A decade of progress: bringing mixed reality image-guided surgery systems in the operating room.

Advancements in mixed reality (MR) have led to innovative approaches in image-guided surgery (IGS). In this paper, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the current state of MR in image-guided procedures across various surgical domains. Using the Data Visualization View (DVV) Taxonomy, we analyze the progress made since a 2013 literature review paper on MR IGS systems. In addition to examining the current surgical domains using MR systems, we explore trends in types of MR hardware used, type of data visualized, visualizations of virtual elements, and interaction methods in use. Our analysis also covers the metrics used to evaluate these systems in the operating room (OR), both qualitative and quantitative assessments, and clinical studies that have demonstrated the potential of MR technologies to enhance surgical workflows and outcomes. We also address current challenges and future directions that would further establish the use of MR in IGS.

How Shilajit-Based Nanocarriers Alter Classical Doxorubicin Delivery to Breast Cancer Cells (MCF-7 and ZR-75-1).

Chemotherapy has been ineffective in cancer treatment, and efficient delivery of chemotherapeutic agents remains a challenge. In this study, we developed a doxorubicin-loaded shilajit-based nanocarrier (SHN-Dox) using a nanoprecipitation method to enhance Dox uptake into breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and ZR-75-1). After confirmation of the physicochemical properties of the nanocarriers, the cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic effects of SHN-Dox and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were evaluated on breast cancer cells. SHN-Dox showed a spherical shape with a size of 244 nm and a sustainable release profile of Dox. It exhibited high cytotoxicity against MCF-7 and ZR-75-1 cells, effectively inducing DNA fragmentation in these cells. After 24 h of treatment, SHN-Dox increased the apoptosis rate in MCF-7 cells and raised ROS levels. Therefore, SHN-Dox is a promising carrier that might reduce the side effects of Dox on healthy cells and provide a new strategy for clinical cancer treatment.

Optimisation of hormonal treatment to improve follicular development in one-day-old mice ovaries cultured under in vitro condition.

CONTEXT: Base medium containing knock-out serum replacement (KSR) has been found to support formation and maintenance of follicles in one-day-old mice ovaries, but has not been shown to properly support activation and growth of primordial follicles. AIMS: The present study was conducted to tailor the hormonal content of base medium containing KSR to enhance development of primordial follicles in neonatal ovaries. METHODS: One-day-old mice ovaries were initially cultured with base medium for four days, and then, different hormonal treatments were added to the culture media and the culture was proceeded for four additional days until day eight. Ovaries were collected for histological and molecular assessments on days four and eight. KEY RESULTS: In experiment I, the main and interactive effects of FSH and testosterone were investigated and FSH promoted activation of primordial follicles and development of primary and preantral follicles, and upregulated genes of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (Pi3k ), KIT ligand (Kitl ), growth differentiation factor 9 (Gdf9 ) and follicle stimulating hormone receptor (Fshr ) (P Bmp15 ), Connexin-43 (Cx43 ) and luteinising hormone and choriogonadotropin receptor (Lhcgr ) (P P Lhcgr (P P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation of culture medium containing KSR with gonadotropins, particularly hMG, could improve follicular growth and expression of factors regulating follicular development. IMPLICATIONS: This study was a step forward in formulating an optimal medium for development of follicles in cultured one-day-old mice ovaries.

Effects of adding antioxidant nanoparticles on sperm parameters of non-human species after the freezing and thawing process: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Cryopreservation is a widely used technique to store spermatozoa for a long time. Some Published articles have identified the cryoprotective effect of nanoparticles on sperm quality after the freeze-thaw process, but others have suggested the opposite results. PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and Scopus were systematically searched in animal studies by ("sperm" OR "spermatozoa") AND ("cryopreservation" OR "cooling storage" OR "freezing" OR "thawing") AND ("nanoparticle (lecithin nanoparticle, selenium nanoparticle, zinc nanoparticle, zinc oxide nanoparticle, nanoliposome, solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN), micelle, hydrogel, nanogel, silica nanoparticle, quantum dot, dendrimer, gold (Au) nanoparticle, silver nanoparticle, nanocomposite and mesoporous)"). Among 154 publications, data on sperm quality were extracted from 11 articles. The meta-analysis results demonstrated that nanoparticles had a positive impact on sperm progressive motility (WMD= 9.72, 95 % CI: 4.70, 14.75, p < 0.0001), total motility (WMD= 6.78, 95 % CI: 0.78, 12.78, p = 0.027), viability (WMD= 14.30, 95 % CI: 9.48, 19.13, p < 0.0001) and plasma membrane integrity (WMD = 13.74, 95 % CI: 8.20, 19.29, p < 0.0001). In conclusion, our results indicated the positive effects of nanoparticles as cryoprotectant agents on post-thawed sperm motility, viability, and membrane integrity.

Codelivery of resveratrol melatonin utilizing pH responsive sericin based nanocarriers inhibits the proliferation of breast cancer cell line at the different pH.

Protein-based nanocarriers have demonstrated good potential for cancer drug delivery. Silk sericin nano-particle is arguably one of the best in this field. In this study, we developed a surface charge reversal sericin-based nanocarrier to co-deliver resveratrol and melatonin (MR-SNC) to MCF-7 breast cancer cells as combination therapy. MR-SNC was fabricated with various sericin concentrations via flash-nanoprecipitation as a simple and reproducible method without complicated equipment. The nanoparticles were subsequently characterized for their size, charge, morphology and shape by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Nanocarriers chemical and conformational analysis were done by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and circular dichroism (CD) respectively. In vitro drug release was determined at different pH values (7.45, 6.5 and 6). The cellular uptake and cytotoxicity were studies using breast cancer MCF-7 cells. MR-SNC fabricated with the lowest sericin concentration (0.1%), showed a desirable 127 nm size, with a net negative charge at physiological pH. Sericin structure was preserved entirely in the form of nano-particles. Among the three pH values we applied, the maximum in vitro drug release was at pH 6, 6.5, and 7.4, respectively. This pH dependency showed the charge reversal property of our smart nanocarrier via changing the surface charge from negative to positive in mildly acidic pH, destructing the electrostatic interactions between sericin surface amino acids. Cell viability studies demonstrated the significant toxicity of MR-SNC in MCF-7 cells at all pH values after 48 h, suggesting a synergistic effect of combination therapy with the two antioxidants. The efficient cellular uptake of MR-SNC, DNA fragmentation and chromatin condensation was found at pH 6. Nutshell, our result indicated proficient release of the entrapped drug combination from MR-SNC in an acidic environment leading to cell apoptosis. This work introduces a smart pH-responsive nano-platform for anti-breast cancer drug delivery.

Investigating the Relationship Between Spiritual Health, Meaning in Life, and Death Attitudes among COVID-19 Patients Discharged from ICUs: A Cross-Sectional Study in Iran.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been shown to affect both physical and mental health. Because of this mental health burden, it is important to pay attention to issues such as the relationship between spiritual health, death attitudes and meaning in life - all issues made more prominent during the pandemic. This study was conducted to determine the correlation between these three factors - spiritual health, meaning in life, and death attitudes, among patients with COVID-19 discharged from the intensive care units of hospitals affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.This cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study was conducted between April 2020 and August 2021 with 260 participants. The data collection instruments were a demographic characteristics questionnaire, Polotzin and Ellison's Spiritual Health Questionnaire, The Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ), and Death Attitude Profile-Revised (DAP-R).The correlation between meaning in life, spiritual health, and death attitudes was determined by Spearman's correlation coefficient. The research results showed that there is an inverse and significant correlation between spiritual health and death attitudes (p = 0.01); an inverse, but insignificant correlation between existential health and subscales of death attitudes, except for the subscales of approach acceptance and neutral acceptance (p > 0.05); and an inverse, but insignificant, correlation between spiritual health and death attitudes, (p > 0.05). In addition, there was an inverse and significant correlation between the presence of meaning in life and escape acceptance (p = 0.002); an inverse and significant correlation between the search for meaning in life and neutral acceptance (p = 0.007); and an inverse and significant correlation between the meaning in life and death attitudes (p = 0.04). Besides, the findings showed an inverse but insignificant correlation between all spiritual health subscales and the meaning in life subscales (p > 0.05). Spiritual health has an inverse correlation with death attitudes.Also, there is an inverse correlation between the total score of spiritual health and death attitudes. Regarding the subscales of spiritual health, there is an inverse correlation between existential health and death attitudes subscales, except for approach acceptance and neutral acceptance. Also, the results showed an inverse and significant correlation between meaning in life and death acceptance and avoidance subscales, and there was an inverse and significant correlation between the meaning in life and death attitudes. Finally, the increase in spiritual health reduces patients' risks of thinking about death. The research results double the significance of the role of nurses, especially those dealing with critically ill patients and those who have experienced severe disease conditions.

The relationship between dietary patterns and insomnia in young women.

AIM: There is mounting evidence that eating habits affect sleeping patterns and their quality. The goal of this study was to evaluate the associations between major dietary patterns, identified using principal component analysis (PCA) and insomnia in young women. METHODS: The study subjects comprised 159 healthy young women aged 18-25 years. Neuropsychological assessment was performed using standard instruments, including a cognitive ability questionnaire (CAQ), depression and anxiety stress scales (DASS-21), insomnia severity index (ISI), Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), and quality of life questionnaire (QLQ). Dietary patterns were obtained from a 65-item validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) in this study, using PCA. RESULTS: Two major dietary patterns were identified that were termed: "Traditional" and "Western." The Western pattern was characterized by a high intake of snacks, nuts, dairy products, tea, fast foods, chicken, and vegetable oils. Subjects with moderate/severe insomnia were found to have lower scores for total cognitive ability task, nocturnal sleep hours, and physical and mental health, but higher scores for depression, anxiety, stress, and daytime sleepiness compared to those without insomnia (p < 0.05). After adjustment for potential confounders, high adherence to the Western dietary pattern was associated with higher odds of insomnia (OR = 5.9; 95% confidence intervals: 1.9-18.7; p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicated adherence to Western pattern may increase the odds of insomnia. Prospective research is required to determine the feasibility of targeting dietary patterns to decrease the odds of insomnia.

The importance of sleep patterns in the incidence of coronary heart disease: a 6-year prospective study in Mashhad, Iran.

Chronic shortened sleep can increase several cardiovascular risk factors, including depression, anxiety, metabolic syndrome, diabetes and hypertension. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between sleep patterns and the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD). A total of 9704 healthy participants were recruited for the MASHAD cohort study. Within 6 years of follow-up, participants were categorized into four groups based on their number of hours of nightly sleep. Cox's proportional hazard model was used to assess relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). During the study, 235 heart problems, including myocardial infarction, stable angina and unstable angina, were confirmed. There were significant differences between men and women who had short and long nightly sleep (p < 0.05). The incidence of CHD was significantly higher in participants with very short night sleep durations than in those with longer hours of night sleep. The subjects with very short nightly sleep were more susceptible to unstable angina (RR: 2.614 (CI 1.354-5.047)) (p < 0.05). We found that shortened nightly sleep was associated with an increased incidence of coronary heart disease in an Iranian population. These findings suggest that sleep disorders, especially shortened night sleep, can be a risk factor for CHD.

A Concept Analysis of Spiritual Pain at the End-of-Life in the Iranian-Islamic Context: A Qualitative Hybrid Model.

This study aimed to explore the spiritual pain concept in the Iranian-Islamic context using a hybrid research model during 2020-2021. During the first phase, international and Iranian-Islamic literature was systematically searched and reviewed. During the second phase, the researchers referred to oncology wards, palliative care centers, and intensive care units and conducted unstructured interviews with 19 dying patients. In the third phase, attributes, and final analysis of spiritual pain was extracted from the first phase, and following the second phase, the definition of spiritual pain was finalized. The results showed that spiritual pain is a type of unique transcendental pain in the context of a continuum, rooted in human nature. At the one end of the continuum, there is the pain of deprivation from worldly pleasures (oneself, the family, and others). At the other end, there is the pain of breaking away from and striving to return to one's origin (God). Exploring spiritual pain in the Iranian-Islamic context can help develop tools and clinical guidelines and plan for the presence of specialists at the bedside to relieve this pain.

Water-soluble nickel (II) Schiff base complexes: Synthesis, structural characterization, DNA binding affinity, DNA cleavage, cytotoxicity, and computational studies.

Two water-soluble nickel (II) Schiff base complexes were prepared and their interaction with fish sperm DNA (FS-DNA) was investigated by various methods including UV-vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and viscometric measurements. Complex 1: [N,N'-bis{5-[(triphenyl phosphonium chloride)-methyl] salicylidine}-3,4-diaminobenzophenone]nickel(II) perchloride dihydrate: [Ni(5-CH2PPh3-3,4-salophen)] (ClO4)2.2 H2O was synthesized as a new complex and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 1H NMR, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and UV-vis spectroscopy. Complex 2: sodium [(N,N'-bis(5-sulfosalicyliden)-3, 4-diaminobenzophenone)aqua] nickel(II) hydrate: Na2[Ni (5-SO3-3,4-salbenz)(H2O)]. H2O was already synthesized by our research team, but in this study, its function as a DNA-binding compound was tested, and compared with the results of complex 1-DNA binding. The calculation of different constants using absorption and emission data, all confirmed the stronger binding ability of complex 1 than complex 2 with DNA. Different thermodynamic parameters showed the interactions between DNA and complexes were the type of hydrophobic interaction for complex 1 and electrostatic interaction for complex 2. Also, the negative values of free energy changes proved a spontaneous DNA binding process. Based on cell toxicity assay against two different cell lines including Jurkat and MCF-7, the effect of complex 1 was comparable to cisplatin, and the toxicity mechanism was further justified by bright field microscopy, flow cytometry, and cleavage of DNA in the presence of H2O2. Besides, the docking calculations suggested intercalation after measuring the lowest-energy between the complexes and DNA. For both complexes, all analytical, spectroscopic, and molecular modeling methods supported partial intercalation as the main binding mode between the complexes and DNA.

Photodegradation of ibuprofen laden-wastewater using sea-mud catalyst/H2O2 system: evaluation of sonication modes and energy consumption.

The main goal of the current investigation was to decontaminate ibuprofen (IBP) from hospital wastewater using sea mud as an H2O2 activator. Sea sludge was converted into catalysts at different temperatures and residence times in furnaces, and then tested in the removal of IBP, and the most efficient ones were reported for the production of catalysts. The catalyst was optimized at 400 °C and 3 h. SEM-mapping, FTIR, EDX, BET, and BJH experiments were used to characterize the catalyst. Experiments were done at two pulsed and continuous ultrasonication modes in a photoreactor, and their efficiencies were statistically compared. The designed variables included IBP concentration (10-100 mg/L), the catalyst concentration (0-3 g/L), pH (4-9), and time (10-90 min). The oxidation process had the maximum efficiency at pH 4, treatment time of 60 min, catalyst quantity of 5 g/L, and IBP content of 50 mg/L. The catalyst was recycled, and in the fifth stage, the removal efficiency of IBP was reduced to 50%. The amount of energy consumed for treating IBP laden-wastewater using the evaluated catalyst in two modes of continuous and pulsed ultrasonic was calculated as 102 kW h/m3 and 10 kW h/m3, respectively. IBP oxidation process was fitted with the first-order kinetic model. The system can be proposed for purifying hospital and pharmaceutical wastewaters.

MicroRNA-127 and MicroRNA-132 Expression in Patients with Methamphetamine Abuse in East Azerbaijan, Iran: A Case-Control Study.

Background: Addiction is a personal and social problem worldwide, and has physical and psychological effects on consumers' health. Recently, miRNAs have been described as noninvasive biomarkers. Currently, methamphetamine abuse (MA) is mainly diagnosed by chromatography. This study aimed to investigate the expression and diagnostic value of miR-127 and miR-132 in blood samples of patients with MA and non-user healthy controls. Methods: A total of 60 patients with MA (case group) and 60 non-user healthy individuals (control group) were selected from Tabriz, East Azerbaijan, Iran. Peripheral blood was obtained and total RNA was extracted. Then, cDNA synthesis was performed and miR-127 and miR-132 expression was evaluated using real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Findings: The results of this study demonstrated that miR-127 was significantly lower (0.042-fold change) in patients with MA than in the control group (P<0.05). However, miR-132 was significantly higher (7.1-fold change) in patients with MA than in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: In general, expression of miR-127 and miR-132 may alter in patients with MA. Further studies are needed to identify underlying molecular mechanisms in patients with MA.

The association of maternal dietary quality and the antioxidant-proxidant balance of human milk.

BACKGROUND: Human milk composition varies over time within an individual mother as well as between lactating mothers due to several factors including maternal health, diet, and nutritional status. Therefore, improving nutrition status during gestation and breastfeeding is crucial for improving the health of both mothers and infants. Diet can enhance the oxidant-antioxidant balance of human milk. This study aimed to investigate the association between human milk oxidant-antioxidant balance with dietary patterns of lactating mothers identified by using principal component analysis. METHOD: This cross-sectional study included 350 breastfeeding women between the ages of 20 to 35 years. The dietary intakes of the women in the study were estimated using a validated food frequency questionnaire, which included 65 food items. The oxidant-antioxidant balance of milk samples was assessed using the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2, 2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs), and Ellman's assay. The milk concentration of total protein, calcium, and triglyceride was also measured using commercial kits. RESULT: Two predominant dietary patterns were recognized that we defined as a healthy and unhealthy pattern. There were higher levels of DPPH and thiol in the milk from mothers in the third tertile (highest adherence) of a healthy dietary pattern compared to the first tertile (lowest adherence; p < 0.05). Milk calcium and thiol were significantly lower in the third tertile of mothers with an unhealthy dietary pattern versus the first tertile (P < 0.05). In multivariate multinomial logistic regression analyses adjusted for mother's age, body mass index (BMI), energy intake, and infant's sex, adherence to a healthy dietary pattern was associated with higher levels of milk DPPH (OR = 1.32, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01, 1.80) and milk thiol (OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.50). On the other adherence to the unhealthy dietary pattern was correlated with low levels of milk thiol (OR = 1.29; 95%CI: 1.09, 1.59) and milk calcium (OR = 1.28; 95%CI: 1.11, 1.55). CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrated that adherence to a healthy dietary pattern, identified by higher consumption of green vegetables, other vegetables, and fruits is associated with a higher milk oxidant-antioxidant status in breastfeeding mothers.

Efficacy of low-fat milk and yogurt fortified with vitamin D3 on systemic inflammation in adults with abdominal obesity.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is increasing globally and is associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, autoimmune disease, and cardiovascular disease. Vit D deficiency is also associated with increased systemic inflammation. The current study aimed to determine the efficacy of low-fat milk and yogurt fortified with 1500 IU nano-encapsulated vitamin D, on systemic inflammation in abdominal obese participants. METHOD: This multi-center study was conducted using a 2.5-month parallel total-blind randomized clinical trial design. Two hundred and eighty nine subjects were allocated to four groups: low-fat milk fortified by 1500 IU nano-encapsulated vitamin D3 (200 mL/day). Simple milk (200 mL/day), low-fat yogurt fortified by 1500 IU nano-encapsulated vitamin D3 (150 g/day), and simple yogurt (150 g/day). RESULTS: The results showed that serum levels of neutrophils, lymphocytes, platelets and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) were significantly lower before and after the intervention in fortified dairy groups. The results showed that serum levels of neutrophils, lymphocytes, platelets, and RDW before and after intervention in the fortified dairy groups were significantly lower (p < 0.05). The values of = neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelets to lymphocyte ratio, and RDW to platelets ratio (RPR) reduced significantly in the fortification group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Fortification with nano-encapsulated vitamin D3 of dairy products may decrease inflammation in individuals with abdominal obesity.

Reasons for non-participation in a self-care training program for diabetic patients: a qualitative study.

INTRODUCTION: Self-care behaviors in diabetic patients is considered an important factor for controlling the diabetes. Therefore, diabetic patients need training the self-care behaviors to control this disease. This study aims to investigate the reasons for diabetic patients' non-participation in a self-care training program. METHOD: This qualitative study was carried out between 1 April to 1 July 2019. We used in-depth semi-structured interviews with 30 diabetic patients who did not participate in the self-care training program. Data analysis was conducted using content analysis with MAXQDA software. FINDINGS: The results of this study showed that there are 5 themes and 14 sub-themes for patients' non-participation in self-care training program. Themes included access; individual, familial and social factors; attitude and awareness; motivator factors and need Factors. Also sub-themes were physical access, time access, physical abilities, social-familial responsibilities, attitude to disease, attitude to education, attitude to health, awareness, incentive, communication, teaching methods, perceived risk, access to other educational resources and self-efficacy. CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, simple physical and time access, offering high-quality education, providing virtual and distant training, organizing and designing modern training methods can lead to increase participation in self-care training programs.

Air pollution impact on the Covid-19 mortality in Iran considering the comorbidity (obesity, diabetes, and hypertension) correlations.

Since the rise of the Covid-19 pandemic, several researchers stated the possibility of a positive relationship between Covid-19 spread and climatic parameters. An ecological study in 12 Iranian cities using the report of daily deaths from Covid-19 (March to August 2020) and validated data on air pollutants, considering average concentrations in each city in the last year used to analyze the association between chronic exposure to air pollutants and the death rate from Covid-19 in Iran. Poisson regression models were used, with generalized additive models and adjustment variables. A significant increase of 2.7% (IC(95%) 2.6-4.4) was found in the mortality rate due to Covid-19 due to an increase of 1 µg/m3 of NO2. The results suggest an association between Covid-19 mortality and NO2 exposure. As a risk approximation associated with air pollution, more precise analysis is done. The results also show a good consistency with studies from other regions; this paper's results can be useful for the public health policymakers and decision-making to control the Covid-19 spread.

Comment on "Effect of Loaded Glycyrrhizic Acid on PLGA Nano-particle on Treatment of Allergic Asthma".

No Abstract.

Changes in ghrelin, microminerals, antioxidants and vitamins A, E and C levels during different physiological status in high yielding Saanen goats subjected to heat stress.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes of ghrelin, microminerals, antioxidants, and vitamins A, E and C levels during different metabolic periods in high yielding Saanen goats subjected to heat stress. Twenty clinically and paraclinically healthy, high yielding and multiparous goats with an average age of 3 ± 0.5 years and pregnant with a single fetus were included in this study. Sampling was performed at three different physiologic periods: non-pregnancy non-lactation (P1), four-month gestation (P2), and first month of lactation (P3). In this study, the ambient temperature ranged from 19 to 42 °C and relative humidity ranged from 14 to 19% during the hot months. Serum concentrations of ghrelin, glucose (Glu), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), vitamins (A, E and C) and microminerals (selenium, manganese, cobalt, iron, copper and zinc) were measured. Mean raw milk yield of the goats per day at the first month of lactation was 2.34 ± 0.2 kg. Concentration of ghrelin at P1 was significantly lower than P2 and P3 (P < 0.05). Glucose levels were significantly lower at P3 compared with P1 and P2 (P < 0.05). There were no significant correlations between ghrelin and Glu at different periods. Concentrations of selenium and manganese were significantly higher at P3 compared with P2 and were significantly higher at P2 compared with P1. Values of copper at P2 were significantly higher than P1 and P3 (P < 0.05). Zinc levels were significantly higher at P1 compared with P2 and P3 (P < 0.05). Values of antioxidants and vitamins were significantly lower at P3 compared with P2. It is concluded that high yielding Saanen goats may suffer from hormonal and metabolic disturbances, oxidative stress and micromineral deficiencies during late gestation and the first month of lactation especially when they are subjected to heat stress.