Validation of commercial DNA tests for beef quality traits

Gene mapping and discovery programs have resulted in the detection of numerous DNA ‘markers’ for various beef cattle production traits. Prior to commercializing genetic markers, it is important to validate their purported effects on the traits of interest in different breeds and environments, and assess them for correlated responses in associated traits. One of the biggest challenges in achieving this objective is the availability of cattle populations with sufficient phenotypic data to assess the association between various traits and newly discovered genetic markers. Results from such validation studies to date have not been widely published and genetic marker tests sometimes may be commercialized prior to the collection of field validation data. In addition, conflicting reports about some commercially available markers, as well as the recognized occurrence of well-proven bulls with a high EPD for a given trait but carrying two copies of the “wrong” (unfavorable) marker for that trait, have made some producers wary of investing in DNA-based testing. Producers want to know whether DNA-based tests perform in accordance with the claims of the marketing company and are interested in third-party, independent validation of these tests. The objective of this study was to validate three commercially-available genetic tests (GeneSTAR Quality Grade8, GeneSTAR Tenderness8, and Igenity TenderGENE9)

Current and future genetic technologies for fisheries and aquaculture: implications for the work of FAO

Within the last few decades, advances in genetic technologies have created powerful and efficient tools for fisheries stock identification, genetic improvement and domestication of aquaculture species andcharacterization of changes in aquatic life due to environmental or anthropogenic influences. Emerging genetic tools are improving our understanding of organisms in aquatic ecosystems, in terms of diversity, distribution, abundance, movement, function and adaptation, and are being applied in aquaculture facilities and across fishery and aquaculture value chains.In this study expert elicitation was used to examine and predict current and potential future (10 year) impacts of the application of these novel technologies in fisheries and aquaculture. Highlighting the need to prepare sectors for likely changes that will follow. All suggestions received were collated into themes, to provide a conceptual framework that partitions potential impacts, and calls for required action — action required on governance, management and practical application of these innovations at both a national and internationallevel.A range of fundamental shifts in fisheries and aquaculture were suggested as a result of the advancement and application of cost-effective genetic technologies. The advice highlighted both positive and negative impacts, including:● increased understanding of genetics and basic biology that will provide better insight into how genes function in the organism, the production system and in the ecosystem;● characterization of fishery stocks increasingly informed by genetic information rather than geo-politics, which will assist, but likely also challenge, traditional fisheries management;● increased understanding by aquaculturists and breeders, of genes and gene sequences, with access to synthetic biology that will result in the creation of improved farmed types, and probably their privatization;● ability of aquaculturists to produce aquatic species in more environments, more efficiently and according to market demand, stemming from the ability of growers to ensure farmed types more precisely meet local conditions and consumer preferences;● increased ability for compliance in fisheries and aquaculture along the full production value chain, with the ability to identify fisheries and aquaculture products and their origin through more accurate and informative genetic traceability analyses;● advancement of ecosystem studies, using a range of technologies including environmental DNA (eDNA), to improve ecosystem management, rehabilitation actions, and present potential challenges on how to characterize and manage synthetic biology. Such technologies will provide a clearer view of the fundamental building blocks of aquatic life, resulting in novel actions and new opportunities. However, such advances will also challenge managers in terms of using these novel technologies, but also in responding to the implications of their use across value chains.Expert advice on the impacts of genetic technologies were collated, including actions needed to address those impacts for management and conservation in fisheries and aquaculture. Within its mandate for fisheries and aquaculture, the role FAO will need to play in providing support for its Membership in addressing present and future issues is considered, although it was recognized that no one organization could address them all. Thisreport outlines potential future steps for, and requirements of, international development, conservation communities, national governments, industry and civil society, with need to further support the fishery and aquaculture sector through transformations brought about by rapidly developing genetic technologies

CURRENT AND FUTURE GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES FOR FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE WORK OF FAO

Within the last few decades, advances in genetic technologies have created powerful and efficient tools for fisheries stock identification, genetic improvement and domestication of aquaculture species and characterization of changes in aquatic life due to environmental or anthropogenic influences. Emerging genetic tools are improving our understanding of organisms in aquatic ecosystems, in terms of diversity, distribution, abundance, movement, function and adaptation, and are being applied in aquaculture facilities and across fishery and aquaculture value chains. In this study expert elicitation was used to examine and predict current and potential future (10 year) impacts of the application of these novel technologies in fisheries and aquaculture. Highlighting the need to prepare sectors for likely changes that will follow. All suggestions received were collated into themes, to provide a conceptual framework that partitions potential impacts, and calls for required action — action required on governance, management and practical application of these innovations at both a national and international level.CURRENT AND FUTURE GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES FOR FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE WORK OF FAOpublishedVersio

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgical care in the Netherlands

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a 13.6 per cent reduction in the number of surgical procedures performed was observed in 2020. Despite great pressure on healthcare, the COVID-19 pandemic did not cause an increase in adverse surgical outcomes, and oncological surgery-related duration of hospital and ICU stay were significantly shorter.Background The COVID-19 pandemic caused disruption of regular healthcare leading to reduced hospital attendances, repurposing of surgical facilities, and cancellation of cancer screening programmes. This study aimed to determine the impact of COVID-19 on surgical care in the Netherlands. Methods A nationwide study was conducted in collaboration with the Dutch Institute for Clinical Auditing. Eight surgical audits were expanded with items regarding alterations in scheduling and treatment plans. Data on procedures performed in 2020 were compared with those from a historical cohort (2018-2019). Endpoints included total numbers of procedures performed and altered treatment plans. Secondary endpoints included complication, readmission, and mortality rates. Results Some 12 154 procedures were performed in participating hospitals in 2020, representing a decrease of 13.6 per cent compared with 2018-2019. The largest reduction (29.2 per cent) was for non-cancer procedures during the first COVID-19 wave. Surgical treatment was postponed for 9.6 per cent of patients. Alterations in surgical treatment plans were observed in 1.7 per cent. Time from diagnosis to surgery decreased (to 28 days in 2020, from 34 days in 2019 and 36 days in 2018; P < 0.001). For cancer-related procedures, duration of hospital stay decreased (5 versus 6 days; P < 0.001). Audit-specific complications, readmission, and mortality rates were unchanged, but ICU admissions decreased (16.5 versus 16.8 per cent; P < 0.001). Conclusion The reduction in the number of surgical operations was greatest for those without cancer. Where surgery was undertaken, it appeared to be delivered safely, with similar complication and mortality rates, fewer admissions to ICU, and a shorter hospital stay.Lay Summary COVID-19 has had a significant impact on healthcare worldwide. Hospital visits were reduced, operating facilities were used for COVID-19 care, and cancer screening programmes were cancelled. This study describes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Dutch surgical healthcare in 2020. Patterns of care in terms of changed or delayed treatment are described for patients who had surgery in 2020, compared with those who had surgery in 2018-2019. The study found that mainly non-cancer surgical treatments were cancelled during months with high COVID-19 rates. Outcomes for patients undergoing surgery were similar but with fewer ICU admissions and shorter hospital stay. These data provide no insight into the burden endured by patients who had postponed or cancelled operations

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgical care in the Netherlands

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a 13.6 per cent reduction in the number of surgical procedures performed was observed in 2020. Despite great pressure on healthcare, the COVID-19 pandemic did not cause an increase in adverse surgical outcomes, and oncological surgery-related duration of hospital and ICU stay were significantly shorter.Background The COVID-19 pandemic caused disruption of regular healthcare leading to reduced hospital attendances, repurposing of surgical facilities, and cancellation of cancer screening programmes. This study aimed to determine the impact of COVID-19 on surgical care in the Netherlands. Methods A nationwide study was conducted in collaboration with the Dutch Institute for Clinical Auditing. Eight surgical audits were expanded with items regarding alterations in scheduling and treatment plans. Data on procedures performed in 2020 were compared with those from a historical cohort (2018-2019). Endpoints included total numbers of procedures performed and altered treatment plans. Secondary endpoints included complication, readmission, and mortality rates. Results Some 12 154 procedures were performed in participating hospitals in 2020, representing a decrease of 13.6 per cent compared with 2018-2019. The largest reduction (29.2 per cent) was for non-cancer procedures during the first COVID-19 wave. Surgical treatment was postponed for 9.6 per cent of patients. Alterations in surgical treatment plans were observed in 1.7 per cent. Time from diagnosis to surgery decreased (to 28 days in 2020, from 34 days in 2019 and 36 days in 2018; P < 0.001). For cancer-related procedures, duration of hospital stay decreased (5 versus 6 days; P < 0.001). Audit-specific complications, readmission, and mortality rates were unchanged, but ICU admissions decreased (16.5 versus 16.8 per cent; P < 0.001). Conclusion The reduction in the number of surgical operations was greatest for those without cancer. Where surgery was undertaken, it appeared to be delivered safely, with similar complication and mortality rates, fewer admissions to ICU, and a shorter hospital stay.Lay Summary COVID-19 has had a significant impact on healthcare worldwide. Hospital visits were reduced, operating facilities were used for COVID-19 care, and cancer screening programmes were cancelled. This study describes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Dutch surgical healthcare in 2020. Patterns of care in terms of changed or delayed treatment are described for patients who had surgery in 2020, compared with those who had surgery in 2018-2019. The study found that mainly non-cancer surgical treatments were cancelled during months with high COVID-19 rates. Outcomes for patients undergoing surgery were similar but with fewer ICU admissions and shorter hospital stay. These data provide no insight into the burden endured by patients who had postponed or cancelled operations.Analysis and support of clinical decision makin