Genome-Wide Association Integrating a Transcriptomic Meta-Analysis Suggests That Genes Related to Fat Deposition and Muscle Development Are Closely Associated with Growth in Huaxi Cattle.

Growth traits are among the most important economic phenotypes targeted in the genetic improvement of beef cattle. To understand the genetic basis of growth traits in Huaxi cattle, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on body weight, eye muscle area, and back fat thickness across five developmental stages in a population of 202 Huaxi cattle. Additionally, publicly available RNA-seq data from the longissimus dorsi muscle of both young and adult cattle were analyzed to identify key genes and genetic markers associated with growth in Huaxi cattle.

Discrepancy in efficiency scores due to sampling error in data envelopment analysis methodology: evidence from the banking sector.

Background: Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) methodology is considered the most suitable approach for relative performance efficiency calculation for banks as it is believed to be superior to traditional ratio-based analysis and other conventional performance evaluations. This study provides statistical evidence on the sampling error that can creep into performance evaluation studies using the DEA methodology. Inferences are drawn based on samples, and various preventive measures must be taken to eliminate or avoid sampling errors and misleading results.

Evaluation of gestational nonpersistent pesticide exposure with newborn size and gestational length in rural Ghana using a novel time-varying extension of multiple informant models.

Background: Gestational pesticide exposure may negatively affect newborn outcomes. Prior results evaluating nonpersistent pesticides are inconsistent.

Objective: To examine associations between gestational exposure to nonpersistent pesticides and newborn outcomes and identify critical windows of susceptibility.

No rumen fermentation profiles and associated microbial diversities difference were found between Hu sheep and Karakul sheep fed a cottonseed hull diet.

Background: This research aimed to investigate differences in rumen fermentation characteristics between Karakul sheep and Hu sheep reared under identical conditions. The test subjects included newborn Hu and Karakul sheep, which were monitored across three stages: stage I (Weaning period: 15 ~ 30 days), stage II (Supplementary feeding period: 31 ~ 90 days), and stage III (Complete feeding period: 91 ~ 150 days). During the supplementary feeding period, cottonseed hulls were the main roughage source.

3D modeling to predict vascular involvement in resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Background: Current management of patients with borderline resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma (BR-PDAC) depends on the degree of involvement of the major arterial and venous structures. The aim of this study was to evaluate 3D segmentation and printing to predict tumor size and vascular involvement of BR-PDAC to improve pre-operative planning of vascular resection and better select patients for neoadjuvant therapy.

Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 16 patients with BR-PDAC near vascular structures who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) with or without vascular resection between 2015 and 2021.