Heat stress effects on water metabolism of goats in harsh environments

Goats play a predominant role in the economies of millions of people, and they have been a source of meat, milk, skin, wool, and fiber since ages. Goats undergo various kinds of stressors under many different conditions, i.e., physical, nutritional, chemical, and physiological and heat stress (HS). Among all, thermal stress is the most concerning nowadays in the ever-changing climatic scenario, which supposes a serious long-term challenge faced by small ruminant owners worldwide. HS results in decreased growth, reproduction, production, and milk quantity and quality. Thus, HS results in economic losses, emphasizing the necessity to objectively assess animal welfare. The hot climate is a serious threat to agriculture business, including goat production. The ability of sheep and goats to cope with HS without affecting their welfare and productive performance has been often overrated. To date, little attention has been paid to comprehensive detailed data on the adverse effect of HS on small ruminants. Among domestic ruminants, goats are renowned for their ability to tolerate water and energy restriction. However, some basic questions regarding their ability to endure water restriction under HS are still open. Therefore, a definition of heat stress and its effects on water metabolism on goats will be the scope of this chapter. © Springer International Publishing AG 2017

The Association Between Comorbidity and the Risks and Early Benefits of Total Hip Arthroplasty for Hip Osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND:The changing demographics of our society will lead to an increasing number of patients presenting for orthopedic surgery with increasing comorbidity. We investigated the association between comorbidity and both the risks (complications) and benefits (improved function) of total hip arthroplasty (THA) for primary hip osteoarthritis, whilst controlling for potential confounders including age. METHODS:One thousand five hundred and eighty-four patients (67.1 ± 10.6 years; 54% men) in our tertiary care orthopedic hospital completed the Oxford Hip Score before and 12 months after THA. Comorbidity was assessed using the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Details regarding perioperative complications (hospital stay plus 18 days after discharge; mean 27 ± 3 days) were extracted from the clinic information system and graded for severity. RESULTS:For ASA1, 2, and ≥3, respectively, there were 3.1%, 3.0%, and 6.6% surgical/orthopedic complications; 3.7%, 12.5%, and 27.4% general medical complications; and 6.7%, 14.5%, and 29.8% complications of either type. ASA was associated with complication severity (P < .001). In multiple regression, increasing ASA grade (OR 1.74; 95% CI, 1.33-2.29) and age (OR 1.06; 95% CI, 1.05-1.08), both showed an independent association with increased risk of a complication; CCI explained no further significant variance. CCI, but not age, was associated with the 12-month Oxford Hip Score (beta coefficient, -0.742; 95% CI, -1.130 to -0.355; P = .002) while ASA grade explained no further variance. CONCLUSION:Greater comorbidity was associated with increased odds of a complication and (independently) slightly worse patient-rated outcome 12 months after THA. Comorbidity indices can be easily obtained for all surgical patients and may assist with preoperative counseling regarding individual risks and benefits of THA

RNA sequencing reveals a depletion of collagen targeting microRNAs in Dupuytren's disease

Prostatic carcinom