Phaidra - University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna
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Feline Papillomatosis
No full textDifferent types of feline papillomaviruses (PVs) are associated with a variety of skin lesions and neoplasia, such as papillomas and cell carcinomas, but the virus can also be found in healthy skin. In this review, the European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD), a scientifically independent board of veterinary experts on feline infectious diseases from 11 European Countries, discusses the current knowledge of feline PV infections. Cats most likely become infected through lesions or abrasions of the skin. Most PV infections remain asymptomatic. Besides cat-specific PVs, DNA sequences most closely related to human and bovine PVs have been detected in feline skin lesions. Diagnosis is supported by the histological detection of PV-induced cell changes and intralesional detection of viral antigen (immunostaining) or viral DNA (in situ hybridization). Immunostaining of p16CDKN2A protein (p16) can be performed as a proxy marker for PV-induced neoplasms. There is no specific treatment for PV-induced skin lesions. Spontaneous regression commonly occurs. In the case of invasive squamous cell carcinoma (ISCC), complete excision should be considered, if possible
The proteomic landscape of Toxoplasma gondii extracellular vesicles across diverse host cell types
No full textExtracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging as powerful tools used by pathogens to manipulate host cells, delivering molecular cargo that rewires cellular processes and the immune response. Toxoplasma gondii, a globally distributed parasite capable of infecting nearly all nucleated animal cells, uses this strategy to thrive in diverse host species and tissue environments. Here, we reveal the adaptability of T. gondii EVs through proteomic analysis of vesicles released from tachyzoites cultured in four different host cell types: human fibroblasts, green monkey kidney epithelial cells, mouse myoblasts and porcine intestinal epithelial cells.A core set of 1,244 proteins was consistently identified across TgEVs, defining a conserved signature. Beyond this conserved cargo, host-cell specific variation revealed how T. gondii fine-tunes EV content to exploit different cellular environments. Functional enrichment analyses revealed roles for TgEVs in targeting host protein synthesis and stress response pathways, with implications for immune evasion and infection spread.These findings provide insight into the potential role of EVs in host-pathogen interactions and help us understand the adaptive strategies used by T. gondii to survive and spread
Perceived Relationships and the Costs and Benefits of Dog Ownership in Czech Homeless and Non-Homeless People
No full textDog ownership is connected to several psychological and physical health benefits, but it also comes with costs and consequences in terms of providing suitable accommodation or leaving the dog while going to work, hospital, or traveling on holiday. Although many people think that homeless individuals should not have a dog, dog ownership among homeless communities is quite popular and beneficial for them. In this study, we compared the perceived costs and benefits of dog ownership (based on a Czech version of the Monash Dog Owner Relationship Scale) among people who had and did not have permanent housing. In total, 1,056 people participated in the study, of which 955 had permanent housing and 101 did not. After completing the questionnaire, participants experiencing homelessness responded to open-ended questions about their life with a dog on the street. No statistically significant differences emerged in the Owner-Dog Interaction subscale (p = 0.289), and Perceived Costs subscale (p = 0.251). However, for the Perceived Emotional Closeness subscale, there was a statistically significant difference between the groups, (Z = 2.079, p = 0.038): homeless dog owners reported higher emotional closeness to their dogs. These results underline the importance of dog companionship for homeless individuals. Although both groups were likely to regard the dog as a part of the family, for a person facing homelessness, their dog may be the only family member. Homeless dog owners often refuse accommodation options or jobs when dogs are not permitted to accompany them. To address this complicated scenario, further research into the One Health approach is required
The unexpected loss of the \u27hunger hormone\u27 ghrelin in true passerines: a game changer in migration physiology
No full textMigratory birds must accumulate large amounts of fat prior to migration to sustain long flights. In passerines, the small body size limits the amount of energy stores that can be transported, and therefore birds undergo cycles of extreme fattening and rapid exhaustion of reserves. Research on these physiological adaptations was rattled by the discovery that birds have lost the main vertebrate regulator of fat deposition, leptin. Recent studies have thus focused on ghrelin, known as \u27hunger hormone\u27, a peptide secreted by the gastrointestinal tract to regulate, e.g. food intake and body mass in vertebrates. Studies on domestic species showed that, in birds, ghrelin has effects opposite to those described in mammals such as inhibiting instead of promoting food intake. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that ghrelin administration influences migratory behaviour in passerine birds. Using comparative genomics and immunoaffinity chromatography, we show that ghrelin has been lost in Eupasseres after the basic split from Acanthisitti about 50 Ma. We found that the ghrelin receptor is still conserved in passerines. The maintenance of a functional receptor system suggests that in Eupasserines, another ligand has replaced ghrelin, perhaps to bypass the feedback system that would hinder the large pre-migratory accumulation of subcutaneous fat.© 2025 The Author(s)
Persistence in time: the hunt for Bacillus anthracis at a historic tannery site in Austria reveals genetic diversity thought extinct
No full textIdentifying and analyzing historic anthrax loci may provide a treasure trove to fill in the gaps of persistence in time and genetic diversity of Bacillus anthracis. In countries where anthrax has become a disease of the past, detailed knowledge of the exact location and stability of spores in soil reservoirs is limited. Reviewing archival records may provide valuable clues to unearthing such forgotten sites. Knowledge of anthrax diversity in Austria is scarce, as the only available isolates-originating from the last outbreak in Austria in 1988-cluster in the B.Br.004 (CNEVA) canonical single-nucleotide polymorphism (canSNP) group. Thus, we analyzed archival records on anthrax incidents in Austria to locate historic B. anthracis soil reservoirs. In parallel, we tested the performance of different soil processing protocols for the isolation of B. anthracis spores to establish a suitable workflow for screening historical anthrax loci. Using an optimized workflow, we were able to isolate viable B. anthracis spores 80 years after the last occurrence of anthrax at an abandoned tannery identified through our archival work. Genome analysis of the isolated strains allowed to improve the phylogeographic resolution within the hitherto poorly covered A.Br.064 (V770) canSNP group by linking historical records to genetic information. Furthermore, our results re-emphasize that B. anthracis can survive for decades at historic sites and may pose a health threat when such sites are eventually reactivated by climatic factors or human intervention.Bacillus anthracis is a continuing threat from a One Health perspective since it leads to severe infections in animals and humans. Ongoing climate change or human activities can reactivate historical B. anthracis loci, previously considered inactive or forgotten. Therefore, knowledge of historic anthrax incidents at abandoned animal processing facilities, such as tanneries or farmyards, along with robust detection protocols, is of prime interest when monitoring this important zoonosis. As shown here, archival records of possible origins of anthrax-contaminated goods received at tanneries are valuable sources and support these efforts. Investigation for viable spores at such historical sites could not only provide new insights into the past genetic diversity and population structure of B. anthracis but also provide important information for taking appropriate measures to prevent future outbreaks originating from these sites
Glutathione Contributes to Caloric Restriction-Triggered Shift in Taurine Homeostasis
No full textPreviously, we found that caloric restriction (CR) in mice increases taurine levels by stimulating hepatic synthesis, secretion into the intestine and deconjugation of taurine-conjugated bile acids (BA). Subsequently, in the intestine, taurine conjugates various molecules, including glutathione (GSH). The current study explores the mechanisms behind forming taurine-GSH conjugate and its consequences for taurine, other taurine conjugates, and BA in order to improve understanding of their role in CR.The non-enzymatic conjugation of taurine and GSH was assessed and the uptake of taurine, GSH, and taurine-GSH was verified in five sections of the small intestine. Levels of taurine, gavaged 13C labeled taurine, taurine conjugates, taurine-GSH, and GSH were measured in various tissues of ad libitum and CR mice. Next, the taurine-related CR phenotype was challenged by applying the inhibitors of taurine transporter (SLC6A6) and GSH-S transferases (GST).The CR-related increase in taurine in intestinal mucosa was accompanied by the uptake and distribution of taurine towards selected organs. A unique composition of taurine conjugates characterized each tissue. Although taurine-GSH conjugate could be formed in non-enzymatic reactions, GST activity contributed to taurine-related CR outcomes. Upon SLC6A6 and GST inhibition, the taurine-related parameters were affected mainly in the ileum rather than the liver. Meanwhile, BA levels were somewhat affected by GST inhibition in the ileum and in the liver by SLC6A6 inhibitor.The discovered CR phenotype involves a regulatory network that adjusts taurine and BA homeostasis. GSH supports these processes by conjugating taurine, impacting taurine uptake from the intestine and its availability to form other types of conjugate
Double trouble: two retrotransposons triggered a cascade of invasions in Drosophila species within the last 50 years
No full textHorizontal transfer of genetic material in eukaryotes has rarely been documented over short evolutionary timescales. Here, we show that two retrotransposons, Shellder and Spoink, invaded the genomes of multiple species of the melanogaster subgroup within the last 50 years. Through horizontal transfer, Spoink spread in D. melanogaster during the 1980s, while both Shellder and Spoink invaded D. simulans in the 1990s. Possibly following hybridization, D. simulans infected the island endemic species D. mauritiana (Mauritius) and D. sechellia (Seychelles) with both TEs after 1995. In the same approximate time-frame, Shellder also invaded D. teissieri, a species confined to sub-Saharan Africa. We find that the donors of Shellder and Spoink are likely American Drosophila species from the willistoni, cardini, and repleta groups. Thus, the described cascade of TE invasions could only become feasible after D. melanogaster and D. simulans extended their distributions into the Americas 200 years ago, likely aided by human activity. Our work reveals that cascades of TE invasions, likely initiated by human-mediated range expansions, could have an impact on the genomic and phenotypic evolution of geographically dispersed species. Within a few decades, TEs could invade many species, including island endemics, with distributions very distant from the donor of the TE
Dancing male riflebirds create a dynamic sensory trajectory that guides female choice
No full textSexual displays often consist of multiple signal components that combine to create dynamic, multisensory “dance” performances. However, how signal dynamics guide mate choice remains poorly understood. Deciphering the temporal and rhythmic structure of displays is therefore crucial for understanding their evolution and function. We show that the courtship dances of male Victoria’s riflebirds—a bird of paradise endemic to subtropical Australia—involve synchronized visual and acoustic components that begin slowly, subtly accelerate, and culminate in a rapid tempo plateau, during which males flash their yellow gape. All displays that resulted in mating reached this tempo plateau, which was associated with both stronger tempo acceleration and an overall much longer duration of acceleration. Attention holding is likely key to display success, as evidenced by a threshold effect of ∼16 s before any matings occurred, though most displays failed to reach this threshold. We find that higher plateau tempi are clearly associated with mating success, supporting a prevailing hypothesis that female choice generally selects for male performance maxima. Although we also find suggestive evidence that stronger tempo acceleration and greater rhythmic variability, but not the rate of gape flashes, improve mating success, these effects were not robust, suggesting potential attention-holding functions. Our results reveal a unique and rhythmically intricate temporal structure in riflebird mating dances, where males begin with slow, accelerating movements before creating a stimulating grand finale that guides female choice. The sensory trajectory of sexual signals may thus be a core target of mate choice driving the evolution of complex animal dance performances
Studie zu den im Verhalten und in den physiologischen Parametern gespiegelten Stresspegeln der Wiener Fiakerpferde und der gegenseitigen Beeinflussung der Pferde innerhalb eines Gespannpaares darin
No full textDiplomarbeit - Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien - 2025Diese Studie untersuchte die Stresspegel von 42 Fiakerpferden in Wien anhand von physiologischen und verhaltensassoziierten Parameter und der gegenseitigen Beeinflussung der Gespannpartner in der Stressauserung. Bisherige Studien befassten sich mit dem Einfluss eines ruhigen Tieres auf ein gestresstes Tier oder andersherum. Dies ist die erste Studie, die sich mit der gegenseitigen Beeinflussung von zwei Pferden in ihrer Stressauserung beschaftigte. Untersucht wurden die Pferde im Stall, in der Stadt, beim Einspannen und auf dem Paddock. Je nach Lokalisation wurden die Blinzelfrequenz, der Gesichtsausdruck, Lautauserungen, das Gangverhalten, Schweifbewegungen, das Fress- und Trankverhalten, sowie Herzfrequenz, Pulsfrequenz, Atemfrequenz, IKT und die Korperoberflachentemperatur erhoben. Um die gegenseitige Anpassung der Pferde aneinander zu untersuchen, wurden die Werte der einzelnen Pferde sowohl in Bezug auf die unterschiedlichen Orte der Datenerhebung als auch auf den Vergleich mit ihrem Partnertier und allen anderen Pferden untersucht. Dabei konnten auf Basis der erhobenen Parameter keine Hinweise auf erhohte Stresspegel der Pferde in der Wiener Innenstadt nachgewiesen werden. Die erste Hypothese, dass die erhobenen Parameter der Pferde in der Stadt naher beieinander liegen als im Stall, konnte nicht erhartet werden. Die zweite Hypothese, dass die erhobenen Parameter der Pferde innerhalb eines Gespannpaares naher beieinander liegen, als die Werte zweier Pferde, die nicht miteinander eingespannt werden, konnte jedoch unterstutzt werden.Diploma thesis - University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna - 2025This study investigated the stress levels of 42 carriage horses in Vienna on the basis of physiological and behavioral parameters and the mutual influence of the harness partners in the expression of stress. Previous studies have investigated the influence of a calm animal on a stressed animal or vice versa. This is the first study to look at the mutual influence of two horses in their expression of stress. The horses were examined in the stable, in the city, during harnessing and in the paddock. Depending on the location, the blinking frequency, facial expression, vocalizations, gait, tail movements, feeding and watering behaviour, as well as heart rate, pulse rate, respiratory rate, inner body temperature and body surface temperature were recorded. In order to investigate the mutual adaptation of the horses to each other, the values of the individual horses were examined both in relation to the different locations of data collection and in comparison with their partner animal and all other horses. Based on the parameters collected, there was no evidence of increased stress levels in the horses in the city center. The first hypothesis, that the measured parameters of the horses are closer together in the city than in the stable, could not be substantiated. However, the second hypothesis, that the parameters recorded for the horses within a pair of harnesses are closer together than the values for two horses that are not harnessed together, was supported.Diplomarbeit - Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien - 2025Diese Studie untersuchte die Stresspegel von 42 Fiakerpferden in Wien anhand von physiologischen und verhaltensassoziierten Parameter und der gegenseitigen Beeinflussung der Gespannpartner in der Stressauserung. Bisherige Studien befassten sich mit dem Einfluss eines ruhigen Tieres auf ein gestresstes Tier oder andersherum. Dies ist die erste Studie, die sich mit der gegenseitigen Beeinflussung von zwei Pferden in ihrer Stressauserung beschaftigte. Untersucht wurden die Pferde im Stall, in der Stadt, beim Einspannen und auf dem Paddock. Je nach Lokalisation wurden die Blinzelfrequenz, der Gesichtsausdruck, Lautauserungen, das Gangverhalten, Schweifbewegungen, das Fress- und Trankverhalten, sowie Herzfrequenz, Pulsfrequenz, Atemfrequenz, IKT und die Korperoberflachentemperatur erhoben. Um die gegenseitige Anpassung der Pferde aneinander zu untersuchen, wurden die Werte der einzelnen Pferde sowohl in Bezug auf die unterschiedlichen Orte der Datenerhebung als auch auf den Vergleich mit ihrem Partnertier und allen anderen Pferden untersucht. Dabei konnten auf Basis der erhobenen Parameter keine Hinweise auf erhohte Stresspegel der Pferde in der Wiener Innenstadt nachgewiesen werden. Die erste Hypothese, dass die erhobenen Parameter der Pferde in der Stadt naher beieinander liegen als im Stall, konnte nicht erhartet werden. Die zweite Hypothese, dass die erhobenen Parameter der Pferde innerhalb eines Gespannpaares naher beieinander liegen, als die Werte zweier Pferde, die nicht miteinander eingespannt werden, konnte jedoch unterstutzt werden
Effects of Native or Exogenous Benzoxazinoids on In Vitro Ruminal Fermentation and Degradability of Either Fresh or Ensiled Whole‐Crop Maize‐Based Diets in Cattle
No full textBenzoxazinoids (BXs) are secondary plant compounds and an important part of the plant\u27s defence system against herbivore attacks and microbial pathogens in maize. Whole‐crop maize represents a common feed for ruminant livestock and is most commonly fed as silage, a conservation process that promotes the conversion of BXs into the potent downstream metabolite 6‐Methoxy‐benzoxazolin‐2(3 )‐one (MBOA). Possibly, the antimicrobial impact of BXs may not be restricted to plant pathogens but could as well affect the rumen ecosystem, which, however, has not yet been investigated. The present study analysed the effects of a low and a high BX maize genotype, either in fresh or ensiled form, on the in vitro ruminal fermentation and the degradability of main proximate nutrients using a rumen simulation technique. Moreover, the addition of exogenous MBOA when incubating the low BX maize genotype was tested. The data obtained showed no differences in ruminal fermentation variables, such as pH, short‐chain fatty acids, gas production and gas composition. Likewise, the incubation of high BX maize genotype or the addition of exogenous MBOA did not affect the substrate degradability. The ensiling of maize slightly increased the degradability of certain proximate nutrients when compared to fresh maize, which, however, should not be related to maize genotype or exogenous MBOA. No detrimental impact of BXs on the in vitro ruminal fermentation were found and based on this, future studies may then focus on potential absorption and subsequent impact of BXs or its derivatives on the animal in long‐term