Phaidra - University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna
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Image processing setting adaptions according to image dose and radiologist preference can improve image quality in computed radiography of the equine distal limb: A cadaveric study
No full textImage processing (IP) in digital radiography has been steadily refined to improve image quality. Adaptable settings enable users to adjust systems to their specific requirements. This prospective, analytical study aimed to investigate the influence of different IP settings and dose reductions on image quality. Included were 20 cadaveric equine limb specimens distal to the metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints. Images were processed with the Dynamic Visualization II system (Fujifilm) using five different IP settings including multiobjective frequency processing, flexible noise control (FNC), and virtual grid processing (VGP). Seven criteria were assessed by three veterinary radiology Diplomates and one veterinary radiology resident in a blinded study using a scoring system. Algorithm comparison was performed using an absolute visual grading analysis. The rating of bone structures was improved by VGP at full dose (P < .05; AUCVGC = 0.45). Überschwinger artifact perception was enhanced by VGP (P < .001; AUCVGC = 0.66), whereas image noise perception was suppressed by FNC (P < .001; AUCVGC = 0.29). The ratings of bone structures were improved by FNC at 50% dose (P < .05; AUCVGC = 0.44), and 25% dose (P < .001; AUCVGC = 0.32), and clinically acceptable image quality was maintained at 50% dose (mean rating 2.16; 95.8% ratings sufficient or better). The favored IP setting varied among observers, with higher agreement at lower dose levels. These findings supported using individualized IP settings based on the radiologist\u27s preferences and situational image requirements, rather than using default settings
Nutrition in chronic inflammatory conditions: Bypassing the mucosal block for micronutrients
No full textNutritional Immunity is one of the most ancient innate immune responses, during which the body can restrict nutrients availability to pathogens and restricts their uptake by the gut mucosa (mucosal block). Though this can be a beneficial strategy during infection, it also is associated with non-communicable diseases-where the pathogen is missing; leading to increased morbidity and mortality as micronutritional uptake and distribution in the body is hindered. Here, we discuss the acute immune response in respect to nutrients, the opposing nutritional demands of regulatory and inflammatory cells and particularly focus on some nutrients linked with inflammation such as iron, vitamins A, Bs, C, and other antioxidants. We propose that while the absorption of certain micronutrients is hindered during inflammation, the dietary lymph path remains available. As such, several clinical trials investigated the role of the lymphatic system during protein absorption, following a ketogenic diet and an increased intake of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, in reducing inflammation and ameliorating disease
Intra and interspecific audience effect on domestic dogs\u27 behavioural displays and facial expressions
No full textThe aim of the current study was to investigate the influence of both intra- and interspecific audiences on dogs\u27 facial expressions and behaviours. Forty-six dogs were exposed to three test conditions in which a food reward, initially available, was denied when in the presence of either a human (Human condition) or a dog audience (Dog condition), or in the absence of a visible audience (Non-social condition). Salivary cortisol was collected to evaluate the stress/arousal activation in the different conditions. Compared to the Non-social condition, the presence of a conspecific evoked more facial expressions, according to the DogFACS (Facial Action Coding System, an anatomically based tool to analyze facial expressions in domestic dogs), (EAD105-Ears downward), displacement behaviours (AD137-Nose licking, AD37-Lip wiping), tail wagging, whining, and panting (AD126). When facing a conspecific, dogs assumed a more avoidant attitude, keeping a distance and not looking at the stimuli, compared to when in the presence of the human partner. Dogs also exhibited more facial expressions (EAD102-Ears Adductor, EAD104-Ears Rotator), displacement behaviours (AD137-Nose licking, AD37-Lip wiping), panting (AD126) and whining when facing the conspecific than the human partner. Post-test cortisol was not influenced by any condition, and no association between pre-test cortisol and behavioural variables was found, thus strong differences in the levels of stress/arousal were unlikely to be responsible for differences in behavior between conditions. Considering the current results in the context of the available literature, we suggest that the higher displacement behaviors exhibited with the conspecifics were likely due to an increased level of uncertainty regarding the situations
Vetmed: das Magazin der Veterinärmedizinischen Universität Wien und der Gesellschaft der Freunde der Veterinärmedizinischen Universität Wien 1/2024
No full textDas Universitätsmagazin berichtet über die vielfältigen Aktivitäten der Universität in Forschung, Studium und Universitätskliniken, informiert über Tiergesundheit, Tierhaltung und Tierschutz sowie Lebensmittelsicherheit und beschäftigt sich mit Fragen der Mensch-Tier-Beziehung.Schwerpunkt dieser Ausgabe: Studieren an der Vetmedun
Vergleich von 16- und 128-Zeilen-CT bei der Visualisierung segmentaler Lungenbronchien von Hunden
No full textIntroduction: Multislice computed tomography (CT) technology has led to increased scan speed with reduced motion blur, improved z-axis spatial resolution, and improved efficiency. The aim of this morphologic study was to compare the visualization of segmental bronchi using 16- or 128-slice CT in small and large dogs.
Material and Methods: 30 thoracic CT studies from dogs of mixed breeds, ages 2-14 years and body weights 20 kg were selected from the archive. Half of the dogs were scanned using a 16-slice (SOMATOM Emotion 16, Siemens Healthcare), and half using a 128- slice CT scanner (Somatom X.cite, syngo CT VA30, Siemens Healthcare). Images were displayed using lung window and minimal intensity projections. Observers evaluated the segmental bronchi (RB1D1, LB2D1, RB4D1) using a scoring system: 1, bronchus well seen from its origin to division; 2, questionable; 3, not seen; 4; non accessible.
Results: 85 of 90 segmental bronchi were well seen, one was questionable, one was not seen and three were non-accessible. Minimal differences in image quality were observed between 16- versus 128-slice CT, different locations of the segmental bronchi or dogs of different body weight.
Discussion: Multislice scanners combined with the high-spatial frequency algorithm can provide scan data with spatial resolution of 0.3 millimeter (mm). Although higher-slice scanners will be preferred for cardiac-, thoracic- and abdominal examinations of spontaneously breathingpatients 16-slice remains a good choice for examining the lungs in anaesthetized dogs.Diplomarbeit - Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien - 2024Einleitung: Die Technologie der Mehrschicht-CT hat zu einer erhöhten Scangeschwindigkeit mit reduzierter Bewegungsunschärfe, verbesserter räumlicher Auflösung in der z-Achse und verbesserter Effizienz geführt. Ziel dieser morphologischen Studie war, die Visualisierung der segmentalen Bronchien mit 16- oder 128-Schicht-CT bei kleinen und großen Hunden zu vergleichen.
Material und Methoden: 30 Thorax-CT-Serien von Hunden gemischter Rassen, einem Alter von 2-14 Jahren und einem Körpergewicht von 20 kg wurden aus dem Archiv ausgewählt. Die Hälfte der Hunde wurde mit einem 16-Zeilen-Scanner (SOMATOM Emotion 16, Siemens Healthcare) und die andere Hälfte mit einem 128-Zeilen-CT-Scanner (Somatom X.cite, syngo CT VA30, Siemens Healthcare) untersucht. Die Bilder wurden unter Verwendung eines Lungenfensters und 5 Millimeter (mm) Minimalintensitätsprojektion dargestellt. Beobachter bewerteten die segmentalen Bronchien (RB1D1, LB2D1, RB4D1) anhand eines Punktesystems: 1, Bronchus von seinem Ursprung bis zur Teilung gut zu sehen; 2, fraglich; 3, nicht zu sehen; 4, nicht beurteilbar.
Ergebnisse: 85 von 90 Segmentbronchien waren gut zu sehen, einer war fraglich, einer war nicht zu sehen und drei konnten nicht beurteilt werden. Es wurden nur minimale Unterschiede in der Bildqualität zwischen 16- und 128-Zeilen-CT und verschiedene Positionen der Segmentbronchien bei Hunden mit unterschiedlichem Körpergewicht festgestellt.
Diskussion: Die Mehrzeilen-CT kann in Kombination mit dem Hochfrequenz-Algorithmus Scandaten mit einer räumlichen Auflösung von 0,3 mm liefern. Obwohl Scanner mit höherer Schichtanzahl für Herz-, Thorax- und Abdomenuntersuchungen bei spontan atmenden Patienten bevorzugt werden, ist die 16-Zeilen-Darstellung nach wie vor eine gute Wahl für die Untersuchung der Lunge bei Hunden.Introduction: Multislice computed tomography (CT) technology has led to increased scan speed with reduced motion blur, improved z-axis spatial resolution, and improved efficiency. The aim of this morphologic study was to compare the visualization of segmental bronchi using 16- or 128-slice CT in small and large dogs.
Material and Methods: 30 thoracic CT studies from dogs of mixed breeds, ages 2-14 years and body weights 20 kg were selected from the archive. Half of the dogs were scanned using a 16-slice (SOMATOM Emotion 16, Siemens Healthcare), and half using a 128- slice CT scanner (Somatom X.cite, syngo CT VA30, Siemens Healthcare). Images were displayed using lung window and minimal intensity projections. Observers evaluated the segmental bronchi (RB1D1, LB2D1, RB4D1) using a scoring system: 1, bronchus well seen from its origin to division; 2, questionable; 3, not seen; 4; non accessible.
Results: 85 of 90 segmental bronchi were well seen, one was questionable, one was not seen and three were non-accessible. Minimal differences in image quality were observed between 16- versus 128-slice CT, different locations of the segmental bronchi or dogs of different body weight.
Discussion: Multislice scanners combined with the high-spatial frequency algorithm can provide scan data with spatial resolution of 0.3 millimeter (mm). Although higher-slice scanners will be preferred for cardiac-, thoracic- and abdominal examinations of spontaneously breathingpatients 16-slice remains a good choice for examining the lungs in anaesthetized dogs
Spoink, a LTR retrotransposon, invaded D. melanogaster populations in the 1990s
No full textDuring the last few centuries D. melanogaster populations were invaded by several transposable elements, the most recent of which was thought to be the P-element between 1950 and 1980. Here we describe a novel TE, which we named Spoink, that has invaded D. melanogaster. It is a 5216nt LTR retrotransposon of the Ty3/gypsy superfamily. Relying on strains sampled at different times during the last century we show that Spoink invaded worldwide D. melanogaster populations after the P-element between 1983 and 1993. This invasion was likely triggered by a horizontal transfer from the D. willistoni group, much as the P-element. Spoink is probably silenced by the piRNA pathway in natural populations and about 1/3 of the examined strains have an insertion into a canonical piRNA cluster such as 42AB. Given the degree of genetic investigation of D. melanogaster it is perhaps surprising that Spoink was able to invade unnoticed
Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies and Risk Factors in Two Sympatric Invasive Carnivores (Procyon lotor and Nyctereutes procyonoides) from Zgorzelec County, Poland
No full textThe intracellular protozoan Toxoplasma gondii is distributed worldwide and infects many species of warm-blooded animals. Most mammals, including humans, can serve as intermediate hosts. This pathogen, with its zoonotic potential, causes toxoplasmosis, a condition that can range from subclinical to fatal in humans. It is therefore important to assess the occurrence of the pathogen, even if only indirectly through the detection of antibodies. Epidemiological data on the seroprevalence in wild animals, including invasive species, are rare in Poland. Therefore, we tested 197 wild raccoons (Procyon lotor) and 89 raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) from Zgorzelec County, southwestern Poland, for the presence of antibodies. Samples were collected between January 2019 and December 2020 and analysed using a commercial indirect modified agglutination test (MAT, cut-off 1:25). The statistical analysis revealed significant differences in seroprevalence between the two predatory species. Of the 197 surveyed raccoons, 96 (48.73%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 41.73-55.73%) tested positive, while 25 of the 89 raccoon dogs (28.09%; 95% CI: 18.70-37.48%) were positive. Regarding risk factors, body weight and sex influenced the presence of T. gondii antibodies in both the species, with a higher likelihood of seropositivity among heavier animals and females, respectively. For raccoon dogs, juveniles were more likely to be seropositive than adults at a given weight. Our results suggest that T. gondii infection is widespread in the regional raccoon and raccoon dog populations, indicating a high level of parasite circulation in the environment
Development, refinement, and validation of an equine musculoskeletal pain scale
No full textMusculoskeletal disease is a common cause of chronic pain that is often overlooked and inadequately treated, impacting the quality of life of humans and horses alike. Lameness due to musculoskeletal pain is prevalent in horses, but the perception of pain by owners is low compared with veterinary diagnosis. Therefore, this study aims to establish and validate a pain scale for chronic equine orthopaedic pain that is user-friendly for horse owners and veterinarians to facilitate the identification and monitoring of pain in horses. The newly developed musculoskeletal pain scale (MPS) was applied to 154 horses (mean age 20 ± 6.4 years SD) housed at an equine sanctuary, of which 128 (83%) suffered from chronic orthopaedic disease. To complete the MPS, the horses were observed and videotaped from a distance while at rest in their box or enclosure. In addition, they received a complete clinical and orthopaedic exam. The need for veterinary intervention to address pain (assessed and executed by the sanctuary independent from this study) was used as a longitudinal health outcome to determine the MPS\u27s predictive validity. To determine the interrater agreement, the MPS was scored for a randomly selected subset of 30 horses by six additional blinded raters, three equine veterinary practitioners, and three experienced equestrians. An iterative process was used to refine the tool based on improvements in the MPS\u27s correlation with lameness evaluated at the walk and trot, predictive validity for longitudinal health outcomes, and interrater agreement. The intraclass correlation improved from 0.77 of the original MPS to 0.88 of the refined version (95% confidence interval: 0.8-0.94). The refined MPS correlated significantly with lameness at the walk (r = 0.44, p = 0.001) and trot (r = 0.5, p < 0.0001). The refined MPS significantly differed between horses that needed veterinary intervention (mean MPS = 8.6) and those that did not (mean MPS = 5.0, p = 0.0007). In summary, the MPS showed good interrater repeatability between expert and lay scorers, significant correlation with lameness at the walk and trot, and good predictive validity for longitudinal health outcomes, confirming its ability to identify horses with orthopaedic health problems
No negative effects of Biologger implantation on spatial cognition learning in ED
No full textR Data for ReproducabiltyR Data for Reproducabilt
Exporting moral problems in animal research : an interdisciplinary study of assessing existing measures to prevent outlawed practices and these measures’ translatability to animal research
No full textDiplomarbeit - Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien - 2024Tierversuche stehen seit langem im Mittelpunkt der medizinischen Forschung. In den letzten Jahrzehnten wurde die Entwicklung alternativer experimenteller Methoden immer mehr gefordert, mit dem Ziel, den Einsatz von Tieren schließlich einzustellen. Der Übergang wird durch Vorschriften wie die Richtlinie 2010/63/EU und den FDA Modernization Act 2.0 unterstützt, die jeweils in der EU und den USA eingeführt wurden. Eine real-life Fallstudie zum EU-Verbot von Tierversuchen für Kosmetikprodukte zeigt, dass ein solcher Übergang gelingen kann, ohne die Produktsicherheit und die kommerziellen Gewinne zu gefährden. Das Papier untersucht die bestehenden Mechanismen in anderen Branchen, um den Export moralischer Probleme aus Ländern, in denen bestimmte Praktiken verboten sind, in Orte zu verhindern, in denen diese möglicherweise noch zulässig sind. Das Ziel ist, Möglichkeiten zu finden, den Export des mit Tierversuchen verbundenen moralischen Problems zu verhindern. Übertragbare Lösungen sollten die Einhaltung gewährleisten, indem sie ein breites Spektrum unterstützender Wirkungen ausüben. Es ist wichtig, sowohl die Übeltäter zur Verantwortung zu ziehen als auch die Teilnehmer zu belohnen, die sich an die Regeln halten. Unter den bestehenden Maßnahmen gewinnt das Supply-Chain-Management immer mehr an Bedeutung im Rohstoffbereich und ist vielversprechend für die Verhinderung moralischer Problem-Exporte im Zusammenhang mit Tierversuchen. Schlüsselfaktoren zur Zielerreichung sind Rückverfolgbarkeit und Transparenz.Diploma thesis - University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna - 2024Animal testing has been centrepiece of medical research for a long time. In the past few decades growing attention was awarded to the development of alternative experimental methods, with the goal to eventually phase out the use of animals. The transition is supported through regulation such as the Directive 2010/63/EU and the FDA Modernization Act 2.0, introduced respectively in the EU and the USA. A real-life case study with the EU ban on animal testing for cosmetics products proves that such a transition can succeed without jeopardising product safety and commercial profits. The current paper studies the existing mechanisms in other industries to prevent exports of moral problems from jurisdictions where certain practices are outlawed to places where these might still be permitted. The goal is to consider ways to avoid the export of the moral problem linked to animal testing. Translatable solutions should ensure compliance by delivering a wide spectrum of supporting effects. It is important to both hold transgressors responsible, but at the same time to reward players who follow the rules. Among the existing measures, Supply chain management is gaining on importance in the raw materials space, and it holds significant promise for the prevention of moral problem export when it comes to animal testing. Key factors to achieve the goal are traceability and transparency