Phylogenetic analysis of combined mitochondrial genome and 32 nuclear genes provides key insights into molecular systematics and historical biogeography of Asian warty newts of the genus (Caudata: Salamandridae).

The Chang, 1935 genus of Asian warty newts is the second most diverse genus in the family Salamandridae, currently containing 14 recognized species from northern Vietnam to southwest-central and southern China. Although species of this genus have been included in previous phylogenetic studies, the origin and interspecific relationships of the genus are still not fully resolved, especially at key nodes in the phylogeny. In this study, we sequenced mitochondrial genomes and 32 nuclear genes from 27 samples belonging to 14 species to reconstruct the interspecific phylogenetic relationships within and explore its historical biogeography in southern China.

Description of a new species of the genus (Eulipotyphla: Talpidae: Uropsilinae) from the Dabie Mountains, Anhui, Eastern China.

During a terrestrial vertebrate survey of the Dabie Mountains in Anhui Province, eastern China, we collected four Asian shrew mole specimens (hereafter, shrew moles). Based on published literature and comparison with previously collected materials, the four specimens were similar to shrew moles from the mountains of Southwest China; however, no species in this group has been previously recorded from the Dabie Mountains. The genetic and morphological characteristics of the specimens were analyzed, based upon which a new species of shrew mole is described, named

Molecular and morphological evidence for a new species of the genus (Rodentia: Platacanthomyidae).

In this study, we reassessed the taxonomic position of (Rodentia: Platacanthomyidae) from Huangshan, Anhui, China, based on morphological and molecular evidence. Results suggested that is comprised of up to six species, including four currently recognized species ( , , , and ), one unconfirmed candidate species, and one new species ( ). Morphological analyses further supported the designation of the Huangshan specimens found at mid-elevations in the southern Huangshan Mountains (600 m to 1 200 m a.

Impact of sympatric carnivores on den selection of wild giant pandas.

Interspecific killing is a primary reason for the low survival rates of some animal species. The giant panda ( ) is an altricial eutherian mammal and thus, in comparison to other infants, panda cubs are highly vulnerable, which may significantly influence the selection of breeding sites by females. Here, we used infrared camera traps to monitor giant panda dens for 5.

Grade 3 Echocardiographic Diastolic Dysfunction Is Associated With Increased Risk of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events After Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Diastolic dysfunction is common and may increase the risk of cardiovascular complications. This study investigated the hypothesis that, in patients with isolated left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, higher grade diastolic dysfunction was associated with greater risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) after surgery.

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study.

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci for (Ericaceae).

Premise Of The Study: We developed microsatellite primers for (Ericaceae), a narrowly distributed species found in the Dabie Mountains, China, to study the genetic diversity, population structure, and evolutionary history of the species.

Methods And Results: Two terminal sequencing modes of the Illumina HiSeq platform were used to mine simple sequence repeat markers from large-scale transcriptional groups. In this study, 24 microsatellite loci were screened.

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci for (Rosaceae).

Premise Of The Study: Microsatellite primers were developed in (Rosaceae), a relict flora endemic in arid areas of the Asian interior, to investigate the genetic diversity, phylogeography, population structure, and history of the species.

Methods And Results: Fifty-one microsatellite loci, including di-, tri-, and tetranucelotide repeats, were identified using transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatic screening. The number of alleles ranged from seven to 11 and the levels of observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.

[Speckle tracking analysis of left atrial phasic function in patients with hypertension].

Objective: To assess left atrial (LA) phasic function in hypertension (HT) and to evaluate its relationship with left ventricular diastolic function.

Methods: Cross-sectional data of 738 population (149 non-HT as control, and 589 HT were further grouped into normal left ventricular diastolic function, mild diastolic dysfunction and moderate/severe diastolic dysfunction sub-groups) in an urban community of Beijing were used. LA global longitudinal strain in late diastole (Sa), early diastole (Se), and total strain (Stot = Sa+ Se), strain rate in late diastole (SRa), systole (SRs), and early diastole (SRe) were measured using off-line speckle-tracking echocardiography analyzing software, and were compared between non-HT and HT groups, and among HT sub-groups.

[Correlation between anthropometric parameters and arteriosclerosis biomarker in the middle-aged and the elderly].

Objective: To investigate the correlation between anthropometric indices and arteriosclerosis detection indicators in the middle-aged and the elderly.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was made of 1 626 individuals (diabetics patients 23.37%, hypertensive subjects 39.

[Left atrial size predicts adverse cardiac events in patients with non-obstruction hypertrophic cardiomyopathy].

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between left atrial size and the risk of cardiac events in patients with non-obstruction hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Methods: In the study, 39 patients who met inclusion criteria were followed up for (28.0±7.

[Relationship between radial augmentation index and other indices for evaluating arteriosclerosis].

Objective: To investigate the relationship between radial augmentation index (AI) and other noninvasive indices for evaluating arteriosclerosis.

Methods: From April to June 2010, a cross-sectional survey was performed in two communities of Shijingshan District, Beijing, China. This study involved 1 752 subjects (aged 23 to 90 years).

Valsartan/amlodipine compared to nifedipine GITS in patients with hypertension inadequately controlled by monotherapy.

Introduction: Current hypertension guidelines recommend single-pill combinations because they not only improve convenience and compliance to therapy and thus blood pressure (BP) control, but also reduce health-care costs. This study compared the efficacy and safety of valsartan/amlodipine single-pill combination with nifedipine gastrointestinal therapeutic system (GITS) in Chinese patients with hypertension who were inadequately controlled with monotherapy.

Methods: In this multicenter, open-label, active-controlled, parallel-group study, 564 patients with hypertension not adequately controlled by prior monotherapy were randomized to receive valsartan/amlodipine 80/5 mg or nifedipine GITS 30 mg once daily for 12 weeks.

Plasma catestatin level in patients with acute myocardial infarction and its correlation with ventricular remodelling.

Background: The evaluation of ventricular remodelling and functional recovery is essential in predicting the prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Objective: To determine the plasma catestatin level in patients with AMI, and investigate the association between plasma catestatin and heart function, and with left ventricular remodelling (LVR).

Methods: Fifty-eight consecutive patients who were admitted within 12 h of the onset of their ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction symptoms between 1 October 2009 and 30 June 2011 were prospectively recruited.

[Association between left ventricular twist/untwist and diastolic dysfunction of high cardiovascular risk population in the community].

Objective: To assess the association between left ventricular (LV) twist and untwist with the severity of diastolic dysfunction of high cardiovascular risk population in the community.

Methods: This cross-sectional survey was performed in high cardiovascular risk people with normal left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction in an urban community of Beijing (n = 620). Normal LV diastolic function was defined in 305 subjects, mild diastolic dysfunction in 266 subjects and moderate/severe diastolic dysfunction in 49 subjects.

[Association between serum uric acid and brachial ankle pulse wave velocity in Beijing community residents].

Objective: To observe the relationship between serum uric acid and brachial ankle pulse wave velocity (ba-PWV) in Beijing community individuals.

Methods: This epidemiological survey was performed in residents of two communities from Shijingshan District in Beijing from 2007 to 2008. Cardiovascular risk factors and ba-PWV were measured.

[Evaluation of bond strength of three resin cements on CAD/CAM ceramic-dentin].

Purpose: To evaluate the bond strength of 3 resin cements on ceramic-dentin.

Methods: Thirty sound human posterior tooth were selected for this study and the flat dentin surfaces were prepared. The specimens were divided into 3 groups(n=10) randomly, which were bonded to the CAD/CAM ceramics with RelyX ARC(etch-and-rinse adhesive), Clearfil DC Bond(self-etching resin cement) and RelyX Unicem(self-adhesive resin cement).

Elevated serum cystatin C is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events in people with relatively normal renal function.

Background: Serum level of cystatin C could predict morbidity and mortality for cardiovascular disease in patients with coronary heart disease. However, the predictive value of cystatin C for cardiovascular events in subjects with relatively normal renal function, especially in Asian populations, has rarely been investigated. The current study investigated the relationship between cystatin C and cardiovascular events in a community-based population in Beijing.

[Relation between aortic root dimension and cardiovascular disease].

Objective: To analyze the relation among aortic root dimension (ARD) measured by echocardiography, cardiovascular disease risk factors and cardiovascular disease in adult Beijing community population.

Methods: Echocardiography was performed in 1041 individuals in a suburban community of Beijing from 2004 to 2005. ARD and other echocardiographic parameters including left atria dimension, left ventricular mass, septal and posterior wall thickness and dimension were analyzed.

[Effect of polymerization-shrinkage of different resin composites curing by two different light curing units].

Purpose: To investigate the effect of light-emitting diode (LED) light curing unit (LCU) and quartz-tungsten (QTH) LCU on the polymerization-shrinkage of different resin composites.

Methods: Three composites Z100, Z250, AP-X were irradiated by QTH LCU and LED LCU. Polymerization-shrinkage of 50s and 400s after the composites curing were measured by 3D-profile measuring apparatus by phase-shifted projected grating.

[Preliminary study on DNA damage of ZrO(2)/LaPO(4) diphase ceramics on human peripheral blood lymphocytes in vitro].

Purpose: To detect the genotoxicity of dental machinable ZrO(2)/LaPO(4) diphase ceramics on human peripheral blood lymphocytes in vitro.

Methods: The evaluation of DNA damage on human lymphocytes was performed by comet assay for three groups of ZrO(2)/LaPO(4) diphase ceramics with 30wt% of LaPO(4) (with 3wt% and 5wt% of Y(2)O(3)) and 40wt% of LaPO(4) (with 5wt% of Y(2)O(3)). The results were analyzed with SPSS16.

[Clinical features of adult left ventricular noncompaction: case report and review].

Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is a rare congenital disorder of endomyocardial morphogenesis. Since the knowledge of aetiology and pathology is accumulating, the 2006 AHA cardiomyopathy classification sorts LVNC as one of the primary genetic cardiomyopathies. The clinical features of LVNC, however, is not as clear as its aetiology.