Are fragmented mitochondrial genomes present in both major clades of the blood-sucking lice ( suborder Anoplura ) : evidence from two Hoplopleura rodent lice ( family Hoplopleuridae )?
Our results indicate that fragmented mt genomes were present in the most recent common ancestor of the two major clades of the blood-sucking lice, which lived ~75 million years ago. Intra-genus variation in the pattern of mt genome fragmentation is common in the blood-sucking lice (suborder Anoplura) and genus-specific minichromosomes are potential synapomorphies. Future studies should expand into more species, genera and families of blood-sucking lice to explore further the phylogenetic utility of the novel features associated with fragmented mt genomes.
The data suggest that non-surviving patients have higher PCT and IL-10 values. Only APACHE III score and PCT plasma levels correlated with a poor outcome. Therefore, routine measurements of plasma PCT concentrations might be helpful to improve the mortality risk prediction in patients with severe sepsis.