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A large amount of genome-wide association study (GWAS) panels together with quantitative-trait locus (QTL) information associated with breeding-targeted traits have been described in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). However, the application of mapping results from a GWAS panel to conventional wheat breeding remains a challenge. In this study, we first report a general genetic map which was constructed from 44 published linkage maps. It permits the estimation of genetic distances between any two genetic loci with physical map positions, thereby unifying the linkage relationships between QTL, genes, and genomic markers from multiple genetic populations. Second, we describe QTL mapping in a wheat GWAS panel of 688 accessions, identifying 77 QTL associated with 12 yield and grain-quality traits. Because these QTL have known physical map positions, they could be mapped onto the general map. Finally, we present a design approach to wheat breeding by using known QTL information and computer simulation. Potential crosses between parents in the GWAS panel may be evaluated by the relative frequency of the target genotype, trait correlations in simulated progeny populations, and genetic gain of selected progenies. It is possible to simultaneously improve yield and grain quality by suitable parental selection, progeny population size, and progeny selection scheme. Applying the design approach will allow identifying the most promising crosses and selection schemes in advance of the field experiment, increasing predictability and efficiency in wheat breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between insomnia, gastrointestinal symptoms, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), as well as the related influencing factors. Methods: A total of 910 T2DM patients treated in our multicenter from January 2022 to December 2022 were enrolled in this study. General information (gender, age, smoking and drinking history, exercise, course of disease, treatment and complications), HbA1c, Athens Insomnia Scale(AIS) scores and Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating Scale(GSRS) scores of patients were collected. The differences of sleep and gastrointestinal symptoms between groups were analyzed, and the correlation between the differences and HbA1c was analyzed. Furthermore, the risk factors for non-standard HbA1c were analyzed. Results: The AIS score and GSRS score in the HbA1c control group were less than those in the non-standard group (P<0.01). Insomnia was reported by 37.0% of T2DM patients, and the HbA1c level in the insomnia group was significantly higher than that in the non-insomnia group (10.00%±2.38% vs. 8.26%±1.73%, P<0.01). Gastrointestinal symptoms were present in 57.5% of T2DM patients, and the HbA1c levels in the group with gastrointestinal symptoms were significantly higher than those in the group without gastrointestinal symptoms (9.26%±2.23% vs. 8.43%± 1.98%, P<0.01). Furthermore, 26.3% of T2DM patients experienced both insomnia and gastrointestinal symptoms. Remarkably, the HbA1c levels in the group with both insomnia and gastrointestinal symptoms were significantly higher than those in the group without either condition (10.18%±2.44% vs. 8.45%±1.86%, P<0.01). Correlation analysis demonstrated a significant association between sleep quality, gastrointestinal function, and HbA1c levels (P<0.01). The logistic regression analysis result revealed that age, GSRS score, AIS score, and the presence of insomnia combined with gastrointestinal symptoms were independent risk factors for predicting HbA1c≥6.5% (P<0.01). Having both insomnia and gastrointestinal symptoms concurrently was the strongest risk factor for substandard HbA1c control, and the risk of blood sugar control may increase about 5 times when both appear together. Conclusion: Insomnia and gastrointestinal symptoms are common comorbidities in T2DM patients, showing a cross-interfering relationship, and they appear together with poor blood sugar control, interact causally, and amplify each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactose absorption capacity was examined in 641 apparently healthy adolescents and adults (447 males and 194 females with an average age of 22.9 years and an age range of 16-46 years) using a field version of the lactose tolerance test with breath hydrogen determination. In the total sample, 89 lactose absorbers and 552 lactose malabsorbers were identified. Lactose malabsorption was most frequent in a subgroup of Han (Chinese) from northeastern China (229 of 248 subjects, 92.3%). Among 198 Mongols from Inner Mongolia, there were 174 lactose malabsorbers (87.9%). The frequency of lactose malabsorption was lowest in a group of Kazakhs, traditional herders from the northwestern region of Xinjiang (149 of 195 subjects, 76.4%). Reported symptoms of lactose intolerance were significantly more frequent in lactose malabsorbers. The findings in northern Han are similar to the reported lactose malabsorption frequency in southern (mainly overseas) Chinese, and correspond with the absence of animal milk from traditional Chinese diets. The relatively low prevalence of lactose malabsorption among the Kazakhs suggests that lactose persistence may be frequent in herding pastoralist populations of southwest Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]