Weaning weight is a key indicator of the early growth performance of cattle. An understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying weaning weight will help increase the accuracy of selection of breeding animals. In order to identify candidate genes associated with weaning weight in Simmental-Holstein crossbred cattle, this study generated RNA-Sequencing (RNA-seq) data from 86 crossbred calves (37 males and 49 famales) and measured their weaning weight and body size traits (wither height, body length, chest girth, rump width, and rump length). Differential gene expression analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were performed. A total of 498 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between the low weaning weight (LWW) group and the high weaning weight (HWW) group. Weaning weight was transcriptionally correlated (FDR < 0.05) with four of the eleven co-expression gene modules. By intersecting DEGs and hub genes of the four modules, we identified a final set of 37 candidate genes enriched in growth, development, or immune-related processes. In addition, one co-expression module was significantly correlated with all the five body size traits (P < 0.05), from which MX1 was identified as a key candidate gene through protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis of hub genes. Further evidence from cattle transcriptome-wide association study analysis (TWAS) and human phenome-wide association study (PheWAS) validated significant associations of CACNA1S, SEMA7A, VCAN, CD101, CD19, and CSF2RB with growth and development traits (P < 0.05). Notably, CACNA1S and CD19 were also associated with typical immune traits such as B cell proliferation, differentiation, and activation. In conclusion, this study reveals new candidate genes significantly associated with weaning weight in Simmental-Holstein crossbred cattle, providing a basis for further exploration of the genetic mechanisms behind growth traits of cattle.

It is increasingly clear that social environments have profound impacts on the life histories of 'non-social' animals. However, it is not yet well known how species with varying degrees of sociality respond to different social contexts and whether such effects are sex-specific. To survey the extent to which social environments specifically affect lifespan and ageing in non-social species, we performed a systematic literature review, focusing on invertebrates but excluding eusocial insects. We found 80 studies in which lifespan or ageing parameters were measured in relation to changes in same-sex or opposite-sex exposure, group size or cues thereof. Most of the studies focused on manipulations of adults, often reporting sex differences in lifespan following exposure to the opposite sex. Some studies highlighted the impacts of developmental environments or social partner age on lifespan. Several studies explored potential underlying mechanisms, emphasizing that studies on insects could provide excellent opportunities to interrogate the basis of social effects on ageing. We discuss what these studies can tell us about the social environment as a stressor, or trade-offs in resources prompted by different social contexts. We suggest fruitful avenues for further research of social effects across a wider and more diverse range of taxa.This article is part of the discussion meeting issue 'Understanding age and society using natural populations'.

Glycogen synthase 2 (GYS2) encodes liver glycogen synthase, a rate limiting enzyme in glycogen metabolism. Our preliminary work suggested that GYS2 was a candidate gene affecting milk production traits by analyzing the liver proteome of dairy cows. Herein, this research identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of GYS2, analyzed their genetic effects on traits of dairy cattle, and speculated the pathogenic mechanism through functional prediction of key mutation sites. Seven SNPs were found by resequencing and the association analysis showed that these SNPs were significantly associated with 305-day milk yield, fat yield, protein yield or fat percentage (p-value ≤ 0.0488). Six SNPs among them formed two haplotype blocks and they were associated with 305-day milk yield, fat yield, protein yield or fat percentage (p-value ≤ 0.0349). Furthermore, 5:g.88602007G > A and 5:g.88602026G > A were predicted to change the transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs), which might regulate the expression of GYS2. The missense mutation site, 5:g.88602535G > T, changed the secondary structure of mRNA and the secondary and tertiary structure of protein. In summary, the GYS2 was proved to have genetic effect on milk production traits, and its valuable seven SNPs, could provide more useful genetic information for molecular breeding of dairy cows.

ABSTRACT In this work, we provide a theoretical framework to evaluate the beneficial effect of solute segregation on the creep behaviour of nanocrystalline materials. We choose copper as the model system and employ the Murdoch and Schuh model to identify Cu–3Zr as a binary system with high thermal stability in its nanocrystalline state. The effect of the segregation of Zr on the grain boundary diffusivity was evaluated using the Hondros and Henderson model. The effect of solute segregation on threshold stress for vacancy emission and absorption at the grain boundaries was evaluated using the Mohamed model. Using these in conjunction with the Bird Mukherjee Dorn equation for creep allowed us to compare the diffusional creep behaviour of nc copper and nc Cu–3Zr. The nc Cu–3Zr system with a grain size of 49 nm demonstrated a higher creep resistance compared to nc Cu bearing a similar grain size. However, the creep resistance of both systems was found to be significantly inferior when compared to the conventional coarse-grained Cu bearing a grain size of 1 μm.

Introduction: This study presents a compelling clinical case involving a 43-year-old woman who encountered a vesicovaginal fistula subsequent to vaginal delivery. The narrative encompasses the occurrence, diagnosis, and subsequent management of this rare postpartum complication. Case Report: A 43-year-old woman with an unscarred uterus experienced the conventional signs of postpartum recovery but developed hematuria and vaginal urinary leakage on the seventh postpartum day. Clinical assessment confirmed a vesicovaginal fistula due to partial uterine dehiscence. Diagnostic procedures and the subsequent successful surgical intervention are detailed, followed by the postoperative surveillance strategy and a one-month post-surgery evaluation. Conclusion: This case study demonstrates the successful management of a postpartum vesicovaginal fistula through surgical intervention, resulting in complete closure of the fistula and significant improvement in urinary symptoms. It highlights the importance of timely diagnosis and appropriate surgical intervention in managing such rare complications following vaginal delivery.

BACKGROUND Cat scratch disease (CSD) is the most common human infection caused by Bartonella henselae (B. henselae ). The main manifestation is self-limited lymphadenopathy that primarily affects adolescents, and typically resolves without treatment within 2-4 months. However, individuals with compromised immune systems or immunodeficiency require specific antibacterial therapy following diagnosis. Due to its low incidence, nonspecific clinical manifestations, and diagnostic limitations, this condition often poses challenges for clinicians in terms of missed diagnoses and misdiagnoses. CASE SUMMARY The child was ultimately diagnosed with CSD. The primary manifestations included nocturnal fever, enlargement of lymph nodes in the neck, axilla and groin, and suspected brucellosis; however, both brucellosis tests conducted during the course of the illness yielded negative results. Bone marrow cytology indicated stimulated proliferation. Lymph node biopsy indicated hyperplasia of lymphoid tissue in the cervical lymph nodes (right), with combined immunohistochemical findings indicating reactive hyperplasia. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed CD20 B (+), CD3 T (+), BCL-6 (+), and BCL-2 (). CD21 FDC networks were present and Ki67 expression in the germinal center was ~80%. Blood next-generation sequencing indicated B. henselae sequence number was 3. Serological test results demonstrated positive antibody response to B. henselae IgG (+), B. henselae IgM (+), Bartonella quintana (B. quintana ) IgG () and B. quintana IgM (), and the final diagnosis was CSD. CONCLUSION In patients presenting with fever at night and swollen lymph nodes of unknown origin, CSD should be considered.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori ) infections may cause chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, gastric cancers, and other conditions outside of the gastrointestinal tract. Hence, it is important to diagnose and treat it early. H. pylori is resistant to certain drugs in traditional eradication therapy, so alternative therapy protocols are needed, such as high-dose amoxicillin dual therapy (HDADT). This article aims to comment on a recent paper by Costigan et al in the World Journal of Clinical Cases . In this study, the authors recruited 139 patients diagnosed with H. pylori , all treated with HDADT. Of these, 93 were treatment-naïve and 46 had received at least one alternative treatment in the past. Four weeks after the end of the treatment, the urea breath test was administered to estimate the eradication rate. The total eradication rate was 56% (78/139), 62% for the treatment-naïve arm and 43% for the previous treatment arm, thus indicating a lower success rate for the arm that had previously received a different treatment regimen. In conclusion, a therapeutic approach with first-line HDADT may potentially be a better treatment, but the results are not sufficient to recommend the use of this regimen in a country with high levels of dual resistance.

ABSTRACT This study utilised the Blume-Capel model to investigate the magnetic behaviour of a kesterite nanolattice by means of Monte Carlo simulations. The investigated nano-system, consisting of mixed spins atoms, exhibited magnetisation plateaus and level changes in response to the external magnetic field. These findings underscore the intricate interplay among the various physical parameters influencing magnetisation plateaus in the kesterite nanolattice, providing valuable insights for understanding the potential applications of this magnetic system.

Введение. В условиях новой экономической реальности зеленое финансирование является одним из императивов для решения глобальных задач в области содействия устойчивому экономическому росту, повышению энергоэффективности, переходу на низкоглеродную экономику, развитию возобновляемой энергетики, а также смягчению давления на окружающую среду. Междисциплинарный характер зеленых финансов и инструментария зеленого финансирования подчеркивает важность взаимодействия исследователей и практиков по проблемам усиления потенциала зеленого финансирования в процессе учета экологических, социальных и управленческих (ESG) факторов. Финансовая составляющая в достижении зелѐных инициатив и обеспечении устойчивого развития является основополагающей. Вместе с тем создание условий для гармоничного сочетания финансового инструментария природно-климатических и экологических механизмов на глобальном, национальном и региональном уровнях должно опираться на выявление и нивелирование потенциальных вызовов и угроз, отражающих современную геополитическую и экономическую реальность. Материалы и методы. Применение современного методологического инструментария позволяет определить содержательную характеристику зелѐного финансирования. Теоретические основы концепции устойчивого развития, методы эволюционно-логического, комплексно-системного, риск-ориентированного подходов, методы анализа и синтеза, эмпирических наблюдений, экспертных оценок позволяют определить перспективность исследования, включающего учѐт факторов ESG, с целью создания условий для перехода на новую модель развития национального рынка финансирования проектов устойчивого развития. Результаты исследования. В научной статье раскрыты тенденции развития теоретических исследований и практик применения современного инструментария зеленого финансирования с позиции эффективности функционирования таких финансово-кредитных рычагов, как обзоры бюджетных расходов, экологическое страхование, зеленые облигации и зеленые кредиты, в контексте обеспечения устойчивого развития и реализации ESG-принципов. Обсуждение и заключения. В ходе исследования обоснована необходимость развития финансово-кредитного инструментария зеленого финансирования и сделан вывод о том, что перспективность их совершенствования и успешность практического применения напрямую зависят от степени развития нормативно-законодательной базы, трендов роста рынка зеленого финансирования, действенности экологического мониторинга и эффективности государственного финансового контроля в области управления экологическими рисками. Introduction. In the new economic reality, green financing is one of the imperatives for solving global problems in the field of promoting sustainable economic growth, increasing energy efficiency, transition to a low-carbon economy, developing renewable energy, and mitigating the pressure on the environment. The interdisciplinary nature of green finance and the tools of green financing emphasizes the importance of interaction between researchers and practitioners on the issues of enhancing the potential of green financing in the process of taking into account environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors. The financial component in achieving green initiatives and ensuring sustainable development is fundamental. At the same time, the creation of conditions for a harmonious combination of financial instruments of natural, climatic and environmental mechanisms at the global, national and regional levels should be based on the identification and mitigation of potential challenges and threats reflecting the modern geopolitical and economic reality. Materials and methods. The use of modern methodological tools allows us to determine the substantive characteristics of green financing. The theoretical foundations of the concept of sustainable development, methods of evolutionary-logical, complex-systemic, riskoriented approaches, methods of analysis and synthesis, empirical observations, expert assessments allow us to determine the prospects of the study, including taking into account ESG factors in order to create conditions for the transition to a new model of development of the national market for financing sustainable development projects. Results. The scientific article reveals the trends in the development of theoretical research and practices of applying modern tools of green financing from the standpoint of the efficiency of such financial and credit levers as budget expenditure reviews, environmental insurance, green bonds and green loans in the context of ensuring sustainable development and implementing ESG principles. Discussion and conclusions. The study substantiated the need to develop financial and credit tools of green financing and concluded that the prospects for their improvement and the success of their practical application directly depend on the degree of development of the regulatory framework, trends in the development of the green financing market, the effectiveness of environmental monitoring and the effectiveness of state financial control in the field of environmental risk management.