Heritability of cerebral blood flow in adolescent and young adult twins: an arterial spin labeling perfusion imaging study.

Blood perfusion is a fundamental physiological property of all organs and is closely linked to brain metabolism. Genetic factors were reported to have important influences on cerebral blood flow. However, the profile of genetic contributions to cerebral blood flow in adolescents or young adults was underexplored. In this study, we recruited a sample of 65 pairs of same-sex adolescent or young adult twins undergoing resting arterial spin labeling imaging to conduct heritability analyses. Our findings indicate that genetic factors modestly affect cerebral blood flow in adolescents or young adults in the territories of left anterior cerebral artery and right posterior cerebral artery, with the primary contribution being to the frontal regions, cingulate gyrus, and striatum, suggesting a profile of genetic contributions to specific brain regions. Notably, the regions in the left hemisphere demonstrate the highest heritability in most regions examined. These results expand our knowledge of the genetic basis of cerebral blood flow in the developing brain and emphasize the importance of regional analysis in understanding the heritability of cerebral blood flow. Such insights may contribute to our understanding of the underlying genetic mechanism of brain functions and altered cerebral blood flow observed in youths with brain disorders.

Comparative viromes of Culicoides and mosquitoes reveal their consistency and diversity in viral profiles.

The genus Culicoides includes biting midges, some of which are vectors for viruses that cause diseases in humans and animals. Knowledge of the roles of Culicoides in viral ecology is inadequate. We collected ~300 000 samples of Culicoides and mosquitoes in 15 representative regions within Yunnan, China. Using mosquitoes as reference vectors, we designed a comparative virome strategy to study the viral composition, diversity, hosts and spatiotemporal distribution of Culicoides. A map of viromes in Culicoides and mosquitoes in Yunan province, China, was constructed. At the same locations, Culicoides and mosquitoes usually share a similar viral diversity. At least 10 important pathogenic viruses were detected from Culicoides. Many novel viruses were discovered, including 21 segmented viruses of Flaviviridae, 180 viruses of Monjiviricetes and 130 viruses of Bunyavirales. The findings demonstrate that Culicoides is an important part of viral ecology and should be studied and monitored for potentially emerging viruses.

Full-genome characterisation of a putative novel serotype of Yonaguni orbivirus isolated from cattle in Yunnan province, China.

In July 2019, a novel viral strain (JH2019C603) was isolated from sentinel cattle in Jinghong City, in the subtropical region of Yunnan Province, China. The virus replicated and caused cytopathological effects in both Aedes albopictus (C6/36) and Baby Hamster Syrian Kidney (BHK-21) cells. Agarose gel electrophoresis analysis revealed a viral genome comprised of 10 segments of double-stranded RNA, with a 1-2-2-1-1-1-1-1 migration pattern. Complete genome sequences of the JH2019C603 virus were determined through full-length cDNA amplification. Phylogenetic analysis based on the amino acid (aa) sequences of RNA-dependent RNA Polymerase (Pol), Major subcore (T2) and Major core-surface (T13) showed that JH2019C603 clustered with Yonaguni orbivirus (YONOV) from Japan, with aa identities relative to YONOV of 97.7% (Pol), 99.0% (T2) and 98.5% (T13). However, phylogenetic analysis based on the aa sequences of the outer capsid protein one and two (OC1 and OC2) showed that JH2019C603 formed an independent branch in the phylogenetic tree, and its aa identity with YONOV was only 55.4% (OC1) and 80.8% (OC2), respectively. Compared with the prototype of YONOV, a notable sequence deletion was observed in the 3' non-coding region of NS1, with the NS1 of JH2019C603 encoded within segment 7 (Seg-7), in contrast to YONOV, which contains NS1 in Seg-6. These results indicate that JH2019C603 belongs to the YONOV lineage and might be a novel serotype or a highly variant strain of YONOV. These findings will facilitate the identification of new isolates and clarify their geographical distribution, epidemiology, genetic diversity and possible disease associations.

Medical resource utilization and the associated costs of asthma in China: a 1-year retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Despite evidence that severe and poorly controlled asthma are associated with more clinical unmet needs and intensive utilization of healthcare resources, limited data is available on severe asthma expenditure in China. The study aimed to assess Medical Resource Utilization (MRU) costs of asthma and explore the cost drivers in order to better understand the economic burden of the Chinese population suffered from asthma. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted using Chinese sampled national claim database. Patients aged 6 years and above with primary diagnosis of asthma and asthma-related medical visit/hospitalization during 2015 were included. Medication was used as a proxy per the GINA and China guideline to identify asthma severity (i.e. mild, moderate, and severe). multiple linear regression model was conducted to identify MRU costs drivers. RESULTS: 7,254 patients diagnosed with asthma were included: 4,529 (62.4%), 2,200 (30.3%), and 525 (7.2%) had mild, moderate, and severe asthma, respectively. On average, each severe patient spent 6,782 Chinese Yuan (CNY) on asthma treatment and had 57.0% hospitalization rate during the year, 3.9- and 4.4-fold of the average of overall population (P < 0.001 for both). The proportion of patients experiencing exacerbation significantly higher in the severe asthma population (66.5%; P < 0.001) compared to mild (30.0%) and moderate (16.8%) groups. In subgroup with 1,660 samples had annual consecutive data, severe patients had annual cost of CNY 8,314 and 52.2% hospitalization rate. 13% of severe patients who had frequent severe exacerbation (≥ 2 events) experienced the highest annual average cost CNY 23,037, P < 0.001) whereas children aged from 6 to 14 with a lower annual cost of CNY 1,094.2, 1,660.2 and 3,020.2 for mild, moderate, and severe patients respectively. The multiple model identified degree of severity, control status, complications, age, and live region as independent drivers of MRU costs. CONCLUSIONS: Chinese asthma patients bear heavy economic burden. Severe asthma associated with higher MRU (mainly from hospitalization) and costs compared with mild to moderate asthma in China. More efforts should be devoted to the control of the disease severity and complication as the main drivers of asthma cost.

Identification of a novel bocaparvovirus in a wild squirrel in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China.

In December 2017, a squirrel (Callosciurus phayrei) died 2 days after capture in Kunming, and its intestinal tract, heart, liver, spleen, lung, and kidney were subjected to metagenomics analysis. Reassembly and verification by reverse transcription PCR of contigs generated by next-generation sequencing yielded a 5176-nt sequence, which was designated "squirrel bocaparvovirus" (SQBOV). Phylogenetic trees based on the aa sequences of NS1, NP1, and VP1 showed that SQBOV formed an independent branch in the bocaparvovirus phylogenetic tree. The amino acid sequence identity of the NS1 of SQBOV to those of other bocaparvoviruses was below the threshold of 85% that is used to demarcate species within the genus, indicating that it should be considered a member of a new bocaparvovirus species. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a bocaparvovirus in squirrels. Our findings will enable further studies of viral diversity in rodents and of the genetic diversity and host range of bocaparvoviruses.

Multiband metamaterial selective absorber for infrared stealth.

Nanostructured selective absorbers have widespread applications ranging from artificial color to thermophotovoltaics and radiative cooling. In this paper, we propose a metamaterial selective absorber with a metal-insulator-metal structure for infrared stealth. It can realize multiband absorption, and one sharp peak is at 1.54 µm, which can be used to reduce the scattering signals in laser-guided missiles. The other two relatively broad absorption peaks are at 2.83 µm and 6.11 µm, which can match the atmospheric absorption band. It can reduce up to 90 % of the detected infrared signals while maintaining a relatively high level of thermal emission capability. The dependence of the spectral characteristics on the incident angle is studied. The infrared signatures of the structure could be suppressed across a wide temperature range.

A new Tanay virus isolated from mosquitoes in Guangxi, China.

In 2013, seven virus strains were isolated from Culex tritaeniorhynchus and C. quinquefasciatus collected in Guangxi Province, China. The viruses caused cytopathological effects (CPE) only in C6/36 cells, and not in mammalian cells, e.g. BHK21 and Vero cells. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that the genomes of the seven virus strains ranged from 9589 to 9595 nt with G+C contents of 37.51-37.59%, and nucleotide sequence similarity > 99.8%. The nucleotide sequence homology of the seven virus strains with a Tanay virus isolate was 79.8-80.0%, while the corresponding amino acid homology of ORF1, ORF2, and ORF3 was 79.8-80, 73.9-4.6, and 93.4-94.3%, respectively. In phylogenetic analysis, based on the RdRP amino acid sequence, the seven virus strains were located on the same evolutionary branch, yet distinct from Tanay virus isolated from the Philippines. These results indicated that the seven virus strains isolated from Guangxi represent a new Tanay virus, "Tanay-like virus", within the genus Sandewavirus of the newly proposed taxon Negevirus. This was the first isolation of Tanay virus in China.

Isolation of Tibet orbivirus from Culicoides and associated infections in livestock in Yunnan, China.

BACKGROUND: Culicoides-borne orbiviruses, such as bluetongue virus (BTV) and African horse sickness virus (AHSV), are important pathogens that cause animal epidemic diseases leading to significant loss of domestic animals. This study was conducted to identify Culicoides-borne arboviruses and to investigate the associated infections in local livestock in Yunnan, China. METHODS: Culicoides were collected overnight in Mangshi City using light traps during August 2013. A virus was isolated from the collected Culicoides and grown using baby hamster kidney (BHK-21), Vero, Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) and Aedes albopictus (C6/36) cells. Preliminary identification of the virus was performed by polyacrylamide gel (PAGE) analysis. A full-length cDNA copy of the genome was amplified and sequenced. Serological investigations were conducted in local cattle, buffalo and goat using plaque-reduction neutralization tests. RESULTS: We isolated a viral strain (DH13C120) that caused cytopathogenic effects in BHK-21, Vero, MDBK and C6/36 cells. Suckling mice inoculated intracerebrally with DH13C120 showed signs of fatal neurovirulence. PAGE analysis indicated a genome consisting of 10 segments of double-stranded RNA that demonstrated a 3-3-3-1 pattern, similar to the migrating bands of Tibet orbivirus (TIBOV). Phylogenetic analysis of the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (Pol), sub-core-shell (T2, and outer core (T13) proteins revealed that DH13C120 clustered with TIBOV, and the amino acid sequences of DH13C120 virus shared more than 98% identity with TIBOV XZ0906. However, outer capsid protein VP2 and outer capsid protein VP5 shared only 43.1 and 79.3% identity, respectively, indicating that the DH13C120 virus belongs to TIBOV, and it may represent different serotypes with XZ0906. A serosurvey revealed the presence of neutralizing antibodies with 90% plaque-reduction neutralization against TIBOV DH13C120 in local cattle (44%), buffalo (20%), and goat (4%). Four-fold or higher levels of TIBOV-2-neutralizing antibody titers were detected between the convalescent and acute phases of infection in local livestock. CONCLUSIONS: A new strain of TIBOV was isolated from Culicoides. This study provides the first evidence of TIBOV infection in livestock in Yunnan, China, and suggests that TIBOV could be a potential pathogen in livestock.

Suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) promotes the epithelial mesenchymal transition of triple negative breast cancer cells via HDAC8/FOXA1 signals.

Inhibitor of histone deacetylases (HDACIs) have great therapeutic value for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients. Interestingly, our present study reveals that suberoyl anilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), one of the most advanced pan-HDAC inhibitor, can obviously promote in vitro motility of MDA-MB-231 and BT-549 cells via induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). SAHA treatment significantly down-regulates the expression of epithelial markers E-cadherin (E-Cad) while up-regulates the mesenchymal markers N-cadherin (N-Cad), vimentin (Vim) and fibronectin (FN). However, SAHA has no effect on the expression and nuclear translocation of EMT related transcription factors including Snail, Slug, Twist and ZEB. While SAHA treatment down-regulates the protein and mRNA expression of FOXA1 and then decreases its nuclear translocation. Over-expression of FOXA1 markedly attenuates SAHA induced EMT of TNBC cells. Further, silence of HDAC8, while not HDAC6, alleviates the down-regulation of FOXA1 and up-regulation of N-Cad and Vim in MDA-MB-231 cells treated with SAHA. Collectively, our present study reveals that SAHA can promote EMT of TNBC cells via HDAC8/FOXA1 signals, which suggests that more attention should be paid when SAHA is used as anti-cancer agent for cancer treatment.

Complete genome sequence of the first bluetongue virus serotype 7 isolate from China: evidence for entry of African-lineage strains and reassortment between the introduced and native strains.

Bluetongue virus (BTV) mainly infects sheep but can be transmitted to other domestic and wild ruminants, resulting in a considerable financial burden and trade restriction. Our understanding of the origin, movement, and distribution of BTV has been hindered by the fact that this virus has a segmented genome with the possibility of reassortment, the existence of 27 identified serotypes, and a lack of complete sequences of viruses isolated from different parts of the world. BTV serotype 7 is one of the prevalent BTV serotypes in Asia. Nonetheless, no complete genomic sequence of an Asian isolate of this serotype is available. In an effort to understand the molecular epidemiology of BTV infection in China, for the first time, we report here the complete genome sequence of a BTV serotype 7 strain, GDST008, which was isolated in 2014 in China. This sequence also represents the first complete genome sequence of a BTV serotype 7 from Asia and the third one in the world. Sequence analysis suggests that GDST008 consists of segments from BTV viruses of African lineage as well as those from China. Together, these results improve our understanding of the origin, emergence/re-emergence, and movement of BTV and thus can be applied in the development of vaccines and diagnostics.

The mechanisms of milder clinical symptoms of COVID-19 in children compared to adults.

In stark contrast to adult patients, children who contract Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) typically manifest milder symptoms or remain asymptomatic. However, the precise underlying mechanisms of this pathogenesis remain elusive. In this review, we primarily retrospect the clinical characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children, and explore the factors that may contribute to the typically milder clinical presentation in pediatric Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients compare with adults patients with COVID-19. The pathophysiological mechanisms that mitigate lung injury in children are as follows: the expression level of ACE2 receptor in children is lower; the binding affinity between ACE2 receptors and viral spike proteins in children was weaker; children have strong pre-activated innate immune response and appropriate adaptive immune response; children have more natural lymphocytes; children with COVID-19 can produce higher levels of IgM, IgG and interferon; children infected with SARS-CoV-2 can produce lower levels of IL-6 and IL-10; children have fewer underlying diseases and the lower risk of worsening COVID-19; children are usually exposed to other respiratory viruses and have an enhanced cross-reactive immunity. Comprehending the relative contributions of these processes to the protective phenotype in the developing lungs can help in the diagnosis, treatment and research pertaining to children with COVID-19.

Isolation and Genomic Characterization of Kadipiro Virus from Mosquitoes in Yunnan, China.

Background: Kadipiro virus (KDV) is a species of the new 12 segmented RNA virus grouped under the genus Seadornavirus within the Reoviridae family. It has previously been isolated or detected from mosquito, Odonata, and bat feces in Indonesia, China, and Denmark, respectively. Here, we describe the isolation and characterization of a viral strain from mosquitoes in Yunnan Province, China. Methods: Mosquitoes were collected overnight using light traps in Shizong county, on July 17, 2023. Virus was isolated from the mosquito homogenate and grown using baby hamster kidney and Aedes albopictus (C6/36) cells. Preliminary identification of the virus was performed by agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE). The full-genome sequences of the strain were determined by full-length amplification of cDNAs and sequenced using next-generation sequencing. Results: We isolated a viral strain (SZ_M48) from mosquitoes (Culex tritaeniorhynchus Giles) that caused cytopathogenic effects in C6/36 cells. AGE analysis indicated a genome consisting of 12 segments of double-stranded RNA that demonstrated a "6-5-1" pattern, similar to the migrating bands of KDV. Phylogenetic analysis based on the full-genome sequence revealed that SZ_M48 is more clustered with KDV isolates from Hubei and Shangdong in China than with Indonesian and Danish strains. The identity between SZ_M48 and SDKL1625 (Shandong, China) is slightly lower than that of QTM27331 (Hubei, China), and the identity with JKT-7075 (Indonesia) and 21164-6/M.dau/DK (Denmark) is the lowest. Conclusion: The full-genome sequence of the new KDV strain described in this study may be useful for surveillance of the evolutionary characteristics of KDVs. Moreover, these findings extend the knowledge about the genomic diversity, potential vectors, and the distribution of KDVs in China.

Isolation of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Serotype 10 from Culicoides tainanus and Associated Infections in Livestock in Yunnan, China.

Two strains of viruses, JC13C644 and JC13C673, were isolated from Culicoides tainanus collected in Jiangcheng County, Yunnan Province, situated along the border area shared by China, Laos, and Vietnam. JC13C644 and JC13C673 viruses can cause cytopathic effect (CPE) in mammalian cells BHK21 and Vero cells, and cause morbidity and mortality in suckling mice 48 h after intracerebral inoculation. Whole-genome sequencing was performed, yielding complete sequences for all 10 segments from Seg-1 (3942nt) to Seg-10 (810nt). Phylogenetic analysis of the sub-core-shell (T2) showed that the JC13C644 and JC13C673 viruses clustered with the Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (EHDV) isolated from Japan and Australia, with nucleotide and amino acid homology of 93.1% to 98.3% and 99.2% to 99.6%, respectively, suggesting that they were Eastern group EHDV. The phylogenetic analysis of outer capsid protein (OC1) and outer capsid protein (OC2) showed that the JC13C644 and JC13C673 viruses were clustered with the EHDV-10 isolated from Japan in 1998, with the nucleotide homology of 98.3% and 98.5%, and the amino acid homology of 99.6% and 99.6-99.8%, respectively, indicating that they belong to the EHDV-10. Seroepidemiological survey results demonstrated that JC13C644 virus-neutralizing antibodies were present in 29.02% (177/610) of locally collected cattle serum and 11.32% (89/786) of goat serum, implying the virus's presence in Jiangcheng, Yunnan Province. This finding suggests that EHDV-10 circulates not only among blood-sucking insects in nature but also infects local domestic animals in China. Notably, this marks the first-ever isolation of the virus in China and its discovery outside of Japan since its initial isolation from Japanese cattle. In light of these results, it is evident that EHDV Serotype 10 exists beyond Japan, notably in the natural vectors of southern Eurasia, with the capacity to infect local cattle and goats. Therefore, it is imperative to intensify the surveillance of EHDV infection in domestic animals, particularly focusing on the detection and monitoring of new virus serotypes that may emerge in the region and pose risks to animal health.

A naturally isolated symbiotic bacterium suppresses flavivirus transmission by Aedes mosquitoes.

The commensal microbiota of the mosquito gut plays a complex role in determining the vector competence for arboviruses. In this study, we identified a bacterium from the gut of field Aedes albopictus mosquitoes named Rosenbergiella sp. YN46 (Rosenbergiella_YN46) that rendered mosquitoes refractory to infection with dengue and Zika viruses. Inoculation of 1.6 × 103 colony forming units (CFUs) of Rosenbergiella_YN46 into A. albopictus mosquitoes effectively prevents viral infection. Mechanistically, this bacterium secretes glucose dehydrogenase (RyGDH), which acidifies the gut lumen of fed mosquitoes, causing irreversible conformational changes in the flavivirus envelope protein that prevent viral entry into cells. In semifield conditions, Rosenbergiella_YN46 exhibits effective transstadial transmission in field mosquitoes, which blocks transmission of dengue virus by newly emerged adult mosquitoes. The prevalence of Rosenbergiella_YN46 is greater in mosquitoes from low-dengue areas (52.9 to ~91.7%) than in those from dengue-endemic regions (0 to ~6.7%). Rosenbergiella_YN46 may offer an effective and safe lead for flavivirus biocontrol.

Genetic Characterization of DH13M98, Umatilla Virus, Isolated from Culex tritaeniorhynchus Giles in Yunnan Province, China.

Background: In August 2013, a virus strain (DH13M98) was isolated from Culex tritaeniorhynchus Giles collected in Mangshi, the southwestern border area of Yunnan Province, China. The virus replicated and caused cytopathic effects (CPE) in Aedes albopictus (C6/36) cells, but not in baby hamster Syrian kidney (BHK-21) cells. Materials and Methods: Agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE) analysis revealed that the DH13M98 virus was a 10-segment double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) virus, with a "1-1-1-2-1-1-2-1" pattern. The full genome of the DH13M98 virus was sequenced by full-length amplification of complementary DNAs (FLAC). Results: Phylogenetic analysis of the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (Pol), major subcore-shell (T2), and major core-surface (T13) protein showed that DH13M98 clustered with Umatilla virus (UMAV), and the amino acid (aa) sequences of DH13M98 shared more than 89.5% (Pol), 95% (T2), and 91.1% (T13) identity with UMAV. However, the aa identity of outer capsid protein one (OC1) of DH13M98 with other UMAV was 57.1-79.2%, suggesting that DH13M98 was UMAV, but distinct from other strains of UMAV from the United States, Japan, and Germany at OC1, and it may be a high variant strain of UMAV, even a new serotype. Conclusion: This is the first isolation of UMAV in China, which enriches the resources of virus species in China and provides new insights into the genetic diversity and geographical distribution of the virus.

PD-1 inhibitors-associated myocarditis in non-small cell lung cancer patients.

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs)-associated myocarditis remains a rare but fatal adverse event. The authors sought to provide a comprehensive clinical description of ICI-associated myocarditis by analyzing symptoms, laboratory indicators, imaging features, and management of ICI-associated myocarditis in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: A retrospective study was conducted to analyze 14 ICI-associated myocarditis cases and 45 control patients to clarify clinical features of ICI-associated myocarditis. Detailed laboratory tests and imaging examinations were performed in 14 cases, and the rescue process and follow-up after the onset of myocarditis were recorded. Results: A total of 14 (2.08%) NSCLC patients developed ICI-related myocarditis, with a median time of onset of 34 days (interquartile range, 12 to 146 days) after ICI initiation. The most common concurrent adverse events in cases were myositis (P<0.001) and peripheral neuritis (P<0.001). Among cases, cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels were abnormally elevated in 92% of patients, and electrocardiogram (ECG) showed abnormal in all cases. Steroid therapy was used in 92.9% of patients with ICI-associated myocarditis, of which the response rate to steroids was 76.9% and the mortality rate was 7.1%. A dose of 1 g/d of glucocorticoid supplemented by immunoglobulin was observed to be effective for severe myocarditis. Conclusions: Early identification and treatment are essential for managing myocarditis caused by ICI. Routine monitoring of cTnI level and ECG is most sensitive for the early diagnosis of ICI-related myocarditis. High-dose of glucocorticoids can effectively relieve the symptoms of ICI-associated myocarditis and stabilize the condition, especially for fulminant myocarditis.

Potential roles of Culicoides spp. (Culicoides imicola, Culicoides oxystoma) as biological vectors of bluetongue virus in Yuanyang of Yunnan, P. R. China.

Introduction: Culicoides plays a crucial role as an insect vector in the field of veterinary medicine. The transmission of significant viruses such as bluetongue virus (BTV) and African horse sickness virus (AHSV) by this insect poses a substantial threat, leading to the development of severe diseases in domestic animals. This study aimed to explore the Culicoides species, identify their blood-meal sources, and assess the presence of BTV and AHSV carried by Culicoides in Yuanyang County, Yunnan Province. The aim was to gain insights into the potential vectors of these two viruses and elucidate their potential roles in the transmission of pathogens. Methods: The midges were collected from cattle (Bos indicus), pig (Sus scrofa), and goat (Capra hircus) pens in Yuanyang County, Yunnan Province in June 2020. Initial identification of midges was conducted through morphological characteristics, followed by molecular identification using the cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. The determination of Culicoides blood-meal sources was accomplished using specific primers targeting the cytochrome b (Cyt b) gene from potential hosts. BTV and AHSV RNA were identified in Culicoides pools through the application of reverse transcriptase PCR and quantitative real-time PCR. Nucleotide homology and phylogenetic analysis were performed using MegAlign (DNAStar) and Mega 6.0 software. Results: A total of 6,300 Culicoides, consisting of C. oxystoma, C. arakawai, C. imicola, and C. innoxius, were collected from cattle, pigs, and goat pens. The engorgement rates for these species were 30.2%, 54.6%, 75%, and 66.7%, respectively. In the cattle pen, the prevailing species is C. oxystoma (100%). In the pig pen, C. arakawai dominates (70%), with C. oxystoma following at 30%. In the goat pen, C. imicola holds the majority (45.45%), trailed by C. oxystoma (25%), C. innoxius (20.45%), and C. arakawai (9.09%). These Culicoides species were identified as feeding on cattle, pigs, goats, chickens (Gallus gallus), and humans (Homo sapiens). The positivity rates for BTV were 20.00% and 11.54% in blood-fed specimens of C. imicola and C. oxystoma, respectively. Conversely, the positivity rates for BTV in non-blood-fed specimens were 0.00% and 6.67% for C. imicola and C. oxystoma, respectively. BTV was not detected in C. arakawai and C. innoxius. The specimens (YY86) from C. imicola that tested positive for BTV had the closest genetic relationship to YTS-4 isolated from Mangshi, Yunnan Province in 1996. All test results for the nucleic acid of AHSV were negative. Conclusion: The study reveals variations in the species distribution, community composition, blood sucking rate, and blood-feeding sources of Culicoides across different habitats. Notably, C. imicola and C. oxystoma emerge as potential vectors for the transmission of BTV in local animals. Accordingly, this investigation provides crucial insights that can serve as a valuable reference for the prevention and control of BTV in local animals, particularly from the perspective of vector management.

Word Structure Tunes Electrophysiological and Hemodynamic Responses in the Frontal Cortex.

To date, it is still unclear how word structure might impact lexical processing in the brain for languages with an impoverished system of grammatical morphology such as Chinese. In this study, concurrent electroencephalogram (EEG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) recordings were performed to inspect the temporal and spatial brain activities that are related to Chinese word structure (compound vs. derivation vs. non-morphological) effects. A masked priming paradigm was utilized on three lexical conditions (compound constitute priming, derivation constitute priming, and non-morphological priming) to tap Chinese native speakers' structural sensitivity to differing word structures. The compound vs. derivation structure effect was revealed by the behavioral data as well as the temporal and spatial brain activation patterns. In the masked priming task, Chinese derivations exhibited significantly enhanced brain activation in the frontal cortex and involved broader brain networks as compared with lexicalized compounds. The results were interpreted by the differing connection patterns between constitute morphemes within a given word structure from a spreading activation perspective. More importantly, we demonstrated that the Chinese word structure effect showed a distinct brain activation pattern from that of the dual-route mechanism in alphabetic languages. Therefore, this work paved a new avenue for comprehensively understanding the underlying cognitive neural mechanisms associated with Chinese derivations and coordinate compounds.

Full genome characterization and evolutionary analysis of Banna virus isolated from Culicoides, mosquitoes and ticks in Yunnan, China.

Introduction: Banna virus (BAV), a potential pathogen that may cause human encephalitis, is the prototype species of genus Seadornaviru within the family Reoviridae, and has been isolated from a variety of blood-sucking insects and mammals in Asia. Methods: Culicoides, Mosquitoes, and Ticks were collected overnight in Yunnan, China, during 2016-2023 using light traps. Virus was isolated from these collected blood-sucking insects and grown using Aedes albopictus (C6/36) cells. Preliminary identification of the virus was performed by agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE). The full genome sequences of the BAVs were determined by full-length amplification of cDNAs (FLAC) and sequenced using next-generation sequencing. Results: In this study, 13 strains BAV were isolated from Culicoides, Mosquitoes and Ticks. Their viral genome consisted of 12 segments of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), and with three distinct distribution patterns. Sequence analysis showed that Seg-5 of four strains (SJ_M46, SJ_M49, JC_M19-13 and JC_C24-13) has 435 bases nucleotide sequence insertions in their ORF compared to other BAVs, resulting in the length of Seg-5 up to 2128 nt. There are 34 bases sequence deletion in Seg-9 of 3 strains (WS_T06, MS_M166 and MS_M140). Comparison of the coding sequences of VP1, VP2, VP5, VP9 and VP12 of the 13 BAV strains, the results show that VP1, VP2 and VP12 are characterised by high levels of sequence conservation, while VP9 is highly variable, under great pressure to adapt and may be correlated with serotype. While also variable, VP5 appears to be under less adaptive pressure than VP9. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis indicates that the 13 BAV strains locate in the same evolutionary cluster as BAVs isolated from various blood-sucking insects, and are clustered according to geographical distribution. Conclusion: The data obtained herein would be beneficial for the surveillance of evolutionary characteristics of BAV in China and neighboring countries as well as extend the knowledge about its genomic diversity and geographic distribution.

Altered hierarchical organization between empathy and gambling networks in disordered gamblers.

Background: Despite the demonstrated association between empathy and gambling at the behavioral level, limited neuroimaging research on empathy and gambling disorder (GD) has been conducted. Whether and how the brain network of empathy and that of gambling interact in disordered gamblers has not been investigated. This study aimed to address this research gap by examining the hierarchical organizational patterns, in which the differences of causal interactions of these networks between disordered gamblers and healthy controls were revealed. Methods: Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data of 32 disordered gamblers and 56 healthy controls were included in the formal analysis. Dynamic causal modeling was used to examine the effective connectivity within and between empathy and gambling networks among all participants. Results: All participants showed significant effective connectivity within and between empathy and gambling networks. However, compared with healthy controls, disordered gamblers displayed more excitatory effective connectivity within the gambling network, the tendency to display more excitatory effective connectivity from the empathy network to the gambling network, and reduced inhibitory effective connectivity from the gambling network to the empathy network. Conclusion: The exploratory study was the first to examine the effective connectivity within and between empathy and gambling networks among disordered gamblers and healthy controls. These results provided insights into the causal relationship between empathy and gambling from the neuroscientific perspective and further confirmed that disordered gamblers show altered effective connectivity within and between these two brain networks, which may be considered to be a potential neural index for GD identification. In addition, the altered interactions between empathy and gambling networks may also indicate the potential targets for the neuro-stimulation intervention approach (e.g., transcranial magnetic stimulation).