Optimizing genomic selection of agricultural traits using K-wheat core collection

The agricultural traits that constitute basic plant breeding information are usually quantitative or complex in nature. This quantitative and complex combination of traits complicates the process of selection in breeding. This study examined the potential of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and genomewide selection (GS) for breeding ten agricultural traits by using genome-wide SNPs. As a first step, a trait-associated candidate marker was identified by GWAS using a genetically diverse 567 Korean (K)-wheat core collection. The accessions were genotyped using an Axiom^® 35K wheat DNA chip, and ten agricultural traits were determined (awn color, awn length, culm color, culm length, ear color, ear length, days to heading, days to maturity, leaf length, and leaf width). It is essential to sustain global wheat production by utilizing accessions in wheat breeding. Among the traits associated with awn color and ear color that showed a high positive correlation, a SNP located on chr1B was significantly associated with both traits. Next, GS evaluated the prediction accuracy using six predictive models (G-BLUP, LASSO, BayseA, reproducing kernel Hilbert space, support vector machine (SVM), and random forest) and various training populations (TPs). With the exception of the SVM, all statistical models demonstrated a prediction accuracy of 0.4 or better. For the optimization of the TP, the number of TPs was randomly selected (10%, 30%, 50% and 70%) or divided into three subgroups (CC-sub 1, CC-sub 2 and CC-sub 3) based on the subpopulation structure. Based on subgroup-based TPs, better prediction accuracy was found for awn color, culm color, culm length, ear color, ear length, and leaf width. A variety of Korean wheat cultivars were used for validation to evaluate the prediction ability of populations. Seven out of ten cultivars showed phenotype-consistent results based on genomics-evaluated breeding values (GEBVs) calculated by the reproducing kernel Hilbert space (RKHS) predictive model. Our research provides a basis for improving complex traits in wheat breeding programs through genomics assisted breeding. The results of our research can be used as a basis for improving wheat breeding programs by using genomics-assisted breeding.

The role of clonal haematopoiesis in cardiovascular diseases: epidemiology and experimental studies

Clonal haematopoiesis results from acquired mutations in haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). These mutations can confer the HSPC with a competitive advantage, leading to their clonal expansion within the limiting bone marrow niche. This process is often insufficient to produce a haematologic malignancy; however, the expanding HSPC clones increasingly give rise to progeny leucocytes whose phenotypes can be altered by the somatic mutations that they harbour. Key findings from multiple human studies have shown that clonal haematopoiesis in the absence of overt haematologic alterations is common amongst the ageing population and associated with mortality and cardiovascular disease. Key findings from experimental studies have provided evidence for a causative role for clonal haematopoiesis in cardiovascular diseases, and aspects of these mechanisms have been elucidated. Whilst our understanding of the impact and biology of clonal haematopoiesis is in its infancy, analyses of some of the most commonly mutated driver genes suggest promising clinical scenarios involving the development of personalized therapies with immunomodulatory drugs that exploit the perturbation caused by the particular mutation. Herein, we review the accumulating epidemiological and experimental evidence, and summarize our current understanding of the importance of clonal haematopoiesis as a new causal risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and heart failure.

Abnormal band of the lateral meniscus of the knee

We report 2 cases of an abnormal band of the lateral meniscus of the knee joint. A 23-year-old man complained of mechanical symptoms in both knees and an arthroscopic procedure was performed. We found meniscal abnormalities in the both knees. A 20-year-old man sustained a posterior cruciate ligament injury. In the course of an arthroscopy for his torn posterior cruciate ligament, an abnormal band of the lateral meniscus was seen. It was characteristic that the upper abnormal band was loose and serpentine and connected at the posterior horn and the middle segment of the lower normal lateral meniscus. Arthroscopic resection of abnormal bands successfully eliminated the symptoms. Because of its characteristic appearance and bilaterality, it was evident that this abnormal band was a congenital anomaly.

Localized pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee: arthroscopic treatment

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a relatively rare condition. It occurs in two forms: a diffuse form involves the entire synovium and occurs in the majority of cases, and a localized form involves a discrete section of the synovium. The disorder almost always involves a single joint and the knee is most commonly affected. We report on three cases of localized PVNS that involved the patellar fat pad and synovium. Diagnostic and therapeutic arthroscopies were performed, and typical localized PVNS was found. Complete resection of the lesions was performed arthroscopically. Arthroscopy can be used as an effective diagnostic and therapeutic tool for identification and treatment of intra-articular localized PVNS of the knee.

Two-dimensional visualization of liquid layers on transparent walls

A new two-dimensional visualization technique based on laser-induced fluorescence for investigation of liquid-fuel films on transparent walls was applied in an SI engine. For optical access the upper part of the engine cylinder is replaced with a quartz ring. An UV laser beam is coupled into the ring, forcing total reflection at quartz-air interfaces. Because of the similar indices of refraction of quartz and fuel, laser light penetrates into the liquid. The corresponding fluorescence signal visualizes areas where wall film is present. It is shown that the technique is an excellent tool for investigation of wall-film development in combustion engines.