Bone turnover markers in sheep and goat: a review of the scientific literature

Bone turnover markers (BTMs) are product of bone cell activity and are generally divided in bone formation and bone resorption markers. The purpose of this review was to structure the available information on the use of BTMs in studies on small ruminants, especially for monitoring their variations related to diet, exercise, gestation and metabolic lactation state, circadian and seasonal variations, and also during skeletal growth. Pre-clinical and translational studies using BTMs with sheep and goats as animal models in orthopaedic research studies to help in the evaluation of the fracture healing process and osteoporosis research are also described in this review. The available information from the reviewed studies was systematically organized in order to highlight the most promising BTMs in small ruminant research, as well as provide a wide view of the use of sheep and goat as animal models in orthopaedic research, type of markers and commercial assay kits with cross-reactivity in sheep and goat, method of sample and storage of serum and urine for bone turnover markers determination and the usefulness and limitations of bone turnover markers in the different studies, therefore an effective tool for researchers that seek answers to different questions while using BTMs in small ruminants.José Arthur de A. Camassa acknowledges to the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), Brazil, for his PhD scholarship 202248/2015-1.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Mortality from gastrointestinal congenital anomalies at 264 hospitals in 74 low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries: a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study

Summary Background Congenital anomalies are the fifth leading cause of mortality in children younger than 5 years globally. Many gastrointestinal congenital anomalies are fatal without timely access to neonatal surgical care, but few studies have been done on these conditions in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We compared outcomes of the seven most common gastrointestinal congenital anomalies in low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries globally, and identified factors associated with mortality. Methods We did a multicentre, international prospective cohort study of patients younger than 16 years, presenting to hospital for the first time with oesophageal atresia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, intestinal atresia, gastroschisis, exomphalos, anorectal malformation, and Hirschsprung’s disease. Recruitment was of consecutive patients for a minimum of 1 month between October, 2018, and April, 2019. We collected data on patient demographics, clinical status, interventions, and outcomes using the REDCap platform. Patients were followed up for 30 days after primary intervention, or 30 days after admission if they did not receive an intervention. The primary outcome was all-cause, in-hospital mortality for all conditions combined and each condition individually, stratified by country income status. We did a complete case analysis. Findings We included 3849 patients with 3975 study conditions (560 with oesophageal atresia, 448 with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, 681 with intestinal atresia, 453 with gastroschisis, 325 with exomphalos, 991 with anorectal malformation, and 517 with Hirschsprung’s disease) from 264 hospitals (89 in high-income countries, 166 in middleincome countries, and nine in low-income countries) in 74 countries. Of the 3849 patients, 2231 (58·0%) were male. Median gestational age at birth was 38 weeks (IQR 36–39) and median bodyweight at presentation was 2·8 kg (2·3–3·3). Mortality among all patients was 37 (39·8%) of 93 in low-income countries, 583 (20·4%) of 2860 in middle-income countries, and 50 (5·6%) of 896 in high-income countries (p<0·0001 between all country income groups). Gastroschisis had the greatest difference in mortality between country income strata (nine [90·0%] of ten in lowincome countries, 97 [31·9%] of 304 in middle-income countries, and two [1·4%] of 139 in high-income countries; p≤0·0001 between all country income groups). Factors significantly associated with higher mortality for all patients combined included country income status (low-income vs high-income countries, risk ratio 2·78 [95% CI 1·88–4·11], p<0·0001; middle-income vs high-income countries, 2·11 [1·59–2·79], p<0·0001), sepsis at presentation (1·20 [1·04–1·40], p=0·016), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score at primary intervention (ASA 4–5 vs ASA 1–2, 1·82 [1·40–2·35], p<0·0001; ASA 3 vs ASA 1–2, 1·58, [1·30–1·92], p<0·0001]), surgical safety checklist not used (1·39 [1·02–1·90], p=0·035), and ventilation or parenteral nutrition unavailable when needed (ventilation 1·96, [1·41–2·71], p=0·0001; parenteral nutrition 1·35, [1·05–1·74], p=0·018). Administration of parenteral nutrition (0·61, [0·47–0·79], p=0·0002) and use of a peripherally inserted central catheter (0·65 [0·50–0·86], p=0·0024) or percutaneous central line (0·69 [0·48–1·00], p=0·049) were associated with lower mortality. Interpretation Unacceptable differences in mortality exist for gastrointestinal congenital anomalies between lowincome, middle-income, and high-income countries. Improving access to quality neonatal surgical care in LMICs will be vital to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.2 of ending preventable deaths in neonates and children younger than 5 years by 2030

Research and Development on Animal Feed in Malaysia

The growth of the non-ruminant sector to self–sufficiency in meat and eggs has been matched by massive importation of feed. Thus, a major thrust to reduce the burden of feed imports is to increase the use of indigenous feed resources and intensify research to look for alternatives and substitutes. Over the past 3 decades, local researchers have reported on the availability nutritive content, optimal inclusion levels and treatment methods to enhance nutrient value of many locally available feed ingredients in practical poultry rations. The list includes evaluation and utilization of feed rice, palm kernel cake (PKC), broken rice, bran, sorghum, cassava, sago, fishmeal and commercial grain corn production; but the goal of import substitution and self- sufficiency is still unfulfilled. Although PKC, feed rice, local maize and specialty fats has potential to be viable energy feed sources and local fish meal is a promising protein feed source, more large scale Research and Development (R & D) is needed. In the ruminant sub-sector, emphasis is towards maximizing use of locally available agro-industrial byproducts and crop residues for the production of cost-effective feeds. The utilization of local feed resources is highly dependent on the supply of agro- industrial byproducts or crop residues from the oil palm and rice industries. In order to encourage a sustainable ruminant industry in Malaysia, local feed production has to be maximized and strengthened. Current emphasis is towards the development of practical and low-cost feeds for various classes of livestock species, particularly by utilizing local forages, tree fodders, crop residues and agro-industrial byproducts. This paper highlights the research and development on animal feed in Malaysia over the last three decades and discusses various aspects of livestock feeding

The Libido, Scrotal Circumference, Sperm Quality, and Testosterone Levels of Matured Boer Bucks Supplemented with Selenium

A study was conducted to determine the effect of three levels of selenium (Se) supplementation on the libido, scrotal circumference, sperm quality, and testosterone levels in matured Boer bucks. The feeding trial was conducted at MARDI Bachok Station, Bachok, Kelantan, Malaysia, for over six months. A total of 18 matured Boer bucks aged two years with an initial body weight of 53.28±0.62 kg, and no experience of sexual activity was selected for the feeding trial. All animals were randomly divided into three dietary treatments based on a completely randomized design (CRD). Group A and B were supplemented with organic Se at doses of 0.18 mg/kg DM and 0.36 mg/kg DM, respectively, whereas group C acted as a control group (without Se supplementation). Their basal diet consisted of 60% formulated pellet and 40% Brachiaria dictyoneura grass. Daily feed offered (DM basis) was based on 3% of mean body weight. Libido, scrotal circumference, and sperm quality were measured every two months during the feeding trial. Testosterone levels were determined at the end of the feeding trial. The results indicated that the basal diet (control group) was deficient in Se, with the concentration of 0.004 mg/kg. Supplementation of 0.18 mg Se/kg DM only improved the libido and sperm quality (p&lt;0.05). Supplementation of 0.36 mg Se/kg DM significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased libido, sperm quality, and testosterone levels. It is summarized that supplementation of 0.36 mg Se/kg DM has the potential to improve the reproductive performance of bucks, although it occurred at the adult stage

The libido, scrotal circumference, sperm quality, and testosterone levels of matured boer ducks supplemented with selenium

A study was conducted to determine the effect of three levels of selenium (Se) supplementation on the libido, scrotal circumference, sperm quality, and testosterone levels in matured Boer bucks. The feeding trial was conducted at MARDI Bachok Station, Bachok, Kelantan, Malaysia, for over six months. A total of 18 matured Boer bucks aged two years with an initial body weight of 53.28±0.62 kg, and no experience of sexual activity was selected for the feeding trial. All animals were randomly divided into three dietary treatments based on a completely randomized design (CRD). Group A and B were supplemented with organic Se at doses of 0.18 mg/kg DM and 0.36 mg/kg DM, respectively, whereas group C acted as a control group (without Se supplementation). Their basal diet consisted of 60% formulated pellet and 40% Brachiaria dictyoneura grass. Daily feed offered (DM basis) was based on 3% of mean body weight. Libido, scrotal circumference, and sperm quality were measured every two months during the feeding trial. Testosterone levels were determined at the end of the feeding trial. The results indicated that the basal diet (control group) was deficient in Se, with the concentration of 0.004 mg/kg. Supplementation of 0.18 mg Se/kg DM only improved the libido and sperm quality (p<0.05). Supplementation of 0.36 mg Se/kg DM significantly (p<0.05) increased libido, sperm quality, and testosterone levels. It is summarized that supplementation of 0.36 mg Se/kg DM has the potential to improve the reproductive performance of bucks, although it occurred at the adult stage

Effect of ECAP die angle to the microstructure and mechanical properties of bulk nanostructured Al-6061

An exhaust structure is experienced dynamic loads caused by engine operational and road surface condition that affected its durability and performance. Hence, the purpose of this study is to perform finite element (FE) modelling of exhaust structure and the used of updating approach to improve its dynamic behaviour. Due to its design, exhaust structure is built-up from several parts connected with welded joints. These welded joints significantly contribute to the dynamic behaviour of the structure. Four types of element connector that are RBE2, CBAR, CBEAM and CELAS have been used to replicate FE model of welded joint on the structure. Modal parameters (natural frequency and mode shape) of the FE model have been obtained from normal mode analysis using finite element analysis (FEA) software, MSC. Nastran/Patran. The precision of numerical predicted result from FEA is compared with its measured counterpart. The measured test data obtained through experimental modal analysis (EMA) using impact hammer and roving accelerometers under free-free boundary conditions. Under correlation process, CBAR element connector was chosen to model the welded joint due to its accurate prediction of natural frequency and contains updating parameters. FE model updating process was performed to improve the correlation between EMA and FEA. Ahead of updating process, sensitivity analysis was done to select the most sensitive updating parameter. As a result, total percentage error of natural frequency for updated CBAR model is reduced significantly from 8.74 % to 3.45 %. Consequently, CBAR element connector was chosen as the most reliable joint element in FE model to represent welded joint on exhaust structure

Investigation of multiparameter trends and anthropometric measurements for cardiorespiratory fitness assessment among UTM staff

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is known to reduce metabolic-related diseases like cardiovascular diseases (CVD), obesity, hypertension, and type II diabetes. On the other hand, the gold standard to measure CRF is by measuring maximal oxygen consumption, VO2 max over the years. This study is performed to identify parameters that influence CRF without solely relying on invasive features such as VO2 max. A number of 31 UTM staff aged between 30 and 40 years old have participated in this study with 17 female subjects and 14 male subjects. Anthropometric measurements are obtained by direct measurement and body composition analysis using a body composition monitor. Multiparameter trend measurements were obtained from vital sign monitors at rest. Single feature analysis was performed in terms of accuracy, specificity and sensitivity to identify which feature influences CRF the most. The features collected are body mass index (BMI), body fat (BF), muscle mass (MM), bone density (BD), waist circumference (WC), resting heart rate (RHR), resting systolic blood pressure (RSBP), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and recovery trend heart rate (RecHR). Next, all these features were validated using Naïve Bayes (NB) and Decision Tree (DT) classifiers. Finally, six features which are BF, BM, BD, RHR, RSBP and FEV1, with accuracy more than 70% were selected and identified as the features which influence CRF of UTM staff