Identification of outliers in a genomic scan for selection along environmental gradients in the bamboo locust, Ceracris kiangsu.

Identification of loci under divergent selection is a key step in understanding the evolutionary process because those loci are responsible for the genetic variations that affect fitness in different environments. Understanding how environmental forces give rise to adaptive genetic variation is a challenge in pest control. Here, we performed an amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) genome scan in populations of the bamboo locust, Ceracris kiangsu, to search for candidate loci that are influenced by selection along an environmental gradient in southern China.

Characterization of the mitochondrial genome of the cabbage webworm, Hellula undalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae).

The sequenced mitochondrial genome of the cabbage webworm Hellula undalis includes 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs) (nad1-6, cox1-3, atp6, atp8, nad4L and cob), two ribosomal RNAs (12S and 16S) and 19 transfer RNAs, which is 14,678 bp in length. Its gene order and orientation are identical to the common types found in most of the other completely sequenced lepidopteran mitogenomes. Thirteen PCGs start with a typical ATN codon, while cox1 uses CGA as its start codon.

[Comparative analysis on content and distribution of CpG sites in milk production traits and mastitis-related genes in dairy cattle].

DNA methylation is a major part of epigenetics. DNA methylation on the CpG sites in gene promoter and the first exon often represses gene expression, but demethylation activates gene expression. Previous research has shown that a negative correlation was found between mastitis index (somatic cell count, SCC) and milk production traits in Holsteins.

[Effect of ROUX-en-Y anastomosis and Billroth-II anastomosis after subtotal gastrectomy on blood glucose in type 2 diabetic patients].

Objective: To evaluate the effect of ROUX-en-Y anastomosis and Billroth-II anastomosis after subtotal gastrectomy on blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods: From January 2006 to December 2009, 26 and 24 type 2 diabetic patients underwent subtotal gastrectomy for gastric cancer or gastric ulcer and received subsequent ROUX-en-Y anastomosis and Billroth-II anastomosis, respectively. Perioperative and postoperative blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were detected in these patients to identify the variations.

Clinical observation on the combined use of acupuncture and herbal medicine for treatment of chloasma.

Objective: To observe the clinical effects of the combined use of acupuncture and herbal medicine for treatment of chloasma.

Methods: Totally 60 patients were randomly divided into a treatment group of 30 cases, treated by acupuncture and herbal medicine, and a control group of 30 cases, administered Vitamin C and Vitamin E. The clinical effects were observed.

Does testosterone prevent early postoperative complications after gastrointestinal surgery?

Aim: To investigate the role of sex hormones in the early postoperative complications of gastrointestinal diseases.

Methods: A total of 65 patients who underwent operations for gastric and colorectal diseases (mainly malignant diseases) were included in the study. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected at different times for analysis of estradiol, testosterone and progesterone.

Effects of LDL, cholesterol, and their oxidized forms on the precipitation kinetics of calcium phosphates.

Background: LDL, cholesterol, and their oxidized forms are known cardiovascular risk factors and are often found in atherosclerotic lesions of various stages. Little is known, however, about whether they are directly involved in the formation of calcium phosphate compounds.

Methods: We used the pH-stat technique to follow the kinetics of calcium phosphate precipitation at pH 7.