Prevalence, predictors, and outcomes of acute respiratory distress syndrome in severe stroke.

OBJECTIVES: Patients with severe stroke are at high risk of developing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), but this severe complication was often under-diagnosed and rarely explored in stroke patients. We aimed to investigate the prevalence, early predictors, and outcomes of ARDS in severe stroke. METHODS: This prospective study included consecutive patients admitted to neurological intensive care unit (neuro-ICU) with severe stroke, including acute ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage. The incidence of ARDS was examined, and baseline characteristics and severity scores on admission were investigated as potential early predictors for ARDS. The in-hospital mortality, length of neuro-ICU stay, the total cost in neuro-ICU, and neurological functions at 90 days were explored. RESULTS: Of 140 patients included, 35 (25.0%) developed ARDS. Over 90% of ARDS cases occurred within 1 week of admission. Procalcitonin (OR 1.310 95% CI 1.005-1.707, P = 0.046) and PaO2/FiO2 on admission (OR 0.986, 95% CI 0.979-0.993, P < 0.001) were independently associated with ARDS, and high brain natriuretic peptide (OR 0.994, 95% CI 0.989-0.998, P = 0.003) was a red flag biomarker warning that the respiratory symptoms may be caused by cardiac failure rather than ARDS. ARDS patients had longer stays and higher expenses in neuro-ICU. Among patients with ARDS, 25 (62.5%) were moderate or severe ARDS. All the patients with moderate to severe ARDS had an unfavorable outcome at 90 days. CONCLUSIONS: ARDS is common in patients with severe stroke, with most cases occurring in the first week of admission. Procalcitonin and PaO2/FiO2 on admission are early predictors of ARDS. ARDS worsens both short-term and long-term outcomes. The conflict in respiratory support strategies between ARDS and severe stroke needs to be further studied.

The clinical value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) for predicting the occurrence and severity of pneumonia in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage.

Background: Inflammatory mechanisms play important roles in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and have been linked to the development of stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP). The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) are inflammatory indexes that influence systemic inflammatory responses after stroke. In this study, we aimed to compare the predictive value of the NLR, SII, SIRI and PLR for SAP in patients with ICH to determine their application potential in the early identification of the severity of pneumonia. Methods: Patients with ICH in four hospitals were prospectively enrolled. SAP was defined according to the modified Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria. Data on the NLR, SII, SIRI and PLR were collected at admission, and the correlation between these factors and the clinical pulmonary infection score (CPIS) was assessed through Spearman's analysis. Results: A total of 320 patients were enrolled in this study, among whom 126 (39.4%) developed SAP. The results of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed that the NLR had the best predictive value for SAP (AUC: 0.748, 95% CI: 0.695-0.801), and this outcome remained significant after adjusting for other confounders in multivariable analysis (RR=1.090, 95% CI: 1.029-1.155). Among the four indexes, Spearman's analysis showed that the NLR was the most highly correlated with the CPIS (r=0.537, 95% CI: 0.395-0.654). The NLR could effectively predict ICU admission (AUC: 0.732, 95% CI: 0.671-0.786), and this finding remained significant in the multivariable analysis (RR=1.049, 95% CI: 1.009-1.089, P=0.036). Nomograms were created to predict the probability of SAP occurrence and ICU admission. Furthermore, the NLR could predict a good outcome at discharge (AUC: 0.761, 95% CI: 0.707-0.8147). Conclusions: Among the four indexes, the NLR was the best predictor for SAP occurrence and a poor outcome at discharge in ICH patients. It can therefore be used for the early identification of severe SAP and to predict ICU admission.

Plio-Pleistocene climatic change drives allopatric speciation and population divergence within the Scrophularia incisa complex (Scrophulariaceae) of desert and steppe subshrubs in Northwest China.

Numerous temperate plants and animals on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) are hypothesized to have differentiated due to vicariant allopatric speciation associated with the geologic uplifts. However, this hypothesis has rarely been tested through a phylogeographic study of relative species in a broader geographic context, including the QTP, Tianshan Mountains, Mongolian Plateau, and surrounding regions. To understand the speciation and diversification process of plants across this wide area, phylogeographic analysis were examined from Scrophularia incisa and two other closely relative species comprising S. kiriloviana and S. dentata. Thirty-two populations of the three close relatives were genotyped using chloroplast DNA fragments and nuclear microsatellite loci to assess population structure and diversity, supplemented by phylogenetic dating, ancestral area reconstructions and species distribution modelings, as well as niche identity tests. Our chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) phylogeny showed that this monophyletic group of desert and steppe semi-shrub is derived from a Middle Pliocene ancestor of the Central Asia. Lineages in Central Asia vs. China diverged through climate/tectonic-induced vicariance during Middle Pliocene. Genetic and ENM data in conjunction with niche differentiation analyses support that the divergence of S. incisa, S. dentata and S. kiriloviana in China lineage proceeded through allopatric speciation, might triggered by early Pleistocene climate change of increase of aridification and enlargement of deserts, while subsequent climate-induced cycles of range contractions/expansions enhanced the geographical isolation and habit fragmentation of these taxa. These findings highlight the importance of the Plio-Pleistocene climate change in shaping genetic diversity and driving speciation in temperate steppes and deserts of Northwestern China.

Evolutionary Comparison of the Complete Chloroplast Genomes in Convallaria Species and Phylogenetic Study of Asparagaceae.

The genus Convallaria (Asparagaceae) comprises three herbaceous perennial species that are widely distributed in the understory of temperate deciduous forests in the Northern Hemisphere. Although Convallaria species have high medicinal and horticultural values, studies related to the phylogenetic analysis of this genus are few. In the present study, we assembled and reported five complete chloroplast (cp) sequences of three Convallaria species (two of C. keiskei Miq., two of C. majalis L., and one of C. montana Raf.) using Illumina paired-end sequencing data. The cp genomes were highly similar in overall size (161,365-162,972 bp), and all consisted of a pair of inverted repeats (IR) regions (29,140-29,486 bp) separated by a large single-copy (LSC) (85,183-85,521 bp) and a small single-copy (SSC) region (17,877-18,502 bp). Each cp genome contained the same 113 unique genes, including 78 protein-coding genes, 30 transfer RNA genes, and 4 ribosomal RNA genes. Gene content, gene order, AT content and IR/SC boundary structure were nearly identical among all of the Convallaria cp genomes. However, their lengths varied due to contraction/expansion at the IR/LSC borders. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) analyses indicated that the richest SSRs are A/T mononucleotides. Three highly variable regions (petA-psbJ, psbI-trnS and ccsA-ndhD) were identified as valuable molecular markers. Phylogenetic analysis of the family Asparagaceae using 48 cp genome sequences supported the monophyly of Convallaria, which formed a sister clade to the genus Rohdea. Our study provides a robust phylogeny of the Asparagaceae family. The complete cp genome sequences will contribute to further studies in the molecular identification, genetic diversity, and phylogeny of Convallaria.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Spiraea×vanhouttei (Briot) Zabel (Rosaceae).

Spiraea×vanhouttei (Rosaceae) is a frequently planted Spiraea species that is distributed in Shandong Province, Jiangsu Province, and Guangdong Province, China. The first complete chloroplast genome of Spiraea×vanhouttei was determined and described in this study. The genome is 155,957 bp in length and contained 129 encoded genes in total, including 84 protein-coding genes, eight ribosomal RNA genes, and 37 transfer RNA genes. The phylogenomic analysis showed that Spiraea×vanhouttei was closely related to Spiraea blumei according to the current sampling extent.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Spiraea japonica var. acuminata Franch. (Rosaceae).

Spirea japonica var. acuminata Franch. (Rosaceae) is a Chinese herbal medicine distributed in southwest and east China. The first complete chloroplast genome of Spirea japonica var. acuminata Franch. was assembled and reported in this study. The genome is 153,822 bp in length and contained 125 encoded genes in total, including 80 protein-coding genes, eight ribosomal RNA genes, and 37 transfer RNA genes. The phylogenomic analysis showed that Spirea japonica var. acuminata Franch. was closely related to Spirea blumei, Spirea trilobata, Spirea mongolica and Spirea insularis according to the current sampling extent.

A new propaguliferous species of Pohlia (Mielichhoferiaceae, Bryopsida) from Tibet, China.

A new propaguliferous moss species, Pohliatibetana X.R.Wang & X.M.Shao (Mielichhoferiaceae), from Tibet, southwest China, is described. The new species differs most saliently from other species of Pohlia by its combination of slender plants, loosely attached leaves and axillary solitary, and dark red and flower-like gemmae. In this paper, the line drawings, photographs, habit of the new species are provided and a morphological comparison of it with the similar species is made.

The efficacy and safety of alpha-adrenergic blockers for medical expulsion therapy in patients with ureteral calculi: A meta-analysis of placebo-controlled trials.

PURPOSE: Alpha-adrenergic blockers are commonly used as a medical expulsive therapy (MET) for patients with ureteral calculi. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of alpha-adrenergic blockers compared with a placebo when used as a MET. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We carried out a systematic search of the PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases, and the Cochrane Library, for relevant articles from inception to November 2020. Our aim was to identify placebo-controlled trails in which patients were randomized to receive either alpha-adrenergic blockers (tamsulosin, alfuzosin, doxazosin, terazosin, naftopidil, or silodosin) or a placebo for the treatment of ureteral calculi. RESULTS: According to strict inclusion criteria, database searches identified 8 placebo-controlled studies that included 2284 patients. Generally, α-blockers had no significant effect on the clearance of stones in the urinary tract (risk ratio [RR] = 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.00-1.11). However, subgroup analysis showed that α-blockers were effective in treating distal urinary tract stones (RR = 1.08; 95% CI = 1.02-1.15). With regards to adverse events, our analysis showed that the combination of MET with α-blockers was likely to cause dizziness (RR = 1.37; 95% CI = 1.06-1.79) and retrograde ejaculation (RR = 3.10; 95% CI = 1.81-5.29). CONCLUSION: Although α-blockers cannot improve the overall ureteral stone clearance rate, these drugs are still effective for the treatment of stones in the distal urinary tract. However, the application of α-blockers is likely to cause dizziness and/or retrograde ejaculation.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of wild Japanese pepper Tubocapsicum anomalum Makino (Solanaceae).

As an important medicinal herb, no complete organelle molecular data has been reported for Tubocapsicum anomalum. In this study, the first complete chloroplast genome of Tubocapsicum anomalum Makino was sequenced and assembled. The genome is 155,802 bp in length and contained 124 encoded genes in total, including 75 protein-coding genes, 10 ribosomal RNA genes, and 39 transfer RNA genes. The phylogenomic analysis showed that Tubocapsicum anomalum was closely related to Withania somnifera according the current sampling extent.

The complete chloroplast genome of balsam aster (Aster ageratoides Turcz. var. scaberulus (Miq.) Ling., Asteraceae).

The first complete chloroplast genome of Aster ageratoides Turcz. var. scaberulus (Miq.) Ling. is reported in this study. The total chloroplast genome size of A. ageratoides var. scaberulus was 153,071 bp and comprised of a large single-copy region (LSC with 84,896 bp), a small single-copy region (SSC with 18,269 bp), and two inverted repeat regions (IR with 24,953 bp). A total of 122 genes were included in the genome, including 83 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 37 tRNA genes. Eleven protein-coding genes had intron (ycf3, clpP and rps12 gene contained two introns. Further phylogenomic analysis of Asteraceae, including 13 taxa, was conducted for the placement of A. ageratoides var. scaberulus.

Super-Dispersed Fe-N Sites Embedded into Porous Graphitic Carbon for ORR: Size, Composition and Activity Control.

Searching for high-efficient, good long-term stability, and low-cost electrocatalysts toward oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is highly desirable for the development of sustainable energy conversion devices. Iron-nitrogen doped carbon (Fe-N/C) catalysts have been recognized as the most promising candidates for traditional Pt-based catalysts that benefit from their high activity, excellent anti-poisoning ability, and inexpensiveness. Here, a super-dispersed and high-performance Fe-N/C catalyst was derived from chemically Fe-doped zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) by directly bonding Fe ions to imidazolate ligands within 3D frameworks. It produced a series of catalysts, whose sizes could be tuned in the range from 62 to over 473 nm in diameter. After rationally regulating the component and heating treatment, the best ORR activity was measured for the catalyst with a size of 105 nm, which was obtained when the Fe3+/Zn2+ molar ratio was 0.05 and carbonization temperature was 900 °C. It exhibited a high onset potential (Eonset = 0.99 V) and half-wave potential (E1/2 = 0.885 V) compared with a commercial 20% Pt/C catalyst (Eonset = 0.10 V, E1/2 = 0.861 V) as well as much better durability and methanol resistance in an alkaline electrolyte.

The complete chloroplast genome sequences of Hippuris vulgaris (Plantaginaceae).

Two complete chloroplast genomes of Hippuris vulgaris (H. vulgaris_A and H. vulgaris_B), representing two distinct clades in China, were sequenced and assembled in this study. The circular genomes were 152,763 and 152,713 bp in length and exhibit a typical quadripartite structure of the large single-copy (LSC, 82,983/82,949 bp) and small single-copy (SSC, 18,294/18,278 bp) regions, separated by a pair of inverted repeats (IRs, both 25,743 bp). Both two cp genomes identically contain 133 genes, including 88 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA, and eight rRNA genes. The phylogenetic analysis within Plantaginaceae demonstrated Hippuris an independent clade included in the expanded Plantaginaceae.

[Characteristics of Phyllosphere and Rhizosphere Bacterial Communities in Bothriochloa ischaemum in Copper Tailings].

The phyllosphere and rhizosphere of plants and their living environment jointly form a complex ecosystem. Rhizosphere microorganisms are also the main driving force of the circulation of soil materials, which can provide a basis for the growth and development of plants. Phyllosphere and rhizosphere microorganisms can also be used as ecological indicators, and play significant roles in the ecological stability and recovery of mining areas. In this study, we selected a dominant species, Bothriochloa ischaemum, as the research object. We studied the characteristics of phyllosphere and rhizosphere bacterial communities in B. ischaemum from copper tailings with high-throughput sequencing methods. We explored the key ecological factors affecting the structure and diversity of phyllosphere and rhizosphere bacterial communities in B. ischaemum. The results showed that there were significant differences in the bacterial community structures between the rhizosphere and phyllosphere. The dominant phyllosphere bacterial genera of B. ischaemum included Pseudomonas, Enterobacter, and Sphingomonas. The dominant rhizosphere bacterial genera were Acidibacter and Solrubrobacter. Moreover, the Shannon diversity, abundance-based coverage estimator (ACE), and Chao1 indices of rhizosphere bacterial communities were significantly higher than those of phyllosphere communities. The key ecological factors affecting the dominant phyllosphere and rhizosphere bacterial genera included soil water content, pH, soil arsenic and zinc, total nitrogen, and sulfur of B. ischaemum, as well as plant cadmium and chromium. Furthermore, the Shannon diversity indices of rhizosphere bacterial communities were negatively correlated with root copper contents, and Simpson indices were positively correlated with root total nitrogen. There was a significant positive correlation between the ACE index and leaf total sculpture. These results provide a scientific basis for the exploration and utilization of phyllosphere and rhizosphere bacterial resources, and could improve the efficiency of ecological restoration in copper tailings.

[Effects of Heavy Metal Contents on Phyllosphere and Rhizosphere Fungal Communities for Bothriochloa ischaemum in Copper Tailings Area].

There are complex interrelationships between plant microorganisms (phyllosphere and rhizosphere) and host plants, which can promote plant growth and enhance the tolerance of host plants to stress. In this study, we selected the dominant species Bothriochloa ischaemum as the research subject in a copper tailings dam. Using high-throughput sequencing, we investigated the structures of the fungal communities and diversities in the phyllosphere and rhizosphere of B. ischaemum. This study also explored the effects of heavy metal content on fungal community characteristics. The results showed that Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were the dominant phyla in the phyllosphere and rhizosphere of B. ischaemum. The diversities and richness of the rhizosphere fungal community were higher than that of the phyllosphere fungal community. The diversities of rhizosphere and phyllosphere fungal communities was affected by different heavy metals. Phyllosphere fungal diversity was mainly affected by the content of Zn and Cu in leaves, and the content of Pb in roots was the key factor affecting the diversity of the rhizophere fungal community. Furthermore, Pleosporaceae had a very significant positive correlation with Cd in the phyllosphere, and Nectriaceae had a significant positive correlation with Zn in the rhizosphere. These fungal communities could be used as indicators of ecological recovery in areas with heavy metal pollution. The results could provide an ecological basis for the exploration and utilization of phyllosphere or rhizosphere fungi resources during ecological restoration processes. This study also provides guidance for selecting the plant-microbial symbionts during ecological restoration in areas with heavy metal pollution.

Development of 19 novel microsatellite markers of lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria, Asparagaceae) from transcriptome sequencing.

The lily-of-the-valley Convallaria (Asparagaceae) consists of three herbaceous perennial species. The plants are commonly found in northern hemisphere, and are best-known for their ornamental and pharmaceutical value. In order to assess the genetic structure, diversity and demographic history of Convallaria species, 19 novel microsatellite markers were developed based on transcriptome data of C. keiskei. Polymorphism and cross-amplification of the markers were tested in three populations of C. keiskei and one population each of C. majalis and C. montana. The transferability rate in two species was both 89.5%. The average number of alleles detected per locus was 7.7, 3.3 and 2.7 in C. keiskei, C. majalis and C. montana, respectively, and the polymorphism information content correspondingly varied from 0.067 to 0.730, from 0.071 to 0.637 and from 0.195 to 0.680 at the population level. The observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.000 to 1.000 and from 0.000 to 0.833, respectively. Seven of the 19 loci showed significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The availability of these markers will provide a useful molecular tool for further population genetics, phylogeographic and breeding studies of Convallaria species.

The complete chloroplast genome of endangered Zhangjiajie sage Salvia daiguii Y. K. Wei & Y. B. Huang (Lamiaceae).

The complete chloroplast genome of Zhangjiajie sage, Salvia daiguii, was assembled in this study. The genome is 151,434 bp in length and contained 134 encoded genes in total, including 88 protein-coding genes, eight ribosomal RNA genes, and 37 transfer RNA genes. The result of phylogenetic analysis based on 17 chloroplast genomes revealed that S. daiguii is clustered with Salvia miltiorrhiza in Lamiaceae.

The complete chloroplast genome of Russian sage Salvia yangii B. T. Drew (Lamiaceae).

The complete chloroplast genome of Russian sage Salvia yangii B. T. Drew was assembled in this study. The genome is 151,473 bp in length and contained 129 encoded genes in total, including 84 protein-coding genes, eight ribosomal RNA genes, and 37 transfer RNA genes. The result of phylogenetic analysis based on 15 chloroplast genomes revealed that S. yangii is closely related to common sage (Salvia officinalis) in Lamiaceae.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of plumed cockscomb (Celosia argentea, Amaranthaceae).

The complete chloroplast genome of Celosia argentea, an important horticultural and medicinal herb, was identified and sequenced in this study. The genome size is 153,474 bp, the GC content is 36.7%. A total of 123 genes were identified, including 84 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 33 tRNA genes. Twenty-nine plastome accessions from Caryophyllales were selected to assess the phylogenetic placement of genus and the result showed that C. argentea is most closely related to Amaranthus hypochondriacus.

The complete chloroplast genome of Mexican marigold (Tagetes erecta L., Asteraceae).

Tagetes erecta is an important ornamental and medicinal plant indigenous to Mexico and Guatemala. The complete chloroplast genome of T. erecta was newly sequenced in this study. The total chloropalst genome size of T. erecta was 152,055 bp. In total, 123 genes were indetified, including 79 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 37 tRNA genes. Twelve genes are containing introns (ycf3 and clpP contained two introns). The overall GC content of this genome was 37.4%. A further phylogenomic analysis of Asteraceae, including 23 taxa, was conducted for the placement of genus Tagetes. The complete plastome of T. erecta will provide a valuable resource for further genetic conservation, evolution, and molecular breading studies in Asteraceae.