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[Display omitted] • Entamoeba nuttalli had a high degree of genetic differentiation between the host populations. • A novel ribosomal lineage of Entamoeba was identified and named RL13. • Low altitude populations of wild rhesus macaques had higher prevalence rates of Entamoeba than high altitude populations. Wild rhesus macaques are a potential source of zoonotic parasites for humans, and Entamoeba spp. are common intestinal parasites. To investigate the prevalence of Entamoeba in wild rhesus macaques in China and explore the genetic differentiation of the potentially pathogenic species Entamoeba nuttalli, a total of 276 fecal samples from five populations at high altitudes (HAG, 2,800–4,100 m above sea level) and four populations at low altitudes (LAG, 5–1,000 m above sea level) were collected. PCR methods based on the ssrRNA gene were used to detect Entamoeba infection. Genotyping of E. nuttalli was performed based on six tRNA-linked short tandem repeat (STR) loci for further genetic analyses. The results revealed that Entamoeba infection (69.2%) was common in wild rhesus macaques in China, especially in LAG which had a significantly higher prevalence rate than that in HAG (P < 0.001). Three zoonotic species were identified: Entamoeba chattoni (60.9%) was the most prevalent species and distributed in all the populations, followed by Entamoeba coli (33.3%) and Entamoeba nuttalli (17.4%). In addition, a novel Entamoeba ribosomal lineage named RL13 (22.8%) was identified, and phylogenetic analysis revealed a close genetic relationship between RL13 and Entamoeba. hartmanni. Genotyping of E. nuttalli obtained 24 genotypes from five populations and further analysis showed E. nuttalli had a high degree of genetic differentiation (F ST > 0.25, Nm < 1) between the host populations. The result of analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that observed genetic differences mainly originate from differences among populations (F ST = 0.91). Meanwhile, the phylogenetic tree showed that these genotypes of E. nuttalli were clustered according to geographical populations, indicating a significant phylogeographic distribution pattern. Considering the potential pathogenicity of E. nuttalli , attention should be paid to its risk of zoonotic transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Blastocystis is a common intestinal protist with a wide range of hosts. Thus far, 38 subtypes have been identified. In recent years, wild animals have been confronted with habitat fragmentation as well as an increasing risk of zoonotic disease transmission due to human disturbance. Only limited data are available on Blastocystis infection and subtype distribution in wild rhesus macaques in China. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence and genetic diversity of Blastocystis in nine wild rhesus macaque populations in China. Methods: A total of 276 faecal samples were collected from five high-altitude populations (high-altitude group [HAG]; 2800–4100 m a.s.l.) and four low-altitude populations (low-altitude group [LAG]; 5–1000 m a.s.l) of rhesus macaques. PCR-based analysis, using a new primer pair for the amplification of a 1690-bp sequence of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene, was used for prevalence and genetic diversity analysis. Result: Analysis of faecal samples revealed that Blastocystis infection was common in rhesus macaques, with an infection positivity rate of 80.1% (n = 221/276 samples). There was no significant difference (P = 0.121) in positivity rate between the LAG (84.3%) and HAG (76.8%). Overall, 33 haplotypes were obtained and classified into four subtypes (STs), of which three were potentially zoonotic subtypes (ST1, 29.7%; ST2, 16.7%; ST3, 31.9%) and one that was first identified in this study and named ST39 (12.0%). The STs were distributed differently among the rhesus macaque populations, except for ST3, which was found in all populations. Phylogenetic analyses revealed two major divergent clades of ST3 for the HAG and LAG. Genetic diversity analysis showed a high genetic diversity of ST3 (haplotype diversity: 0.846; nucleotide diversity: 0.014) in the rhesus macaques, but a high genetic differentiation (FST > 0.25) and a low gene flow (Nm = 0.09) between the HAG and LAG. Conclusion: Our study, which is the first investigation on Blastocystis infection in multiple wild rhesus macaque populations in China, indicates a potential risk of zoonotic transmission of Blastocystis in the study areas. Blastocystis ST3 showed high genetic diversity in wild rhesus macaques and significant genetic differentiation between the HAG and LAG. Our results provide fundamental information on the genetic diversity and prevalence of Blastocystis in wild rhesus macaque populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• COVID-19, an alarming pandemic outbreak of 2020. • Amelioration of the clinical understanding of COVID-19 and its potential targets. • Adapted clinical strategies based on merits and demerits of COVID-19 treatment. • Current clinical manifestations and the proposed prospects against COVID-19. Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), the WHO-classified novel coronavirus of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has rapidly become a global pandemic. To tackle both its spread and virulence, research is ongoing worldwide to develop an effective anti-COVID-19 drug or vaccine. In this review, we explore the clinical understanding and severity of COVID-19 emergence across the world, with a focus on China. We also discuss potential therapeutic targets, either host virus based, that could be used to tackle the COVID-19 outbreak. We review the evolution of our clinical understanding of COVID-19, possible therapeutic targets, and prospects for COVID-19 management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tibetan macaque ( Macaca thibetana) is a threatened primate species endemic to China. Population genetic and phylogenetic analyses were conducted in 66 Tibetan individuals from Sichuan (SC), Huangshan (HS), and Fujian (FJ) based on a 477-bp fragment of mitochondrial DNA control region. Four new haplotypes were defined, and a relatively high level of genetic diversity was first observed in FJ populations (Hd = 0.7661). Notably, a continuous approximately 10 bp-fragment deletion was observed near the 5′ end of the mtDNA control region of both HS and FJ populations when compared with that of SC population, and a sharing haplotype was found between the two populations, revealing a closer genetic relationship. However, significant genetic differentiation ( FST = 0.8700) and more poor gene exchange (Nm < 1) had occurred among three populations. This study mainly provide a further insight into the genetic relationship between HS and FJ Tibetan macaque populations, but it may be necessary to carry out further study with extra samples from other locations in the geographic coverage of the two subspecies ( M. thibetana pullus and M. thibetana huangshanensis). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we reported a complete mitochondrial genome of Chinese Serow from Guiyang. It has a circular genome of 16,442 bp including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and a control region. In the phylogenetic tree, we found it clustered tightly with a sequence with a distinct white forehead and white face outlook in the genus Capricornis, which indicated there are a certain number of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grey-headed Parrotbill, Paradoxornis gularis, has significant economic and scientific value in China. Length of the complete mitochondrial genome of grey-headed parrotbill is 17,743 bp, and it contains 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNA genes (12S rRNA and 16S rRNA), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNA), and a D-loop sequence. The overall base composition of the mitochondrial sequence was 29.47% A, 14.68% G, 24.33% T, 31.52% C. All tRNAs have the typical cloverleaf structure, except for tRNASer. All PCGs start with ATG codons, except for COXI and NADH6, which are initiated by GTG and CTA, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we described the complete mitochondrial genome of Alpine musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster) from China. It has a circular genome of 16,352 bp (GeneBank number: MK697349) with a higher A + T content of 62.06%, including 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes (12S rRNA and 16S rRNA), and 1 control region (D-loop), which was similar to typical vertebrate mitochondrial DNA. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that our sequence clustered with two Alpine musk deer subspecies from Sichuan, China. The results could provide more molecular information to support the conservation and genetic resources of Alpine musk deer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In China, the stripe-throated yuhina is mainly distributed in southwestern and the population is not abundant. In this study, we sequenced and characterized its complete mitochondrial genome. The complete mitochondrial of stripe-throated yuhina is 17,843 bp in length and contained 13 protein-coding genes, 2rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, and 2 control regions. The overall base composition of the mitogenome was 30.6% A, 14.1% G, 23.99% T, 31.31% C. All the genes in the stripe-throated yuhina mitogenome were encoded on the H-strand, except for the ND6 and eight tRNA genes that were transcribed from the L-strand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dwarf blue sheep (Pseudois schaeferi) belongs to the subfamily Caprinae within the Cetartiodactyla. Here, we report on the complete mitochondrial genome of a dwarf blue sheep from Nangqian of Qinghai, China. The genome (MK087727) has a length of 16,709 bp and exhibits the typical structure of mammalian mitochondrial genomes. Phylogenetically, the new dwarf blue sheep formed a strongly supported sister lineage to the previously reported P. schaeferi (JQ040802). These results support for dwarf blue sheep as a subspecies of Pseudois nayaur and provide more molecular data for conservation of the endemic species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) belongs to the subfamily Caprinae. Here, we report the complete mitochondrial genome of a blue sheep subspecies (Pseudois nayaur szechuanensis) from Gongga Mountains of Sichuan, China. The genome (GenBank accession number MH719216) has a length of 16,664 bp and exhibits the typical structure of mammalian mitochondrial genomes. Phylogenetically, the newly generated mitochondrial genome is nested within the genus Pseudois group and formed a strongly supported (100% bootstrap) sister lineage to the previously reported P. n. szechuanensis (GenBank accession number, KJ784494). These results provide more molecular data for the genetic diversity conservation of this rare species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildlife can be viewed as a renewable resource at ecologically viable levels, but illicit consumption is a major threat to global biodiversity. Using data from crime cases is an emerging new tool for assessing the motives and drivers of wildlife offenders. This approach can be used with behavior change frameworks to devise more effective conservation strategies. We used data from 20,145 online judgments published between 2014 and 2019 to determine the spatial distribution of different wildlife crime and illegal consumption patterns across China, and used multiscale modeling to test the effects of socioeconomic, geographic, and demographic correlates. The results indicated that geographic indicators and agricultural practices had a broad and positive impact on wildlife consumption, implying wildlife availability was a powerful incentive for wildlife crimes. In addition, urbanization and industrial structure were regionally sensitive in predicting convictions for wild meat, traditional medicine, and human-nature conflicts. Given the socioeconomic transformation in modern China, we predict that functional approaches of wildlife utilization will decrease in the coming years, but the illegal consumption characterized by financial and spiritual demand is unlikely to diminish. As a response, the prevention strategy should strengthen law enforcement on non-functional consumption and enhance nature education campaigns among youths across the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastrointestinal microbiome plays an important role in animal metabolism, immune system and pathology associated with health and disease. Many wild slow lorises were confiscated from illegal trade into captivities and experienced a range of changes in living environment and diet. Microbiome analysis contributes to improving captive management by identifying the alteration in their gastrointestinal microbial communities and aiding in determining the factors affecting the health of captive slow lorises. The fecal samples of eighteen Bengal slow lorises (Nycticebus bengalensis) were used to compare gut microbiota from four rescue centers located in Dehong, Gejiu, Nanning and Puer cities of China. The results showed a significant site-dependent difference in microbial community diversity. Similar to other Lorisinae species, the Phyla including Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria dominated their gut microbiome composition. The Gejiu group exhibited a higher overall diversity and the unique OTUs, which is resulted from long-term isolated husbandry and heavy human disturbances. The scarcity of gums in the captive diet was likely to cause a lower abundance of Prevotella associated with soluble fiber degradation. The variation of intestinal microbiota in different environments highlights the necessity to improve feed preparation and husbandry management for the captive Bengal slow lorises.

Knowledge about the impact of different geographical environments on rhesus macaque gut microbiota is limited. In this study, we compared the characteristics of gut microbiota in six different Chinese rhesus macaque populations, including Hainan, Nanning, Guizhou, Xichang, Jianchuan and Tibet. Through the composition analysis of operational taxonomic units (OTUs), we found that there were significant differences in the abundance of core overlapping OTUs in the six Chinese groups. Specifically, the Tibet population exhibited the highest gut microbial diversity and the most unique OTUs. Statistically significant differences in the composition of gut microbiota among the six groups at phylum and family level were evident. Specifically, Tibet had higher abundances of Firmicutes and lower abundances of Bacteroidetes than the other geographical groups, and the higher abundance of Firmicutes in the Tibetan group was mainly caused by a significant increase in the family Ruminococcaceae and Christensenellaceae. Phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved state analysis showed that the enrichment ratio for environmental information processing and organismal systems was the highest in the Tibet population. Additionally, our results suggested that in the adaptation process of rhesus macaques to different geographical environments, the abundance of the core common flora of the intestinal microbes had undergone varying degree of change and produced new and unique flora, both of which helped to reshape the gut microbiota of rhesus macaques. In particular, this change was more obvious for animals in the high-altitude environments.

The critically endangered western black-crested gibbon (Nomascus concolor) is distributed in isolated habitat fragments in northern Vietnam, northwestern Laos, and southwestern China. To assess the behavioral adaptation of this species to forest fragments and its response to seasonal variation in food availability and climate, we present activity patterns of a group inhabiting an isolated forest based on two year-long studies in southern Yunnan, China. Annually, the gibbons spent nearly half of their active time resting, followed by moving and feeding. In both study periods, the time allocated to activities varied significantly between months, and was affected by food availability and climate factors. The group delayed retirement when tree fruit was abundant, and they decreased time spent moving and playing during periods of low fruit availability. In the cold months, the gibbons decreased time spent moving, and they decreased active time and resting time when rainfall was high. The results suggest that the group may seek to maximize net energy intake like energy maximizers when high quality food is most available, and adopt an energy-conserving strategy during periods of lower food availability and temperature. The gibbons showed similar diurnal variation in activity patterns to a group inhabiting a continuous forest at Dazhaizi, Mt. Wuliang, central Yunnan. However, they had a longer active period, and devoted more time to resting but less time to feeding. The individuals also spent lower percentages of time engaged in social behavior than those at Dazhaizi. These differences may be due to their smaller home range and unusual group composition caused by habitat fragmentation.