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Background: Equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) is commonly associated with horse abortion. Currently, there are no reported cases of abortion resulting from EHV-1 infection in donkeys. Results: This was the first survey-based study of Chinese donkeys. The presence of EHV-1 was identified by PCR. This survey was conducted in Chabuchar County, North Xinjiang, China, in 2020. A donkey EHV-1 strain (Chabuchar/2020) was successfully isolated in MDBK cells. Seventy-two of 100 donkey sera were able to neutralize the isolated EHV-1. Moreover, the ORF33 sequence of the donkey-origin EHV-1 Chabuchar/2020 strain showed high levels of similarity in both its nucleotide (99.7‒100%) and amino acid (99.5‒100%) sequences, with those of horse EHV-1 strains. EHV-1 Chabuchar/2020 showed significant consistency and was classified within cluster 1 of horse EHV-1 strains. Further, analysis of the expected ORF30 nucleotide sequence revealed that donkey EHV-1 strains contained guanine at position 2254, resulting in a change to aspartic acid at position 752 of the viral DNA polymerase. Therefore, these strains were classified as horse neuropathogenic strains. Lastly, a phylogenetic tree was constructed using the partial ORF68 nucleotide sequences, showing that the identified donkey EHV-1 strain and the EHV-1 strain found in aborted Yili horses in China comprised a novel independent VIII group. Conclusion: This study showed the first isolation and identification of EHV-1 as an etiological agent of abortions in donkeys. Further analysis of the ORF33, ORF30, and ORF68 sequences indicated that the donkey EHV-1 contained the neuropathogenic genotype of strains in the VIII group. It is thus important to be aware of EHV-1 infection in the donkey population, even though the virus has only been identified in donkey abortions in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cryptosporidium is a highly pathogenic parasite responsible for diarrhea in children worldwide. Here, the epidemiological status and genetic characteristics of Cryptosporidium in children with or without diarrhea were investigated with tracking of potential sources in Wenzhou City, China. Methods: A total of 1032 children were recruited, 684 of whom had diarrhea and 348 without, from Yuying Children's Hospital in Wenzhou, China. Samples of stool were collected from each participant, followed by extraction of DNA, genotyping, and molecular identification of Cryptosporidium species and subtypes. Results: Twenty-two of the 1032 (2.1%) children were infected with Cryptosporidium spp. with 2.5% (17/684) and 1.4% (5/348) in diarrhoeic and asymptomatic children, respectively. Four Cryptosporidium species were identified, including C. parvum (68.2%; 15/22), C. felis (13.6%; 3/22), C. viatorum (9.1%; 2/22), and C. baileyi (9.1%; 2/22). Two C. parvum subtypes named IIdA19G1 (n = 14) and IInA10 (n = 1), and one each of C. felis (XIXa) and C. viatorum (XVaA3g) subtype was found as well. Conclusions: This is the first research that identified Cryptosporidium in children of Wenzhou, China, using PCR. Identification of zoonotic C. parvum, C. felis, C. viatorum, and their subtypes indicate potential cross-species transmission of Cryptosporidium between children and animals. Additionally, the presence of C. baileyi in children suggests that this species has a wider host range than previously believed and that it possesses the capacity to infect humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) is a crucial species among the 500 varieties of bamboo found in China and plays an important role in providing ecosystem services. However, remote sensing studies on the invasion of Moso bamboo, especially its impact on forest biodiversity, are limited. Therefore, we explored the feasibility of using Sentinel-2 multispectral data and digital elevation data from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission and random forest (RF) algorithms to monitor changes in forest diversity due to the spread of Moso bamboo. From October to November 2019, researchers conducted field surveys on 100 subtropical forest plots in Zhejiang Province, China. Four biodiversity indices (Margalef, Shannon, Simpson, and Pielou) were calculated from the survey data. Subsequently, after completing 100 epochs of training and testing, we developed the RF prediction model and assessed its performance using three key metrics: coefficient of determination, root mean squared error, and mean absolute error. Our results showed that the RF model has a strong predictive ability for all indices except for the Pilou index, which has an average predictive ability. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using remote sensing to monitor forest diversity changes caused by the spreading of Moso bamboo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green credit policy (GCP) has dual attributes of being both an "environmental regulation" and a "financial instrument". Understanding its role in facilitating industrial green transformation is crucial. However, there is limited theoretical and empirical evidence on the impact of GCP on industrial green transformation. This research fills this gap by comprehensively investigating the impacts and mechanisms of GCP on industrial energy intensity (EI) in China, considering both incentive and constraint effects. Theoretically, the environmental and financial impacts of GCP are merged into a unified analytical framework based on a heterogeneous enterprise model. Empirically, diverse empirical methods, including difference-in-differences (DID), difference-in-differences-in-differences (DDD), and mediating effects models, are adopted to examine whether GCP can promote green innovation or accelerate financial constraints. Results show that (1) GCP significantly decreases EI, especially among high-polluting enterprises (HPEs). The impact of incentives is far greater than that of constraints. (2) Regarding the incentive effect, energy substitution and innovation offsets exert a primary influence on reducing EI. (3) The constraint effect is caused primarily by rising financing and pollution abatement costs. (4) Heterogeneity analysis shows that the inhibiting effect of GCP is more significant in non-state-owned enterprises, underdeveloped financial markets, and abundant energy endowments. This paper provides a theoretical framework and new empirical evidence for policymakers to design effective policies for promoting industrial green transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2018, the outbreaks of genotype II African swine fever virus (ASFV) in China and several eastern Asian countries have caused a huge impact on the local swine industry, resulting in huge economic losses. However, little is known about the origin, genomic diversity, evolutionary features, and epidemiological history of the genotype II ASFV. Here, 14 high-quality complete genomes of ASFVs were generated via sequencing of samples collected from China over the course of 3 years, followed by phylogenetic and phylodynamic analyses. The strains identified were relatively homogeneous, with a total of 52 SNPs and 11 indels compared with the prototype strain HLJ/2018, among which there were four exceptionally large deletions (620–18,023 nt). Evolutionary analyses revealed that ASFV strains distributed in eastern Asia formed a monophyly and a 'star-like' structure centered around the prototype strain, suggesting a single origin. Additionally, phylogenetic network analysis and ancestral reconstruction of geographic state indicated that genotype II ASFV strains in eastern Asia likely originated from Western Europe. Overall, these results contribute to the understanding of the history and current status of genotype II ASFV strains in eastern Asian, which could be of considerable importance in disease control and prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), which is caused by feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV), is a fatal and immunologically mediated infectious disease among cats. At present, due to the atypical clinical symptoms and clinicopathological changes, the clinical diagnosis of FIP is still difficult. The gold standard method for the differential diagnosis of FIP is immunohistochemistry (IHC) which is time-consuming and requires specialized personnel and equipment. Therefore, a rapid and accurate clinical diagnostic method for FIPV infection is still urgently needed. In this study, based on the etiological investigation of FIPV in parts of southern China, we attempted to explore a new rapid and highly sensitive method for clinical diagnosis. The results of the etiological investigation showed that the N gene of the FIPV BS8 strain had the highest homology with other strains. Based on this, a specific FIPV BS8 N protein monoclonal antibody was successfully prepared by expression of the recombinant proteins, immunization of mice, fusion and selection of hybridoma cell lines, and screening and purification of monoclonal antibodies. Furthermore, we carried out a time-saving combination method including indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-nPCR) to examine FIP-suspected clinical samples. These results were 100% consistent with IHC. The results revealed that the combined method could be a rapid and accurate application in the diagnosis of suspected FIPV infection within 24 hours. In conclusion, the combination of IFA and RT-nPCR was shown to be a fast and reliable method for clinical FIPV diagnosis. This study will provide insight into the exploitation of FIPV N antibodies for the clinical diagnosis of FIP-suspected ascites samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Commercial sand digging initially created suitable nesting habitats to attract blue-tailed bee-eaters but subsequently reduced their breeding success by destroying their nests. However, commercial sand digging can be modified to create suitable and stable nesting habitats for bee-eaters. The development of human society often interferes with wild animals and their natural habitats. Interference during resource exploitation is mostly negative; however, in some cases, it can be positive and even have significance for some species. In this study, we investigated the number of blue-tailed bee-eaters (Merops philippinus), a species under 'state protection category II' in China, between controlled and manipulated nesting habitats from 2017 to 2022. Our results indicated that commercial sand-digging activities, either illegal or approved, initially created suitable nesting habitats to attract blue-tailed bee-eaters but subsequently led to damage of nests or nesting habitats. However, sand digging can be modified by avoiding the breeding season to provide safe and suitable nesting habitats for bee-eaters. The number of breeding birds more than tripled when digging during the breeding season was avoided. We also found that conventional conservation strategies, which strictly prohibited sand-digging activities, did not contribute to the nesting habitats of bee-eaters. This study enriches the theories of conservation biology and emphasizes the importance of dialectical thinking regarding exploitative and seemingly destructive activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raphiocarpus sinovietnamicus, a new species of Gesneriaceae from China and Vietnam, is described and illustrated here. It is morphologically close to R. axillaris and R. tamdaoensis, but can be distinguished from the later two by its broadly tubular corolla tube and red to purple‐red, purplish‐yellow corolla outside. Detailed morphological description together with color illustration, information on phenology, distribution, ecology and preliminarily conservation status of the new taxon was also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a research paper on the investigation of associations between red meat, fish and poultry consumption, and the prevalence of the Mets and its components among the residents of Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou, China.

Equine hepacivirus (EqHV) is a newly discovered hepatitis C virus–like virus that can infect equines. EqHV strains circulating worldwide have been classified into subtypes 1-3. In previous studies, we detected the presence of EqHV strains of subtype 1 and 3 in China. To determine whether EqHV strains of subtype 2 are prevalent in China, serum samples were collected from 133 racehorses in Guangdong province in 2021 and were tested for EqHV RNA by RT-PCR, and the positive rate was 9% (12/133). Sequencing of the NS3 gene revealed that one field strain (GD2021) had a high degree of genetic similarity to EqHV strains of subtype 2. Subsequent genome sequencing and analysis demonstrated that strain GD2021 belongs to subtype 2. The present study enriches our knowledge about the genetic diversity of EqHV in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discovery of new viruses is important for predicting their potential threats to the health of humans and other animals. A novel picornavirus was identified from oral, throat, and anal swab samples collected from belugas (Delphinapterus leucas), from Dalian Sun Asia Tourism Holding Co., China, between January and December 2018, using a metagenomics approach. The genome of this novel PicoV-HMU-1 strain was 8197 nucleotides (nt) in length, with a open reading frame (from 1091 to 8074 nt) that encoded a polyprotein precursor of 2328 amino acids. Moreover, the genomic length and GC content of PicoV-HMU-1 were within the ranges found in other picornaviruses, and the genome organization was also similar. Nevertheless, PicoV-HMU-1 had a lower amino acid identity and distinct host species compared with other members of the Picornaviridae family. Phylogenetic trees were constructed based on the P1 and 3D amino acid sequences of PicoV-HMU-1 along with representative members of the Picornaviridae family, which showed that PicoV-HMU-1 was related to unclassified bat picornaviruses groups. These findings suggest that the PicoV-HMU-1 strain represents a potentially novel genus of picornavirus. These data can enhance our understanding of the picornavirus genetic diversity and evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a viral disease of cattle caused by LSD virus (LSDV). This disease poses a significant threat to stockbreeding and is listed as one of bovine notifiable diseases by OIE. Before 2019, LSD has not been reported in China. The first LSD outbreak was determined in China on August 3, 2019. Since then, a total of 7 LSD outbreaks have been reported in other 6 provinces in China, infecting 91 and killing 7 cattle. As of now, LSDV was detected in western and eastern China and also in Taiwan Island outside Mainland China. LSD is undoubtedly an emerging threat to the cattle industry in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The newly emerged lineage 1 porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome viruses (PRRSVs) (especially the NADC30‐like and NADC34‐like viruses) have posed a direct threat to the Chinese pig industry since 2013. The phylogenetic, epidemic, and recombinant properties of these viruses have not yet systematically analysed in China. This report presents regular surveillance and field epidemiological studies for PRRSV across China from 2007 to 2019. From over 4,000 detected clinical samples, 70 open reading frame five sequences and four complete genomes of lineage 1 viruses were successfully obtained. Combined with global data, we conducted an extensive and systematic molecular phylogeny analysis using a maximum likelihood tree. The Chinese lineage 1 viruses were clustered, and their temporal and spatial distribution was further explored. Multiple viral introductions of lineage 1 virus from the United States to China were detected, and some became endemic in China. There are three sub‐lineage 1 clusters: lineage 1.5 (NADC34‐like), lineage 1.6 and New Intro cluster (NADC30‐like). These viruses show high genetic diversity and a wide distribution in China, with Henan Province showing the highest diversity. Moreover, Chinese lineage 1 viruses have developed an endemic NADC30‐like cluster. The demographic feature of this cluster showed a more or less constant population expansion history with a recent decreasing trend. Moreover, the genome recombination of Chinese lineage 1 with two dominant clusters (Chinese HP‐PRRSVs: lineage 8.7 and VR2332‐like: lineage 5.1) was frequently detected, both of which have commercial vaccine strains available. Furthermore, recombination hotspots were discovered near NSP9 and ORF2‐4 regions of the genome. Overall, these findings provide important insights into the evolution and geographical diversity of Chinese lineage 1 PRRSV. These results will facilitate the development of programmes for the control and prevention of the emerging lineage 1 viruses in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canine bufavirus (CBuV) is a novel protoparvovirus of dogs that was first reported in 2018 in Italy. The prevalence and genetic diversity of CBuV in China are not clear. In this study, a total of 115 canine fecal samples were collected from northern China in 2019, and two of the samples tested positive for CBuV DNA by PCR. These two field CBuV strains were designated Henan38 and Henan44. The complete genomic sequences of Henan38 and Henan44 were obtained by gap-filling PCR, sequenced, and assembled. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the two strains clustered together in a novel group that was distant from previously reported CBuV strains. This study will strengthen our understanding of the epidemiology and genetic diversity of CBuV in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feline morbillivirus (FeMV) is an emerging member of the family Paramyxoviridae that is suspected to be involved in chronic kidney disease (CKD). FeMV was first discovered in Hong Kong in 2012 and has subsequently been detected in many countries. However, the prevalence of FeMV in mainland China is still unclear. To clarify the present status and examine the genetic diversity of FeMV in mainland China, in this study, we collected cat urine samples in veterinary hospitals in Guangdong Province in 2017 and 2018. Using reverse transcription (RT)-PCR, we found that the urine of six out of 64 cats tested positive for FeMV RNA. Sequencing and genetic analysis of the FeMV L gene showed that FeMV in mainland China is genetically diverse, and phylogenetic analysis showed that the viruses segregated into two clusters. Two isolates, GD5 and GD6, grouped in a branch that was separate from the one containing other previously reported FeMV isolates. These results will contribute to a better understanding of the evolution of FeMV in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association between milk consumption and the metabolic syndrome remains inconclusive, and data from Chinese populations are scarce. We conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate the association between milk consumption and the metabolic syndrome and its components among the residents of Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou, China. A total of 5149 participants were included in the final analysis. A logistic regression model was applied to estimate the OR and 95 % CI for the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and its components according to milk consumption. In addition, the results of our study were further meta-analysed with other published observational studies to quantify the association between the highest v. lowest categories of milk consumption and the metabolic syndrome and its components. There was no significant difference in the odds of having the metabolic syndrome between milk consumers and non-milk consumers (OR 0·86, 95 % CI 0·73, 1·01). However, milk consumers had lower odds of having elevated waist circumference (OR 0·78, 95 % CI 0·67, 0·92), elevated TAG (OR 0·83, 95 % CI 0·70, 0·99) and elevated blood pressure (OR 0·85, 95 % CI 0·73, 0·99). When the results were pooled together with other published studies, higher milk consumption was inversely associated with the risk of the metabolic syndrome (relative risk 0·80, 95 % CI 0·72, 0·88) and its components (except elevated fasting blood glucose); however, these results should be treated with caution as high heterogeneity was observed. In summary, the currently available evidence from observational studies suggests that higher milk consumption may be inversely associated with the metabolic syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bufavirus is a newly discovered zoonotic virus reported in numerous mammals and humans. However, the epidemiological and genetic characteristics of porcine bufaviruses (PBuVs) in China remain unclear. Methods: To detect PBuVs in China, 384 samples (92 fecal and 292 serum specimens) were collected from 2017 to 2018, covering six provinces in China, and were evaluated by nested PCR. Further, the positive samples from different provinces were selected to obtain the complete genome of Chinese PBuVs. Results: The prevalence rate of PBuV was 16.7% in Chinese domestic pigs in the Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, Jiangxi, Anhui, and Henan provinces. Additionally, the positive rate of fecal specimens was higher than that of the serum samples. Next, we sequenced nine near-complete genomes of Chinese field PBuV strains from different provinces. Homology and phylogenetic analyses indicated that Chinese PBuVs have high genetic variation (93.3–99.2%), showed higher nucleotide identity with an Austrian PBuV strain (KU867071.1), and developed into different branches within the same cluster. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first report on PBuV in China, expanding the geographic boundaries of PBuV circulation. Our data demonstrate that PBuVs are widely distributed in the six Chinese provinces. Moreover, these Chinese PBuVs exhibit genetic variation and continuous evolution characteristics. Taken together, our findings provide a foundation for future studies on bufaviruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptosporidium spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi are two important zoonotic pathogens that can infect humans and a broad range of animal hosts. However, few studies have been conducted to study infection of the two pathogens in domestic geese until now. The aims of the present study were to determine the prevalence of natural infection, and the species or genotype distribution of Cryptosporidium and E. bieneusi in farm-raised and free-ranging geese from Hainan Province of China. In total, 266 fecal samples of geese were collected (142 farm-raised and 124 free-ranging geese). Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi were identified by nested PCR and sequencing analysis of the SSU rRNA and the ITS region of the rRNA genes. A total of 4.1% (12/226) of the geese were positive for Cryptosporidium spp., with 0.7% identified in the farm-raised geese and 7.0% in the free-ranging geese. Two bird-adapted species/genotypes were identified: C. baileyi (n = 1) and Cryptosporidium goose genotype I (n = 11). Meanwhile, E. bieneusi was found in 13.9% (37/266) of geese, with 8.9% identified in the farm-raised and 21.8% in the free-ranging geese. Eleven genotypes of E. bieneusi were identified constituted with six known genotypes: D (n = 13), I (n = 5), CHG2 (n = 1), CHG3 (n = 5), and CHG5 (n = 1), and five novel genotypes named HNE-I to V (one each). All of the genotypes identified in the geese here belonged to zoonotic Groups 1 or 2. This study is the first to demonstrate the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi in domestic geese from Hainan, China, and provides baseline data that will be useful for controlling and preventing these pathogens in goose farms. The geese infected with E. bieneusi , but not with Cryptosporidium , should be considered potential public health threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome viruses (PRRSVs) have attracted increasing attention owing to their continual high emergence and recent re‐emergence. Recently, lineage 3 PRRSVs, belonging to the type 2 viruses, with novel characteristics and increased virulence have been continuously re‐emerging in China, thereby posing a great threat to pig farming. However, available information about lineage 3 is limited. Here, we carried out molecular epidemiological investigations for PRRSV surveillance in most regions of China from 2007 to 2017. More than 3,000 samples were obtained, amounting to 73 sequences of lineage 3 viruses. The origin, demographic history and spread pattern of lineage 3 PRRSVs were investigated combining with the database globally. Phylogeography and phylodynamic analyses within a Bayesian statistical framework revealed that lineage 3 viruses originated in Taiwan. Followed by subsequent propagation to different areas and geography, it dichotomized into two endemic clusters. South China has become an epicentre for these viruses, which diffused into China's interiors in recent years. Furthermore, viral dispersal route analysis revealed the risk of viral diffusion. Overall, the origin, epidemic history and geographical evolution of lineage 3 PRRSVs were comprehensively analysed in this study. In particular, the epicentre of southern China and the diffusion routines of the viruses are highlighted in this study, and the possible continuous transmission of the novel lineages poses the biggest threat to pig farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Hunnivirus , which has been identified in sheep, cattle, and rats, was first proposed in the family Picornaviridae by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses in 2013. In this study, a hunnivirus was detected in fecal samples collected from a diarrheic cat in Southern China in 2017. Genome sequencing and analysis indicated that the novel hunnivirus has the same genome organization as reported for other hunniviruses, 5′UTR-L-P1(VP4-VP2-VP3-VP1)-P2(2A-2B-2C)-P3(3A-3B-3Cpro-3Dpol)-3′UTR, but is genetically divergent. This hunnivirus is proposed as a novel genotype of the species Hunnivirus A and provisionally designated feline hunnivirus. Our study expands the host range of hunnivirus and enriches knowledge on picornaviruses. • A novel picornavirus was identified in cat. • Genome sequencing and analysis indicated it was classified in the species Hunnivirus. • This virus was only identified in diarrheic animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Getah virus (GETV) is a mosquito-borne virus that was first determined in Malaysia in 1955, and can infect humans and multiple other mammals. GETV infection in horses has been reported in Japan and India, and causes great economic losses. In China, GETV has been identified in mosquitoes, pigs, foxes, and cattle with a wide geographical distribution, but has not been detected in horses. In August 2018, a sudden onset of fever was observed in racehorse in an equestrian training center in Guangdong Province in southern China. Blood samples were collected from the sick horse, and PCR/RT-PCR analysis was performed to screen for equine viral pathogens associated with fever. The results indicated that the samples were GETV RNA positive. After RT-PCR, sequencing, and assembly, the genome of the first Chinese horse-derived GETV strain, GZ201808, was obtained. Compared with the genome sequences of other GETV strains, twelve unique nucleotide substitutions were observed in GZ201808. The genome of GZ201808 had the highest genetic identity (99.6%) with AH9192, which was detected in pigs in China in 2017. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that GZ201808 clustered in Group III, and was located in an independent branch distant from other horse-derived GETV strains, indicating a unique evolutionary pattern of GZ201808. This study first determined and described the disease course of horse infected with GETV in China, sequenced and characterized the genome of the field horse-derived GETV strain, and therefore presented an unequivocal report of GETV infection in horses in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Equine hepacivirus (EqHV), equine pegivirus (EPgV) and Theiler’s disease-associated virus (TDAV) are three novel equine viruses in the family Flaviviridae. EqHV and EPgV have been identified to circulate in the equine population worldwide, whereas TDAV has not been detected in equines since the first reported case. To date, no studies have focused on investigating EqHV, EPgV and TDAV in commercial equine sera or equine blood products in China. Considering the potential threat of EqHV, EPgV and TDAV to biosecurity and considering their possible influences on research results, equine sera for cell culture propagation and pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) were purchased from different companies in China and investigated for EqHV, EPgV and TDAV in this study. By performing nested PCR or two rounds of PCR targeting the viral NS3 gene, four serum samples were confirmed to be EqHV-, EPgV-, or TDAV-RNA positive; all of the PMSG samples were negative for these three viruses. Subsequent sequencing results indicated that the serum samples contained multiple viral variants of EqHV, EPgV or TDAV, and a genetic analysis based on the partial NS3 gene of the three equine viruses was performed. Our study is the first to confirm the presence of EqHV, EPgV and TDAV in equine sera for cell culture propagation that is commercially available in China and provides the first demonstration of the presence of TDAV in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychrophilic bacteria and their heat-resistant enzymes are important risk factors affecting the quality of shelf life of UHT milk, and it is important for the development of the industry to uncover their action pattern. In these study, 40 raw milk samples were taken from dairy farms in Hebei (northern China) and Guangdong (southern China) in four seasons. The structure and composition of psychrophilic bacteria by PCR targeting 16S rRNA, as well as its extracellular protease, lipase activity and heat resistance was analyzed. The results showed that there was a significant temperature dependence but not geographical dependence in the distribution of the psychrophilic bacteria community. Secondly, P. fluorescens , P. azotoformans and P. paralactis were not only the dominant bacterium, but also had higher proteolytic and lipolytic activities. Lastly, Analysis of the enzyme-producing heat resistance of a typical psychrophilic bacteria, P. azotoformans B15-1. At 135 °C, the average residual rate of protease only 3.08%, however, lipase was more heat resistant and the average residual rate was still 19.16%. The present study investigated the psychrophilic bacteria and its hydrolytic enzymes activity in raw milk from different regions and seasons, in order to assess the baseline of psychrophilic bacteria contamination in the dairy farm. • It's a temperature dependence of the community structure of psychrophilic bacteria. • P. fluorescens etc, are the dominant bacteria and have higher enzymatic activity. • After 90 °C, it's indifference in residual rate of enzyme activity at 5, 10 and 15 s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field study in the Pearl River Delta of China was conducted in order to describe to the spatial and seasonal variation of occurrence and concentrations of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) in surface water and sediments. Petroleum hydrocarbons and isoprenoid alkanes were quantified by UV spectroscopy and gas chromatography with a mass selective detector. The concentrations of TPH ranged from 4.3 to 68.7 µg L in surface water, and from 66.6 to 1445 µg g in surface sediments. The ratios of pristine to phytane suggested that the main sources of TPH in the sediment were petroleum importation. The highest concentrations of TPH were present in the spring season. When compared with results from previous studies, it can be concluded that the Pearl River Delta was moderately polluted by TPH. No statistically significant correlations were observed between the concentrations of TPH in surface water and sediments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moreover, when we prepared and submitted our manuscript (before 6 August 2020), the report data of the second lumpy skin disease in Taiwan had not been released by the World Organization for Animal Health. Response to the Letter to the Editor concerning "Lumpy skin disease outbreaks in China, since 3 August 2019" by Lu et al. (Transbound Emerg Dis; 2021: https://doi.org/10.1111/tbed.13898) We thank Fan Lee (2022) for the interesting comments on our article (Lu et al., 2021). [Extracted from the article]

Abstract: Interaction between the subducting slab, the overriding continental lithosphere and mantle flow are fundamental geodynamic processes of subduction systems. Eastern China is an ideal natural laboratory to investigate the behavior and evolution of cratonic blocks within a subduction system. In this study, we investigate deformation of the upper mantle beneath eastern China. We present seismic shear wave splitting measurements from three networks consisting of over 483 broadband stations, with 157 stations giving a total of 516 results. The splitting parameters exhibit complex regional patterns but are relatively coherent within individual tectonic units. Tectonic blocks exhibited distinctive fast directions relative to regional features. The dominant attitude of fast directions for the North China Craton was subparallel to the direction of subduction, whereas fast directions for Southeastern China were perpendicular to the direction of subduction. The shear wave splitting measurements were interpreted according to a high resolution tomographic body-wave velocity model. Combining these two datasets showed that the predominant geodynamic models for the region (mantle plume, mantle wedge and flat-slab subduction models) are incompatible with the observations presented here. We suggest that the North China Craton, Yangtze Craton and the Cathaysia block have undergone different deformational events due to differing mantle flow patterns, and distinct spatial and temporal subduction histories of the Pacific and Philippine Sea plates. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

SUMMARY The long-range effects of the ongoing India-Eurasia collision and their role in the Cenozoic tectonic evolution of eastern China are not well understood. Here, we investigate deformation beneath the North China Craton and the Qilian Mountain region between the Haiyuan and Kunlun faults, both of which are located immediately to the northeast of the Tibetan Plateau. We present teleseismic shear wave splitting parameters from 299 broad-band stations. These stations provided good spatial coverage in mapping upper-mantle deformation beneath the North China Craton and the Qilian Mountain. The backazimuth dependence of fast directions from stations located within the Qilian Mountain region indicates a complex anisotropy pattern. A multilayer anisotropy and/or anisotropy with a dipping symmetry axis may exist beneath the Qilian Mountain. The overlapping or underthrusting of material evident in anisotropy from this region may be a long-range effect of the India-Eurasia collision. The central North China Craton showed spatially coherent fast directions and the shear wave velocity anomalies within the upper mantle. These patterns suggest horizontal deflection of a regional mantle upwelling, possibly originating from the mantle transition zone. Anisotropy with large delay times was observed in the vicinity of Shanxi rift system. High ∂ln VS/∂ln VP values for the upper mantle indicate that anisotropy in this area is enhanced by vertically aligned melt-filled fissures. Our results suggest that the dynamic processes beneath the central North China Craton are not directly related to the India-Eurasia collision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cratons are cold regions of continents that have remained stable since at least the Precambrian. The longevity of cratons is often attributed to chemical buoyancy and/or high viscosity of cratonic root material. Yet examples of destructed cratons (such as the North China Craton) suggest that there are conditions under which chemical buoyancy and/or high viscosity are insufficient to keep cratons stable. The formation of continental rifts, as weak zones that reduce the total stresses of cratons, may be a mechanism that increases the longevity of cratonic lithosphere. Since continental rifts result from localized deformation, understanding the mechanism of shear localization is thus important for understanding the stability or breakup of cratons. Here, we perform 2-D numerical models for a cratonic lithosphere under extension to understand the initiation of shear localization, for visco-elasto-plastic rheologies. Results reveal that three modes of deformation exist: no localization, symmetric localization and asymmetric localization. To further understand the underlying physics, we develop a 1-D semi-analytical method that predicts the onset of localization as well as whether rifting will be symmetric or asymmetric. Applications of the semi-analytical method to geological settings show that fast deformation, cold thermal state or strong mantle rheology may result in localized deformation and stabilize the remaining adjacent cratons. Our results successfully interpret the major features of the North China Craton. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is distributed worldwide and poses a significant threat to human health. Cross-species transmission of HBV from human to non-human primates could occur, which has been confirmed in three individual events. In this study, HBV DNA was detected in one golden monkey fatal case in China. The following genetic sequencing and analysis demonstrated the virus had a close genetic relationship with HBV genotype C in humans. To our knowledge, this is the first report suggested that HBV is related with a non-human primate fatal case in China. • HBV DNA was detected in a golden monkey fatal case in China. • Phylogenetic analysis indicated the virus was clustered together with HBV genotype C. • This is the first report on HBV related with a non-human primate fatal case in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Random rewards have a positive effect on optimising farmers' income from live streaming sales. • We find a threshold to provide farmers with normative guidance on price discounts. • We identify the mechanism by which random rewards maximise the farmer's income from live streaming sales. Increasing farmers' income is one of the objectives of rural revitalisation in China. As a direct selling channel, live streaming has become immensely popular and demonstrated unprecedented growth worldwide. Farmers were able to increase their income by selling farm products on live streaming sales platforms, especially after the COVID-19 outbreak. With the support of online payment and smartphone technology, promotion methods are constantly innovated, among which random rewards are widely used on live streaming sales platforms. This study aimed to examine if and how random rewards optimise farmer's income from live streaming sales. We observed that random rewards have a positive effect on optimising farmers' income from live streaming sales, which was verified by mathematical proof and numerical analysis. The results show that there is a threshold that provides a normative guide to farmers on whether they should sell at a discounted price in live streaming sales with random rewards. More importantly, we found the mechanism of how random rewards maximise farmer's income from live streaming sales. This study also provides suggestions of concrete actions for farmers and policy makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To acquire the genome of GZ201808, a gap-filling PCR strategy was used based on 14 primer pairs covering the genome of all of the published GETV strains in the NCBI database (Table 2). In addition, the nucleotide length and sequence of the 26S junction region of GZ201808 were identical to those in other horse-derived GETV strains, with the exception of nucleotide substitution C->T at the last nucleotide position in some strains. Compared with other GETV strains, the genome sequence of GZ201808 had the most nucleotide substitutions (nos.: 423) compared to YN12031, which was isolated from mosquitoes in China in 2012, and the least nucleotide substitutions (nos.: 34) compared to AH9192, which was isolated from pigs in China in 2017. [Extracted from the article]

Many studies have evaluated the social-ecological impacts of China's Sloping Land Conversion Program (SLCP). And reviews of the literature have appeared with most of them summarizing the reported findings. The primary goal of this paper is to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the socioeconomic studies in terms of the quality of data used, the appropriateness of approaches, and the adequacy of variable selection, based on a collection of 33 peer-reviewed articles. It is found that about half of them use cross-sectional or repeated cross-sectional data of household surveys, which cannot fully capture the spatiotemporal variations in farmers' labor and land allocations. Moreover, a dummy variable is inadequate to distinguish the impacts of participation with different amounts of land enrolled. Aggregate covariates are rarely included to reflect the external change and regional heterogeneity. In addition to the often-used difference in differences and propensity score matching models, other evaluation methods like regression discontinuity and synthetic control can be adopted. While endogeneity is a common concern with program participation, few studies have confronted it directly. We hope that our review will contribute to setting up the counterfactuals and controlling for confounding factors more adequately, in future studies in and outside of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aims: This study evaluates the effectiveness of three metabolic syndrome (MS) criteria in identifying cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the Chinese population. Methods: 3598 subjects were recruited from a cohort study on Prevention of Multiple Metabolic disorders and MS in Jiangsu of China (PMMJS), followed at 6.3 years. MS was diagnosed using criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program''s Adult Treatment Panel III (ATPIII), the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and Chinese Diabetes Society (CDS). Cox regression model was used to analysis the association between MS and onset of CVD and T2DM. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, sensitivity and specificity were also used to test the ability of three MS criteria to identify CVD or T2DM. Results: Among three criteria, CDS has the highest specificity but lowest sensitivity. Using the CDS criterion, over 50 percent of patients would be misdiagnosed. ATPIII criterion has the shortest distance in ROC curve, lowest false positive rate and false negative rate for identifying CVD and T2DM. ATPIII+/IDF+ has lower ability to predict CVD than ATPIII+/IDF−. ATPIII+/IDF+ and ATPIII+/IDF− has similar ability to predict T2DM. Conclusions: The ATPIII-MS criterion has the highest ability to predict CVD and T2DM. ATPIII is the best MS criterion for the Chinese population. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• We develop a combined geodynamic, mineralogical and seismic modeling approach. • Thermal structure of the stagnant slab in the MTZ beneath SE China is constrained. • The morphology of the slab indicates that it underwent little deformation. The structure of Earth's mantle transition zone (MTZ) contains important information about how oceanic plates are recycled into the mantle. However, morphologies of stagnant slab in the MTZ inferred from seismic studies remain controversial. Here, we conduct combined geodynamic, mineral physical and seismologic modeling to infer fine features of the stagnant slab in the MTZ beneath southeastern China. This method applies mineral physics modeling in combination with geodynamically consistent thermal anomalies to predict seismic velocity structures in the MTZ that are used in triplication waveform modeling. The synthetic waveforms are systematically compared with observed data using a grid search optimization. Our best-fit model reveals a stagnant slab lying at the bottom of the MTZ with a peak temperature reduction of 350 ± 80 K and a thickness of 85 ± 20 km, indicating that it underwent little deformation. By joint modeling of the mineral physics and thermal history of the slab, our approach improves estimates of both the thickness and temperature of the stagnant slab and provides a better understanding of the paleo subduction system beneath southeastern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary factors play a crucial role in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Therefore, we aimed to examine the associations between habitual green tea consumption and risk factors of CVD among T2DM patients. A total of 1013 patients with T2DM were included in a community-based cross-sectional study. Data on dietary habits, including tea consumption, were collected using a food frequency questionnaire. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to analyze the associations. In men, as compared with nongreen tea drinkers, odds ratios (ORs) (95% confidence interval [CI]) of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were 2.06 (95% CI, 1.20–3.55) for those with green tea consumption of once per day and 2.45 (95% CI, 1.31–4.58) for more than or equal to twice per day (P-trend = .004); ORs (95% CI) of general obesity were 2.19 (95% CI, 1.02–4.68) and 2.70 (95% CI, 1.18–6.21), respectively (P-trend = .021); whereas no such association was found in women. Sensitivity analysis according to self-awareness of their T2DM status revealed that the positive association between green tea consumption and general obesity was not reliable. Higher intake of green tea was still positively associated with NAFLD, but it only persisted in participants aged ≥52 years or the lower dietary quality subgroup in further analyses. Our findings suggest that tea consumption was associated with an increased risk of NAFLD among male T2DM patients aged 52 years or older, and those with lower dietary quality, which needs to be confirmed in future prospective studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• First report on the prevalence of TTCaV in Henan Province, China. • We report near full-length genomes of four TTCaV strains from China. • Unique amino acid substitutions in the ORF1 gene of TTCaV isolated from Henan Province, China. • Recombination occurred in the Chinese TTCaV strain within ORF1, -2, -3, and the untranslated region. The torque teno canis virus (TTCaV) was first reported in 2001 and it shares similarities with the known Torque teno virus (TTV) in terms of genomic organization and putative transcriptional features. It is a single-stranded DNA virus characterized by high rates of recombination and nucleotide substitution, like RNA viruses. Studies reported recombination events in torque teno virus; however, there is limited reporting of TTCaV reorganization events. This study screened fecal samples from domestic dogs in Henan Province. There was a positivity rate of 16.5% (19/115) for TTCaV. Four nearly complete TTCaV genomes, namely Canine/HeNan/4, 5, 6, and 13/2019, were obtained from the 19 positive fecal samples, whose genome sequence was obtained using gap-filling PCR. Sequence analysis revealed two unique amino acid mutation sites in the TTCaV strains, K278Q (compared with the first isolate Cf-TTV10 in Japan) and V/L268I (compared with the TTCaV strain from southern China). Subsequently, 17 near full-length TTCaV genome sequences were subjected to phylogenetic and recombination detection program analyzes. We obtained evidence supporting recombination events in the Chinese TTCaV strains. These findings suggest that mutation and recombination occurred in the three individual gene segments (ORF1, ORF2, ORF3) and the untranslated region, an area of major recombination in the Chinese TTCaV strain GX265 genome. Interestingly, the TTCaV strain (Canine/HeNan/6/2019) was a major parent involved in the genetic recombination of the GX265 strain. This study provides insights into the genetic variability and evolution of TTCaV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Past impact evaluations of China's largest ecological restoration program have assumed the absence of self-selection (endogeneity) in the likelihood and extent of participation. Using appropriate testing procedures and a panel dataset of > 1000 households over 11 years in two primary provinces, we found evidence of self-selection in household behavior of generating off-farm income. But the hypothesis was rejected that there was a significant self-selection component in households' decision to participate in the program and generate farming income. Evaluations ignoring the self-section for off-farm labor were found to be biased and overly positive on program income impact. Self-selection should thus be explicitly included, unless there is counter evidence, in any study of this kind. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Yanchang Formation was deposited during the Middle Triassic in a vast lacustrine basin in the modern Ordos Basin and is a main target for hydrocarbon exploration in Central China. It is divided, based on sedimentary cycles and lithology, into the Chang 10 (the oldest) to Chang 1 (the youngest) members. During the deposition of the Chang 7 Member, the Ordos lake system reached its maximum depth and large volumes of organic-rich sediments were deposited. The evolution of the Ordos Basin sedimentary system during this phase is, however, not completely understood, and uncertainty still exists as for the chronostratigraphy of Chang 7 Member. We acquired palynological markers and palynofacies and a high-resolution δ13C org record through the entire Chang 7 Member, and a ID-TIMS 206Pb/238U date of 240.95 ± 0.033 Ma from a volcanic ash bed in the middle of this Member. These imply that the maximum deepening phase of the lacustrine system was during the earliest Ladinian. Evidence of marine influence in the Ordos Basin at that time and comparison to the sea-level oscillations observed in Western Tethys suggest that a global eustatic rise and highstand may have played a role in determining lake-level variations. [Display omitted] • We report a zircon age of 240.950 ± 0.033 Ma from the middle portion of Chang 7 Member that indicates an early Ladinian. • The identified palynological assemblage also supports a late Middle Triassic age for Chang 7 Member. • The maximum expansion of the Ordos lake was probably influenced by the early Ladinian maximum in eustatic sea level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel parvovirus was detected in fecal samples from Chinese domestic cats, and the partial VP2 gene was sequenced and the genomic characteristics were obtained. • Phylogenetic analysis showed that the detected feline bufavirus had a distant relationship with the previous strain. Parvovirus is a common element of the feline virus group and usually causes gastroenteritis and leukopenia in cats. In this study, we identified a novel protoparvovirus from the Chinese domestic cats, which is genetically similar to canine bufavirus (98.0%-99.8%), but sharing low amino acid identities in the viral structural proteins 2 (VP2) (36.1-37.2%) to the well-known canine parvovirus type 2 and feline panleukopenia virus. This virus was provisionally designated as feline bufavirus (FBuV). Screening of fecal samples revealed a prevalence of 7.4% (19/257) in domestic cats. Diarrhea was present in 52.6% (10/19) of cats positive for FBuV. However, statistical analysis showed no association between FBuV and clinical signs. VP2 gene of the 19 field FBuV was sequenced and phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that FBuV determined from China had a genetic diversity. This study will strengthen the understanding of the epidemiology and genetic diversity of bufavirus and provide a foundation for further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Upper Triassic deposits formed at the onset of subsidence in the Sichuan foreland basin of South China, and may record a crisis of carbonate deposition related to the Carnian Pluvial Episode. However, there is no consensus yet on the precise age of these deposits in northwestern Sichuan. In this work, ammonoid biostratigraphy has been improved, and a U/Pb age from detrital zircons has been obtained from the Upper Triassic of northwestern Sichuan. New ammonoid taxa Sinotropites sichuanensis n. gen., n. sp. and Hadrothisbites hanwangensis n. sp. are described from the upper part of the Ma'antang Formation in Hanwang and Jushui area and are assigned to the uppermost Tuvalian (Anatropites spinosus Zone, Gonionotites italicus Subzone). Ammonoid and conodont biostratigraphy, combined with U/Pb concordant ages of 227.2 ± 1.1 Ma obtained from youngest detrital zircons, provide a robust constrain on the initial sedimentation phases of the foreland basin in northwestern Sichuan, and suggest that the terrigenous turnover was not related to the Carnian Pluvial Episode. • We report a U/Pb age of 227.2 ± 1.1 Ma associated with ammonoids in South China. • Sinotropites sichuanensis and Hadrothisbites jushuiensis are described in Sichuan. • The terrigenous turnover in Hanwang and Jushui area is not related to the CPE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blastocystis is one of the most common zoonotic intestinal protozoa with global distribution and can cause gastrointestinal syndrome mainly characterized by diarrhea. School children are the main susceptible population. No epidemiological data on Blastocystis among school children in Hainan, the only tropical island province in China. Between March 2021 and June 2023, 1973 fecal samples were collected from school children across three regions in Hainan province. Blastocystis was examined by amplifying the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene via polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and subtypes were identified through DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. The overall prevalence of Blastocystis was 7.3 % (144/1973). The differences in infection rates across different regions, nationalities, and educational stages are statistically significant (P < 0.001). Five subtypes were identified, of which ST3 was the dominant subtype (60.4 %; 87/144), followed by ST1 (27.8 %; 40/144), ST7 (10.4 %; 15/144), ST6 (0.7 %; 1/144), and ST2 (0.7 %; 1/144). 42 known sequences and 15 novel sequences were identified including eight new variations of the ST1 (ST1-16∼ST1-23) with similarities ranging from 98.3 % to 99.78 % and seven new variations of the ST7 (ST7-7∼ST7-13) with similarities ranging from 97.7 % to 99.79 % by intra-subtype genetic polymorphisms analysis. The results evaluate the public health risks of Blastocystis among school children in Hainan and the sources of infection were discussed, providing important basic data for the effective prevention and control of intestinal parasitic diseases in Hainan., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019, emerged in December 2019. Its origins remain uncertain. It has been reported that a number of the early human cases of coronavirus disease 2019 had a history of contact with the Huanan Seafood Market. Here we present the results of surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 within the market. From 1 January 2020, after closure of the market, 923 samples were collected from the environment. From 18 January, 457 samples were collected from 18 species of animal, comprising unsold contents of refrigerators and freezers, swabs from stray animals and the contents of a fish tank. Using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and high-throughput sequencing (Bowtie2 analysis), SARS-CoV-2 was detected in 74 (70 RT-qPCR and 4 Bowtie2) environmental samples, but none of the animal samples. Three live viruses were successfully isolated. The viruses from the market shared a nucleotide identity of 99.99% to 100% with the human isolate HCoV-19/Wuhan/IVDC-HB-01/2019. SARS-CoV-2 lineage A (8782T and 28144C) was found in an environmental sample. RNA-sequencing analysis of SARS-CoV-2-positive and SARS-CoV-2-negative environmental samples showed an abundance of different vertebrate genera at the market. In summary, this study provides information about the distribution and prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in the Huanan Seafood Market during the early stages of the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited.)

Bats stand as one of the most diverse groups in the animal kingdom and are key players in the global transmission of emerging pathogens. However, their role in transmitting Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Cryptosporidium spp. remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence and genetic diversity of the two pathogens in fruit bats (Rousettus leschenaultii) in Hainan, China. Ten fresh fecal specimens of fruit bats were collected from Wanlvyuan Gardens, Haikou, China. The fecal samples were tested for E. bieneusi and Cryptosporidium spp. using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) analysis and sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and partial small subunit of ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene, respectively. Genetic heterogeneity across Cryptosporidium spp. isolates was assessed by sequencing 4 microsatellite/minisatellite loci (MS1, MS2, MS3, and MS16). The findings showed that out of the ten specimens analyzed, 2 (20 %) and seven (70.0 %) were tested positive for E. bieneusi and Cryptosporidium spp., respectively. DNA sequence analysis revealed the presence of two novel Cryptosporidium genotypes with 94.4 to 98.6 % sequence similarity to C. andersoni, named as Cryptosporidium bat-genotype-XXI and bat-genotype-XXII. Three novel sequences of MS1, MS2 and MS16 loci identified here had 95.4 to 96.9 % similarity to the known sequences, which were deposited in the GenBank. Two genotypes of E. bieneusi were identified, including a novel genotype named HNB-I and a zoonotic genotype PigEbITS7. The discovery of these novel sequences provides meaningful data for epidemiological studies of the both pathogens. Meanwhile our results are also presented that the fruit bats infected with E. bieneusi, but not with Cryptosporidium, should be considered potential public health threats., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors do not have a commercial or other association that represents a conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Bats are important mammal reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens. However, due to research limitations involving species, locations, pathogens, or sample types, the full diversity of viruses in bats remains to be discovered. We used next-generation sequencing technology to characterize the mammalian virome and analyze the phylogenetic evolution and diversity of mammalian viruses carried by bats from Haikou City and Tunchang County in Hainan Province, China. We collected 200 pharyngeal swab and anal swab samples from Rhinolophus affinis, combining them into nine pools based on the sample type and collection location. We subjected the samples to next-generation sequencing and conducted bioinformatics analysis. All samples were screened via specific PCR and phylogenetic analysis. The diverse viral reads, closely related to mammals, were assigned into 17 viral families. We discovered many novel bat viruses and identified some closely related to known human/animal pathogens. In the current study, 6 complete genomes and 2 partial genomic sequences of 6 viral families and 8 viral genera have been amplified, among which 5 strains are suggested to be new virus species. These included coronavirus, pestivirus, bastrovirus, bocavirus, papillomavirus, parvovirus, and paramyxovirus. The primary finding is that a SADS-related CoV and a HoBi-like pestivirus identified in R. affinis in Hainan Province could be pathogenic to livestock. This study expands our understanding of bats as a virus reservoir, providing a basis for further research on the transmission of viruses from bats to humans., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None of the authors has a financial relationship with a commercial entity that has an interest in the subject of this manuscript., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.)

Ticks act as vectors and hosts of numerous arboviruses. Examples of medically important arboviruses include the tick-borne encephalitis virus, Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever, and severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome. Recently, some novel arboviruses have been identified in blood specimens of patients with unexplained fever and a history of tick bites in Inner Mongolia. Consequently, tick-borne viruses are a major focus of infectious disease research. However, the spectrum of tick-borne viruses in subtropical areas of China has yet to be sufficiently characterized. In this study, we collected 855 ticks from canine and bovine hosts in four locations in Hainan Province. The ticks were combined into 18 pools according to genus and location. Viral RNA-sequence libraries were subjected to transcriptome sequencing analysis. Molecular clues from metagenomic analyses were used to classify sequence reads into virus species, genera, or families. The diverse viral reads closely associated with mammals were assigned to 12 viral families and important tick-borne viruses, such as Jingmen, Beiji nairovirus, and Colorado tick fever. Our virome and phylogenetic analyses of the arbovirus strains provide basic data for preventing and controlling human infectious diseases caused by tick-borne viruses in the subtropical areas of China., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.. All rights reserved.)

Blastocystis sp., a significant zoonotic parasite with a global distribution, was the focus of this study, which aimed to investigate its prevalence and genetic diversity among diarrheic and asymptomatic children in Wenzhou, China. We collected 1,032 fecal samples from Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou, China, comprising 684 from children with diarrhea and 348 from asymptomatic children. Genomic DNA extracted from these samples was used to detect Blastocystis spp. by PCR, targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene. Subsequently, a phylogenetic tree was constructed, applying the maximum likelihood method. Blastocystis spp. were detected in 67 (6.5%) of the fecal samples. The prevalence rate of Blastocystis spp. in diarrheic children (8.8%; 60/684) was significantly higher than that in asymptomatic children (2.0%; 7/348) (χ 2  = 17.3, p < 0.001). Sequence analysis of the SSU rRNA gene identified five known Blastocystis spp. subtypes, ST1 (n = 12), ST2 (n = 5), ST3 (n = 35), ST4 (n = 12), and ST7 (n = 3). ST1 and ST3 were present in both diarrheic and asymptomatic children, while ST2, ST4, and ST7 were exclusive to diarrheic children. Intra-subtype genetic polymorphisms were identified, comprising four variations in ST1 (ST1-1 to ST1-4), five in ST3 (ST3-1 to ST3-5), two in ST4 (ST4-1 and ST4-2), and two in ST7 (ST7-1 and ST7-2). Notably, ST1-2 to ST1-4, ST3-3 to ST3-5, and ST7-1 and ST7-2 represent newly identified variations. The composition and genetic characteristics of subtypes among children in this region suggest various sources of infection, including human-to-human and animal-to-human transmission., (© W. Zhao et al., published by EDP Sciences, 2024.)

Wild rodents serve as reservoirs for Cryptosporidium and are overpopulated globally. However, genetic data regarding Cryptosporidium in these animals from China are limited. Here, we have determined the prevalence and genetic characteristics of Cryptosporidium among 370 wild rodents captured from three distinct locations in the southern region of Zhejiang Province, China. Fresh feces were collected from the rectum of each rodent, and DNA was extracted from them. The rodent species was identified by PCR amplifying the vertebrate cytochrome b gene. Cryptosporidium was detected by PCR amplification and amplicon sequencing the small subunit of ribosomal RNA gene. Positive samples of C. viatorum and C. parvum were further subtyped by analyzing the 60-kDa glycoprotein gene. A positive Cryptosporidium result was found in 7% (26/370) of samples, involving five rodent species: Apodemus agrarius (36), Niviventer niviventer (75), Rattus losea (18), R. norvegicus (155), and R. tanezumi (86). Their respective Cryptosporidium positive rates were 8.3%, 5.3%, 11.1%, 7.1%, and 7.0%. Sequence analysis confirmed the presence of three Cryptosporidium species: C. parvum (4), C. viatorum (1), and C. muris (1), and two genotypes: Cryptosporidium rat genotype IV (16) and C. mortiferum-like (4). Additionally, two subtypes of C. parvum (IIdA15G1 and IIpA19) and one subtype of C. viatorum (XVdA3) were detected. These results demonstrate that various wild rodent species in Zhejiang were concurrently infected with rodent-adapted and zoonotic species/genotypes of Cryptosporidium, indicating that these rodents can play a role in maintaining and dispersing this parasite into the environment and other hosts, including humans., (© Y. Jiang et al., published by EDP Sciences, 2024.)

The risk of emerging infectious diseases (EID) is increasing globally. More than 60% of EIDs worldwide are caused by animal-borne pathogens. This study aimed to characterize the virome, analyze the phylogenetic evolution, and determine the diversity of rodent-borne viruses in Hainan Province, China. We collected 682 anal and throat samples from rodents, combined them into 28 pools according to their species and location, and processed them for next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. The diverse viral contigs closely related to mammals were assigned to 22 viral families. Molecular clues of the important rodent-borne viruses were further identified by polymerase chain reaction for phylogenetic analysis and annotation of genetic characteristics such as arenavirus, coronavirus, astrovirus, pestivirus, parvovirus, and papillomavirus. We identified pestivirus and bocavirus in Leopoldoms edwardsi from Huangjinjiaoling, and bocavirus in Rattus andamanensis from the national nature reserves of Bangxi with low amino acid identity to known pathogens are proposed as the novel species, and their rodent hosts have not been previously reported to carry these viruses. These results expand our knowledge of viral classification and host range and suggest that there are highly diverse, undiscovered viruses that have evolved independently in their unique wildlife hosts in inaccessible areas., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Publishing services by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

We investigated the occurrence and genotypic diversity of E. bieneusi in farmed Asiatic brush-tailed porcupines and bamboo rats from Hainan Province, China. Four hundred and sixty-seven fresh feces were collected from 164 Asiatic brush-tailed porcupines and 303 bamboo rats. DNA extraction from the feces and genotyping of E. bieneusi were performed by the amplification of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA of E. bieneusi using PCR. A neighbor-joining tree was constructed based on the sequences obtained here and other sequences of E. bieneusi genotypes stored in Genbank. The total rate of infection with E. bieneusi was 32.5% (152/467), with 14.6% (24/164) in Asiatic brush-tailed porcupines and 42.2% (128/303) in bamboo rats infected. Seventeen genotypes of E. bieneusi were identified including 12 known genotypes, i.e., D (n = 78), Henan-III (n = 21), SHW7 (n = 19), KIN-1 (n = 11), ETMK5 (n = 7), TypeIV (n = 4), EbpD (n = 2), EbpA (n = 1), EbpC (n = 1), S7 (n = 1), HNPL-III (n = 1), HNR-VII (n = 1), and five novel genotypes named as HNZS-I (n = 1) and HNHZ-I to HNHZ-IV (n = 1 per genotype). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all the genotypes found here except genotype S7 fell into Group 1. The present study demonstrated a relatively high prevalence of E. bieneusi infection (32.5%) and a large genetic variation of E. bieneusi (seventeen genotypes) in farmed Asiatic brush-tailed porcupines and bamboo rats in Hainan, China. The high proportion (78.3%) of zoonotic genotypes identified in the animals investigated here suggests that there is the potential for zoonotic or cross-species transmission which may pose a serious public health threat in the area. Public education on the management of Asiatic brush-tailed porcupines and bamboo rats should be implemented in the investigated areas., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors have no confict of interest. The authors do not have a commercial or other association that has a confict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Mosquitoes are vectors of many pathogens, such as malaria, dengue virus, yellow fever virus, filaria and Japanese encephalitis virus. Wolbachia are capable of inducing a wide range of reproductive abnormalities in their hosts, such as cytoplasmic incompatibility. Wolbachia has been proposed as a tool to modify mosquitoes that are resistant to pathogen infection as an alternative vector control strategy. This study aimed to determine natural Wolbachia infections in different mosquito species across Hainan Province, China., Methods: Adult mosquitoes were collected using light traps, human landing catches and aspirators in five areas in Hainan Province from May 2020 to November 2021. Species were identified based on morphological characteristics, species-specific PCR and DNA barcoding of cox1 assays. Molecular classification of species and phylogenetic analyses of Wolbachia infections were conducted based on the sequences from PCR products of cox1, wsp, 16S rRNA and FtsZ gene segments., Results: A total of 413 female adult mosquitoes representing 15 species were identified molecularly and analyzed. Four mosquito species (Aedes albopictus, Culex quinquefasciatus, Armigeres subalbatus and Culex gelidus) were positive for Wolbachia infection. The overall Wolbachia infection rate for all mosquitoes tested in this study was 36.1% but varied among species. Wolbachia types A, B and mixed infections of A × B were detected in Ae. albopictus mosquitoes. A total of five wsp haplotypes, six FtsZ haplotypes and six 16S rRNA haplotypes were detected from Wolbachia infections. Phylogenetic tree analysis of wsp sequences classified them into three groups (type A, B and C) of Wolbachia strains compared to two groups each for FtsZ and 16S rRNA sequences. A novel type C Wolbachia strain was detected in Cx. gelidus by both single locus wsp gene and the combination of three genes., Conclusion: Our study revealed the prevalence and distribution of Wolbachia in mosquitoes from Hainan Province, China. Knowledge of the prevalence and diversity of Wolbachia strains in local mosquito populations will provide part of the baseline information required for current and future Wolbachia-based vector control approaches to be conducted in Hainan Province., (© 2023. The Author(s).)