Population Genetic Diversity in Chinese Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Cultivars Revealed by Fluorescent-AFLP Markers

Eighty-five pomegranate （Punica granatum L.） cultivars from six geographical populations located at Shandong, Anhui, Shaanxi, Henan, Yunnan, and Xinjiang Provinces were studied for its population genetic diversity by means of fluorescent-AFLP markers. The results indicated that 135-185 polymorphic loci were amplified by eight pairs of primers at species level. An average of 158.25 polymorphic loci was amplified for each primer combination. The polymorphism percentage ranged from 62.5% to 86.11%, and the average polymorphism percentage was 73.26%. This indicated that there was plentiful genetic diversity in pomegranate cultivars. The genetic diversity at the species level was higher than that at the population level. The order of the genetic diversity was Henan population 〉 Xinjiang population 〉 Shaanxi population 〉 Anhui population 〉 Shandong population 〉 Yunnan population. Variance analysis showed that there was significant difference between populations in genetic diversity. The genetic differentiation coefficient between populations （Gsr） was 0.2018, which indicated that gene differentiation was mainly within the population, and between populations, it accounted for 20.18% of the total variation. Gene flow （Nm） between the populations measured was 1.9027 based on the genetic differentiation coefficient between populations, indicating that there was mild gene flow between populations. The UPGMA cluster analysis showed that most accessions from the same population were clustered together, but there was partly gene exchange. All genetic parameters indicated that there was plentiful genetic diversity in pomegranate cultivars in China, of which Henan population was significantly higher than the other populations, and it had wide application foreground in pomegranate breeding in China.

Population Genetic Structure in Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) Cultivars Revealed by Fluorescent-AFLP Markers in Southern Xinjiang,China

Population-wide genetic structure was studied using fluorescent-AFLP markers on 85 apricot （Prunus armeniaca L.） cultivars collected from Kuche, Kashi, Hetian in the Tarim Basin, southern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China. The purpose of this study was to determine the genetic structure and genotypic diversity among the different eco-geographical populations. Based on the results from this study, 8 pairs of fluorescent-AFLP primers showed clear electrophoregram and high polymorphism amongst the 64 pairs of EcoR Ⅰ/Mse Ⅰ （Mse Ⅰ - a FAM fluorescent marked primer） primers screened. There was a significant polymorphic difference for the same primer pair in different populations and for the same population with different primer pairs. The percentage of polymorphic loci （P） at species level was higher than Kuche, Hetian, Kashi population levels, respectively. The Nei＇s gene diversity index （H） and Shannon＇s information index （I） at species level were higher than those of Kuche, Hetian, and Kashi at population level, respectively. H and I of Kuche population were the highest amongst the three populations. Apricot population genetic diversity was found mainly within the population, Genetic differentiation coefficient between populations （GST） was 0.0882. Gene flow Nm between the populations was 5.1689. Population genetic identity was between 0.9772-0.9811 and genetic distance was between 0.0191-0.0232. These results further indicated that the similarity between populations was higher and the genetic distance between populations was smaller. The UPGMA cluster analysis indicates that the geographical populations at Kuche, Kashi, Hetian were relatively independent Mendelian populations. Concurrently, there was also partial gene exchange between the populations. All the evidences indicated that the genetic diversity in Kuche population was the highest, suggesting that it could be a transition population from wild apricot to cultivated apricot. There were abundant genetic diversities in apricot cultivar populations in southern Xinjiang, China, which provide promising germplasm for further breeding and theoretical basis for biodiversity conservation and utilization for apricot population in this area.

Lipid levels and insulin resistance markers in patients with colorectal cancer:Propensity score matching analysis

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)is a prevalent malignant neoplasm characterized by subtle early manifestations.AIM To investigate the correlation among serum lipid profiles,the triglyceride-glucose(TyG)index,and the atherosclerotic index(AI)in patients with CRC.Furthermore,it explored the clinical diagnostic utility of combining serum lipids with cancer antigens in the context of CRC.METHODS A retrospective analysis encompassed 277 patients with CRC and 1034 healthy individuals.RESULTS Following propensity score matching,patients with CRC exhibited significantly reduced levels of serum triglyceride(TG),total cholesterol(TC),high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),as well as a diminished TyG index.Conversely,they displayed elevated AI levels compared to their healthy counterparts.Patients in advanced stages exhibited lower serum levels of TG,TC,and LDL-C compared to those in early stages.Patients with positive lymph node metastasis demonstrated reduced levels of TG,LDL-C,and the TyG index.Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that the combination of the TyG index,carcinoembryonic antigen,and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 yielded the highest positive prediction rate for CRC at 75.3%.CONCLUSION Preoperative serum lipid profiles exhibit a robust association with patients with CRC.The concurrent assessment of multiple serum lipids and cancer antigens effectively enhances the diagnostic accuracy for CRC.

Hemogram-derived ratios as prognostic markers for major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND Non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction(NSTEMI)poses significant challenges in clinical management due to its diverse outcomes.Understanding the prognostic role of hematological parameters and derived ratios in NSTEMI patients could aid in risk stratification and improve patient care.AIM To evaluate the predictive value of hemogram-derived ratios for major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE)in NSTEMI patients,potentially improving clinical outcomes.METHODS A prospective,observational cohort study was conducted in 2021 at the Internal Medicine Clinic of the University Hospital in Tuzla,Bosnia and Herzegovina.The study included 170 patients with NSTEMI,who were divided into a group with MACE and a control group without MACE.Furthermore,the MACE group was subdivided into lethal and non-lethal groups for prognostic analysis.Alongside hematological parameters,an additional 13 hematological-derived ratios(HDRs)were monitored,and their prognostic role was investigated.RESULTS Hematological parameters did not significantly differ between non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction(NSTEMI)patients with MACE and a control group at T1 and T2.However,significant disparities emerged in HDRs among NSTEMI patients with lethal and non-lethal outcomes post-MACE.Notably,neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio(PLR)were elevated in lethal outcomes.Furthermore,C-reactive protein-to-lymphocyte ratio(CRP/Ly)at T1(>4.737)demonstrated predictive value[odds ratio(OR):3.690,P=0.024].Both NLR at T1(>4.076)and T2(>4.667)emerged as significant predictors,with NLR at T2 exhibiting the highest diagnostic performance,as indicated by an area under the curve of 0.811(95%CI:0.727-0.859)and OR of 4.915(95%CI:1.917-12.602,P=0.001),emphasizing its important role as a prognostic marker.CONCLUSION This study highlights the significant prognostic value of hemogram-derived indexes in predicting MACE among NSTEMI patients.During follow-up,NLR,PLR,and CRP/Ly offer important insights into the inflammatory processes underlying cardiovascular events.

Longitudinal Associations between Vitamin D Status and Systemic Inflammation Markers among Early Adolescents

Vitamin D deficiency(VDD)has emerged as a major nutritional problem among children and adolescents.Numerous studies have documented the adverse health effects of VDD,including conditions such as chronic kidney diseases,hypoparathyroidism,and autoimmune diseases.Nevertheless,these studies were conducted only in adults and among individuals with underlying medical conditions.Adolescence is at a unique stage of growth,where nutritional deficiencies may have profound implications on their future health.Thus,there is an urgent need to conduct research on the impact of vitamin D deficiency on adolescent health.

Effect of Germinated Brown Rice Supplementation on Prediabetes Markers: A 120-Day Dietary Intervention Study in Selected Female Groups

The rice variety,Co 51,was specifically selected for the development of white polished rice,brown rice(BR),and germinated brown rice(GBR).GBR rendered significant increases in nutrients,including dietary fiber,resistant starch,total antioxidant activity,γ-amino butyric acid(GABA),γ-oryzanol,and ferulic acid content compared with BR.The cooked GBR and white polished rice(120 g)were served with a known quantity of pulses and vegetables without affecting the physical activities of selected groups and the total experimentation period spanned 120 d.At the end of the study period,the experimental group consuming GBR showed a significant decrease in fasting blood glucose(FBG),average glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c),total cholesterol(TC),triglycerides(TG),and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),compared with the group taking white polished rice.These findings suggest that owing to GBR’s better nutrient composition and bioactive functional ingredients,the long-term consumption of GBR would effectively lower the risk of prediabetes related to FBG,HbA1c,and TG.

Predictive value of magnetic resonance imaging parameters combined with tumor markers for rectal cancer recurrence risk after surgery

BACKGROUND An increasing number of studies to date have found preoperative magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)features valuable in predicting the prognosis of rectal cancer(RC).However,research is still lacking on the correlation between preoperative MRI features and the risk of recurrence after radical resection of RC,urgently necessitating further in-depth exploration.AIM To investigate the correlation between preoperative MRI parameters and the risk of recurrence after radical resection of RC to provide an effective tool for predicting postoperative recurrence.METHODS The data of 90 patients who were diagnosed with RC by surgical pathology and underwent radical surgical resection at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University between May 2020 and December 2023 were collected through retrospective analysis.General demographic data,MRI data,and tumor markers levels were collected.According to the reviewed data of patients six months after surgery,the clinicians comprehensively assessed the recurrence risk and divided the patients into high recurrence risk(37 cases)and low recurrence risk(53 cases)groups.Independent sample t-test andχ2 test were used to analyze differences between the two groups.A logistic regression model was used to explore the risk factors of the high recurrence risk group,and a clinical prediction model was constructed.The clinical prediction model is presented in the form of a nomogram.The receiver operating characteristic curve,Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test,calibration curve,and decision curve analysis were used to evaluate the efficacy of the clinical prediction model.RESULTS The detection of positive extramural vascular invasion through preoperative MRI[odds ratio(OR)=4.29,P=0.045],along with elevated carcinoembryonic antigen(OR=1.08,P=0.041),carbohydrate antigen 125(OR=1.19,P=0.034),and carbohydrate antigen 199(OR=1.27,P<0.001)levels,are independent risk factors for increased postoperative recurrence risk in patients with RC.Furthermore,there was a correlation between magnetic resonance based T staging,magnetic resonance based N staging,and circumferential resection margin results determined by MRI and the postoperative recurrence risk.Additionally,when extramural vascular invasion was integrated with tumor markers,the resulting clinical prediction model more effectively identified patients at high risk for postoperative recurrence,thereby providing robust support for clinical decision-making.CONCLUSION The results of this study indicate that preoperative MRI detection is of great importance for predicting the risk of postoperative recurrence in patients with RC.Monitoring these markers helps clinicians identify patients at high risk,allowing for more aggressive treatment and monitoring strategies to improve patient outcomes.

Improving predictive accuracy of early recurrence in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma:Role of postoperative serum tumor markers

In a recent study by He et al,the nomogram integrates postoperative serum tumor markers such as carbohydrate antigen 19-9 and carcinoembryonic antigen,thereby improving the accuracy of identifying high-risk patients compared to relying solely on preoperative markers,which has significant implications for customizing adjuvant therapy and potentially improving outcomes for this aggressive form of cancer.However,the study’s single-center design and short follow-up period may limit the generalizability of its findings and potentially introduce reporting bias.Future studies could consider additional confounding factors,such as adjuvant chemotherapy and variations in surgical techniques,to improve the model’s accuracy.Furthermore,it would be valuable to validate the nomogram in broader,prospective cohorts and explore the inclusion of additional markers like circulating tumor DNA to refine further its predictive power and applicability across diverse patient populations.

Utilizing resequencing big data to facilitate Brassica vegetable breeding:tracing introgression pedigree and developing highly specific markers for clubroot resistance

Clubroot caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae is a devastating disease of Cruciferous crops.Developing cultivars with clubroot resistance(CR)is the most effective control measure.For the two major Brassica vegetable species B.rapa and B.oleracea,several commercial cultivars with unclear CR pedigrees have been intensively used as CR donors in breeding.However,the continuous occurrence of CR-breaking makes the CR pedigree underlying these cultivars one of the breeders'most urgent concerns.The complex intraspecific diversity of these two major Brassica vegetables has also limited the applicability of CR markers in different breeding programs.Here we first traced the pedigree underlying two kinds of CR that have been widely applied in breeding by linkage and introgression analyses based on public resequencing data.In B.rapa,a major locus CRzi8 underlying the CR of the commercial CR donor‘DegaoCR117’was identified.CRzi8 was further shown to have been introgressed from turnip(B.rapa ssp.rapifera)and that it carried a potential functional allele of Crr1a.The turnip introgression carried CRb^(c),sharing the same coding sequence with the CRb that was also identified from chromosome C07 of B.oleracea CR cultivars with different morphotypes.Within natural populations,variation analysis of linkage intervals of CRzi8,PbBa8.1,CRb,and CRb^(c)yielded easily resolved InDel markers(>20 bp)for these fundamental CR genes.The specificity of these markers was tested in diverse cultivars panels,and each exhibited high reliability in breeding.Our research demonstrates the value of the practice of applying resequencing big data to solve urgent concerns in breeding programs.

Identification of cell surface markers for acute myeloid leukemia prognosis based on multi-model analysis

Given the extremely high inter-patient heterogeneity of acute myeloid leukemia(AML),the identification of biomarkers for prognostic assessment and therapeutic guidance is critical.Cell surface markers(CSMs)have been shown to play an important role in AML leukemogenesis and progression.In the current study,we evaluated the prognostic potential of all human CSMs in 130 AML patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)based on differential gene expression analysis and univariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.By using multi-model analysis,including Adaptive LASSO regression,LASSO regression,and Elastic Net,we constructed a 9-CSMs prognostic model for risk stratification of the AML patients.The predictive value of the 9-CSMs risk score was further validated at the transcriptome and proteome levels.Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that the risk score was an independent prognostic factor for the AML patients.The AML patients with high 9-CSMs risk scores had a shorter overall and event-free survival time than those with low scores.Notably,single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis indicated that patients with high 9-CSMs risk scores exhibited chemotherapy resistance.Furthermore,PI3K inhibitors were identified as potential treatments for these high-risk patients.In conclusion,we constructed a 9-CSMs prognostic model that served as an independent prognostic factor for the survival of AML patients and held the potential for guiding drug therapy.

Preoperative blood markers and intra-abdominal infection after colorectal cancer resection

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)has one of the highest morbidity and mortality rates among digestive tract tumors.Intra-abdominal infection(IAI)is a common postoperative complication that affects the clinical outcomes of patients with CRC and hinders their rehabilitation process.However,the factors influencing abdominal infection after CRC surgery remain unclear;further,prediction models are rarely used to analyze preoperative laboratory indicators and postoperative complications.AIM To explore the predictive value of preoperative blood markers for IAI after radical resection of CRC.METHODS The data of 80 patients who underwent radical resection of CRC in the Anorectal Surgery Department of Suzhou Hospital affiliated with Anhui Medical University were analyzed.These patients were categorized into IAI(n=15)and non-IAI groups(n=65)based on whether IAI occurred.Influencing factors were compared;general data and laboratory indices of both groups were identified.The relationship between the indicators was assessed.Further,a nomogram prediction model was developed and evaluated;its utility and clinical applic-ability were assessed.RESULTS The risk factors for IAI after radical resection of CRC were neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio(NLR),platelet-lymphocyte ratio(PLR),systemic immune-inflammation index(SII),and carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA)levels.NLR was correlated with PLR and SII(r=0.604,0.925,and 0.305,respectively),while PLR was correlated with SII(r=0.787).The nomogram prediction model demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.968[95%confidence interval(CI):0.948-0.988]in the training set(n=60)and 0.926(95%CI:0.906-0.980)in the validation set(n=20).The average absolute errors of the calibration curves for the training and validation sets were 0.032 and 0.048,respectively,indicating a good model fit.The decision curve analysis curves demonstrated high net income above the 5%threshold,indicating the clinical practicality of the model.CONCLUSION The nomogram model constructed using NLR,PLR,SII,and CEA levels had good accuracy and reliability in predicting IAI after radical resection of CRC,potentially aiding clinical treatment decision-making.

Assessment of molecular markers and marker-assisted selection for drought tolerance in barley(Hordeum vulgare L.)

This review updates the present status of the field of molecular markers and marker-assisted selection(MAS),using the example of drought tolerance in barley.The accuracy of selected quantitative trait loci(QTLs),candidate genes and suggested markers was assessed in the barley genome cv.Morex.Six common strategies are described for molecular marker development,candidate gene identification and verification,and their possible applications in MAS to improve the grain yield and yield components in barley under drought stress.These strategies are based on the following five principles:(1)Molecular markers are designated as genomic‘tags’,and their‘prediction’is strongly dependent on their distance from a candidate gene on genetic or physical maps;(2)plants react differently under favourable and stressful conditions or depending on their stage of development;(3)each candidate gene must be verified by confirming its expression in the relevant conditions,e.g.,drought;(4)the molecular marker identified must be validated for MAS for tolerance to drought stress and improved grain yield;and(5)the small number of molecular markers realized for MAS in breeding,from among the many studies targeting candidate genes,can be explained by the complex nature of drought stress,and multiple stress-responsive genes in each barley genotype that are expressed differentially depending on many other factors.

Efficacy of a Diabetes Specific Nutrition Supplement on Glycemic, Anthropometric, Dietary and Gut Health Markers in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: An RCT

With increasing incidence of diabetes, use of diabetes specific nutrition supplements (DSNS) is common for better management of the disease. To study effect of 12-week DSNS supplementation on glycemic markers, anthropometry, lipid profile, SCFAs, and gut microbiome in individuals with diabetes. Markers studied were glycemic [Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG), Post Prandial Glucose (PPG), HbA1c, Incremental Area under curve (iAUC), Mean Amplitude of Glycemic Excursions (MAGE), Time in/above Range (TIR/TAR)], anthropometry [weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference (WC)], lipid profile, diet and gut health [plasma short chain fatty acids (SCFAs)]. N = 210 adults were randomized to receive either DSNS with standard care (DSNS + SC;n = 105) or standard care alone (SC alone;n = 105). After 12 weeks, significant differences between DSNS + SC versus SC alone was observed in FBG [−3 ± 6 vs 14 ± 6 mg/dl;p = 0.03], PPG [−35 ± 9 vs −3 ± 9 mg/dl;p = 0.01], weight [−0.6 ± 0.1 vs 0.2 ± 0.1 kg;p = 0.0001], BMI [−0.3 ± 0.1 vs 0.1 ± 0.1 kg/m2;p = 0.0001] and WC [−0.3 ± 0.2 vs 0.2 ± 0.2 cm;p = 0.01]. HbA1C and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were significantly reduced in DSNS + SC [−0.2 ± 0.9;p = 0.04 and −5 mg/dl;p = 0.03] respectively with no change in control. Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) reported significant differences between DSNS + SC versus SC alone for mean glucose [−12 ± 65 vs 28 ± 93 mg/dl;p < 0.01], TAR 180 [−9 ± 42 vs 7 ± 45 mg/dl;p = 0.04], TAR 250 [−3 ± 27 vs 9 ± 38 mg/dl;p = 0.05], iAUC [−192 (1.1) vs −48 (1.1) mg/dl;p = 0.03]. MAGE was significantly reduced for both DSNS + SC (−19 ± 67;p < 0.001) and SC alone (−8 ± 70;p = 0.04), with reduction being more pronounced for DSNS + SC. DSNS + SC reported a decrease in carbohydrate energy % [−9.4 (−11.3, −7.6) %;p < 0.0001] and amount [−47.4 (−67.1, −27.7) g;p < 0.0001], increased dietary fiber [9.5 (7.2, 11.8) g;p < 0.0001] and protein energy % [0.9 (0.5, 1.3) %;p < 0.0001] versus SC alone. DSNS + SC reported significant increases versus SC alone in total (0.3 ng/ml;p = 0.03) and individual plasma SCFAs. The consumption of DSNS significantly improves the glycemic, anthropometric, dietary, and gut health markers in diabetes.

Inflammatory and nutritional markers in colorectal cancer: Implications for prognosis and treatment

The prognosis of colorectal cancer(CRC)patients with peritoneal metastasis remains poor despite advancements in detection and treatment.Preoperative inflammatory and nutritional markers have emerged as significant predictors of prognosis in CRC,potentially guiding treatment decisions and improving patient outcomes.This editorial explores the prognostic value of markers such as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio,hemoglobin,and serum albumin levels.By integrating these markers into prognostic models,clinicians can better stratify patients,personalize treatment strategies,and ultimately enhance clinical outcomes.This review highlights the importance of these markers in providing a comprehensive assessment of patient condition and underscores the need for further research to validate their clinical utility and uncover underlying mecha-nisms.

Hyperhomocysteinemia and Associated Biological Markers in a Congolese Population of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Brazzaville

The search for new biomarkers predictive of type 2 diabetes currently constitutes a research avenue in Bioclinical. Total homocysteine remains a preferred target due to its involvement in the occurrence of degenerative complications in type 2 diabetics. The aim of this work was to study hyperhomocysteinemia and other biochemical markers associated with T2D in the Congolese population. This was an analytical case-control study carried out between October 2022 and October 2023. The study population consisted of 150 subjects including 100 T2D patients and 50 control subjects. The main clinical data were collected on a pre-established form. Homocysteine determination was carried out by the sandwich ELISA method. The other biochemical markers were measured by colorimetric enzymatic methods. Hyperhomocysteinemia was present in 27.3% (41/150) of the entire study population. Type 2 diabetics had a frequency of hyperhomocysteinemia of 36% (36/100) and control 10% (5/50) (p = 0.001). The mean hyperhomocysteinemia concentration was 31.9 μmol/l with extremes ranging from 18 to 103 μmol/l. Means of biological markers between diabetics and controls showed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.01). The risk factors associated with this HHcy were: sex (OR = 3.5), age (OR = 9.4), sedentary lifestyle (OR = 3.4) and glycosylated hemoglobin (OR = 12) with a p-value <0.05 respectively. Our results suggest that hyperhomocysteinemia can be considered as a predictive biomarker in the bioclinic of Congolese type 2 diabetic patients.

Evaluating combined bevacizumab and XELOX in advanced colorectal cancer: Serum markers carcinoembryonic antigen, carbohydrate antigen 125, carbohydrate antigen 199 analysis

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer ranks third and second among common and fatal cancers.The treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer(mCRC)is generally based on XELOX in clinical practice,which includes capecitabine(CAP)and oxaliplatin.Serum tumor markers carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA),carbohydrate antigen(CA)125 and CA199 are prognostic factors for various tumors.AIM To investigate evaluating combined bevacizumab(BEV)and XELOX in advanced colorectal cancer:Serum markers CEA,CA125,CA199 analysis.METHODS In this retrospective study,a total of 94 elderly patients diagnosed with mCRC were recruited and subsequently categorized into two groups based on the distinct treatment modalities they received.The control group was treated with XELOX plus CAP(n=47),while the observation group was treated with XELOX plus CAP and BEV(n=47).Several indexes were assessed in both groups,including disease control rate(DCR),incidence of adverse effects,serum marker levels(CEA,CA125,and CA19)and progression-free survival(PFS).RESULTS After 9 wk of treatment,the serum levels of CEA,CA199 and CA125 in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).Moreover,the PFS of the observation group(9.12±0.90 mo)was significantly longer than that of the control group(6.49±0.64 mo).Meanwhile,there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions and DCR between the two groups during maintenance therapy(P>0.05).CONCLUSION On the basis of XELOX treatment,the combination of BEV and CAP can reduce serum tumor marker levels and prolong PFS in patients with mCRC.

Karyotype establishment and development of specific molecular markers of Aegilops geniculata Roth based on SLAF-seq

The constant evolution of pathogens poses a threat to wheat resistance against diseases,endangering food security.Developing resistant wheat varieties is the most practical approach for circumventing this problem.As a close relative of wheat,Aegilops geniculata,particularly accession SY159,has evolved numerous beneficial traits that could be applied to improve wheat.In this study,we established the karyotype of SY159 by fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH)using the oligonucleotide probes Oligo-pTa535 and Oligo-pSc119.2 and a complete set of wheat–Ae.geniculata accession TA2899 addition lines as a reference.Using specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing(SLAF-seq)technology,400 specific markers were established for detecting the SY159 chromosomes with efficiencies reaching 81.5%.The SY159-specific markers were used to classify the different homologous groups of SY159 against the wheat-Ae.geniculata addition lines.We used these specific markers on the 7Mg chromosome after classification,and successfully confirmed their suitability for studying the different chromosomes of SY159.This study provides a foundation for accelerating the application of SY159 in genetic breeding programs designed to improve wheat.

Identification of new cotton fiber-quality QTL by multiple genomic analyses and development of markers for genomic breeding

Cotton fiber is one of the main raw materials for the textile industry.In recent years,many cotton fiber quality QTL have been identified,but few were applied in breeding.In this study,a genome wide association study(GWAS)of fiber-quality traits in 265 upland cotton breeding intermediate lines(GhBreeding),combined with genome-wide selective sweep analysis(GSSA)and genomic selection(GS),revealed 25 QTL.Most of these QTL were ignored by only using GWAS.The CRISPR/Cas9 mutants of GhMYB_D13 had shorter fiber,which indicates the credibility of QTL to a certain extent.Then these QTL were verified in other cotton natural populations,5 stable QTL were found having broad potential for application in breeding.Additionally,among these 5 stable QTL,superior genotypes of 4 showed an enrichment in most improved new varieties widely cultivated currently.These findings provide insights for how to identify more QTL through combined multiple genomic analysis to apply in breeding.

New markers of fibrosis in hepatitis C:A step towards the Holy Grail?

In the present issue of the World Journal of Hepatology,Ferrassi et al examine the problem of liver fibrosis staging in chronic hepatitis C.They identify novel biomarkers in an effort to predict accurate fibrosis staging with the aid of the metabolome of Hepatitis C patients.Overall I think Ferrassi et al took a different approach in identifying fibrosis biomarkers,by looking at the patients’metabolome.Their biomarkers clearly separate patients from controls.They can also separate out,patients with minimal fibrosis(F0-F1 stage)and patients with cirrhosis(F4 stage).Obviously,if these biomarkers were to be widely used,tests for all the important metabolites would need to be readily available for use in hospitals or outpatient setting and that may prove difficult and above all,costly.Nevertheless,this step could eventually lead to a metabolomic approach for novel biomarkers of Fibrosis.Obviously,it would need to be validated,but could represent a step towards the Holy Grail of Hepatology.

Genome-Wide Analysis for Yield-Related Agronomic and Biochemical Traits of Chinese and Bangladeshi Grass Pea Genotypes Using SSR Markers

Grass pea(Lathyrus sativus L.)is an imperative food crop cultured in dryland agricultural ecology.It is a vital source of dietary protein to millions of populaces living in low-income countries in South-East Asia and Africa.This study highlights the improvement of genomic properties and their application in marker-trait relationships for 17 yield-related characters in 400 grass pea genotypes from China and Bangladesh.These characters were assessed via 56 polymorphic markers using general linear model(GLM)(P+G+Q)and mixed linear model(MLM)(P+G+Q+K)in the tassel software based on the linkage disequilibrium and population structure analysis.Population structure analysis showed two major groups and one admixed group in the populace.Statistically significant loci pairs of linkage disequilibrium(LD)mean value(D′)was 0.479.A total of 99 and 61 marker-trait associations in GLM and MLM models allied to the 17 traits were accepted at a 5%level of significance.Among these markers,21 markers were associated with more than one trait;12 marker-trait associations passed the Bonferroni correction threshold.Both models found six markers C41936,C39067,C34100,C47146,C47638,and C43047 significantly associated with days to maturity,flower color,plant height,and seed per pod were detected in the Hebei and Liaoyang location(p≤0.01),and the interpretation rate(R^(2)value)11.2%to 43.6%.Conferring to the consequences,the association analysis methodology may operative system for quantitative,qualitative,and biochemical traits related to gene position mapping and support breeders in improving novel approaches for advancing the grass pea quality.