A new disease of Rhubarb occured in Gansu Province of China was reported.The disease appears along the veins of lower leaf surface of Rhuaarb (Rheum palmatum) with swelling,and shows a reddish-purple color at the beginning and turns pale brown late. On the leaf appears yellowish reticulated sppts, in Petioles the spots are tumourlike blisters arranged in rows.The growth of the smaller and in severe attacks the whole plant eventually withered.The causal pathogen was identified as a smut Thecaphora schwarzmaniana and seems to be the first reported case that occurs in China.Methods for its control are suggested.

A multicenter blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted in accordance with international clinical trial standards to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Xuebijing injection in the treatment of severe community-acquired pneumonia (SCAP) under strict quality control condition. This article aims to illustrate key contents of the design ideas and implementation process of the RCT of Xuebijing injection in the treatment of SCAP, including the selection of research objects, design, implementation, and insights, etc., share experience with researchers of the respiratory and critical care, and provide reference for future studies in critical care.