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A new propaguliferous moss species, Pohlia tibetana 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.

BackgroundInflammatory 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.MethodsPatients 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.ResultsA 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).ConclusionsAmong 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.

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.

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 of medicinal Reynoutria japonica Houtt. was sequenced and assembled in this study. The genome is 163,410 bp in length and contained 129 encoded genes in total, including 86 protein-coding genes, 8 ribosomal RNA genes, and 36 transfer RNA genes. The phylogenetic tree based on 14 chloroplast genomes in Polygonaceae support that R. japonica is related to Muehlenbeckia.

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.

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.

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.

Breast cancer: A protein link for treatment? The role of disrupted activity of the protein BRCA1 in the progression of breast cancer has been clarified, suggesting that targeting another protein with which it interacts could offer a new route to treatment. Mutations of BRCA1 are known to predispose women to both breast and ovarian cancers. Researchers led by Sang Soo Kim (National Cancer Center, South Korea) and Rui-Hong Wang (University of Macau, China) studied the interaction with a protein called cyclin B1 that controls cell growth and division. They found that, in mitosis, BRCA1 interacts with and stabilizes cyclin B1, explaining why the loss of BRCA1 can disrupt the G2/M cell cycle control and accumulate the genetic instability. Treatment of Brca1-mutant mammary tumors with vinblastine, which alters cyclin B1 level, significantly reduced tumor progression with reduction of survival and induction of apoptosis.

AIM: To investigate the positional relationship between the nasal ends of the lacerated lacrimal canaliculi, lacrimal caruncle, and medial canthal ligament, as well as its application in the lacrimal canalicular anastomosis.METHODS: Sixty-five patients with traumatic lower canalicular laceration were selected. The distance from the lacrimal punctum to the temporal end was measured. The nasal ends were found under direct vision, and the positional relationship between the nasal ends, lacrimal caruncle and medial canthal ligament were quantitatively analyzed.RESULTS: Totally 65 patients with canaliculus laceration, 39 patients had a distance of less than 6mm from the lacrimal punctum to the temporal end, where the nasal ends of 35 patients were located in the lacrimal caruncle area. There were 26 cases in which the distance from the lacrimal punctum to the temporal end was greater than 6mm, where the nasal ends of 24 cases were located in the medial canthal ligament area. The vertical distance between the nasal ends in the lacrimal caruncle area and the lacrimal mucosa was 2.1±0.7mm, and the vertical distance between the nasal ends in the medial canthal ligament area and the skin edge was 3.5±1.2mm.CONCLUSION: The positions of nasal ends can be divided into the lacrimal caruncle area and the medial canthal ligament area, providing a basis for finding the nasal ends of the lacerated lacrimal canaliculi in the clinical practice.

AIM: To explore the usefulness of RS-type lacrimal drainage tube versus double silicone tube for children's lacrimal canaliculi rupture.METHODS: A retrospective analysis from August 2016 and July 2018 were taken. Totally 37 children(37 eyes)of lacrimal canaliculi rupture were enrolled in the study and divided into two groups according to admission time sequence: treatment group(20 eyes)and control group(17 eyes). The treatment group was treated with RS-type lacrimal drainage tube. The control group underwent the implantation of double silicone tube and their efficacy was analyzed.RESULTS: It was significant difference that the epistaxis rate between the treatment group and the control group, which was 0% and 100%. The effective rate was 95% and 88%, respectively, for the treatment group and the control group, the difference between the two groups has no significant(P=0.584). And the postoperative complication rate was 5% in treatment group, 12% in control group respectively, there was no significant statistical difference between the two groups(P=0.584).CONCLUSION: The implantation of the RS-type lacrimal drainage tube can effectively prevent epistaxis, is safe and simple, easy to operate and extubate easily with good clinical effect in the treatment of lacrimal canaliculus fracture in children. So it can be widely carried out in basic hospitals.

AIM:To explore the clinical outcomes of RS lacrimal tube for lacrimal canaliculi rupture without nasal endoscope.METHODS:A retrospective analysis from September 2017 to March 2018 were taken. According to admission time sequence. Totally 52 patients with lacrimal canaliculi rupture was divided into two groups. One group was treated with RS lacrimal tube, the other was treated with annular silicone tube. The treatment results were comparatively analyzed. RESULTS:There were 15 eyes of nasal mucosa hemorrhage in annular silicone tube group. There was no eye with this in RS tube group, the difference between the two groups was significant(PP=0.877). There were 2 eyes in RS tube group occurred fall off in 2wk to 2mo after operations; 1 eye of lacrimal puncture were removed from the lacrimal puncture without 2wk, and was anastomosed again. The other eye was removed from the lacrimal puncture within 1-2mo after the operation, the lacrimal canal flushing was improved during follow-up. There were 3 eyes in annular silicone group occurred fall off without 2wk, and were not anastomosed again. The lacrimal duct flushing was improved during follow-up. No statistical significance was found in the two groups(P=0.361). CONCLUSION:Lacrimal canaliculi rupture should be timely given surgical treatment. RS lacrimal tube can not only achieve good operation effect and reduce the probability of complications, but also has the advantages of simple surgical methods, good histocompatibility and no influence on the appearance of patients.

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.

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 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 of Palmer Amaranth Amaranthus palmeri was sequenced and assembled in this study. The genome is 150,721 bp in length and contained 129 encoded genes in total, including 84 protein-coding genes, 8 ribosomal RNA genes, and 37 transfer RNA genes. The phylogenetic tree based on 12 chloroplast genomes in Amaranthaceae support that A. palmeri is sister to A. hypochondriacus and A. caudatus.

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.

Gelsemium elegans, endemic to southern Asia, is a highly toxic plant with various medicinal functions. The complete mitochondrial genome of G. elegans was sequenced and assembled in this study. The genome is 405,990 bp in length and contains 37 protein-coding genes, 20 tRNA genes, and 3 rRNA genes. The phylogenetic tree based on 15 protein-coding genes common to six mitochondrial genomes in Gentianales support that G. elegans of Gelsemiaceae is sister to Apocynaceae.

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.

Triadica sebifera, commonly known as Chinese tallow, is an important medicinal and biofuel plant native to eastern Asia. In the study, we assembled the complete chloroplast genome of T. sebifera based on Illumina pair-end sequencing data. The complete genome sequence length is 159,342 bp. Finally, 122 genes were identified, including 82 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 36 tRNA genes. Further phylogenomic analysis showed that T. sebifera is clustered with Euphorbia esula.

The complete chloroplast genome of widely cultivated Hedera nepalensis K. Koch var. sinensis (Tobl.) Rehder was sequenced and assembled in this study. The genome is 156,652 bp in length and contained 134 encoded genes in total, including 87 protein-coding genes, 8 ribosomal RNA genes, and 37 transfer RNA genes. Based on available plastomes of 13 species in Araliaceae, we reconstructed their phylogenetic relationships and found that H. nepalensis var. sinensis is closely related to Fatsia japonica.

Kadsura (Schisandraceae) comprises ca. 16 species and widely distributes in eastern Asia. Many species in the genus were used as important medicinal plants in China and other Asian countries. In present study, we described the first Kadsura chloroplast genome, Kadsura longipedunculata, based on illumine pair-end sequencing data. The complete plastome length is 145,346 bp long with a large single copy, a small single copy, and two inverted repeat regions of length 94,947, 17,752, and 16,323 bp, respectively. A total of 118 genes were identified, including 75 protein-coding gens, 8 rRNA genes, and 34 tRNA genes. Eighteen plastome accessions from Austrobaileyales, Nymphaeales, and Magnoliales were selected to assess the phylogenetic placement of genus.

Siphonostegia chinensis Benth. is a common Chinese herbal medicine widely distributed in eastern Asia. The complete chloroplast genome of S. chinensis was newly sequenced in this study. The total chloroplast genome size was 148,961 bp, its structure and gene contents were well conserved as typical chloroplast characteristics. The overall guanine-cytosine (GC) content of the S. chinensis chloroplast genome is 36.4%. The chloroplast genome encodes 130 unique genes, including 84 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. We used the cp genome of S. chinensis and 20 other chloroplast genomes to perform a phylogenetic analysis, which indicated that S. chinensis is sister to Schwalbea americana in Orobanchaceae.

Pteroceltis tatarinowii is a monotypic plant endemic to eastern China. It is an endangered tertiary relic and famous for Xuan paper manufacturing. In this study, we reported the Pteroceltis tatarinowii chloroplast genome with a length of 158,506 bp. In total, 132 genes were identified, including 83 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 33 tRNA genes. The overall GC content of this genome was 36.3%. Twenty-two species from Urticales were selected for phylogenomic analysis to determine the placement of P. tatarinowii. The complete plastome of P. tatarinowii will provide a valuable resource for further genetic conservation, phylogenomic, and evolution studies of the genus and the Ulmaceae.

Barnardia japonica is an ornamental bulb with important medicinal usage. The complete chloroplast genome of B. japonica was newly sequenced in this study. The total chloroplast genome size of B. japonica was 156,129 bp. In total, 131 genes were identified, including 85 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 38 tRNA genes. Eighteen genes are containing introns (clpP and ycf3 contained two introns) and 18 genes had two copies. The overall GC content of this genome was 37.7%. A further phylogenomic analysis of Asparagales, including 36 taxa, was conducted for the placement of genus Barnardia. The complete plastome of B. japonica will provide a valuable resource for further genetic conservation, phylogenomic, and evolution studies in the genus and family.

Leucojum aestivum (Amaryllidaceae) is an important medicinal plant native to Europe, North Africa, and Central Asia. Its wild resources are Endangered because of excavation. In the present study, the chloroplast genome of L. aestivum was sequenced. The plastome length is 157,241 bp. A total of 132 genes were identified, consisting of 86 protein-coding genes, eight rRNA genes, and 38 tRNA genes. Thirty-four species from Asparagales were used for phylogenomic analysis.

Ligustrum lucidum is a species of privet native to the southern half of China. It is often used as an ornamental tree, sometimes as a cultivar. In present study, we reported the Ligustrum lucidum chloroplast (cp) genome. The total chloroplast genome size of L. lucidum was 154,793 bp. In total, 124 genes were identified, including 81 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 35 tRNA genes. Twenty genes contained introns (clpP and ycf3 contained two introns) and 17 genes had two copies. The overall GC content of this genome was 38.2%. A further phylogenomic analysis of Oleaceae, including 21 taxa, was conducted for the placement of genus Ligustrum. The complete plastome of L. lucidum will provide a valuable resource for further genetic conservation, phylogenomic, and evolution studies of the genus and the family.

Linnaea chinensis (Caprifoliaceae), which inhabits in China and Japan, is commonly cultivated as an ornamental shrub. The complete chloroplast genome of L. chinensis was newly assembled in this study based on Illumina pair-end sequencing data. The full length of L. chinensis plastome is 155,813 bp. In total, 124 genes were identified, including 75 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 42 tRNA genes. The overall GC content of this genome was 38.4%. A further phylogenomic analysis including16 species from Adoxaceae and Caprifoliaceae was constructed.

Tricyrtis (Liliaceae) is an endemic genus in East Asia. Many of the species in the genus are in Endangered condition due to habitat loss and extensive horticultural usage in recent decades. In present study, we reported the first Tricyrtis chloroplast (cp) genome, Tricyrtis macropoda, based on Illumina pair-end sequencing data. The complete chloroplast genome size is 155,778 bp. In total, 131 genes were identified, including 85 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 38 tRNA genes. Fifteen genes are containing introns (clpP and ycf3 contained two introns) and 14 genes had two copies. The overall GC content of this genome was 37.4%. A further phylogenomic analysis of Liliales, including 62 taxa, was conducted for the placement of genus Tricyrtis. The complete plastome of T. marcropoda will provide a valuable resource for further genetic conservation, phylogenomic, and evolution studies in the genus and family.

AIM: To study the effects of αB-crystallin on the αB-crystallin content in retina, growth associated protein-43(GAP-43)expression of retinal ganglion cells(RGCs), amplitude of electroretinogram(ERG)b-wave, and to investigate the promotive effect of αB-crystallin on axonal regeneration of RGCs after acute ocular hypertension(AOH). METHODS: One hundred and twenty male Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats(220±10g)were randomly divided into four groups(thirty in each group). αB group,(AOH following intravitreal injection of αB crystallin group, n=30). S group,(AOH following intravitreal injection of normal saline solution group, n=30). P group,(AOH following vitreous puncture group, n=30). H group,(AOH group, n=30). Western blot was assayed αB-crystallin content 7 and 14 days after model; Immunohistochemistry was observed GAP-43 expression 7, 14 and 21 days after model established; Amplitude of ERG b-wave was tested retinal function before and 1 month after model. RESULTS: The αB content in retina of αB group was higher 7 days after model established, fewer 14 days after model(P=0.000, P=0.000, P=0.001, P=0.000). But the αB content in retina of αB group was more serious compared with other groups at the same time points(P=0.019,P=0.016); The GAP-43 expression of RGCs in αB group was highest 7 days after model established, started to decrease 14 days after model established, which was fewest 21 days after model established(P=0.000, P=0.000, P=0.000, P=0.000). But the GAP-43 expression of RGCs in αB group was significantly higher than in other groups at each time point(P =0.002, P =0.011, P =0.009); The amplitude of ERG b-wave was lower 1 month after model(P=0.014, P=0.004, P=0.003, P=0.006). There were no statistical differences among groups on amplitude of ERG b-wave before model established(P=0.993). The amplitude of ERG b-wave in αB group was higher than others 1 month after model(P=0.002). CONCLUSION: Exogenous αB-crystallin could improve αB-crystallin expression of retinas; αB-crystallin contributed to the increase of GAP-43 expression of RGCs and RGCs axonal regeneration; αB-crystallin could promote the recovery of retinal function and was non-toxic on retinas of rat.

SIRT1, a homolog of yeast Sir2, is a type III NAD+ dependent histone and protein deacetylase. Previous studies of mice carrying liver specific deletion of exon 4 of the Sirt1 gene revealed opposite responses of mutant mice to a high-fat diet in terms of fatty liver formation, which obscures the function of SRIT1 in liver development and lipid metabolism. To investigate this, we deleted exons 5 and 6 of Sirt1 in the liver by using a Cre-loxP approach. Western blot using an antibody to N-terminal SIRT1 does not detect a truncated protein in the liver of the mutant mice (Sirt1flox5-6/flox5-6;Alb-Cre), suggesting a null mutation for SIRT1 is generated in the liver. Unlike the previously reported phenotypes, the Sirt1flox5-6/flox5-6;Alb-Cre mice develop fatty liver under a normal feeding condition. The disease starts at two months of age and incidence increases as the animals become older, affecting 78% of them when they are over one year of age. We showed that the steatosis is accompanied by altered expression of a number of genes, including increased expression of ChREBP, which acts as one of the central determinants of lipid synthesis in the liver. This data uncovers an important role of SIRT1 in regulating lipid metabolism in the liver, and the SIRT1 mutant mice may serve as an animal model for studying human fatty liver disease and facilitate the development of effective therapeutic approach for the disease.

BACKGROUND: Domestic cultivation of medicinal plants is an important strategy for protecting these species from over harvesting. Some species of medicinal plants have been brought into cultivation for more than hundreds years. Concerns about severe loss of genetic diversity and sustainable cultivation can potentially limit future use of these valuable plants. Genetic studies with comprehensive sampling of multiple medicinal species by molecular markers will allow for assessment and management of these species. Here we examine the population genetic consequences of cultivation and domestication in Scrophularia ningpoensis Hemsl. We used chloroplast DNA and genomic AFLP markers to clarify not only the effects of domestication on genetic diversity, but also determine the geographic origins of cultivars and their genetic divergence from native populations. These results will allow both better management of cultivated populations, but also provide insights for crop improvement. RESULTS: Twenty-one cpDNA haplotypes of S. ningpoensis were identified. Wild populations contain all haplotypes, whereas only three haplotypes were found in cultivated populations with wild populations having twice the haplotype diversity of cultivated populations. Genetic differentiation between cultivated populations and wild populations was significant. Genomic AFLP markers revealed similar genetic diversity patterns. Furthermore, Structure analysis grouped all wild populations into two gene pools; two of which shared the same gene pool with cultivated S. ningpoensis. The result of Neighbor-Joining analysis was consistent with the structure analysis. In principal coordinate analysis, three cultivated populations from Zhejiang Province grouped together and were separated from other cultivated populations. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that cultivated S. ningpoensis has experienced dramatic loss of genetic diversity under anthropogenic influence. We postulate that strong artificial selection for medicinal quality has resulted in genetic differentiation between cultivated and wild populations. Furthermore, it appears that wild populations in Jiangxi-Hunan area were involved in the origin of cultivated S. ningpoensis.

Premise of the study: To elucidate the population genetics and phylogeography of Scrophularia incisa, microsatellite primers were developed. We also applied these microsatellite markers to its closely related species S. dentata and S. kiriloviana. Methods and Results: Using the compound microsatellite marker technique, 12 microsatellite primers were identified in S. incisa. The number of alleles ranged from 14 to 26 when assessed in 78 individuals from four populations. With high cross-species transferability, these primers also amplified in S. dentata and S. kiriloviana. Conclusions: These results indicate that these microsatellite markers are adequate for detecting and characterizing population genetic structure in the Chinese species of sect. Tomiophyllum at fine and range-wide geographical scales.