Molecular phylogeny of Hesperiidae (Lepidoptera) with an emphasis on Asian and African genera.

Despite considerable research efforts in recent years, the deeper phylogenetic relationships among skipper butterflies (Hesperiidae) remain unresolved. This is primarily because of limited sampling, especially within Asian and African lineages. In this study, we consolidated previous data and extensively sampled Asian and African taxa to elucidate the phylogenetic relationships within Hesperiidae. The molecular dataset comprised sequences from two mitochondrial and two nuclear gene regions from 563 species that represented 353 genera. Our analyses revealed seven subfamilies within Hesperiidae: Coeliadinae, Euschemoninae, Eudaminae, Pyrginae, Heteropterinae, Trapezitinae, and Hesperiinae. The systematics of most tribes and genera aligned with those of prior studies. However, notable differences were observed in several tribes and genera. Overall, the position of taxa assigned to incertae sedis in Hesperiinae is largely clarified in this study. Our results strongly support the monophyly of the tribe Tagiadini (Pyrginae), and the systematics of some genera are clarified with comprehensive discussion. We recognize 15 tribes within the subfamily Hesperiinae. Of these, nine tribes are discussed in detail: Aeromachini, Astictopterini, Erionotini, Unkanini (new status), Ancistroidini, Ismini (confirmed status), Plastingini (new status), Gretnini (confirmed status), and Eetionini (confirmed status). We propose four subtribes within Astictopterini: Hypoleucina subtrib.n., Aclerosina, Cupithina, and Astictopterina. Furthermore, we describe a new genus (Hyarotoidesgen.n.) and reinstate two genera (Zeareinst.stat. and Separeinst.stat.) as valid. Additionally, we propose several new combinations: Zea mythecacomb.n.,Sepa bononiacomb.n. & reinst.stat., and Sepa umbrosacomb.n. This study, with extensive sampling of Asian and African taxa, greatly enhances the understanding of the knowledge of the skipper tree of life.

Mapping the function of MicroRNAs as a critical regulator of tumor-immune cell communication in breast cancer and potential treatment strategies.

Among women, breast cancer ranks as the most prevalent form of cancer, and the presence of metastases significantly reduces prognosis and diminishes overall survival rates. Gaining insights into the biological mechanisms governing the conversion of cancer cells, their subsequent spread to other areas of the body, and the immune system's monitoring of tumor growth will contribute to the advancement of more efficient and targeted therapies. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a critical role in the interaction between tumor cells and immune cells, facilitating tumor cells' evasion of the immune system and promoting cancer progression. Additionally, miRNAs also influence metastasis formation, including the establishment of metastatic sites and the transformation of tumor cells into migratory phenotypes. Specifically, dysregulated expression of these genes has been associated with abnormal expression of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, thereby facilitating tumor development. This study aims to provide a concise overview of the significance and function of miRNAs in breast cancer, focusing on their involvement as tumor suppressors in the antitumor immune response and as oncogenes in metastasis formation. Furthermore, miRNAs hold tremendous potential as targets for gene therapy due to their ability to modulate specific pathways that can either promote or suppress carcinogenesis. This perspective highlights the latest strategies developed for miRNA-based therapies.

Efficacy of a sepsis clinical decision support system in identifying patients with sepsis in the emergency department.

BACKGROUND: Early prediction of sepsis onset is crucial for reducing mortality and the overall cost burden of sepsis treatment. Currently, few effective and accurate prediction tools are available for sepsis. Hence, in this study, we developed an effective sepsis clinical decision support system (S-CDSS) to assist emergency physicians to predict sepsis. METHODS: This study included patients who had visited the emergency department (ED) of Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Taiwan, between January 1, 2020, and June 31, 2022. The patients were divided into a derivation cohort (n = 70,758) and a validation cohort (n = 27,545). The derivation cohort was subjected to sixfold stratified cross-validation, reserving 20% of the data (n = 11,793) for model testing. The primary study outcome was a sepsis prediction (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification) before discharge from the ED. The S-CDSS incorporated the LightGBM algorithm to ensure timely and accurate prediction of sepsis. The validation cohort was subjected to multivariate logistic regression to identify the associations of S-CDSS-based high- and medium-risk alerts with clinical outcomes in the overall patient cohort. For each clinical outcome in high- and medium-risk patients, we calculated the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, positive and negative likelihood ratios, and accuracy of S-CDSS-based predictions. RESULTS: The S-CDSS was integrated into our hospital information system. The system featured three risk warning labels (red, yellow, and white, indicating high, medium, and low risks, respectively) to alert emergency physicians. The sensitivity and specificity of the S-CDSS in the derivation cohort were 86.9% and 92.5%, respectively. In the validation cohort, high- and medium-risk alerts were significantly associated with all clinical outcomes, exhibiting high prediction specificity for intubation, general ward admission, intensive care unit admission, ED mortality, and in-hospital mortality (93.29%, 97.32%, 94.03%, 93.04%, and 93.97%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the S-CDSS can effectively identify patients with suspected sepsis in the ED. Furthermore, S-CDSS-based predictions appear to be strongly associated with clinical outcomes in patients with sepsis.

BECN1 regulates FADD/RIPK1/Caspase-8 complex formation via RIPK1 ubiquitination by downregulating OTUD1 in MI/R induced myocyte apoptosis.

BACKGROUND: Cardiomyocyte apoptosis plays a vital role in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (MI/R) injury; however, the role of beclin1 (BECN1) remains unclear. This study aimed at revealing the function of BECN1 during cardiomyocyte apoptosis after MI/R injury. METHODS: In vivo, TTC and Evan's blue double staining was applied to verify the gross morphological alteration in both wild type (WT) mice and BECN1 transgene mice (BECN1-TG), and TUNEL staining and western blot were adopted to evaluate the cardiomyocyte apoptosis. In vitro, a hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) model was established in H9c2 cells to simulate MI/R injury. Proteomics analysis was preformed to verify if apoptosis occurs in the H/R cellular model. And apoptosis factors, RIPK1, Caspase-1, Caspase-3, and cleaved Caspase-3, were investigated using western bolting. In addition, the mRNA level were verified using RT-PCR. To further investigate the protein interactions small interfering RNA and lentiviral transfection were used. To continue investigate the protein interactions, immunofluorescence and coimmunoprecipitation were applied. RESULTS: Morphologically, BECN1 significantly attenuated the apoptosis from TTC-Evan's staining, TUNEL, and cardiac tissue western blot. After H/R, a RIPK1-induced complex (complex II) containing RIPK1, Caspase-8, and FADD was formed. Thereafter, cleaved Caspase-3 was activated, and myocyte apoptosis occurred. However, BECN1 decreased the expression of RIPK1, Caspase-8, and FADD. Nevertheless, BECN1 overexpression increased RIPK1 ubiquitination before apoptosis by inhibiting OTUD1. CONCLUSIONS: BECN1 regulates FADD/RIPK1/Caspase-8 complex formation via RIPK1 ubiquitination by downregulating OTUD1 in C-Caspase-3-induced myocyte apoptosis after MI/R injury. Therefore, BECN1 can function as a cardioprotective candidate.

Easily scale 3D conductive gradient fiber membrane for contaminants removal and fouling mitigation under electrochemical assistance.

An electrochemical membrane filtration system provides an innovative approach to enhance contaminant removal and mitigate membrane fouling. There is an urgent need to develop portable, versatile, and efficient electrochemical membranes for affordable wastewater treatment. Here, a 3D conductive gradient fiber membrane (CC/PVDF) with a gradient porous structure was prepared using a two-step phase inversion method. Methyl orange (MO) was utilized as model organic substance to investigate the electrochemical performance of the CC/PVDF membrane. At applied potentials of +2 V, +3 V, -2 V and -3 V, the removal efficiency of MO was 5.1, 5.3, 4.8, and 5.1 times higher than at 0 V. A dramatic flux loss of 35.02% occurred on the membrane without electrochemistry, interestingly, whereas the flux losses were only 23.59%-10.24% in the applied potential after 30 min of filtration, which were approximately 1.18, 1.28, 1.29 and 1.38 times as high as that without electrochemistry, respectively. The enhanced removal and anti-fouling performances of the membranes were attributed to the functions of electrochemical degradation, electrostatic repulsion, and electrically enhanced wettability. Electrochemical generation of Hydrogen peroxide, along with HO• radicals, was detected and direct electron transfer and HO• were proved to be the dominant oxidants responsible for MO degradation. The intermediate oxidation products were identified by mass spectrometry, and an electrochemical degradation pathway of MO was proposed based on bond-breaking oxidation, ring-opening reactions, and complete oxidation. All the findings emphasize that the ECMF system possesses superior efficiency and creative potential for water purification applications.

Genetic polymorphism and clustering of the Plasmodium cynomolgi Duffy binding protein 1 region II of recent macaque isolates from Peninsular Malaysia.

Plasmodium cynomolgi is a simian malaria parasite that has been increasingly infecting humans. It is naturally present in the long-tailed and pig-tailed macaques in Southeast Asia. The P. cynomolgi Duffy binding protein 1 region II [PcDBP1(II)] plays an essential role in the invasion of the parasite into host erythrocytes. This study investigated the genetic polymorphism, natural selection and haplotype clustering of PcDBP1(II) from wild macaque isolates in Peninsular Malaysia. The genomic DNA of 50 P. cynomolgi isolates was extracted from the macaque blood samples. Their PcDBP1(II) gene was amplified using a semi-nested PCR, cloned into a plasmid vector and subsequently sequenced. The polymorphism, natural selection and haplotypes of PcDBP1(II) were analysed using MEGA X and DnaSP ver.6.12.03 programmes. The analyses revealed high genetic polymorphism of PcDBP1(II) (π = 0.026 ± 0.004; Hd = 0.996 ± 0.001), and it was under purifying (negative) selection. A total of 106 haplotypes of PcDBP1(II) were identified. Phylogenetic and haplotype analyses revealed two groups of PcDBP1(II). Amino acid length polymorphism was observed between the groups, which may lead to possible phenotypic difference between them.

Valproic acid for agitation in the intensive care unit: an observational study of psychiatric consults.

BACKGROUND: Agitation is a common clinical problem encountered in the intensive care unit (ICU). Treatment options are based on clinical experience and sparse quality literature. AIM: The aim of this study was to describe the effect of valproic acid (VPA) as adjuvant treatment for agitation in the ICU, identify predictors of response to VPA and evaluate the independent effect of VPA on agitation compared to standard of care (SOC). METHOD: This retrospective single center observational study evaluated adult patients admitted to the ICU for whom a psychiatric consultation was requested for agitation management, with agitation defined as a Richmond Agitation Sedation Score of 2 or greater. A descriptive analysis of the proportion of agitation-free patients per day of follow-up, the incidence of agitation-related-events, as well as the evolution of co-medications use over time are presented. A logistic regression model was used to assess predictors of VPA response, defined as being agitation-free on Day 7 and generalized estimating equations were used to evaluate the independent effect of VPA as adjuvant therapy for agitation in the critically ill. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-five patients were included in the study with 78 receiving VPA. The percentage of agitation-free patients on VPA was 6.5% (5/77) on Day 1, 14.1% (11/78) on Day 3 and 39.5% (30/76) on Day 7. Multivariate regression model for clinical and demographic variables identified female gender as predictor of response on Day 7 (OR 6.10 [1.18-31.64], p = 0.03). The independent effect of VPA was non-significant when compared to SOC. CONCLUSION: Although VPA used as adjuvant treatment was associated with a decrease in agitation, its effect when compared to SOC did not yield significant results.

Combining Porous Se@SiO2 Nanocomposites and dECM Enhances the Myogenic Differentiation of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells.

Background: Volumetric Muscle Loss (VML) denotes the traumatic loss of skeletal muscle, a condition that can result in chronic functional impairment and even disability. While the body can naturally repair injured skeletal muscle within a limited scope, patients experiencing local and severe muscle loss due to VML surpass the compensatory capacity of the muscle itself. Currently, clinical treatments for VML are constrained and demonstrate minimal efficacy. Selenium, a recognized antioxidant, plays a crucial role in regulating cell differentiation, anti-inflammatory responses, and various other physiological functions. Methods: We engineered a porous Se@SiO2 nanocomposite (SeNPs) with the purpose of releasing selenium continuously and gradually. This nanocomposite was subsequently combined with a decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) to explore their collaborative protective and stimulatory effects on the myogenic differentiation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs). The influence of dECM and NPs on the myogenic level, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) activity of ADSCs was evaluated using Western Blot, ELISA, and Immunofluorescence assay. Results: Our findings demonstrate that the concurrent application of SeNPs and dECM effectively mitigates the apoptosis and intracellular ROS levels in ADSCs. Furthermore, the combination of dECM with SeNPs significantly upregulated the expression of key myogenic markers, including MYOD, MYOG, Desmin, and myosin heavy chain in ADSCs. Notably, this combination also led to an increase in both the number of mitochondria and the respiratory chain activity in ADSCs. Conclusion: The concurrent application of SeNPs and dECM effectively diminishes ROS production, boosts mitochondrial function, and stimulates the myogenic differentiation of ADSCs. This study lays the groundwork for future treatments of VML utilizing the combination of SeNPs and dECM.

Effects of Preservation of Donor Liver Gastroduodenal Artery on Post-Transplant Biliary Complications in 187 Liver Transplant Recipients: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the effects of preservation of the donor liver gastroduodenal artery on post-transplant biliary complications in 187 liver transplant recipients. MATERIAL AND METHODS The clinical data of 187 liver transplantation recipients were retrospectively analyzed. Recipients were divided into conventional and modified groups. The technical point of the modified group is to preserve at least 2 cm of the distal gastroduodenal artery, and pay special attention to preserve the superior pancreaticoduodenal artery to ensure the distal blood supply to the common bile duct. RESULTS The modified group had significantly shorter operative time (7.17 vs 7.98) h (P<0.001) and less intraoperative blood loss (2715.40 vs 3434.93) ml (P=0.003) than the conventional group. The incidence of postoperative biliary complications (including anastomotic biliary leakage, ischemic bile duct stenosis, and anastomotic bile duct stenosis) in the modified group (4/114, 4.1%) was significantly lower (15/73, 20.5%) (P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the intraoperative cold and warm ischemia time and postoperative hospital stay length between the 2 groups. In addition, there was no significant difference in the effect of cardiac-death and brain-death sources on perioperative biliary complications, while the peak postoperative transaminase and total bilirubin were higher in patients receiving the donor liver of cardiac death (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Preserving the integrity of the donor gastroduodenal artery and surrounding tissue is beneficial to protect the blood supply of the extrahepatic bile duct, and can reduce the incidence of biliary complications.

[Properties of new exotic traditional Chinese medicinal Vernonia amygdalina leaves:a literature research].

The leaves of Vernonia amygdalina Delile of the family Asteraceae(also known as "bitter leaf"), rich in biological activities, are used as both medicine and food for a long time in West tropical Africa. They have been introduced into Southeast Asia and Fujian and Guangdong provinces of China in recent years. However, little is known about the properties of the plant in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), which limits its combination with other Chinese medicinal herbs. In this study, 473 articles on V. amygdalina leaves were selected from PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang Data and VIP to summarize their components, pharmacological effects and clinical research. V. amygdalina leaves presented anti-microbial, hypoglycemic, anti-hypertensive, lipid-lowering, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and other pharmacological effects. On the basis of the theory of TCM properties, the leaves were inferred to be cold in property and bitter and sweet in flavor, acting on spleen, liver, stomach and large intestine and with the functions of clearing heat, drying dampness, purging fire, removing toxin, killing insects and preventing attack of malaria. They can be used to treat dampness-heat diarrhea, interior heat and diabetes, malaria, insect accumulation and eczema(5-10 g dry leaves by decoction per day and an appropriate amount of crushed fresh leaves applying to the affected area for external use). Due to the lack of TCM properties, V. amygdalina leaves are rarely used medicinally in China. The determination of medicinal properties of the leaves is conducive to the introduction of new exotic medicinal herbs and the development of new TCM resources, which facilitated further clinical application and research and development of Chinese medicinal herbs.

Inter-Population Genetic Diversity and Clustering of Merozoite Surface Protein-1 (pkmsp-1) of Plasmodium knowlesi Isolates from Malaysia and Thailand.

The genetic diversity of pkmsp-1 of Malaysian Plasmodium knowlesi isolates was studied recently. However, the study only included three relatively older strains from Peninsular Malaysia and focused mainly on the conserved blocks of this gene. In this study, the full-length pkmsp-1 sequence of recent P. knowlesi isolates from Peninsular Malaysia was characterized, along with Malaysian Borneo and Thailand pkmsp-1 sequences that were retrieved from GenBank. Genomic DNA of P. knowlesi was extracted from human blood specimens and the pkmsp-1 gene was PCR-amplified, cloned, and sequenced. The sequences were analysed for genetic diversity, departure from neutrality, and geographical clustering. The pkmsp-1 gene was found to be under purifying/negative selection and grouped into three clusters via a neighbour-joining tree and neighbour net inferences. Of the four polymorphic blocks in pkmsp-1, block IV, was most polymorphic, with the highest insertion-deletion (indel) sites. Two allelic families were identified in block IV, thereby highlighting the importance of this block as a promising genotyping marker for the multiplicity of infection study of P. knowlesi malaria. A single locus marker may provide an alternate, simpler method to type P. knowlesi in a population.

Ranunculusjiguanshanicus (Ranunculaceae), a new species from Sichuan, China.

Ranunculusjiguanshanicus (Ranunculaceae), a new species from Chongzhou in Sichuan province, China, is here described and illustrated. The new species is easily distinguishable from other Chinese members of the genus by an array of characters, including small stature, glabrous and prostrate stems, 3-foliolate leaves with obvious petiolules (3-5 mm long), unequally 3-sected leaflets, lanceolate to linear ultimate leaflet segments, small flowers (5.2-6 mm in diameter), and long styles in the carpels and achenes (ca. 0.8 mm long). A distribution map of this new species is also provided.

Ranunculusmaoxianensis (Ranunculaceae), a new species from northwestern Sichuan, China, with an emended description of R.chongzhouensis, the putative closest ally of the new species.

Ranunculusmaoxianensis (Ranunculaceae), a new species from Jiuding Shan in Maoxian county, northwestern Sichuan province, China, is here illustrated and described. The species is morphologically similar to R.chongzhouensis, a species also occurring in Sichuan, in having reniform leaves and puberulous receptacles, carpels and achenes, but differs by having leaves adaxially puberulous with shorter appressed hairs 0.16‒0.28 mm long (vs. longer appressed hairs 0.55‒0.85 mm long), larger flowers (1.8‒2 cm vs. 1.4‒1.6 cm in diameter), larger (8‒10 × 5.5‒6.5 mm vs. 6‒7 × 4.5‒5 mm) and widely obovate petals (vs. obovate), more numerous stamens (35‒55 vs. 12‒18), and subglobose gynoecium and aggregate fruit (vs. ellipsoid). The two species are also different in chromosome number and chromosome morphology. Ranunculuschongzhouensis has a karyotype of 2n = 2x = 16 = 10m + 6sm while R.maoxianensis has a karyotype of 2n = 4x = 32 = 16m + 16sm. An emended description of R.chongzhouensis is provided, and its geographical distribution is largely extended.

Ranunculusluanchuanensis (Ranunculaceae), a new species from Henan, China.

Ranunculusluanchuanensis (Ranunculaceae), a new species from Laojun Shan in Luanchuan county, Henan province, central China, is here illustrated and described. It is morphologically similar to R.limprichtii in having 3-lobed and subreniform basal leaves, 3-lobed cauline leaves, and small flowers with reflexed and caducous sepals, but differs by having slender and basally slightly thickened roots (vs. fusiform), prostrate stems (vs. erect), obliquely ovoid and glabrous carpels and achenes (vs. widely ovoid and puberulous), longer styles in the carpels (ca. 1.2 mm vs. 0.6-0.8 mm) and achenes (ca. 1.8 mm vs. 0.6-0.8 mm), and glabrous receptacles (vs. sparsely puberulous). Ranunculusluanchuanensis, currently known only from its type locality, is geographically isolated from R.limprichtii, a species widely distributed in Gansu, Qinghai, Sichuan, Xizang (Tibet) and Yunnan, China. The distribution map of this new species and its putative closest ally, R.limprichtii, is also provided.

Cerebral small-vessel disease at high altitude: A comparison of patients from plateau and plain.

Background and purpose: Cerebral small-vessel disease (CSVD) is prevalent worldwide and one of the major causes of stroke and dementia. For patients with CSVD at high altitude, a special environmental status, limited information is known about their clinical phenotype and specific neuroimaging change. We investigated the clinical and neuroimaging features of patients residing at high altitude by comparing with those in the plain, trying to explore the impact of high altitude environment on CSVD. Methods: Two cohorts of CSVD patients from the Tibet Autonomous Region and Beijing were recruited retrospectively. In addition to the collection of clinical diagnoses, demographic information and traditional vascular risk factors, the presence, location, and severity of lacunes and white matter hyperintensities were assessed by manual counting and using age-related white matter changes (ARWMC) rating scale. Differences between the two groups and influence of long-term residing in the plateau were analyzed. Results: A total of 169 patients in Tibet (high altitude) and 310 patients in Beijing (low altitude) were enrolled. Fewer patients in high altitude group were found with acute cerebrovascular events and concomitant traditional vascular risk factors. The median (quartiles) ARWMC score was 10 (4, 15) in high altitude group and 6 (3, 12) in low altitude group. Less lacunes were detected in high altitude group [0 (0, 4)] than in low altitude group [2 (0, 5)]. In both groups, most lesions located in the subcortical (especially frontal) and basal ganglia regions. Logistic regressions showed that age, hypertension, family history of stroke, and plateau resident were independently associated with severe white matter hyperintensities, while plateau resident was negatively correlated with lacunes. Conclusion: Patients of CSVD residing at high altitude showed more severe WMH but less acute cerebrovascular events and lacunes in neuroimaging, comparing to patients residing at low altitude. Our findings suggest potential biphasic effect of high altitude on the occurrence and progression of CSVD.

Dermoscopy in Mycobacterium marinum infection and its correlation with clinical and histopathological features: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Mycobacterium marinum is a nontuberculous mycobacterium and a conditional pathogen to humans, which can be inoculated directly and cause chronic skin granulomas. Dermoscopy has been applied to other granulomatous skin diseases, but not to M. marinum infection. AIM: To explore the dermoscopic features of M. marinum infection, and its correlation with clinical and histopathological features. METHODS: In total, 27 lesions from 27 patients (19 women, 8 men, age range 28-71 years) diagnosed with M. marinum infection were identified by clinical examination, histopathological results, PCR sequencing and mycobacterial culture in the dermatology outpatient department of our hospital from March 2020 to February 2022. The dermoscopy images and pathological characteristics were analysed. RESULTS: Lesions were located on the hands, forearms and upper arms. The following dermoscopic features were observed: yellowish-orange structureless areas (85·2%), white striped structures (59·3%), follicular plugs (29·6%), yellowish oval clods (14·8%) and reddish or pinkish areas (14·8%). Vessel structures were visible in all cases: long hairpin vessels (81·5%), corkscrew vessels (25·9%), comma-shaped vessels (22·2%) and linear vessels (22·2%). CONCLUSION: Yellowish-orange structureless areas, white striped structures and long hairpin vessels are the most common dermoscopic features of M. marinum infection. Thus, dermoscopy could be used as a noninvasive auxiliary diagnostic method to provide a diagnostic basis for this disease.

 Sinoseneciominshanicus (Asteraceae, Senecioneae), a new species from south-eastern Gansu and northern Sichuan, China.

Sinoseneciominshanicus (Asteraceae, Senecioneae), a new species from south-eastern Gansu (Wenxian and Zhugqu counties) and northern Sichuan (Pingwu county), China, is described and illustrated. This species is similar to S.rotundifolius, a species locally endemic to Songpan county in northern Sichuan, in having a scapigerous habit, orbicular leaves and solitary capitula, but differs by the presence (vs. absence) of stolons and by having thinner rhizomes (ca. 2 mm vs. more than 5 mm in diameter), stems proximally sparsely fulvous arachnoid or glabrescent (vs. densely sericeous-villous) and obscure (vs. conspicuous) main veins on adaxial surface of leaves. The chromosome number of the new species is reported to be 2n = 60. Colour photographs of living plants in the wild and a distribution map are provided for the new species and S.rotundifolius. The geographical distribution of S.rotundifolius is also corrected, with the previous record of this species from south-eastern Gansu (Wenxian county) actually referring to S.minshanicus.

Sinoseneciopingwuensis (Asteraceae, Senecioneae), a new species from northern Sichuan, China.

Sinoseneciopingwuensis (Asteraceae, Senecioneae), a new species from Pingwu county in northern Sichuan, China, is described and illustrated. This species is distinguished in Sinosenecio by having leathery, glabrous, ovate or ovate-oblong leaves often pinnately-veined and solitary capitula 2.3-4.3 cm in diameter, a unique character combination hitherto never recorded in the genus. Two floral micromorphological characters (configuration of filament collar of stamens and anther endothecial cell wall thickenings) and achene surface features of the new species are reported. Color photographs of living plants and a distribution map are also provided for the new species.

Detection of skin thickness and density in healthy Chinese people by using high-frequency ultrasound.

OBJECTIVES: Due to a recent development of high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) systems, it is easier to realize high-resolution in vivo imaging of the biological tissues. The object of this study was to map the thickness and echo density of skin layers in healthy Chinese people and assess the influence of gender, age, and region on it. METHODS: A total of 189 volunteers (85 male, 104 female) with age range of 22-75-year old (mean age of 41.2-year old) were enrolled. The thickness and density of the epidermis and dermis layer were detected by high-frequency (22 or 75 MHz) ultrasonography at 13 different anatomical sites, including the forehead, cheeks, flexor and extensor forearms, flexor and extensor upper arms, inner and outer legs, inner and outer thighs, back, and abdomen. RESULTS: The thickness and density of epidermis/dermis between different anatomical sites were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The epidermis thickness of the face and trunk were less than that of the limbs, whereas the thicknesses of the dermis were on the contrary. The density of the epidermis/dermis of the face and trunk were less than that of the limbs. The thickness of dermis in most of the sites were higher in male than in female, and the density of epidermis and dermis in most of the sites were less in men than in women. The thicknesses/densities of dermis were lower in older age group in almost all sites, whereas only several sites reached statistical. The difference between the north and south regions showed the environment also influenced the thickness and density of the skin. CONCLUSION: HFUS provides a simple noninvasive method for evaluating the skin thickness and echo-density, which, reflecting intradermal structure, exhibit systematic regional variation. With the establishment of Chinese phenotypic database of skin thickness and density, it will be helpful for the skin disease assessment, skin surgery, and cosmetology technology.