Isolation,genotyping and pathogenicity of a Toxoplasma gondii strain isolated from a Serval (Leptailurus serval) in China

Toxoplasma gondii typically causes lifelong chronic infection and has been identified in a variety of intermediate and definitive hosts. Felids are capable of serving as both intermediate and definite hosts for T. gondii infection. However, there is no direct evidence to prove that servals are the intermediate host of T. gondii. In this study, T. gondii antibodies were detected in a serval by a modified agglutination test (titer, 1:200). Viable T. gondii was isolated from the striated muscles of the serval. This strain was further propagated in cell culture and designated as TgServalCHn1. Genetic characterization of DNA derived from cell culture was performed by RFLP‐PCR of 10 markers, as well as polymorphic ROP5 and ROP18 genes. Results showed that this strain of T. gondii belonged to the genotype ToxoDB#20. The ROP5 allele 4 and ROP18 allele 3 suggested that this strain was avirulent, which was further supported by infection in mice. Encephalitis, immune organ necrosis and focal mononuclear cell infiltration in multiple organs were the main pathology characteristics observed in BALB/C mice infected with the TgServalCHn1 strain. To our knowledge, the present study is the first to report the isolation of T. gondii from a serval, which gives direct evidence for servals serving as an intermediate host of T. gondii. The genotyping results revealed the presence of genotype ToxoDB#20 in central China, enriching the scope of the distribution of T. gondii genotypes in Asia.     

Seroepidemiology of ovine toxoplasmosis and neosporosis in breeding rams from Rio Grande do Sul,Brazil

This study determined the prevalence of ovine toxoplasmosis and neosporosis and the risk factors associated with the development of these diseases in breeding rams from the State of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Southern Brazil. Serum samples (n = 1,800) from breeding rams maintained on 705 sheep farms from seven mesoregions were evaluated serologically to detect anti‐IgG Toxoplasma gondii by indirect ELISA and anti‐IgG Neospora caninum by the indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). The prevalence of T. gondii was 33.05% (595/1,800); seropositivity to N. caninum was 18.44% (332/1,800). Additionally, there was simultaneous seropositivity (8.94%;161/1,800) to N. caninum and T. gondii. The variables size of the property (<500 ha) (Prevalence Ratio, PR = 1.36); breeding system (semi‐intensive/intensive) (PR = 1.23); and natural mounting without control (PR = 1.50) were considered as risk factors for the occurrence of T. gondii. Size of the property (<500 ha) (PR = 1.58) and natural mounting without control (PR = 2.32) were risk factors associated with the prevalence of N. caninum in rams. Additionally, separation of ewes prior to parturition was considered as a protective factor for the occurrence of T. gondii (PR = 0.82) and N. caninum (PR = 0.74). These results demonstrated that these two parasitic disease agents are endemic in rams throughout all regions of RS.     

No evident association between efavirenz use and suicidality was identified from a disproportionality analysis using the FAERS database

Objective

To assess the potential association of selected antiretrovirals (ARVs), including efavirenz, with suicidality.

Design

Retrospective analysis of the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), by performing a Multi-Item Gamma Poisson Shrinker (MGPS) disproportionality analysis.

Methods

MGPS disproportionality analysis, a technique to identify associations between drugs and adverse events, was performed using cumulative data from the FAERS database collected up to August 2012. This method yields an Empirical Bayesian Geometric Mean score and corresponding 90% confidence interval (EB05, EB95). EB05 scores ≥2 were pre-defined as a signal for a potential drug-event association. The FAERS database includes spontaneous adverse-event reports from consumers and healthcare professionals. All FAERS reports of suicidality (including suicidal ideation, suicide attempt and completed suicide or a composite of these) in patients taking efavirenz (as single agent or in fixed-dose combination), atazanavir, darunavir, etravirine, nevirapine and raltegravir were identified. A number of parallel analyses were performed to assess the validity of the methodology: fluoxetine and sertraline, antidepressants with a known association with suicidality, and raltegravir, an ARV with rhabdomyolysis and myopathy listed as “uncommon” events in the US-prescribing information.

Results

A total of 29,856 adverse event reports were identified among patients receiving efavirenz, atazanavir, darunavir, etravirine, nevirapine and raltegravir, of which 457 were reports of suicidality events. EB05 scores observed for the composite suicidality term for efavirenz (EB05=0.796), and other ARVs (EB05=0.279–0.368), were below the pre-defined threshold. Fluoxetine and sertraline gave EB05 scores for suicidality >2. Raltegravir gave EB05 scores >2 for myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.

Conclusions

The pre-determined threshold for signals for suicidality, including suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, completed suicide and a composite suicidality endpoint, was not exceeded for efavirenz and other ARVs in this analysis. Efavirenz has been associated with suicidality in clinical trials. Further studies that adjust for confounding factors are needed to better understand any potential association with ARVs and suicidality.     

eNOS gene T786C,G894T and 4a4b polymorphisms and male infertility susceptibility: a meta‐analysis

The association between polymorphism of eNOS and male infertility in several studies was controversial. To explore a more precise estimation of the association, a meta‐analysis of eight case–control studies, including 1,968 cases and 1,539 controls, were selected. The meta‐analysis was conducted by calculating the pooled odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Overall, the association between T786C and risk of male infertility was obvious (TC vs. TT: OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.01–1.42; CC vs. TT: OR, 3.37; 95% CI, 1.65–6.87; TC/CC vs. TT: OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.25–1.73; CC vs. TT/TC: OR, 3.18; 95% CI, 1.54–6.56; TC vs. TT: OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.27–2.03). However, no overall association was observed between the other two polymorphisms of eNOS (G894T and 4a4b) and male infertility. Stratified analysis showed that significantly strong association between T786C polymorphism and semen quality was present in all three types of male infertility (azoospermia, oligozoospermia and asthenozoospermia). In the subgroup analysis based on ethnicity, both T786C and 4a4b could influence the risk of male infertility in Asian and Caucasian. Further studies of polymorphisms of eNOS with their biological functions are needed to understand the role in the development of male infertility.     

Serosurvey on Schmallenberg Virus and Selected Ovine Reproductive Pathogens in Culled Ewes From Southern Spain

After the first case of Schmallenberg virus (SBV) was reported in southern Spain (March 2012), a retrospective serological study was carried out in extensive sheep flocks from nearby areas to assess the history of exposure to SBV and other selected ovine reproductive pathogens (Chlamydophila abortus, Coxiella burnetii, Border Disease virus ‘BDV’, Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum). Secondly, the presence of antibodies was investigated in meat juice samples against selected pathogens to validate their use in serosurveys in sheep. A total of 209 Merina and cross‐bred culled ewes belonging to 12 outdoor flocks managed in extensive breeding systems were sampled. Serum and meat juice samples were collected at the slaughterhouse and analysed using commercial ELISA kits. Chlamydophila abortus (62.68%, CI₉₅ 56.13–69.23) and Toxoplasma gondii (57.42%, CI₉₅ 50.72–64.12) were the most prevalent pathogens. The seroprevalence of BDV (16.27%, CI₉₅ 11.27–21.27) and Coxiella burnetii (13.88%, CI₉₅ 9.2–18.56) was moderate, and only 4 of 209 animals (1.91%, CI₉₅ 1.82–2.96) presented specific antibodies against Neospora caninum or SBV. All the examined ovine flocks were seropositive to three or more pathogens. The highest percentage of seropositive animals was detected for T. gondii‐C. abortus coseropositive (25.36%) culled ewes. The concordance between serum and meat juice samples was moderate for T. gondii (κ = 0.419) and BDV (κ = 0.568), and fair for C. abortus (κ = 0.311). Our results show evidence of circulation of SBV from summer 2011 in southern Spain. Furthermore, C. abortus and T. gondii were the most prevalent pathogens associated with sheep in outdoor rearing systems. Finally, these preliminary results point to meat juice samples as a potential biological sample for serosurveys studies on sheep.     

High syphilis seropositivity in European brown hares (Lepus europaeus), Lower Saxony,Germany

The lagomorph‐infecting Treponema paraluisleporidarum is a close relative of the human syphilis‐bacterium Treponema pallidum. There is a paucity of information on the epidemiology of hare syphilis and its relationship to the rabbit‐ and human‐infecting treponemes that cause syphilis. In our study, we tested 734 serum samples from European brown hares (Lepus europaeus) collected between 2007 and 2019 in the federal state of Lower Saxony, Germany, for the presence of antibodies against T. paraluisleporidarum. Since T. paraluisleporidarum cross‐reacts with T. pallidum antigen, we used a commercially available T. pallidum‐particle agglutination (TP‐PA) assay to test for the presence of antibodies. A high seropositivity (n = 405/734) was detected. An additional 233 serum samples were retested using a fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test to confirm the results of the TP‐PA assay. Our results show that infection is widespread in Lower Saxony and suggest a horizontal (sexual) transmission mode since adult hares show significantly higher seropositivity than subadults (odds ratio: 0.03 [95% CI 0.02–0.05], p < .0001). No difference was detected based on gender (odds ratio: 0.79 [95% Cl 0.58–1.07], p = .1283). Further studies are warranted to genetically characterize the T. paraluisleporidarum strains that infect wild hares.     

Nonsuicidal Self‐Injury and Borderline Personality Features as Risk Factors for Suicidal Ideation Among Male Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

U.S. veterans are at increased risk for suicide compared to their civilian counterparts and account for approximately 20% of all deaths by suicide. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and borderline personality features (BPF) have each been associated with increased suicide risk. Additionally, emerging research suggests that nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI) may be a unique risk factor for suicidal behavior. Archival data from 728 male veterans with a PTSD diagnosis who were receiving care through an outpatient Veterans Health Administration (VHA) specialty PTSD clinic were analyzed. Diagnosis of PTSD was based on a structured clinical interview administered by trained clinicians. A subscale of the Personality Assessment Inventory was used to assess BPF, and NSSI and suicidal ideation (SI) were assessed by self‐report. Findings revealed that NSSI (58.8%) and BPF (23.5%) were both relatively common in this sample of male veterans with PTSD. As expected, each condition was associated with significantly increased odds of experiencing SI compared to PTSD alone, odds ratios (ORs) = 1.2–2.6. Moreover, co‐occurring PTSD, NSSI, and BPF were associated with significantly increased odds of experiencing SI compared with PTSD, OR = 5.68; comorbid PTSD and NSSI, OR = 2.57; and comorbid PTSD and BPF, OR = 2.13. The present findings provide new insight into the rates of NSSI and BPF among male veterans with PTSD and highlight the potential importance of these factors in suicide risk.     

Investigating the effects of suicide exposure among a clinical sample of active duty service members

Suicide exposure warrants further investigation as a risk factor for suicide among military service members. This study aimed to examine associations among suicide exposure, suicidal ideation (SI), and psychological symptoms in a clinical sample of service members (N = 1,565, 64.4% suicide-exposed) and identify how one's relationship with the deceased impacts suicidality and psychological health in exposed individuals. A secondary analysis of cross-sectional survey data was conducted. Generalized linear regression analyses were used to identify associations between suicide exposure and both current SI and psychological symptoms among all participants; the associations between suicide exposure characteristics and psychological symptoms were only examined among exposed individuals. Exposure was not significantly associated with higher SI, β = .007, SE = .16, p = .965, but was associated with PTSD, β = 1.60, SE = 0.49, p = .001; anxiety, β = .68, SE = .31, p = .031; and insomnia symptoms, β = .98, SE = .25, p < .001. Among participants who had been exposed, high/long impact of exposure was positively associated with SI, β = 0.94, SE = .26, p < .001, and psychological symptoms, PTSD: β = 2.32, SE = .77, p = .002; anxiety: β = 1.39, SE = .50, p = .005; insomnia: β = .96, SE = .39, p = .015. Results illustrate the significant issue of suicide exposure within the military and show consideration of suicide exposure as a potential risk factor for adverse psychological outcomes is warranted.     

Q Fever Dairy Herd Status Determination Based on Serological and Molecular Analysis of Bulk Tank Milk

Ruminants are recognized as the main reservoirs of Coxiella burnetii. EFSA highlighted the lack of knowledge about Q fever prevalence in many European countries. A cross‐sectional study was carried out in randomly selected dairy herds (n = 109) from central Portugal to screen for C. burnetii infection and to correlate it with herd factors. Bulk tank milk (BTM) samples from cattle (n = 45) and small ruminant (n = 64) herds were tested by ELISA and PCR. The apparent seroprevalence of Q fever was estimated in 45.9% (95% CI: 36.3–55.7) being higher in small ruminants (51.6; 95% CI: 39.6–63.4) than in cattle (37.8; 95% CI: 25.1–52.4). The shedding of C. burnetii in BTM was detected in 11.9% (95% CI: 7.1–19.4) of BTM, and it was higher in cattle (20%; 95% CI: 10.9–33.8) than in sheep and mixed herds (6.3%; 95% CI: 2.5–15). A high bacterial load (≥ 3 × 10³ bacteria/ml) was observed in 85% of PCR‐positive BTM. A significant correlation was found between the bacterial load and positive samples on ELISA (P < 0.001). Antibody positivity was significantly associated with the increased herd size (P < 0.01) and the occurrence of abortion (P < 0.05), whereas the shedding of C. burnetii was significantly associated with the report of infertility (P < 0.05). The results highlight that serological and molecular methods in combination are a useful tool to screen for Q fever and to clarify the herd infection status. The shedding of C. burnetii through milk is important, especially in dairy cattle, and thus, the role of milk as a potential source of infection among dairy workers should not be neglected. To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting C. burnetii infection in dairy livestock in Portugal showing that Q fever is significant in dairy herds, leading to economic losses and being a risk for public health, which highlights the need of implementation of control measures.     

Association between two single nucleotide polymorphisms of interleukin‐27 gene and increased cryptorchidism risk

Growing evidences have suggested the association between interleukin‐27 and cryptorchidism. We aimed to investigate the relationship between IL‐27 polymorphisms and cryptorchidism susceptibility. A total of 519 males were enrolled in a case–control study (150 cases and 369 normal subjects). The variants were discriminated using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism methods. The proportions of the major allele for rs153109 and rs17855750 were A and T with frequencies of 0.56 and 0.85 in cases and 0.51 and 0.91 in controls respectively (P values = 0.002, P value = 0.002). The heterozygous genotype of rs153109 and 17855750 was A/G and T/G with frequencies of 0.62 and 0.25 in cases and 0.39 and 0.17 in controls respectively (P values <0.001, P values <0.001). The A allele and A/G genotype of rs153109 polymorphisms contribute to increase cryptorchidism susceptibility, and G allele and T/G genotype of rs17855750 also contribute to increase cryptorchidism susceptibility, which implies that these allele and genotypes may be risk factors for the development of cryptorchidism.     

Suicidal Behavior After Severe Trauma. Part 2: The Association Between Methods of Torture and of Suicidal Ideation in Posttraumatic Stress Disotrder

The study reports on 65 refugees with diagnoses of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and manifest suicidal behavior (40% had suicide attempts; 29% detailed suicide plan; 31% recurrent suicidal thoughts). Our hypothesis was that the predominant kind of stressful experience in PTSD patients might be reflected in their choice of method when pondering or attempting suicide. Relationships were found to exist between the main stressors and the respective subjects' preference for suicide method. Particularly among PTSD patients with a history of torture, an association was found between the torture methods that the victim had been exposed to, and the suicide method used in ideation or attempts. Blunt force applied to the head and body was associated with jumping from a height or in front of trains, water torture with drowning, or sharp force torture with methods involving self-inflicted stabbing or cutting. Relationships between main stressors and content of suicidal ideation are discussed.     

Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in the milk of naturally infected goats in the Northeast of Brazil

The aim of the present study was to detect the genomic DNA of Toxoplasma gondii in milk samples from naturally infected goats in the state of Pernambuco, (Brazil). In total, 248 blood serum samples were collected and processed from lactating goats and then submitted to a search for antibodies to T. gondii through the indirect immunofluorescence reaction. Samples with a score of 64 or more were considered positive. In total, 248 milk samples were collected and processed from the same group of goats in order to study the DNA of T. gondii using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. In the serum samples, 56/248 (22.58%) of the animals were positive, whereas the DNA of the parasite was detected in 15/248 (6.05%) of the milk samples. Five of these 15 samples were animals who were also positive in the serology. This study reports the first occurrence of the elimination of T. gondii from the milk of naturally infected goats in the north‐east of Brazil. It is suggested that the consumption of in natura goat milk may constitute a potential risk to the health of milk consumers in this region.     

Single nucleotide polymorphisms in Renalase and KCNQ1 genes and female infertility: A cross‐sectional study in Pakistan

A global increase in the incidence of subfertility is observed, and research suggests strong genetic influences that might restrict fertility directly or indirectly. It therefore becomes important to rule out the existence of genetic causes and counsel infertile couples before offering “Advanced Infertility Treatment Techniques.” This cross‐sectional study aimed to explore the association of KCNQ1 (rs2237895) and Renalase (rs2576178 and rs10887800) single nucleotide polymorphisms with different causes of infertility by analysing 508 fertile and 164 infertile women. Gene variant (AC/CC) of KCNQ1 rs2237895 showed a slight difference in the endometriosis group compared to the fertile group (p = .049), with the C allele showing a significant association with infertility overall (OR = 1.42 [1.100–1.833]; p < .0069). The variant AG/GG of Renalase rs2576178 was significantly associated with overall infertility (OR = 2.266; p < .001), with a strong G allele association with unexplained infertility OR = 2.796 (p = .002) that remained significant after adjusting for age and body mass index. Similarly, Renalase rs10887800 AG/GG and G allele showed significant association with both infertility due to polycystic ovarian syndrome and unexplained infertility. Expression of single nucleotide polymorphism rs2237895 and rs2576178 in both KCNQ1 and Renalase genes might be responsible for altering reproductive potential, hence leading to infertility in women.     

Factors associated with the prevalence of antibodies against Theileria equi in equids of Western Pará, Brazil

The State of Pará has one of the largest herds of equids (horse, donkey and mule) in Brazil, most of these animals are found on cattle farms. Equine theileriosis is a tick‐borne disease caused by the parasite Theileria equi and is characterized by fever, anaemia, icterus, intravascular haemolysis, haemoglobinuria, spleen and hepatomegaly, and even death. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of antibodies against T. equi in equids in the western region of the State of Pará, Brazil, and to identify potential risk factors associated with parasite infection. A cross‐sectional study was conducted with cluster sampling of farm horses from 18 municipalities. In the cities visited, samples from sport and carthorses were also included. Serum was obtained to detect T. equi‐specific antibodies using an indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) based on a crude parasite antigen. In order to identify possible risk factors of the infection which are associated with the prevalence of antibodies, a chi‐squared test was carried out. Of 1,117 equids, 373 tested positive for T. equi antibodies with an overall prevalence of 33.4% (31.3%–37.0% for the 95% confidence interval). Sex, animal species and breed were found not to be associated with the presence of T. equi antibodies, whereas age, the presence of dogs or ticks were associated with seropositivity (p < 0.05). Horses with ticks were 2.4 more likely seropositive than horses without ticks. The presence of dogs in the equid habitat and the presence of ticks resulted in a higher T. equi seropositive rate probably because dogs are hosts for vector ticks of T. equi. Our study represents the first report of T. equi antibodies in equids of western Pará revealing a widespread distribution of seropositive animals.     

Sexual Trauma and Combat During Deployment: Associations With Suicidal Ideation Among OEF/OIF/OND Veterans

Compelling evidence has emerged on the association between military sexual trauma and suicide attempt; however, research investigating how sexual trauma during deployment relates to suicidal ideation has received considerably less attention and has yielded mixed findings. Furthermore, such research has not accounted for other types of trauma that may occur during deployment. Our objectives were to examine whether sexual trauma during deployment was associated with recent suicidal ideation, adjusting for exposure to combat. Our sample included 199 Operation Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom/New Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND) veterans entering inpatient trauma‐focused treatment who completed the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (Beck & Steer, 1991) and the Deployment Risk and Resilience Inventory Sexual Harassment and Combat Experiences Scales (King, King, Vogt, Knight, & Samper, 2006). Deployment‐related sexual trauma was significantly associated with recent suicidal ideation, adjusting for age and gender (β = .18, η_p² = .03) and additionally for combat (β = .17, η_p² = .02). These findings underscore the importance of assessing for deployment‐related sexual trauma when assessing suicide risk in OEF/OIF/OND veterans in inpatient settings.     

Cytomegalovirus infection and graft rejection as risk factors for pneumocystis pneumonia in solid organ transplant recipients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

A growing number of publications have reported the outbreaks of post‐transplant pneumocystis pneumonia (PJP). In most studies, the onset of PJP was beyond 6‐12 months of prophylaxis. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and allograft rejection have been repeatedly reported as probable risk factors for post‐transplant PJP. In this systematic review and meta‐analysis, we determined the pooled effect estimates of these 2 variables as risk factors. Data sources included PUBMED, MEDLINE‐OVID, EMBASE‐OVID, Cochrane Library, Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations, World Health Organization, and Web of Science. We excluded publications related to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) or Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) patients. Eventually, 15 studies remained for the final stage of screening. Cytomegalovirus infection (OR: 3.30, CI 95%: 2.07‐5.26, I²: 57%, P = 0.006) and allograft rejection (OR:2.36, CI95%: 1.54‐3.62, I2: 45.5%, P = 0.05) significantly increased the risk of post‐transplant PJP. Extended prophylaxis targeting recipients with allograft rejection or CMV infection may reduce the risk of PJP.     

The Emergence of Theileria parva in Jonglei State,South Sudan: Confirmation Using Molecular and Serological Diagnostic Tools

A cross‐sectional survey was carried out in four counties of Jonglei State, South Sudan, between May and June 2012 to determine the distribution and northern limit of Theileria parva, the causative agent of East Coast fever in cattle, and its tick vector Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, as a prerequisite to the deployment of relevant control strategies. A total of 1636 ticks, 386 serum samples and 399 blood samples were collected from indigenous, apparently healthy, cattle of different age groups. Tick species were identified morphologically, and the identity of R. appendiculatus was confirmed by DNA barcoding. Overall, the T. parva infection rate in R. appendiculatus was 25% as shown by nested PCR. ELISA was used to assess antibodies to T. parva, and the overall seroprevalence was 22.8%. PCR of the blood samples showed 55 (13.8%) were positive for T. parva. This is the first molecular confirmation of T. parva DNA in areas north of Juba, where it was previously known and established. The northern limit of T. parva was determined as N⁰06.17.792, about 242 Km north from Juba. Implication of this limit on the epidemiology and control of ECF is discussed.     

Seroprevalence of canine neosporosis and bovine viral diarrhoea in dairy cattle in selected regions of Kenya

Neospora caninum is the causative agent for canine neosporosis (CN), a disease of potential zoonotic importance causing reproductive losses in cattle while causing neuromuscular disease in dogs. Bovine viral diarrhoea on the other hand is caused by the bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) and is one of the most important reproductive diseases of cattle worldwide. In Kenya, these infections are of economic importance due to the losses they cause in farms in which they are diagnosed or are subclinical. Such losses include reduced milk production, reduced conception, early embryonic deaths and abortions which lead to reproductive wastage. This study was conducted between April 2017 and July 2018 and determined the seroprevalence of neoporosis and BVD in select dairy herds in Kenya. Kakamega, Nandi and Makueni Counties from where dairy farms were purposively sampled were used. Serum samples were collected from randomly selected dairy animals aged at least 2 years in the selected farms and screened for BVDV and CN antibodies. Seroprevalence of N. caninum was 24.1% (n = 552) and BVD, 52.3% (n = 545) across all the counties. Co‐infection where antibodies against the two infective agents were present was in 14.6% (n = 541) animals. Chi‐square tests of association between prevalence and county were significant for BVD (p = .000) but not for neosporosis (p = .626). Further chi‐square tests of association between the two infections were not significant (p = .105) neither were the associations of BVD (p = .575) and neosporosis (p = .626) on pregnancy status. These two diseases are rarely investigated as causes of bovine infertility. Detection of antibodies in the studied dairy herds underpins the need for enhanced surveillance by laboratories and for further studies to understand associated risk factors to formulate effective control strategies in dairy cattle to forestall abortions and production and reproduction losses.     

Underweight and obesity increase the risk of mortality after lung transplantation: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

Many studies have found an association between abnormal body mass index (BMI) and poor outcomes among lung transplant recipients. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to identify outcomes associated with an abnormal pretransplant BMI after lung transplantation (LTx). The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched from inception to May 2015 with focus on original observational studies with post‐transplant survival data in candidates with abnormal BMI (underweight, overweight, or obese). We performed meta‐analyses examining survival and primary graft dysfunction after LTx. We identified 866 citations; 13 observational cohort studies involving 40 742 participants met our inclusion criteria for systematic review. Seven of the 13 were included in the meta‐analysis. There was a significant risk of mortality after LTx in candidates with underweight and obesity (underweight versus normal, relative risk [RR] 1.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11–1.66, I² = 0%; obesity vs. normal, RR 1.90, 95% CI 1.45–2.56, I² = 0%; overweight vs. normal, RR 1.36, 95% CI 1.11–1.66, I² = 0). There was also a significant risk of primary graft dysfunction in obese (RR 1.92, 95% CI 1.39–2.65, I² = 0%) and overweight (RR 1.72, 95% CI, 1.32–2.24, I² = 0%) candidates. Lung transplant candidates who are underweight or obese have a higher risk of post‐transplant mortality than recipients with a normal BMI.