The effect of vegetarian diets on iron status in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Vegetarian diets exclude meat, seafood, and products containing these foods. Although the vegetarian lifestyle could lead to a better health status in adults, it may also bear risks for certain nutritional deficiencies. Cross-sectional studies and narrative reviews have shown that the iron status of vegetarians is compromised by the absence of highly bioavailable haem-iron in meatless diets and the inhibiting effect of certain components present in plant foods on non-haem iron bioavailability.

Methods: The databases Pubmed, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane CentralRegister of Controlled Trials were searched for studies comparing serum ferritin, as the major laboratory parameter for iron status of adult vegetarians with non-vegetarian control groups. A qualitative review was conducted as well as an inverse-variance random-effects meta-analysis to pool available data. In addition the effect of vegetarian diets according to gender was investigated with a subgroup analysis. The results were validated using a sensitivity analysis.

Results: A total of 27 cross-sectional studies and three interventional studies were selected for the systematic review. The meta-analysis which combined data of 24 cross-sectional studies showed that adult vegetarians have significantly lower serum ferritin levels than their non-vegetarian controls (?29.71 µg/L, 95% CI [?39.69, ?19.73], p < 0.01). Inclusion of semi-vegetarian diets did not change the results considerably (?23.27 µg/L, 95% CI [?29.77, ?16.76], p < 0.01). The effects were more pronounced in men (?61.88 µg/L, 95% CI [?85.59, ?38.17], p < 0.01) than in both premenopausal women (?17.70 μg/L, 95% CI [?29.80, ?5.60], p < 0.01) and all women (?13.50 μg/L, 95% CI [?22.96, ?4.04], p < 0.01), respectively.

Conclusions: In conclusion our results showed that vegetarians are more likely to have lower iron stores compared with non-vegetarians. However, since high iron stores are also a risk factor for certain non-communicable diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, it is recommended that not only vegetarians but also non-vegetarians should regularly control their iron status and improve their diet regarding the content and bioavailability of iron by consuming more plants and less meat.     

Effects of local anesthetic or systemic analgesia on pain associated with cautery disbudding in calves: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Disbudding is a common management procedure performed on dairy farms and, when done without pain mitigation, is viewed as a key welfare issue. Use of pain control has increased in recent years, but full adoption of anesthesia and analgesia by veterinarians or dairy producers has not been achieved. This may in part be due to the lack of a consistent recommendations of treatment protocols between studies examining pain control methods for disbudding. The objective of this systematic review was to examine the effects of these pain control practices for the most common method of disbudding, cautery, on outcomes associated with disbudding pain in calves. The outcomes were plasma cortisol concentrations, pressure sensitivity of the horn bud area, and validated pain behaviors (ear flick, head shake, head rub, foot stamp, and vocalization). Intervention studies describing cautery disbudding in calves 12 wk of age or younger were eligible, provided they compared local anesthesia, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), or local anesthesia and NSAID to 1 or more of local anesthesia, NSAID, or no pain control. The search strategy used the Agricola, Medline (via OvidSP), and Web of Science databases, as well as the Searchable Proceedings of Animal Conferences (S-PAC), ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Database, and Open Access Theses and Dissertations. Meta-analysis was performed for all outcomes measured at similar time points with more than 2 studies. Local anesthetic was associated with reduced plasma cortisol until 2 h postdisbudding; however, a rise in cortisol was observed in the meta-analysis of studies reporting at 4 h postdisbudding. Heterogeneity was present in several of the analyses for this comparison. The addition of NSAID to local anesthetic showed reduction in plasma cortisol at 4 h, and a reduction in pressure sensitivity and pain behaviors in some analyses between 3 and 6 h postdisbudding. Heterogeneity was present in some meta-analyses, including several using pain behavior outcomes. This may reflect the variation in measurement time periods for behavioral measures between studies, as well as differences among NSAID treatments. Overall, a protective effect of local anesthetic was seen for the acute pain of cautery disbudding, and the delayed rise in cortisol was mitigated by the addition of an NSAID, which also reduced other signs of pain, including pressure sensitivity and pain behaviors. Based on these findings, we recommend use of local anesthetic and an NSAID as best practices for pain mitigation for cautery disbudding of calves 12 wk of age or less. The magnitude and duration of the effect of NSAID treatment was not possible to deduce from the literature because wide variation existed between studies. We recommend consideration of more standardized outcome measurements, especially for pain behaviors. Adherence to reporting guidelines by authors would help ensure more transparent and complete information is available to end users.     

Evidence that mastitis can cause pregnancy loss in dairy cows: A systematic review of observational studies

The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review to identify and assess evidence and knowledge gaps in published observational studies that have investigated the relationship between mastitis and pregnancy loss (PL) in dairy cows. PubMed and ScienceDirect were used to search pertinent peer-reviewed research reports of interest. Screening of research reports was conducted at 3 levels: titles, abstracts, and full-text articles. The search identified 651 records for initial screening. The final screening process identified 8 qualified articles for review after removing 10 duplicate records, 582 titles, 31 abstracts, and 20 full-text articles. Two studies produced strong epidemiologic evidence indicating that (1) exposure to clinical mastitis during early gestation (first 45 d of gestation) is associated with subsequent PL during the following 90 d; and (2) subclinical mastitis 1 to 30 d before artificial insemination (AI) is associated with subsequent PL at 35 to 41 d of gestation. An additional study showed that exposure to clinical mastitis during early lactation in combination with low body condition can increase the risk of PL in dairy cows; however, the interaction effect between clinical mastitis and low body condition on PL was considered weak. Four other studies produced inconclusive evidence indicating that mastitis is a predisposing factor for PL in dairy cows, as the exposure risk period for mastitis overlapped with the follow-up period for diagnosis of PL in dairy cows. Finally, one study failed to identify a relationship between mastitis and PL in dairy cows. Further research is needed to (1) support the hypothesis that mastitis in combination with low body condition score (or other exposure factors) can increase the risk of PL, (2) compare the effect of clinical versus subclinical mastitis on PL, (3) compare the effect of mastitis before breeding and during gestation on PL, and (4) compare the effect of mastitis on PL in dairy cows during different lactations.     

Metabolic effects of aspartame in adulthood: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Data about harms or benefits associated with the consumption of aspartame, a nonnutritive sweetener worldwide consumed, are still controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials aimed to assess the effect of aspartame consumption on metabolic parameters related to diabetes and obesity. The search was performed on Cochrane, LILACS, PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science databases, and on a gray literature using Open Grey, Google Scholar, and ProQuest Dissertations &; Theses Global. Searches across all databases were conducted from the earliest available date up to April 13, 2016, without date and language restrictions. Pooled mean differences were calculated using a random or fixed-effects model for heterogeneous and homogenous studies, respectively. Twenty-nine articles were included in qualitative synthesis and twelve, presenting numeric results, were used in meta-analysis. Fasting blood glucose (mmol/L), insulin levels (μU/mL), total cholesterol (mmol/L), triglycerides concentrations (mmol/L), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (mmol/L), body weight (kg), and energy intake (MJ) were considered as the main outcomes in subjects that consumed aspartame, and results were presented as mean difference; % confidence interval, range. Aspartame consumption was not associated with alterations on blood glucose levels compared to control (?0.03 mmol/L; 95% CI, ?0.21 to 0.14) or to sucrose (0.31 mmol/L; 95% CI, ?0.05 to 0.67) and on insulin levels compared to control (0.13 μU/mL; 95% CI, ?0.69 to 0.95) or to sucrose (2.54 μU/mL; 95% CI, ?6.29 to 11.37). Total cholesterol was not affected by aspartame consumption compared to control (?0.02 mmol/L; 95% CI, ?0.31 to 0.27) or to sucrose (?0.24 mmol/L; 95% CI, ?0.89 to 0.42). Triglycerides concentrations were not affected by aspartame consumption compared to control (0.00 mmol/L; 95% CI, ?0.04 to 0.05) or to sucrose (0.00 mmol/L; 95% CI, ?0.09 to 0.09). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol serum levels were higher on aspartame compared to control (?0.03 mmol/L; 95% CI, ?0.06 to ?0.01) and lower on aspartame compared to sucrose (0.05 mmol/L; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.09). Body weight did not change after aspartame consumption compared to control (5.00 kg; 95% CI, ?1.56 to 11.56) or to sucrose (3.78 kg; 95% CI, ?2.18 to 9.74). Energy intake was not altered by aspartame consumption compared to control (?0.49 MJ; 95% CI, ?1.21 to 0.22) or to sucrose (?0.17 MJ; 95% CI, ?2.03 to 1.69). Data concerning effects of aspartame on main metabolic variables associated to diabetes and obesity do not support a beneficial related to its consumption.     

The effects of quercetin supplementation on lipid profiles and inflammatory markers among patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Aims: This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed to determine the effect of quercetin administration on lipid profiles and inflammatory markers among patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and related disorders.

Methods: We searched systematically online databases including Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Web of Science to identify the relevant RCTs until November 2018. Q-test and I² statistics were applied to assess heterogeneity among included studies. Data were combined using fixed- or random-effects model and presented as standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results: Out of 591 citations, 16 RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled findings showed that quercetin consumption significantly decreased total-cholesterol (SMD = ?0.98; 95% CI, ?1.48, ?0.49; p?<?0.001; I²: 94.0), LDL-cholesterol (SMD = ?0.88; 95% CI, ?1.35, ?0.41; p?<?0.001; I²: 92.7) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (?0.64; 95% CI, ?1.03, ?0.25; p?=?0.001; I²: 90.2). While, quercetin supplementation did not significantly affect triglycerides (TG) (SMD = ?0.32; 95% CI, ?0.68, 0.04; p?=?0.08; I²: 84.8), HDL-cholesterol (SMD = 0.20; 95% CI, ?0.20, 0.24; p?=?0.84; I²: 70.6), interleukin 6 (IL-6) (SMD = ?0.69; 95% CI, ?1.69, 0.31; p?=?0.17; I²: 94.5) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels (SMD = ?0.06; 95% CI, ?0.25, 0.14; p?=?0.58; I²: 35.6)

Conclusions: In summary, the current meta-analysis demonstrated that quercetin supplementation significantly reduced total-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and CRP levels, yet did not affect triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, IL-6 and TNF-α among patients with MetS and related disorders.     

Dietary intake of fish,n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and risk of hip fracture: A systematic review and meta-analysis on observational studies

Previous studies have shown that fish consumption and dietary intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) are associated with hip fracture; however, findings were conflicting. The present review aimed to summarize the current evidence on the association of fish consumption and dietary intake of n-3 PUFAs with hip fracture. The online databases of PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, Science Direct and Embase were searched until August 2017 for related publications using relevant keywords. To pool data, either a fixed-effects model or random-effects models were used. Cochran's Q tests were used to assess heterogeneity between studies. In total, 10 studies (7 prospective and 3 case-control studies) were included in this systematic review, and 9 studies with total sample size of 292657 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The age of participants was 20 years or older. Combining 8 effect sizes from 4 prospective studies and 2 case-control studies revealed a significant inverse association between fish consumption and risk of hip fracture (pooled effect size: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.79-0.98, P = 0.02). Although this relationship became non-significant in prospective studies, a significant inverse association was found in prospective studies with sample size of 10000 individuals or more, and studies that considered body mass index as a covariate. Furthermore, dietary intake of n-3 PUFAs was inversely associated with risk of hip fracture (pooled effect size: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.80-0.99, P = 0.02). Also, such relationship was seen after excluding one case-control study and combining effect sizes only from prospective studies (pooled effect size: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.80-0.98, P = 0.02). In conclusion, we found that fish consumption and dietary intake of n-3 PUFAs might have protective effects on bone health and decline the risk of hip fracture.     

Peanut and cardiovascular disease risk factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Several studies have been conducted on the effects of peanut consumption on cardiovascular diseases (CVD) risk factors. However, the findings are conflicting and appear inconsistent. The aim of this review is to summarize the findings on the effect of peanut consumption on the risk factors of CVDs. We used relevant keywords and searched through PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science for articles published studies up to November 2018. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in this meta-analysis. Random or fixed-effects meta-analysis method depending on the results of heterogeneity tests was used to estimate the effect size. Between-study heterogeneity was assessed by Q test and I² index. Subgroup analysis was conducted to find any excess relationship. Publication bias was checked by Egger’s test and funnel plot. Quality of studies was assessed by the Cochrane criteria. According to the results of 13 RCTs, peanuts has no significant effect on weight (WMD: ?0.11?kg, P?=?0.773), waist circumference (WMD: ?1.41?cm, P?=?0.139), body mass index (WMD: ?0.14?kg/m², P?=?0.428), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (WMD: ?0.09?mmHg, P?=?0.939 and WMD: 0.60?mmHg, P?=?0.652, respectively), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD: ?3.31?mg/dl, P?=?0.472), triglyceride (WMD: ?7.59?mg/dl, P?=?0.180), total cholesterol (WMD: 3.15?mg/dl, P?=?0.171), fasting blood sugar (WMD: 0.57?mg/dl, P?=?0.604) and serum insulin (WMD: ?0.40, P?=?0.582). Also, this meta-analysis showed that peanut had a positive significant effect on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) (WMD: 2.72?mg/dl, P?=?0.001). Peanuts consumption has a positive significant effect on HDL especially at the type of peanut oil, high-oleic peanut and peanut sprout and in healthy subjects and for consumption more than 12?weeks, while has no significant effect on other CVD risk factors.     

Visualized nutrition education and dietary behavioral change: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Effectiveness of using visual approaches in health education and its influential factors were still in debate. This study aimed to asess the effects of visualized nutrition education on dietary knowledge and behavioral changes, and factors influencing them. A comprehensive search of PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library was conducted. Eligible studies were trials assessed effects of visualized nutrition education on dietary knowledge or behavior changes, compared with non-visualized or no education group. Fourteen studies (n?=?7,259) were qualitatively analyzed and 7 of them were included in the meta-analysis. We found a higher fiber intake in both short term (1.59?g/1000 kcals, 95% CI 0.90–2.27) and long term (1.36?g/1000 kcals, 95% CI 0.64–2.09). A marginal advantage was shown in short-term fruits and vegetables consumption (F&V consumption) (standardized mean difference [SMD]?=?0.08, 95% CI ?0.00 to 0.16). The education effects were more pronounced when education was delivered in series (SMD_{F&V consumption}?=?0.09, 95% CI 0.00–0.17), avoiding loss-framing (SMD_{Fat intake}?=?0.31, 95% CI 0.10–0.51) and video modeling (SMD_{F&V consumption}?=?0.23, 95% CI 0.03–0.43), with short length plus cultural adaptation. Visualized nutrition education was overall promising in improving dietary behaviors. Delivering in series, short in length, with cultural adaptation were features tended to enlarge the benefits of visualized education while loss-framing and video modeling might be avoided.     

Histamine food poisonings: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the mean of histamine concentration in food poisoning.

Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis of reports published between 1959 and 2013.

Study selection: Main criteria for inclusion of studies were: all report types that present outbreaks of “histamine poisoning' or “scombroid syndrome” from food, including histamine content and type of food. Health status of people involved must be nonpathological.

Results: Fifty-five (55) reports were included, these studies reported 103 incidents. All pooled analyses were based on random effect model; histamine mean concentration in poisoning samples was 1107.21 mg/kg with confidence interval for the meta-mean of 422.62–2900.78 mg/kg; heterogeneity index (I2) was 100% (P < 0.0001); prediction interval was 24.12–50822.78 mg/kg. Fish involved in histamine poisoning was mainly tuna or Istiophoridae species. No clues of association between concomitant conditions (female sex, alcohol consumption, previous medication, and consumption of histamine releasing food) and histamine poisoning, were highlighted.

Conclusions: This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis that analyzes all the available data on histamine poisoning outbreaks evaluating the histamine concentration in food involved. Histamine mean concentration in poisoning samples was fairly high. Our study suffers from some limitations, which are intrinsic of the studies included, for instance the lack of a complete anamnesis of each poisoning episode.

Protocol registration: Methods were specified in advance and have been published as a protocol in PROSPERO database (18/07/2012 -CRD42012002566).     

Invited review: Effectiveness of precalving treatment on postcalving udder health in nulliparous dairy heifers: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Clinical mastitis affects 3% of primiparous dairy cattle (heifers) in the first month after calving. Additionally, the prevalence of intramammary infection (IMI) in the months before first calving is high, resulting in a high prevalence of heifers calving with IMI. Precalving therapy is an accepted recommendation for reducing mastitis in multiparous cows, but prophylactic treatment for heifers is uncommon in North America. Objectives of this study were to (1) quantify changes in postcalving udder health in heifers following application of a precalving treatment; (2) compare effectiveness among various types of treatments; and (3) compare effectiveness of various types of treatments against specific pathogens. A systematic review was conducted comparing interventions aimed at improving udder health in heifers. Of 62 included studies, 48 clinical trials were used in a meta-analysis. Data were synthesized using a random effects model for meta-analysis, followed by sub-group analyses comparing treatment types, and specific pathogens with statistical testing using meta-regression. Occurrence of mastitis (defined as elevated somatic cell count, clinical mastitis, and IMI) was reduced in treated heifers compared with untreated controls with a pooled risk ratio of treated to untreated heifers of 0.56 (95% confidence interval: 0.47 to 0.67). Upon stratification by treatment types, teat sealants and combination therapies (vaccines and antimicrobials; antimicrobials and teat sealants; and all 3) were most effective at improving udder health with pooled risk ratios of 0.40 (95% confidence interval: 0.30 to 0.52) and 0.34 (95% confidence interval: 0.25 to 0.45), respectively. Antimicrobials and vaccines also reduced occurrence of IMI and subclinical and clinical mastitis when compared with untreated heifers. Although variation was observed in the pathogen-specific effectiveness of treatments at reducing rates of disease, antimicrobials, teat sealants, and combinations of vaccines or teat sealants with antimicrobials were consistently effective, whereas vaccines were only effective for contagious pathogens. Recommendations for use of antibiotics should consider their relative benefit while also considering potential for increasing antimicrobial resistance.     

Mediterranean diet,cardiovascular disease and mortality in diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies and randomized clinical trials

Abstract

To update the clinical practice guidelines for nutrition therapy of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies and randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effect of the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) on the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence and mortality. We searched Medline, EMBASE (through April 20, 2018) and Cochrane (through May 7, 2018) databases. Pooled relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated by the generic inverse variance method. A total of 41 reports (3 RCTs and 38 cohorts) were included. Meta-analyses of RCTs revealed a beneficial effect of the MedDiet on total CVD incidence (RR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.50, 0.78) and total myocardial infarction (MI) incidence (RR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.49, 0.88). Meta-analyses of prospective cohort studies, which compared the highest versus lowest categories of MedDiet adherence, revealed an inverse association with total CVD mortality (RR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.77, 0.82), coronary heart disease (CHD) incidence (RR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.62, 0.86), CHD mortality (RR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.75, 0.92), stroke incidence (RR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.71, 0.90), stroke mortality (RR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.80, 0.96) and MI incidence (RR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.61, 0.88). The present study suggests that MedDiet has a beneficial role on CVD prevention in populations inclusive of individuals with diabetes.     

The effects of ginger intake on weight loss and metabolic profiles among overweight and obese subjects: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed to summarize the effect of ginger intake on weight loss, glycemic control and lipid profiles among overweight and obese subjects. We searched the following databases through November 2017: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The relevant data were extracted and assessed for quality of the studies according to the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Data were pooled using the inverse variance method and expressed as Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) with 95% Confidence Intervals (95% CI). Heterogeneity between studies was assessed by the Cochran Q statistic and I-squared tests (I²). Overall, 14 studies were included in the meta-analyses. Fourteen RCTs with 473 subjects were included in our meta-analysis. The results indicated that the supplementation with ginger significantly decreased body weight (BW) (SMD ?0.66; 95% CI, ?1.31, ?0.01; P = 0.04), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) (SMD ?0.49; 95% CI, ?0.82, ?0.17; P = 0.003), hip ratio (HR) (SMD ?0.42; 95% CI, ?0.77, ?0.08; P = 0.01), fasting glucose (SMD ?0.68; 95% CI, ?1.23, ?0.05; P = 0.03) and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) (SMD ?1.67; 95% CI, ?2.86, ?0.48; P = 0.006), and significantly increased HDL-cholesterol levels (SMD 0.40; 95% CI, 0.10, 0.70; P = 0.009). We found no detrimental effect of ginger on body mass index (BMI) (SMD ?0.65; 95% CI, ?1.36, 0.06; P = 0.074), insulin (SMD ?0.54; 95% CI, ?1.43, 0.35; P = 0.23), triglycerides (SMD ?0.27; 95% CI, ?0.71, 0.18; P = 0.24), total- (SMD ?0.20; 95% CI, ?0.58, 0.18; P = 0.30) and LDL-cholesterol (SMD ?0.13; 95% CI, ?0.51, 0.24; P = 0.48). Overall, the current meta-analysis demonstrated that ginger intake reduced BW, WHR, HR, fasting glucose and HOMA-IR, and increased HDL-cholesterol, but did not affect insulin, BMI, triglycerides, total- and LDL-cholesterol levels.     

Underlying genetic architecture of resistance to mastitis in dairy cattle: A systematic review and gene prioritization analysis of genome-wide association studies

Mastitis, the most frequent disease in dairy cattle. Resistance to mastitis is a complex, polygenic trait controlled by several genes, each with small effects. Genome-wide association studies have been widely used to identify genomic variants associated with complex traits, including resistance to mastitis, to elucidate the underlying genetic architecture of the trait. However, no systematic review and gene prioritization analysis have been conducted to date on GWAS results for resistance to mastitis in dairy cattle. Hence, the objective was to perform a systematic review and gene prioritization analysis of GWAS studies to identify potential functional candidate genes associated with resistance to mastitis-related traits in dairy cattle. Four electronic databases were searched from inception to December 2020, supplemented with multiple sources of gray literature, to identify eligible articles. Annotation for genes and quantitative trait loci (QTL), and QTL enrichment analysis were conducted using GALLO. Gene prioritization analysis was performed by a guilty-by-association approach using GUILDify and ToppGene. From 52 articles included within this systematic review, 30 articles were used for further functional analyses. Gene and QTL annotation resulted in 9,125 and 43,646 unique genes and QTL, respectively, from 39 studies. In general, overlapping of genes across studies was very low (mean ± SD = 0.02% ± 0.07%). Most annotated genes were associated with somatic cell count-related traits and the Holstein breed. Within all annotated genes, 74 genes were shared among Holstein, Jersey, and Ayrshire breeds. Approximately 7.5% of annotated QTL were related to QTL class “health.” Within the health QTL class, 2.6 and 2.2% of QTL were associated with clinical mastitis and somatic cell count-related traits. Enrichment analysis of QTL demonstrated that many enriched QTL were associated with somatic cell score located in Bos taurus autosomes 5, 6, 16, and 20. The prioritization analysis resulted in 427 significant genes after multiple test correction (false discovery rate of 5%) from 26 studies. Most prioritized genes were located in Bos taurus autosomes 19 and 7, and most top-ranked genes were from the cytokine superfamily (e.g., chemokines, interleukins, transforming growth factors, and tumor necrosis factor genes). Although most prioritized genes (397) were associated with somatic cell count-related traits, only 54 genes were associated with clinical mastitis-related traits. Twenty-four genes (ABCC9, ACHE, ADCYAP1, ARC, BCL2L1, CDKN1A, EPO, GABBR2, GDNF, GNRHR, IKBKE, JAG1, KCNJ8, KCNQ1, LIFR, MC3R, MYOZ3, NFKB1, OSMR, PPP3CA, PRLR, SHARPIN, SLC1A3, and TNFRSF25) were reported for both somatic cell count and clinical mastitis-related traits. Prioritized genes were mainly associated with immune response, regulation of secretion, locomotion, cell proliferation, and development. In conclusion, this study provided a fine-mapping of previously identified genomic regions associated with resistance to mastitis and identified key functional candidate genes for resistance to mastitis, which can be used to develop enhanced genomic strategies to combat mastitis by increasing mastitis resistance through genetic selection.     

Potato consumption and risk of all cause,cancer and cardiovascular mortality: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies

Abstract

A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies was conducted to examine the association of potato consumption and risk of all-cause, cancer and cardiovascular mortality in adults. We searched PubMed, Scopus databases up to September 2018 for all relevant published papers. All analyses were performed on HRs or RRs and 95% CIs. In twenty prospective studies, 25,208 cases were reported for all-cause mortality, 4877 for cancer mortality and 2366 for CVD mortality. No significant association was found between potato consumption and risk of all-cause (0.90; 95% CI: 0.8, 1.02, p?=?0.096) and cancer (1.09; 95% CI: 0.96, 1.24, P?=?0.204) mortality. In addition, no significant linear association was found between each 100?g/d increments in potato consumption and risk of all-cause (P?=?0.7) and cancer (P?=?0.09) mortality. Moreover, nonlinear association between potato consumption and risk of cancer mortality was non-significant (P-nonlinearity?=?0.99). In addition, two of three studies which examined the association of potato consumption with CVD mortality did not find any significant relationship. There was no evidence for publication bias in this study. We failed to find significant association between potato consumption and risk of mortality. Further studies are required to confirm this issue.     

Invited review: Antibiotic treatment of metritis in dairy cows: A systematic approach

Acute puerperal metritis (APM) is an acute systemic illness with fever ≥39.5°C and signs of toxemia due to an infection of the uterus occurring within 21 d after parturition. Because of the infectious nature of APM, antibiotics are considered beneficial for its treatment. Each use of an antimicrobial drug, however, is associated with selective pressure for the emergence of resistant bacteria. Hence, there is a significant need to encourage prudent use of antibiotics and alternative therapies to antibiotics. Therefore, the objective of this study was to systematically review the current literature on treatment of APM. A comprehensive and systematic literature search was conducted utilizing the PubMed and CAB Abstracts databases to identify literature focusing on the antibiotic therapy of puerperal metritis in the cow. After application of specific exclusion criteria, 21 publications comprising 23 trials remained for final evaluation. Data extraction revealed that the majority of the studies (n = 19) were attributable to the highest evidence level. Of 21 studies controlled, 11 had an untreated group and 3 a positive control group. The majority of the studies (n = 17) applied ceftiofur for the treatment of APM. Concerning the efficacy of ceftiofur, 7 studies observed clinical improvement, whereas none found improved reproductive performance. Fewer than half of the studies (n = 10) performed a bacteriological examination and only 4 implemented an antibiotic susceptibility test. Also, 3 studies (13.0%) described a self-cure rate per se. Little attention was given to the issue of bacterial resistance (n = 3), the need for reducing the application of antibiotics (n = 2), or guidelines for prudent use of antibiotics (n = 1). Our findings demonstrate that implementation of bacteriological examinations, sensitivity testing, and determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations, as well as reporting and discussion of critical issues (e.g., self-cure rates, resistance, prudent drug use), were suboptimal. On the other hand, the quality of studies on the treatment of APM was good, as indicated by evidence level 1. Nevertheless, more high-quality research considering self-cure rates is necessary to address critical issues related to APM and crucial to the dairy industry, such as resistance, prudent use of antibiotics, animal welfare, and cost-benefit ratios.     

A systematic review of interventions for preventing tobacco sales to minors

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of interventions to reduce underage access to tobacco by deterring shopkeepers from making illegal sales. METHOD: Systematic literature review. DATA SOURCES: The Cochrane Tobacco Addiction group specialised register and Medline. Studies of interventions to alter retailer behaviour were identified. The terms used for searching combined terms for smoking and tobacco use with terms for minors, children or young people, and retailers, sales or commerce. STUDY SELECTION: Studies in which there was an intervention with retailers of tobacco, either through education about, or enforcement of, local ordinances. The outcomes were changes in retailer compliance with legislation (assessed by test purchasing), changes in young people's perceived ease of access to tobacco products, and changes in smoking behaviour. Controlled studies with or without random allocation of retail outlets or communities, and uncontrolled studies with pre- and post intervention assessment, were included. DATA EXTRACTION: Two reviewers assessed studies for inclusion. One extracted data with checking by the second. DATA SYNTHESIS: The results were synthesised qualitatively, with greater weight given to controlled studies. Thirteen of 27 included studies used controls. RESULTS: Giving retailers information was less effective in reducing illegal sales than active enforcement and/or multicomponent educational strategies. No strategy achieved complete, sustained compliance. In three controlled trials, there was little effect of intervention on youth perceptions of access or prevalence of smoking. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions with retailers can lead to large decreases in the number of outlets selling tobacco to youths. However, few of the communities studied in this review achieved sustained levels of high compliance. This may explain why there is limited evidence for an effect of intervention on youth perception of ease of access to tobacco, and on smoking behaviour.     

Dietary cation-anion difference effects on performance and acid-base status of lactating dairy cows: a meta-analysis

A meta-analysis was conducted to examine potential empirical relationships between dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) (Na + K - Cl) and the response of lactating dairy cows. The database was developed from 12 studies published between 1984 and 1997 that included a total of 17 trials, 69 dietary treatments, and 230 cows. Results indicated that DCAD affected performance of lactating dairy cows. Maximum milk yield and feed intake were reached when DCAD was 34 and 40 meq/100 g of feed dry matter, respectively. Blood pH and HCO3 concentrations increased with DCAD, indicating an improved acid-base balance of lactating dairy cows. Changes in urinary pH and urinary excretion of Na, K, and Cl were consistent with varying DCAD, thus dietary acidity or alkalinity. The effects of DCAD were likely mediated via modification of acid-base status in the cows.     

Differential gene expression in dairy cows under negative energy balance and ketosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Development of ketosis in high-producing dairy cows contributes to several animal health issues and highlights the need for a better understanding of the genetic basis of metabolic diseases. To evaluate the pattern of differential gene expression in the liver of cows under negative energy balance (NEB), and under subclinical and clinical ketosis, a meta-analysis of gene expression and genome-wide association studies results was performed. An initial systematic review identified 118 articles based on the key words “cow,” “liver,” “negative energy balance,” “ketosis,” “expression,” “qPCR,” “microarray,” “proteomic,” “RNA-Seq,” and “GWAS.” After further screening for only peer-reviewed and pertinent articles for gene expression during NEB and clinical and subclinical ketosis (considering plasma levels of β-hydroxybutyrate), 20 articles were included in the analysis. From the systematic review, 430 significant SNPs identified by genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were assigned to genes reported in gene expression studies by considering chromosome and base pair positions in the ARS-UCD 1.2 bovine assembly. Venn diagrams were created to integrate the data obtained in the systematic review, and Gene Ontology enrichment analysis was carried out using official gene names. A QTL enrichment analysis was also performed to identify potential positional candidate loci. Twenty-four significant SNPs were located within the coordinates of differentially expressed genes located on chromosomes 2, 3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 27, and 29. Three significant metabolic pathways were associated with NEB and subclinical and clinical ketosis. In addition, 2 important genes, PPARA (peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha) and ACACA (acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase α), were identified, which were differentially expressed in the 3 metabolic conditions. The PPARA gene is involved in the regulation of lipid metabolism and fatty liver disease and the ACACA gene encodes an enzyme that catalyzes the carboxylation of acetyl-coenzyme A to malonyl-coenzyme A, which is a rate-limiting step in fatty acid synthesis. Gene network analysis revealed co-expression interactions among 34 genes associated with functions involving fatty acid transport and fatty acid metabolism. For the annotated QTL, 9 QTL were identified for ketosis. The genes FN1 (fibronectin 1) and PTK2 (protein tyrosine kinase 2), which are mainly involved in cell adhesion and formation of extracellular matrix constituents, were enriched for QTL previously associated with the trait “ketosis” on chromosome 2 and for the trait “milk iron content” on chromosome 14, respectively. This integration of gene expression and GWAS data provides an additional understanding of the genetic background of NEB and subclinical and clinical ketosis in dairy cattle. Thus, it is a useful approach to identify biological mechanisms underlying these metabolic conditions in dairy cattle.