ObjectiveTranscranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) has emerged as a promising noninvasive neuromodulation technique capable of modulating neural activity with high spatial specificity. However, whether tFUS stimulation of the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) can reliably evoke conscious tactile perception without external peripheral sensory input remains unclear. Therefore, this study examined the feasibility of inducing hand-related tactile perception through targeted S1 stimulation and further investigated how sonication duration (SD), a key temporal parameter, influences the consistency of this perceptual response. The findings may provide empirical evidence for optimizing tFUS parameters in human somatosensory modulation. MethodsForty-eight healthy adults participated in the study and were assigned to two experiments. Experiment 1 included 24 participants and was designed to preliminarily examine whether S1-targeted tFUS could evoke hand-related tactile sensations. This experiment comprised two sub-experiments, Experiment 1a and Experiment 1b, with 12 participants in each. Specifically, Experiment 1a used a randomized active stimulation protocol targeting the bilateral S1 to assess the initial feasibility of inducing contralateral tactile perception, whereas Experiment 1b employed an alternating hemispheric design incorporating both active and sham stimulation to verify the specificity of the tFUS-induced sensations. Experiment 2 enrolled another 24 participants and used a real-sham dual-probe design to control for spatial tactile cues that might arise from probe-scalp contact. Five SD levels, including 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1 000 ms, were systematically tested to evaluate how stimulation duration influenced the behavioral response. The primary behavioral outcome was the perceptual consistency rate, quantified according to the accuracy of contralateral tactile localization. ResultsIn Experiment 1, 91.7% of participants reported reliable hand-related tactile sensations during active tFUS stimulation, including numbness, tingling, or similar sensory experiences. Contralateral localization accuracy under active stimulation was significantly higher than the0.50 chance level (P<0.05). In contrast, localization performance under sham stimulation did not differ from chance, suggesting that the observed tactile responses were mainly induced by active S1-targeted tFUS stimulation rather than nonspecific stimulation cues. In Experiment 2, perceptual consistency rates significantly exceeded the chance level under the 400 and 1 000 ms SD conditions(P<0.05), whereas no significant effect was observed at 200, 600, or 800 ms. Pairwise comparisons further showed that the 400 and 1 000 ms conditions produced significantly higher perceptual consistency rates than the 200 ms condition (P<0.05). ConclusiontFUS stimulation of S1 can elicit distinct hand-related tactile sensations without peripheral sensory input, demonstrating the feasibility of using targeted cortical ultrasound stimulation to induce conscious somatosensory perception. The reliability of this perceptual effect was modulated by sonication duration, indicating that temporal stimulation parameters play an important role in shaping both the occurrence and consistency of behavioral responses. Among the tested conditions, 400 ms appeared to provide a favorable temporal window for generating stable tactile perception, whereas excessively short stimulation may be insufficient to produce consistent responses. These findings highlight the sensitivity of somatosensory networks to ultrasonic modulation and provide useful parameter guidance for the application of tFUS in noninvasive sensory enhancement and cortical functional mapping.

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

Objective:To perform RHD gene detection on a blood sample with serological weak D phenotype.Methods:A specimen received by the People's Hospital of Zhijin County was serologically identified by the microcolumn gel method and saline method.RHD gene detection was conducted by the PCR-SSP method,and the full sequence determination of the 10 exons amplified was performed.The sequencing results were compared with the ISBT database to determine the genotype.Bioinformatics tool was used to predict the functional damage of mutant proteins,and Alphafold-3 was used for tertiary structural modeling of wild-type and mutant RhD proteins,and the structures of the two proteins were compared and analyzed to explore the reasons why mutations lead to weak serological manifestations.Results:The patient's genotype was identified as RHD*DV.5/RHD*01N.01 heterozygote,with the complete deletion of RHD genes on one chromosome,unable to express the D antigen.On the other chromosome,a G＞A mutation occurred at the 697th base of the 5th exon,resulting in a partial D phenotype.This mutation causes internal hydrogen bond changes at the 233 position of RhD protein,resulting in a change in the conformation of the protein,affecting binding to the corresponding antibody.Conclusion:The patient is a heterozygous mutant individual with RHD*DV.5/RHD*01N.01,exhibiting a partial D phenotype serologically.This variation is extremely rare and has been scarcely reported globally.

This study was aimed at investigating infections with Giardia and Cryptosporidium in Ochotona curzoniae in Zoige County,Sichuan Province.O.curzoniae were captured in five townships of Zoige County(Dazhasi,Axi,Hongxing,Tangke,and Maixi)between March and December of 2023.DNA from the gastrointestinal contents was subjected to nested PCR to amplify Giardia bg,gdh,and tpi genes,and the Cryptosporidium SSU rRNA gene.The sequences of PCR-PCR products were analyzed and compared.Phylogenetic trees were constructed to determine the protozoa species and genotypes.A total of 114 O.curzoniae animals were captured,among which 44 samples showed bg gene positivity,and 14 samples showed gdh gene positivity for Giardia.The total detection rate was 43.9％(50/114),and two assemblages were detected(assem-blage E and a new assemblage tentatively termed assemblage OC1);the positivity rate for Cryptosporidium was 7.0％(8/114),and three new genotypes were observed.Mixed infection with Cryptosporidium and Giardia was present in some sam-ples,with a detection rate of 3.5％(4/114).Giardia lamblia and Giardia sp.(REG-1,REG-2)were prevalent in O.curzoni-ae in Zoige County in Sichuan province;assemblage E was the dominant assemblage,and the new assemblage OC1 was pres-ent;and Cryptosporidium sp.(REG-1,REG-2,and REG-3)were identified.In summary,future monitoring of Giardia and Cryptosporidium should be further strengthened in Zoige to provide detailed data for promoting local public health.

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

This study was aimed at investigating infections with Giardia and Cryptosporidium in Ochotona curzoniae in Zoige County,Sichuan Province.O.curzoniae were captured in five townships of Zoige County(Dazhasi,Axi,Hongxing,Tangke,and Maixi)between March and December of 2023.DNA from the gastrointestinal contents was subjected to nested PCR to amplify Giardia bg,gdh,and tpi genes,and the Cryptosporidium SSU rRNA gene.The sequences of PCR-PCR products were analyzed and compared.Phylogenetic trees were constructed to determine the protozoa species and genotypes.A total of 114 O.curzoniae animals were captured,among which 44 samples showed bg gene positivity,and 14 samples showed gdh gene positivity for Giardia.The total detection rate was 43.9％(50/114),and two assemblages were detected(assem-blage E and a new assemblage tentatively termed assemblage OC1);the positivity rate for Cryptosporidium was 7.0％(8/114),and three new genotypes were observed.Mixed infection with Cryptosporidium and Giardia was present in some sam-ples,with a detection rate of 3.5％(4/114).Giardia lamblia and Giardia sp.(REG-1,REG-2)were prevalent in O.curzoni-ae in Zoige County in Sichuan province;assemblage E was the dominant assemblage,and the new assemblage OC1 was pres-ent;and Cryptosporidium sp.(REG-1,REG-2,and REG-3)were identified.In summary,future monitoring of Giardia and Cryptosporidium should be further strengthened in Zoige to provide detailed data for promoting local public health.

OBJECTIVE: Rhei Radix et Rhizoma has five types of products, namely, raw rhubarb (RR), wine rhubarb (WR), vinegar rhubarb (VR), cooked rhubarb (CR), and rhubarb charcoal (RC). However, Rhei Radix et Rhizoma is easily contaminated with fungi and mycotoxins if not harvested or processed properly. Here, we intend to analyze how microbiome assemblies and co-occurrence patterns are influenced by sampling locations and processing methods. METHODS: High-throughput sequencing and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) were carried out to study the diversities (α- and β-diversity), composition (dominant taxa and potential biomarkers), and network complexitity of surface fungi on RR, WR, VR, CR, and RC collected from Gansu and Sichuan provinces, China. RESULTS: The phyla Ascomycota and Basidiomycota; the genera Kazachstania, Malassezia, and Asterotremella; and the species Kazachstania exigua, Asterotremella pseudolonga, and Malassezia restricta were the dominant fungi and exhibited differences in the two provinces and the five processed products. The α-diversity and network complexity were strongly dependent on processing methods. Chao 1, the Shannon index, and network complexity and connectivity were highest in the CR group. The α-diversity and network complexity were influenced by sampling locations. Chao 1 and network complexity and connectivity were highest in the Gansu Province. CONCLUSION The assembly and network of the surface microbiome on Rhei Radix et Rhizoma were shaped by processing methods and sampling locations. This paper offers a comprehensive understanding of microorganisms, which can provide early warning for potential mycotoxins and ensure the safety of drugs and consumers.

OBJECTIVE: This study reports the first imported case of Lassa fever (LF) in China. Laboratory detection and molecular epidemiological analysis of the Lassa virus (LASV) from this case offer valuable insights for the prevention and control of LF. METHODS: Samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), blood, urine, saliva, and environmental materials were collected from the patient and their close contacts for LASV nucleotide detection. Whole-genome sequencing was performed on positive samples to analyze the genetic characteristics of the virus. RESULTS: LASV was detected in the patient's CSF, blood, and urine, while all samples from close contacts and the environment tested negative. The virus belongs to the lineage IV strain and shares the highest homology with strains from Sierra Leone. The variability in the glycoprotein complex (GPC) among different strains ranged from 3.9% to 15.1%, higher than previously reported for the seven known lineages. Amino acid mutation analysis revealed multiple mutations within the GPC immunogenic epitopes, increasing strain diversity and potentially impacting immune response. CONCLUSION The case was confirmed through nucleotide detection, with no evidence of secondary transmission or viral spread. The LASV strain identified belongs to lineage IV, with broader GPC variability than previously reported. Mutations in the immune-related sites of GPC may affect immune responses, necessitating heightened vigilance regarding the virus.
Humans ; China/epidemiology* ; Genome, Viral ; Lassa Fever/virology* ; Lassa virus/classification* ; Molecular Epidemiology ; Phylogeny

Abstract In recent years, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents has risen rapidly, posing a serious threat to their physical and mental health. To provide scientific, systematic, and standardized weight management guidance for overweight and obese children and adolescents, the study focuses on the core concept of healthy lifestyle intervention, integrates multidisciplinary expert opinions and research findings,and proposes a comprehensive multidisciplinary intervention framework covering scientific exercise intervention, precise nutrition and diet, optimized sleep management, and standardized psychological support. It calls for the establishment of a multi agent collaborative management mechanism led by the government, implemented by families, fostered by schools, initiated by individuals, optimized by communities, reinforced by healthcare, and coordinated by multiple stakeholders. Emphasizing a child and adolescent centered approach, the consensus advocates for comprehensive, multi level, and personalized guidance strategies to promote the internalization and maintenance of a healthy lifestyle. It serves as a reference and provides recommendations for the effective prevention and control of overweight and obesity, and enhancing the health level of children and adolescents.

Objective:To perform RHD gene detection on a blood sample with serological weak D phenotype.Methods:A specimen received by the People's Hospital of Zhijin County was serologically identified by the microcolumn gel method and saline method.RHD gene detection was conducted by the PCR-SSP method,and the full sequence determination of the 10 exons amplified was performed.The sequencing results were compared with the ISBT database to determine the genotype.Bioinformatics tool was used to predict the functional damage of mutant proteins,and Alphafold-3 was used for tertiary structural modeling of wild-type and mutant RhD proteins,and the structures of the two proteins were compared and analyzed to explore the reasons why mutations lead to weak serological manifestations.Results:The patient's genotype was identified as RHD*DV.5/RHD*01N.01 heterozygote,with the complete deletion of RHD genes on one chromosome,unable to express the D antigen.On the other chromosome,a G＞A mutation occurred at the 697th base of the 5th exon,resulting in a partial D phenotype.This mutation causes internal hydrogen bond changes at the 233 position of RhD protein,resulting in a change in the conformation of the protein,affecting binding to the corresponding antibody.Conclusion:The patient is a heterozygous mutant individual with RHD*DV.5/RHD*01N.01,exhibiting a partial D phenotype serologically.This variation is extremely rare and has been scarcely reported globally.