Metabolomic Profiling of Mice Exposed toα-amanitin Using Ultra-performance Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole Time-of-flight Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Numerous instances of poisoning caused by the ingestion of mushrooms are reported annually worldwide,with most mushroom poisoning deaths caused by the ingestion of toxic amanita fungi.Amatoxin is the main toxic component of amanita,andα-amanitin is one of the most potent toxins present in amatoxin[1].

Fat-to-muscle Ratio: A New Anthropometric Indicator for Predicting Metabolic Syndrome in the Han and Bouyei Populations from Guizhou Province, China

Objective To investigate the prevalence and possible factors influencing metabolic syndrome in people from Guizhou Province and to explore the predictive value of the fat-to-muscle ratio in diagnosing metabolic syndrome. Methods A multistage stratified sampling method was used in this cross-sectional study of 20-80 years old Han and Bouyei populations from Guizhou Province, southwestern China, from October-December 2012. The study included 4,553 cases of metabolic syndrome, that was defined according to 2005 International Diabetes Federation criteria. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used for determining the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive ability of the fat-to-muscle ratio for the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome. Results The age-standardized prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 11.38%（men： 9.76%; women： 12.72%） for Han and 4.78%（men： 4.43%; women： 5.30%） for Bouyei populations. In Guizhou Province, the cut-off value for the men fat-to-muscle ratio was 0.34, the area under the curve was 0.95, and the sensitivity and specificity were 0.94 and 0.85, respectively. The cut-off value for the women fat-to-muscle ratio was 0.55, the area under the curve was 0.91, and the sensitivity and specificity were 0.93 and 0.79, respectively. Conclusion The fat-to-muscle ratio is highly predictive of metabolic syndrome in Guizhou Province, and a useful reference indicator.

Reliability and Validity of Addiction Severity Index in Drug Users with Methadone Maintenance Treatment in Guizhou Province, China

Objective To evaluate the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of addiction severity index （ASI）-5th version （ASI-C-5）, in illegal drug users receiving methadone maintenance treatment （MMT） in China. Methods One hundred and eighty-six heroin addicts （144 men and 42 women） receivihg MMT at three clinics in Guizhou province, southwest China, were recmited. They were all interviewed with a questionnaire of ASI-C-5 and 35 were re-interviewed at an interval of seven days to assess its test-retest reliability. Results Cronbach＇s alpha for internal consistency of CSs varied from 0.60 to 0.81 in all domains. Test-retest reliability of composite scores （CSs） of ASI-C-5 were satisfactory （r=0.38-0.97）. Based on item analysis and expert＇s suggestions, five items were deleted and one item was modified in ASI-C-5. Criterion validity of ASI-C-5 was found acceptable, as compared to addicts＇ self-rating anxiety scale （SAS） and self-rating depression scale （SDS） （r=0.59 and 0.45） except for social support rating scale （SSRS）. Conclusions ASI-C-5 can be used for heroin addicts receiving MMT with acceptable reliability and validity.

Evolutionary Diversity of Coxsackievirus A6 Causing Severe Hand,Foot,and Mouth Disease—China,2012-2023

Introduction:Coxsackievirus A6(CVA6)has emerged as a significant pathogen responsible for severe cases of hand,foot,and mouth disease(HFMD).This study aims to delineate the demographic characteristics and analyze the viral evolution of severe HFMD associated with CVA6,thereby assisting in its surveillance and management.Methods:In this investigation,74 strains of CVA6 were isolated from samples collected from severe HFMD cases between 2012 and 2023.The VP1 gene sequences of CVA6 were amplified and analyzed to assess population historical dynamics and evolutionary characteristics using BEAST,DnaSP6,and PopART.Results:A significant portion(94.4%)of severe CVA6-associated HFMD cases(51 out of 54,with 20 lacking age information)were children under 5 years old.Among the 74 CVA6 strains analyzed,72 belonged to the D3a sub-genotype,while only two strains were D2 sub-genotype.The average genetic distance between VP1 sequences prior to 2015 was 0.027,which increased to 0.051 when compared to sequences post-2015.Historical population dynamics analysis indicated three significant population expansions of severe CVA6-associated HFMD during 2012-2013,2013-2014,and 2019-2020,resulting in the formation of 65 distinct haplotypes.Consistent with the MCC tree findings,transitioning between regional haplotypes required multiple base substitutions,showcasing an increase in population diversity during the evolutionary process(from 14 haplotypes in 2013 to 55 haplotypes over the subsequent decade).Conclusions:CVA6,associated with severe HFMD,is evolving and presents a risk of outbreak occurrence.Thus,enhanced surveillance of severe HFMD is imperative.

Molecular Typing of Leptospira interrogans Strains Isolated from Rattus tanezumi in Guizhou Province,Southwest of China

Abstract Objective To identify and type three leptospires isolated from Rattus tanezumi in Guizhou Province by using three molecular techniques （PFGE, MLVA, and MLST）, reveal the molecular characteristic of causative agents of local leptospirosis and evaluate these three molecular methods based on their detection resolution and efficiency. Methods Three Leptospira strains were isolated from the kidney of Rattus tanezumi and cultured with EMJH medium. PFGE, MLVA, and MLST assays were applied to type the three strains isolated from Rattus tanezumi in Guizhou Province. Results PFGE, MLVA, and MLST typing showed that the three leptospiral isolates matched with leptospiral serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae serovar Lai. The findings of the genotyping methods were consistent. MLVA and MLST defined genotypes, whereas PFGE allowed the recognition of additional subgroups within the genotypes, and the findings of molecular typing were also consistent with those of traditional techniques. Conclusion Three leptospiral isolates from Guizhou Province matched with leptospiral serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae serovar Lai, and PFGE, MLVA, and MLST, as reliable molecular techniques for identifying and typing of Leptospira interrogans, would contribute to the active surveillance, outbreak investigation and source tracking for leptospirosis in Guizhou Province.

Serum Glypican 4 Levels Are Associated with Metabolic Syndrome in a Han Population from Guizhou Province, China

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is the presence of a battery of cardiovascular risk factors including abdominal obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and disturbed carbohydrate metabolism[1]. MetS affects 20% of adults in the Western world and 33% of adults in China[2] and has become a serious public health problem worldwide. However, the mechanism underlying the occurrence and progression of MetS is still largely unclear. It is now well established that excess fat deposition leads to abdominal obesity, which plays a vital role in the underlying mechanism. Adipose tissue can function as an endocrine organ that secretes various adipokines. The dysregulated expression of adipokines caused by excess adiposity and adipocyte dysfunction, has been linked to the pathogenesis of MetS[3]. Some serum adipokines such as leptin, adiponectin, interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumour necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), might be potential markers for MetS development.

Healing Effect and Underlying Mechanism of Silver Nanoparticles Prepared Using Carboxymethyl Chitosan under Solar Irradiation

In our previous study,silver nanoparticles were prepared using AgNO_(3) and carboxymethyl chitosan(CMCS)which is commercially available with solar irradiation.In this study,the efficacy and safety of silver nanoparticles prepared by this method were evaluated for healing wounds in rats with diabetes.We also attempted to determine the underlying mechanism and influencing factors of the silver nanomaterial preparation method.Compared with growth factors,silver nanoparticles exhibit better healing effects for rats with diabetes.No remnant silver ions were detected in the major organs of these rats after the application of silver nanoparticles.Silver nanoparticles prepared using CMCS are less toxic than those prepared from the conventional method,promote the proliferation of skin fibroblasts,and are promising as a topical medication for infected wounds.An obvious breakage process of the particles is observed during the growth of nanocrystalline silver in CMCS.In this study,we also attempted to determine whether this method is suitable for synthesizing silver nanoparticles using N-trimethyl chitosan chloride and sodium alginate were used in this particular experiment.The characteristic UV-vis absorbance peak of silver nanoparticles was found only in the reaction mixture containing N-trimethyl chitosan chloride.Our study demonstrates that free radicals are the key factor in this silver nanoparticle preparation method.

Analysis of Epidemiological and Issues Encountered in Case Reports on Echinococcosis—China,2022

Summary What is already known about this topic?Echinococcosis is classified as a Class C infectious disease in China.It is endemic in 370 counties located in the agricultural and pastoral regions of western China.What is added by this report?This report provides a comprehensive overview of the cases of echinococcosis reported in China in 2022.Following a thorough evaluation conducted by provincial CDCs.

Proteomic Analysis of the Peritrophic Matrix from the Midgut of Third Instar Larvae,Musca domestica

Objective To better comprehend the molecular structure and physiological function of the housefly larval peritrophic matrix （PM）, a mass spectrometry approach was used to investigate the PM protein composition. Methods The PM was dissected from the midgut of the third instar larvae, and protein extracted from the PM was evaluated using SDS-PAGE. A 1D-PAGE lane containing all protein bands was cut from top to bottom, the proteins in-gel trypsinised and analysed via shotgun liquid chromatography- tandem mass spectrometry （LC-MS/MS）. Results In total, 374 proteins, with molecular weights varying from 8.225, kD to 996.065 kD and isoelectric points ranging from 3.83 to 11.24 were successfully identified, most identified proteins were mainly related to immunity, digestion, nutrient metabolism and PM structure. Furthermore, many of these proteins were functionally associated with pattern binding, polysaccharide binding, structural constituent of peritrophic membrane and chitin binding, according to Gene Ontology annotation. Conclusion The PM protein composition, which provides a basis for further functional investigations of the identified proteins, will be useful for understanding the housefly larval gut immune system and may help to identify potential targets and exploit new bioinsecticides.

Simultaneous virus identification and characterization of severe unexplained pneumonia cases using a metagenomics sequencing technique

Many viruses can cause respiratory diseases in humans.Although great advances have been achieved in methods of diagnosis,it remains challenging to identify pathogens in unexplained pneumonia(UP) cases.In this study,we applied next-generation sequencing(NGS) technology and a metagenomic approach to detect and characterize respiratory viruses in UP cases from Guizhou Province,China.A total of 33 oropharyngeal swabs were obtained from hospitalized UP patients and subjected to NGS.An unbiased metagenomic analysis pipeline identified 13 virus species in 16 samples.Human rhinovirus C was the virus most frequently detected and was identified in seven samples.Human measles virus,adenovirus B 55 and coxsackievirus A10 were also identified.Metagenomic sequencing also provided virus genomic sequences,which enabled genotype characterization and phylogenetic analysis.For cases of multiple infection,metagenomic sequencing afforded information regarding the quantity of each virus in the sample,which could be used to evaluate each viruses' role in the disease.Our study highlights the potential of metagenomic sequencing for pathogen identification in UP cases.

Microbial community characterization,activity analysis and purifying efficiency in a biofilter process

The growth and metabolism of microbial communities on biologically activated carbon （BAC） play a crucial role in the purification of drinking water. To gain insight into the growth and metabolic characteristics of microbial communities and the efficiency of drinking water treatment in a BAC filter, we analyzed the heterotrophic plate count （HPC）, phospholipid, dehydrogenase, metabolic function and water quality parameters during start-up and steady-state periods. In the start-up process of the filter with natural biofilm colonization, the variation in heterotrophic plate count levels was S-curved. The total phospholipid level was very low during the first 5 days and reached a maximum value after 40 days in the filter. The activity of dehydrogenase gradually increased during the first 30 days and then reached a plateau. The functional diversity of the microbial community in the filter increased, and then reached a relatively stable level by day 40. After an initial decrease, which was followed by an increase, the removal rate of NH4＋-N and COD_Mn became stable and was 80% and 28%, respectively, by day 40. The consumption rate of dissolved oxygen reached a steady level after 29 days, and remained at 18%. At the steady operation state, the levels of HPC, phospholipid, dehydrogenase activity and carbon source utilization had no significant differences after 6 months compared to levels measured on day 40. The filter was shown to be effective in removing NH4＋-N, NO2--N, CODMn, UV254, biodegradable dissolved organic carbon and trace organic pollutants from the influent. Our results suggest that understanding changes in the growth and metabolism of microorganisms in BAC filter could help to improve the efficiency of biological treatment of drinking water.

Epidemiological Survey of First Human Brucellosis Outbreak Caused by the Sika Deer(Cervus nippon)—Guizhou Province,China,2019

Summary What is already known on this topic?Brucellosis is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by Brucella spp.The main source of infection in human brucellosis is sick animals,mainly including sheep,goat,and cattle,but sika deer(Cervus nippon)can also cause human brucellosis.The first human brucellosis case in Guizhou Province was reported in 2009,and no brucellosis outbreak was reported caused by sika deer ever before.

Epidemiological Characteristics of Human Brucellosis-China,2016−2019

Introduction:Brucellosis is an important zoonotic infectious disease with its main mode of transmission from livestock to humans.The study analyzed epidemiological characteristics of human brucellosis from 2016 to 2019 in China,aiming to understand progress of the National Program of Brucellosis Prevention and Control.Methods:The research obtained data on human brucellosis cases reported through China’s National Notifiable Disease Reporting System(NNDRS)from January 1,2016 to December 31,2019 and described brucellosis epidemiological patterns by region,seasonality,age,sex,and occupation.Results:The number of cases reported nationwide in China decreased from 47,139(3.4/100,000)in 2016 to 37,947(2.7/100,000)in 2018,and then increased to 44,036(3.2/100,000)in 2019,with an average annual incidence of 3.0/100,000 during the four study years.Brucellosis in Xinjiang declined from 35.6/100,000 in 2016 to 16.3/100,000 in 2019-an average annual decrease of 22.9%.Brucellosis in Inner Mongolia increased from 23.8/100,000 in 2016 to 54.4/100,000 in 2019-an average increase of 31.8%per year and accounting for 22%of all reported cases.Northern China reported 95.2%of cases during this period and still had an incidence of 7.2/100,000 and 87.0%of counties being affected by brucellosis in 2019.In this region in 2019,males aged 45-64 years old had an incidence of over 15.9/100,000,compared with over 7.0/100,000 among females aged 45-64 years old.Conclusions:Although there was progress in prevention and control of human brucellosis in some provincial-level administrative divisions(PLADs)in 2016 through 2019,progress was limited nationwide and there was an overall resurgence of brucellosis in 2019.The resurgence was primarily in Inner Mongolia.An One Health approach should be strengthened to ensure successful and sustainable brucellosis prevention and control in China.

Epidemiological Characteristics of Rifampicin-Resistant Tuberculosis in Students——China,2015-2019

Summary What is already known about this topic?The number of students with tuberculosis(TB)has been increasing since 2015.However,the prevalence of rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis(RR-TB)among student population is unclear.What is added by the report?The number of students with RR-TB has significantly increased from 2015 to 2019,especially in the western region of China.The majority of patients were college students.Students with RR-TB were mainly new patients.

First record of Cubachipteria(Acari:Oribatida:Achipteriidae) in China,with descriptions of two new species

The genus Cubachipteria of Achipteriidae is firstly reported from China. Two new species of C. pianmaensis sp. nov. and C. gaoligongensis sp. nov., are described here, which are collected on moss and leaf litter from Yunnan Province, China. These two species can be distinguished from all known species of Cubachipteria by the absence of interlamellar setae. A key to the known species of Cubachipteria is given. All type materials are deposited in Guizhou University, Guiyang City, China （GUGC）.

Investigation of Brucellosis Caused by Raw Goat Milk—Fujian Province,China,April–June,2019

Summary What is already known about this topic?Brucellosis is one of the most important zoonotic diseases in China.Goat milk and dairy products are essential pathways for foodborne transmission of brucellosis.Pasteurization can completely kill Brucella spp.in milk,and milk-borne transmission is mainly related to unhealthy dietary hygiene habits and insufficient epidemic control among animals.