Phaidra - University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna
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Artificial intelligence predicts c-KIT exon 11 genotype by phenotype in canine cutaneous mast cell tumors: Can human observers learn it?
No full textCanine cutaneous mast cell tumors (ccMCTs) are frequent neoplasms with variable biological behaviors. Internal tandem duplication mutations in c-KIT exon 11 (c-KIT-11-ITD) are associated with poor prognosis but predict therapeutic response to tyrosine kinase inhibitors. In a previous work, deep learning algorithms managed to predict the presence of c-KIT-11-ITD on digitalized hematoxylin and eosin-stained histological slides (whole-slide images, WSIs) in up to 87% of cases, suggesting the existence of morphological features characterizing ccMCTs carrying c-KIT-11-ITD. This 3-stage blinded study aimed to identify morphological features indicative of c-KIT-11-ITD and to evaluate the ability of human observers to learn this task. 17 untrained pathologists first classified 8 WSIs and 200 image patches (highly relevant for algorithmic classification) of ccMCTs as either positive or negative for c-KIT-11-ITD. Second, they self-trained to recognize c-KIT-11-ITD by looking at the same WSIs and patches correctly sorted. Third, pathologists classified 15 new WSIs and 200 new patches according to c-KIT-11-ITD status. In addition, participants reported microscopic features they considered relevant for their decision. Without training, participants correctly classified the c-KIT-11-ITD status of 63%–88% of WSIs and 43%–55% of patches. With self-training, 25%–38% of WSIs and 55%–56% of patches were correctly classified. High cellular pleomorphism, anisokaryosis, and sparse cytoplasmic granulation were commonly suggested as features associated with c-KIT-11-ITD-positive ccMCTs, none of which showed reliable predictivity in a follow-up study. The results indicate that transfer of algorithmic skills to the human observer is difficult. A c-KIT-11-ITD-specific morphological feature remains to be extracted from the artificial intelligence model.Online Version of Record before inclusion in an issu
Diagnostic approach to swinepox virus infection in a German 2-site swine production unit
No full textIn 2008, nearly 50% of weaned piglets at a German 2-site production unit in Saxony-Anhalt had skin lesions 1–2 wk after relocation into the nursery. First clinical signs were maculae, followed by papules, pustules, and finally crusts, distributed over the dorsal and lateral body flank. Tentative clinical diagnosis was an infection with swinepox virus (SWPV; family Poxviridae, taxon species Suipoxvirus swinepox). Electron microscopy confirmed within one hour that the causal agent was a brick-shaped poxvirus, and routine PCR validated the poxvirus detection; PCR for Orthopoxvirus was negative. Phylogenetic analysis of the thymidine kinase genes from different poxviruses and from our SWPV isolates, 3 isolates from Germany, and 1 isolate from Austria, provided a good picture of evolutionary relationships of poxvirus genera, which was also consistent with phylogenetic analysis of poxviruses based on other genes. The German and Austrian isolates from domestic pigs were 99.8–100% identical to previously isolated German SWPV from wild boar and domestic pigs. All isolates belonged to the North American/European lineage. In a second step, SWPV assembly in naturally infected domestic pigs was analyzed by ultrathin sectioning. The virus assembly resembled that of other poxviruses and completed gaps in the SWPV morphogenesis model described in prior publications. Because there is no specific therapy, recommended interventions were improvements in biosecurity measures, especially hygiene management and disinfection procedures at the farm and within the transporters between the farrowing unit and the nursery. No further infections with SWPV were seen 5–6 wk after commencement of the hygiene interventions
Development of an 11-oxoetiocholanolone mini-kit for the quantification of faecal glucocorticoid metabolites in various wildlife species
No full textAs part of its mission to advance the field of wildlife endocrinology, the International Society of Wildlife Endocrinology aims to develop cost-effective antibodies and enzyme immunoassay kits that support research across a diverse range of species and sample matrices. To provide additional options for the quantification of faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (fGCMs), an antibody against 11-oxoetiocholanolone-17-carboxymethyl oxime (CMO) was generated in rabbits, and an enzyme immunoassay incorporating a horseradish peroxidase-conjugated label and 11-oxoetiocholanolone standard has been developed, designed for use with anti-rabbit IgG secondary antibody coated plates. This mini-kit was used to quantify glucocorticoid metabolites with a 5β-3α-ol-11-one structure in faecal extracts from 23 species: African and Asian elephants, Alpine chamois, American bison, Bengal tiger, blue wildebeest, blue-and-yellow macaw, brushtail possum, cape buffalo, fat-tailed dunnart, Florida manatee, ghost bat, giraffe, golden langur, Gould’s wattled bat, hippopotamus, Leadbeater’s possum, mandrill, okapi, roan antelope, samango monkey, short-beaked echidna, and western lowland gorilla. Pharmacological (adrenocorticotropic hormone challenge) and biological (inter-zoo translocation, wild capture, social disruption, illness/injury and veterinary intervention) challenges resulted in expected increases in fGCM concentrations, and in a subset of species, closely paralleled results from a previously established immunoassay against 11-oxoetiocholanolone-17-CMO. Two additional species tested, Krefft’s glider, which showed contradictory results on this assay compared to a previously validated enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and Ankole cow, where the magnitude increase post-event did not quite reach the 2-fold change criteria, highlight that differences in excreted faecal metabolites across species mean that no EIA will be suitable for all species. This assay provides a valuable new option for assessing adrenal activity across taxa using a group-specific antibody. Future studies should put similar emphasis on validation to determine optimal assay choice for measuring fGCMs in a variety of species
Evaluierung des Bruker NIRS-Gerätes “MPA“ zur Analyse von ausgewählten Milchinhaltsstoffen
No full textDiplomarbeit - Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien - 2025In dieser Studie wurde die Eignung des auf NIRS-Technologie basierenden „Multipurpose Analysers MPA" der Firma Bruker zur Analyse ausgewählter Milchbestandteile (Fett-%, Eiweiß-% und Laktose-%) untersucht. Als Referenzmethode wurden die Ergebnisse des beim Landeskontrollverband Niederösterreich verwendeten Milkoscan FT+ (Firma FOSS, Dänemark) herangezogen. Die Evaluierung des Bruker-Gerätes erfolgte am Lehr- und Forschungsgut der Veterinärmedizinischen Universität Vetfarm, wobei routinemäßig im Rahmen der Milchleistungsprüfung gewonnene Milchproben verwendet wurden. Bei der statistischen Auswertung wurde die Korrelation nach Spearman ermittelt. Für Milchfett- und Milcheiweißgehalt (%) waren die ermittelten Korrelationen (0,81 bzw. 0,94) „stark“ und für Laktose-% (0,71) „mittelstark“ und jeweils signifikant. Für die weitere Auswertung wurde noch das Bland-Altman Verfahren gewählt. Bei Fett-% ist das 95% Konfidenzintervall recht groß und bei Laktose-% sind die Differenzen weit gestreut. Die Messergebnisse waren insgesamt vielversprechend und das Gerät kann sowohl in der Praxis, als auch auf den landwirtschaftlichen Höfen verwendet werdenDiploma thesis - University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna - 2025In this study, the suitability of the “Multipurpose Analyser MPA“ from Bruker, which is based on NIRS technology, for analysing selected milk components (fat %, protein % and lactose %) was investigated. The results of the Milkoscan FT+ (FOSS, Denmark) used by the Landeskontrollverband Niederösterreich were used as a reference method. The Bruker device was evaluated at Vetfarm of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna. The correlation according to Spearman was determined in the statistical analysis. The correlation for fat-%, protein-% and lactose-% was very high and significant in each case. The Bland-Altman method was selected for further analysis. For fat-% the 95% confidence interval was quite wide and for lactose-% the differences were widely scattered. Overall, the measurement results were promising and the device can be used in practice and on farms
Animal and plant-derived protein hydrolysates positively affect yield traits but produce contrasting response on chemicals of organic rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus Spenn.) grown under rainfed conditions
No full textRosemary (Salvia rosmarinus Spenn.) is a perennial crop which is well known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It is widely documented that the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds in this plant is strongly influenced by endogenous and exogenous factors. To enhance yield production and reduce the effects of these factors on open field crops, certain agronomic practices can be optimized through the use of innovative products. The foliar application of protein hydrolysates is recognized as a good practice to achieve this. A two-year study was carried out to investigate the impacts of two different protein hydrolysates (animal-based and plant based) on the yield traits and chemical parameters of rosemary. A randomized complete block design was used with three replicates. The results highlighted that both biostimulants produced a substantial increase in fresh biomass between 1.4 and 3.9 Mg ha-1, and in dry biomass between 0.5 and 1.3 Mg ha-1, in comparison with the control plants. It was found that the lowest dose of plant-based protein hydrolysates significantly increased essential oil yields, producing yields of over twenty kilograms per hectare. It is worth noting that the application of both protein hydrolysates did not modify the aromatic profile of the essential oil. In addition to this, contrasting responses were observed when considering the effect of these biostimulants on the antioxidant activity, phenolic content, and rosmarinic acid. The results of this study demonstrate that protein hydrolysates improve the yield of rosemary plants cultivated under organic agriculture conditions
Colour Morphs as Alternative Solutions to the Trade-Off Predicted by the Immuno-Competence Handicap Hypothesis
No full textColour morphs in polymorphic species are associated with a suite of heritable traits governed by distinct genetic loci, each corresponding to alternative fitness peaks. Hormonal pleiotropy has been proposed as a mechanism maintaining these morphs, though experimental evidence is lacking. In this study, we tested whether white and yellow morphs of the common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis) adopt alternative strategies shaped by the immuno-competence handicap hypotheses (ICHH). Specifically, we experimentally elevated plasma testosterone levels via transdermal administration and measured changes in (i) immune response using phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) swelling and (ii) the aggressive behaviour in response to a mirror test simulating territorial intrusion. We found that testosterone-induced immune suppression was stronger in white males, while aggression decreased in both morphs. Elevated testosterone eliminated the baseline differences between morphs in both immunity and aggression. These findings provide the first experimental support for morph-specific life-history strategies in common wall lizards, consistent with the ICHH: Yellow males prioritize aggression over immunity, while white males invest more in survival at the cost of competitiveness.Online Version of Record before inclusion in an issu
A community-of-practice-built database to support the implementation and operation of national and subnational wildlife health surveillance systems
No full textHistorically, poor data management has hampered the establishment and operation of wildlife health surveillance (WHS) systems and limited the integration of environmental data into One Health frameworks. Effective WHS purpose-built databases are key to solve this problem, yet the few options available remain inaccessible or narrow in scope. To address this gap, an international partnership is developing the Health and Wildlife Knowledge (HAWK) database. HAWK supports the management of diverse data generated by multiple actors and methodologies, all within a harmonized structure and vocabulary facilitating data access, analysis, communication, and reuse. Data are secured through compartmentalization across organizations and users, while supporting compliance of FAIR and CARE data principles. Slated for release in late 2025, HAWK is envisioned as a global public good to encourage data compatibility and best practices in the wildlife conservation and One Health communities, independent of languages and location, with minimal to no cost for users
Effects of replacing rye silage with mixed rye-vetch-straw silage on feed intake, milk production, digestion processes, and blood metabolites in dairy cows
No full textThe high temperatures and extensive droughts during the last few years in Europe have jeopardized the production and quality of forages for ruminants. Estimates suggest that the yearly mean temperature in Europe\u27s alpine regions may rise by up to 4°C until the end of the 21st century compared with the period from 1981 to 2010 (Kotlarski et al., 2023). The summer months seem to be particularly affected in terms of both increased temperature and decreased precipitation (Kotlarski et al., 2023). In Austria, forages from permanent grassland represent most of the forage resources in dairy cattle feeding (62%–84%; Ledinek et al., 2019). Permanent grassland is very sensitive to drought events, as recently indicated by a simulation study. Accordingly, a 3°C increase in air temperature and 0.3 mL/L greater atmospheric CO2 concentration combined with long dry periods led to a 50% decreased grassland yield (Schaumberger et al., 2022). For dairy cattle, forages are an essential part of their diet, supplying energy, protein, minerals, and most importantly physically effective NDF to maintain rumen health. Therefore, forage shortages cannot be compensated for by grains or nonforage fiber sources
DEK::NUP214 acts as an XPO1-dependent transcriptional activator of essential leukemia genes
No full textThe t(6;9)(p22.3;q34.1) translocation/DEK::NUP214 fusion protein defines a distinct subgroup of younger AML patients classified as a separate disease entity by the World Health Organization. DEK is a nuclear factor with multifunctional roles, including gene regulation, while its fusion partner, NUP214, plays a pivotal role in nuclear export by interacting with transport receptors such as XPO1. However, the precise mechanism by which DEK::NUP214 drives leukemia remains unclear. A comprehensive multi-omics comparison of 57 AML primary samples (including whole genome sequencing, targeted sequencing, transcriptomics, and drug screening with >500 compounds) revealed that t(6;9) cases display a selective response to XPO1 inhibitors (Selinexor & Eltanexor) and a distinct transcriptomic signature characterized by the overexpression of FOXC1 and HOX genes that are key leukemia mediators. CUT&RUN experiments demonstrated the direct binding of DEK::NUP214 to the promoters of FOXC1 and HOXA/B clusters. Strikingly, the expression of these genes and the binding of DEK::NUP214 to their regulatory regions were selectively reduced upon XPO1 inhibition in t(6;9) cells. Altogether, these results identified a novel function of DEK::NUP214 as an XPO1-dependent transcriptional activator of key leukemia drivers and provide a rationale to explore the use of XPO1 inhibitors in this patient population
Biofilms in Water Hoses from the Food Processing Environment Harbor Diverse Microbial Communities
No full textBiofilms in drinking water distribution systems are harborage sites for diverse bacteria and fungi. The presence of opportunistic pathogens in these biofilms poses a potential health threat, in food processing environments, where there is still limited knowledge on biofilms. In the current study, we investigated the presence and composition of biofilms in eight months old water hoses from a meat processing environment. First, we used optical coherence tomography (OCT) to directly visualize the biofilms on the inner wall of the water hoses. Next, we determined the bacterial and fungal load and the amount of biofilm matrix components (carbohydrates, proteins, eDNA). We further investigated the biofilm microbiota with 16S rRNA (bacteria) and ITS (fungi) sequencing. Using OCT, we detected visible biofilms in two water hoses. In contrast, by targeting the microbial load and biofilm matrix components, biofilms were observed in 14 out of 15 tested water hoses. Mycobacterium and the fungal genus Trichoderma were highly abundant in the biofilms. Bacterial genera associated with meat spoilage such as Pseudomonas, unclassified Microbacteriaceae, and Stenotrophomonas were detected at low abundances. Furthermore, fungal and bacterial genera including opportunistic pathogens (e.g. Legionella, Trichoderma) were sparsely detected. Significant differences in the beta diversities of bacterial communities between water hoses from the different sampling points were detected. In this study, the biofilms indicate that the water is a potential source for cross-contamination in the food processing environment. Future research is necessary to understand the factors and mechanisms shaping the biofilm and microbial community in water hoses in food processing environments