We hypothesize that the inflammatory changes in this area could impact neuronal function. The finding has future implications in using these molecular markers to identify potential environmental exposures and distinct cell differences in autism.

The effect of lay direction of individual wires on the mechanical behavior of multi-strand wire ropes under axial loading is investigated based upon Love's thin rod theory. A typical 7 × 7 wire rope with an independent rope core is treated. Eight different lay directions of the wire rope are considered, in which the lay direction of the double helix wires is emphasized. Two theoretical models, namely the hierarchical calculation method and the direct calculation method, are used to calculate the internal forces of the rope. The numerical results based on the two models are assessed within the context of the finite element analysis of the multi-strand rope. It is highlighted that the result given by the hierarchical calculation method is closer to the FEM result. The mechanical responses on simple strand and multi-strand rope predicted by the two theoretical models are in good agreement with experimental data. The lay effect of wire rope and the effect of initial helix angle of individual wires on the internal forces of rope are analyzed in detail. It is demonstrated that the lay direction mainly affects the torque of the rope, but not the tensile force; while both the torque and the tensile force strongly depend on the initial helix angle of individual wires. It is implied that the global mechanical properties of wire rope can be adjusted with the lay direction and the helix angle of wires within the rope.

BackgroundHIV- and MSM-related stigma are well documented as common for Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV, yet there is sparse literature on intimate partner violence (IPV) and its relationship with stigma in this vulnerable population. To evaluate the association between HIV-stigma and stigma related to homosexuality and IPV among newly HIV-diagnosed MSM in China.MethodsData were collected in the baseline survey among newly HIV-diagnosed Chinese MSM in a randomized clinical trial via face-to-face interviews. Univariate logistic and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the associations between IPV and HIV- and MSM-related stigma.ResultsOf 367 newly HIV-diagnosed Chinese MSM, 23.7% experienced any IPV, including 16.6% physical, 7.4% psychological and 5.2% sexual IPV. Positive associations were found between HIV- and MSM-related stigma and IPV. Men with high HIV-related stigma (score ≥ 27) were 1.67 times as likely to experience any IPV as those with low stigma (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.67, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02–2.76). Men with high MSM-related stigma (score ≥ 6) were 1.99 times as likely to experience any IPV as those with low stigma (AOR: 1.99, 95% CI: 1.18–3.36).ConclusionsHIV- and MSM-related stigmas was positively associated with IPV experiences among newly diagnosed MSM in China. The manner in which stigma may exacerbate IPV, and/or the influence of IPV on worsening stigma should be further evaluated. The high prevalence of IPV and stigma in this population suggests that interventions should be taken to reduce stigma and prevent this risky behavior among MSM.

Introduction: To investigate the prevalence of metabolic conditions by body mass index (BMI) in U.S. adults, with metabolic conditions including type 2 diabetes (T2D), hypertension and dyslipidemia for overall and undiagnosed conditions. Methods: Adult participants were from the U.S. CDC 2013-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. BMI categories were: under/normal weight (BMI < 25kg/m2 ), overweight (25≤ BMI

Diabetic nephropathy is the most common microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus. With the increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy has become the primary cause of chronic nephropathy cases. Diabetes mellitus and chronic nephropathy exert certain effects on the digestive system. diabetic neuropathy patients also have digestive system symptoms and gastrointestinal diseases, with most presenting such problems as decreased gastrointestinal tract tension, insufficient gastric motility, decreased contractility, and delayed gastric emptying; these problems are often accompanied by symptoms of digestive system dysfunction, such as constipation, dry stool, tenesmus. This article will summarize and discuss the effects and mechanism of diabetic neuropathy involving the digestive system.

Reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV), an avian retrovirus is able to infect a variety of birds and can cause immunosuppression. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of thymic lymphocytes apoptosis, proliferation and T cell subtype with immunosuppression. In this study, a hundred and twenty one-day old SPF chickens were randomly divided into control groups (group C) and a REV infection groups (group I). The chickens of group I received intraperitoneal injections of REV with 104.62/0.1 ml TCID50. On day 14, 21, 28 and 35 post-inoculation, the chickens of C group and I group were sacrificed by cardiac puncture blood collection, and the thymic lymphocytes was sterile collected. The proliferation ability of lymphocytes was tested by Cell Counting Kit-8. Flow cytometry was performed to detect apoptosis, cell cycle stage and the change in T cell subtype. The RNA genome copy numbers of REV virus were detected using real-time PCR. Real-time PCR and western blotting were performed to analyze the expression of CyclinD1 and Bcl-2. Our results showed that REV genome copy number steadily declined, the proliferation potential of thymic lymphocytes was inhibited, lymphocytes apoptosed, the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ decreased and the expression of CyclinD1 and Bcl-2 were firstly inhibited, then rapidly recovered. Thus, immunosuppression lead by REV is closely related to the change of T cell subtype, apoptosis, and proliferation of thymic lymphocytes.

Achieving smoke-free healthcare facilities remains a great challenge in countries with a high smoking prevalence and weak regulation. Assessment of the impact of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and its constituent PM2.5 on the air quality in Chinese hospitals has not been reported. In this study, we conducted air quality surveys by measuring real-time PM2.5 concentrations with Dylos Air Quality Monitors in five tertiary hospitals in Shantou, China during summer (July-August 2016) and winter (November-February 2017). Twenty-eight-day surveys inside the hospitals showed median PM2.5 concentrations above the China Air Quality Standard in elevator lobbies (51.0 μg/m3, IQR 34.5–91.7), restrooms (40.2, 27.1–70.3), and corridors (36.5, 23.0–77.4). Evidence of tobacco smoking was significantly associated with PM2.5 spikes observed in all the survey locations, contributing to the air quality undesirable for health in 49.1% of total survey hours or 29.3% of summer and 75.4% of winter survey hours inside the buildings, and 33.5%, 25.7%, and 6.8% of survey hours in doctor offices, nurse stations, and patient rooms, respectively. In conclusion, smoking inside hospitals induces PM2.5 spikes that significantly compromise the air quality and impose significant health risk to the hospital inhabitants. Reinforcing comprehensive smoking ban with the vested interest of all stakeholders followed by creative disciplinary actions are suggested to ensure healthcare safety.

Highlights • Scores of access measure contraceptive care accessibility across five dimensions. • Differences in access exist between safety-net clinic type in South Carolina and Alabama. • Gaps within each dimension of access suggest data driven policy interventions., This study operationalized the five dimensions of health care access in the context of contraceptive service provision and used this framework to examine access to contraceptive care at health department (HD) (Title X funded) and federally qualified health center (FQHC) (primarily non-Title X funded) clinics in South Carolina and Alabama. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2017/18 that assessed clinic-level characteristics, policies, and practices related to contraceptive provision. Provision of different contraceptive methods was examined between clinic types. Survey items were mapped to the dimensions of access and internal consistency for each scale was tested with Cronbach’s alpha. Scores of access were developed and differences by clinic type were evaluated with an independent t-test. The overall response rate was 68.3% and the sample included 235 clinics. HDs (96.9%) were significantly more likely to provide IUDs and/or Impants on-site than FQHCs (37.4%) (P

A culturally competent survey currently does not exist to characterize the burden of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) among a HIV/AIDS population receiving care at a local Center of Excellence (COE). A qualitative study was conducted including 11 interviews involving opinions on national surveillance questions to develop a culturally competent survey. Purposive sampling, reactive probing, and analysis of transcribed interviews were completed using structured coding to determine which questions were kept, modified, or removed��� in the final survey. The final 55-question survey contained more generalized ACE questions, topics pertaining to barriers to HIV care, and a list that patients could select from to indicate what they need to improve their HIV care. The final survey provided the opportunity to characterize the burden of ACEs at a COE. Future directions involve piloting the survey as a quality improvement tool with the goal of increasing retention rates through more individualized HIV care.

This study aimed to examine the association of Per and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and markers of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress.Using data (n = 6652) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2012, generalized linear models were used to examine the association between PFAS and inflammatory (ferritin, alkaline phosphatase, C-reactive protein, absolute neutrophil count and lymphocyte count) and oxidative stress (serum bilirubin, albumin and iron) per unit exposure to PFAS while adjusting for covariates. Study participants were those ≥20 years of age. Outcome variables were markers of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress and exposure variables were PFAS.Percentage change in Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), and Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) were all significantly associated with percentage increases in lymphocyte counts, beta (95% confidence interval); 0.04(0.02,0.05), 0.04(0.02,0.05), 0.05(0.03, 0.07), 0.04(0.03,0.05), 0.03(0.13,1.23) and with percentage increases in serum iron 0.07(0.05,0.09), 0.04(0.02,0.07), 0.10(0.07,0.12), 0.05(0.03,0.07), 0.04(0.02,0.06) and increased serum albumin 0.02(0.02,0.02), 0.02(0.02,0.03), 0.03(0.03,0.04), 0.02(0.017, 0.025), 0.01 (0.01, 0.05). Only PFHxS, PFNA, PFOA and PFOS were associated with percentage increases in serum total bilirubin 0.04(0.03,0.05), 0.02(0.00,0.03), 0.06(0.04,0.08), 0.03(0.02,0.05). Similar results were obtained for categorical quintile analysis with PFOA showing a significant trend (P 0.001) with lymphocyte count, serum iron, serum total bilirubin and serum albumin. Trend for neutrophil count was not significant (p = 0.183).Per and Polyfluoroalkyl substances are associated with markers of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. Increased exposure leads to increase in serum concentration of these markers meaning these chemicals are associated with both chronic inflammation and oxidative stress.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects and mechanism of Lactobacillus on ameliorating ulcerative colitis chicks induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). There are three groups in this study, control, Lactobacillus and ulcerative colitis groups. 1-day-old chicks were fed with microcapsules containing Lactobacillus LA-5 daily for Lactobacillus group and clustered with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) to make the model of ulcerative colitis at ten-day-old. Chicks in control and ulcerative colitis groups were fed with empty microcapsules daily at 1-day-old and then chicks in ulcerative colitis group were induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) for preparation of ulcerative colitis model at 10-day-old. We detected the changes of mRNA and protein expression of TNF-α and IL-10 in the colon by Real-Time PCR and Western Blot. Histopathology evaluation on colon was conducted. Results showed that chicks pretreated with Lactobacillus had striking injury improvement compared with ulcerative colitis group in histopathology. Compared with ulcerative colitis group, down-regulation of TNF-α and up-regulation of IL-10 were observed in Lactobacillus group chicks. Therefore, Lactobacillus could improve the injury of intestinal mucosa and reduce inflammatory response by regulating mRNA and protein expression levels of TNF-α and IL-10, respectively. In conclusion, Lactobacillus could ameliorate the effects on chicks of TNBS-induced ulcerative colitis by reducing the inflammation and regulating the expression of TNF-α and IL-10, respectively.

Despite the wide usage of World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule II (WHODAS 2.0) in psychiatry research and clinical practice, there was limited knowledge on its proxy reliability among people with mental disorders. This paper aimed to compare the 12-item WHODAS 2.0 responses of adult patients with mental disorders to their family caregivers. In this study, 205 pairs of patients with mental disorders and primary family caregivers were consecutively recruited from one inpatient mental health department in a large hospital in China. All participants completed the 12-item version WHODAS 2.0 to assess patients’ functioning in the 30 days prior to the hospitalization. Measurement invariance, including configural, metric and scalar invariance, was tested across patient and proxy groups, using multi-group confirmatory factor analysis. Agreement between patients and proxies was examined by paired Wilcoxon tests and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Subgroup analyses for proxy reliability were conducted within strata of proxy kinship and patient psychiatric diagnosis. The 12-item WHODAS 2.0 achieved configural, metric and partial scalar invariance across patient and proxy groups. Unsatisfactory consistency was found for most items (ICC

The effect of friction on the mechanical behavior of wire rope with hierarchical helical structures under tensile and bending loads is studied. A typical 7×7 wire rope with an independent wire rope...

To evaluate the association between general self-efficacy and depression/anxiety among newly HIV-diagnosed Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM) in Beijing, our study evaluated the baseline survey data of MSM taking part in a clinical trial among Chinese MSM in Beijing. The baseline survey of the trial was conducted between March 2013 and March 2014. General self-efficacy and depression/anxiety were measured using standard scales. Logistic regression and cumulative logistic regression were used to evaluate the associations between general self-efficacy and depression/anxiety. A total of 367 newly HIV-diagnosed Chinese MSM in Beijing were recruited. There were negative associations between general self-efficacy and depression/anxiety among the study population. As general self-efficacy increased by one unit, the odds of "likely" or "borderline" depression versus normal, or "likely" depression versus "borderline" depression or normal decreased by 12% [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.85-0.92] after adjusting for potential confounders. Similarly, general self-efficacy was negatively associated with anxiety (AOR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.86-0.93). A higher level of general self-efficacy was associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety among newly HIV-diagnosed Chinese MSM. Interventions promoting overall health and wellness should address self-efficacy, depression and anxiety.

Alternative splicing (AS) plays a significant role in regulation of genomic expression at the transcriptional level and is involved in many important biological functions of cells, thus a gene can be spliced into distinct transcript variants then translated to many different kinds of protein. Reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) is a kind of retrovirus that can infect multiple avian species, leading to runting syndrome, immunosuppression and oncogenesis. In this present study, we analyzed AS in REV-infected chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEFs) which were inoculated with the second generation of REV (group VB) and compared with normal CEFs (group C) by high-throughput RNA sequencing technology. A total of 6,939 genes which were alternatively spliced were detected, among them, skipped exon (SE) was the most common pattern. Moreover, 5,607 AS genes were detected as differentially expressed; compared with group C, group VB has 2,825 genes upregulated significantly and 2,782 genes downregulated significantly. These 5,607 differentially expressed AS genes are involved in many important biological processes. Many of them are involved in apoptosis and tumourigenesis. We also proved, by agarose gel electrophoresis, that AS events predicted by our study are authentic and AS is closely related with apoptosis and tumourigenesis in REV-infected CEFs. Our study provides the best analysis to date of the potential link between AS and CEFs in response to REV infection. Research highlights Transcriptomics analysis of REV-infected CEFs using high-throughput sequencing. Potential link between alternative splicing and CEFs in response to REV infection. Skipped exon is the most common spliced pattern in REV-infected CEFs. Differentially expressed genes mainly involved in apoptosis and tumourigenesis.

Salmonella ser. Enteritidis is a major public health concern worldwide. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a novel simple, easy-to-operate detection technology that amplifies DNA with high speed, efficiency, and specificity under isothermal conditions. The objective of this study was to develop a new LAMP assay for the detection of Salmonella ser. Enteritidis. The Prot6E gene located on a virulence plasmid of Salmonella ser. Enteritidis, encoding fimbrial biosynthesis protein, was the target for detection. The primer set was designed by using Primer Explorer V4 software and evaluated for its effectiveness in detecting Salmonella ser. Enteritidis strains SE12 (PT14b), 18579 (PT4), and CDC_2010K_1441 (PT8) using isothermal master mix under an approximately 35 min reaction by Genie III instrument (OptiGene, UK). Ratio of outer and inner primers, amount of DNA template, reaction temperature and time were optimized. Inclusivity test using 114 Salmonella ser. Enteritidis strains showed 97.4% positive for prot6E gene. For exclusivity testing, 34 non-Salmonella ser. Enteritidis Salmonella strains (27 serotypes) and 35 non-Salmonella strains (14 species) were tested and they were 100% negative. Results from the LAMP assay on 200 samples from egg products inoculated with 1–5 CFU/25 g completely matched with that from culture method and real-time PCR, and less than 1.2–12 CFU per reaction Salmonella ser. Enteritidis could be detected. This LAMP method can be of high value to the food industry due to its various advantages such as speed, specificity, sensitivity, cost- and labor-efficiency.

An analytical method is presented for studying the influence of fiber migration on the mechanical properties of a yarn with two-level helical structures. The theory of ideal migration is applied to...