Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus), dromedary (Camelus dromedarius) and alpaca (Vicugna pacos) are economically important livestock. Although the Bactrian camel and dromedary are large, typically arid-desert-adapted mammals, alpacas are adapted to plateaus. Here we present high-quality genome sequences of these three species. Our analysis reveals the demographic history of these species since the Tortonian Stage of the Miocene and uncovers a striking correlation between large fluctuations in population size and geological time boundaries. Comparative genomic analysis reveals complex features related to desert adaptations, including fat and water metabolism, stress responses to heat, aridity, intense ultraviolet radiation and choking dust. Transcriptomic analysis of Bactrian camels further reveals unique osmoregulation, osmoprotection and compensatory mechanisms for water reservation underpinned by high blood glucose levels. We hypothesize that these physiological mechanisms represent kidney evolutionary adaptations to the desert environment. This study advances our understanding of camelid evolution and the adaptation of camels to arid-desert environments.

SummaryTo assessthe potential rolesofprotein Z(PZ) andprotein Z-dependentp roteasei nhibitor (ZPI) in venous thrombosis,t heir plasma levels were measured in 426 individuals with venous thrombosis and 471 control individualsp articipatingi nt he Leiden Thrombophilia Study. Arelationship between the levelof Keywords Coagulation inhibitors, clinical /epidemiologicalstudies, thrombophilia PZ or ZPI andvenous thrombosis wasnot detectedinthe overall case-controls tudy.PZa nd ZPI circulate as ac omplex and theirplasma levels areinterdependent. Both PZ and ZPIare increasedwith oral contraceptiveuse andreduced withoral anticoagulant therapy.

Background and Aim Because genetic and geographic variations in intestinal microbiota are known to exist, the focus of this study was to establish an estimation of microbiota in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients in Saudi Arabia by means of metagenomic studies. Methods From July 2010 to November 2012, colorectal cancer patients attending our hospital were enrolled for the metagenomic studies. All underwent clinical, endoscopic, and histological assessment. Mucosal microbiota samples were collected from each patient by jet-flushing colonic mucosa with distilled water at unified segments of the colon, followed by aspiration, during colonoscopy. Total purified dsDNA was extracted and quantified prior to metagenomic sequencing using an Illumina platform. Satisfactory DNA samples (n = 29) were subjected to metagenomics studies, followed by comprehensive comparative phylogenetic analysis. An equal number of healthy age-matched controls were also examined for colonic mucosal microbiota. Results Metagenomics data on 29 patients (14 females) in the age range 38–77 years were analyzed. The majority 11 (37%) of our patients were overweight (BMI = 25–30). Rectal bleeding was the presenting symptom in 18/29 (62%), while symptomatic anemia was the presenting symptom in 11/29 (37%). The location of colon cancer was rectal in 14 (48%), while cecal growth was observed in 8 (27%). Hepatic flexure growth was found in 1 (3%), descending colonic growth was found in 2 (6%), and 4 (13%) patients had transverse colon growth. The metagenomics analysis was carried out, and a total of 3.58G reads were sequenced, and about 321.91G data were used in the analysis. This study identified 11 genera specific to colorectal cancer patients when compared to genera in the control group. Bacteroides fragilis and Fusobacterium were found to be significantly prevalent in the carcinoma group when compared to the control group. Conclusion The current study has given an insight into the microbiota of colorectal cancer patients in Saudi Arabia and has identified various genera significantly present in these patients when compared to those of the control group.

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