Phaidra - University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna
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Einflüsse des Kälbergewichts auf den Abkalbeverlauf bei primiparen Kühen und Vergleich unterschiedlicher Schnellmethoden zur Kolostrumqualitätsbestimmung
No full textDiplomarbeit - Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien - 2024Um Kälbern einen optimalen Start in das Leben zu gewährleisten, spielen zwei Faktoren eine wesentliche Rolle. Es beginnt mit dem Geburtsverlauf, der die Überlebenswahrscheinlichkeit der neugeborenen Kälber sehr stark beeinflusst. Ebenfalls ist die Versorgung mit ausreichend und vor allem qualitativ hochwertigem Kolostrum von hoher Bedeutung und der zweite entscheidende Faktor, um die Vitalität und Gesundheit des neugeborenen Kalbes optimal zu unterstützen. Im vorliegenden Versuch wurden die Geburten von 24 Holstein Kalbinnen protokolliert und das Kolostrum mit vier unterschiedlichen Kolostrummessmethoden (Refraktometer, Auslaufbecher, Senkspindel, Ansaugspindel) auf ihre Qualität getestet und die Ergebnisse mit einem im Labor ermittelten IgG-Referenzwert verglichen. Bei den Abkalbungen zeigte sich, dassein höheres Geburtsgewicht zu Schwergeburten bzw. dem vermehrten Einsatz von Geburtshilfe führte (P=0,02). Neun Kälber hatten ≥ 43 kg Geburtsgewicht, von diesen neun brauchten nur zwei keine Geburtshilfe, vier benötigten mittlere Geburtshilfe und drei schwere Geburtshilfe. Kalbinnen sollten also unbedingt mit dem Samen von kleinrahmigen Bullen belegt werden. Beim Vergleich mit dem Referenzwert korrelierte keine der Schnellmethoden signifikant mit dem im Labor ermittelten IgG-Gehalt. Die Ansaugspindel hatte mit r=0,45 die höchste Korrelation. Bemerkenswert sind allerdings die IgG-Referenzwerte, die deutlich niedriger waren als in der Literatur für Rinderkolostrum beschrieben.To ensure calves have the optimal start in life, two factors play a key role. The first factor constitutes the calving process, which has a strong impact on the probability of survival of the newborn calves. In addition, the supply of sufficient and, above all, high-quality colostrum is of great importance and the second decisive factor in optimally supporting the vitality and health of the newborn calf. In the present experiment, the calvings of 24 Holstein heifers were monitored and the quality of the colostrum was assessed using four different rapid measurement methods (refractometer, discharge cup, lowering spindle, suction spindle), the data of which were compared to the respective IgG reference value determined in the laboratory. During calving, it was shown that a higher birth weight leads to difficult calving courses or the increased use of assistance, especially in case of heavy calves (P=0.02). Nine calves had a birth weight of ≥43 kg, of which only two did not require any calving assistance, four required medium and three required severe calving assistance. Thus, female heifers should be inseminated with semen from small-framed bulls. Compared to the reference value, none of the rapid methods was correlated significantly with the lab-derived IgG content. The suction spindle had the highest correlation with r=0.45. It is further noteworthy that the lab-derived IgG values were substantially lower than typically described for bovine colostrum in literature.Diplomarbeit - Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien - 2024Um Kälbern einen optimalen Start in das Leben zu gewährleisten, spielen zwei Faktoren eine wesentliche Rolle. Es beginnt mit dem Geburtsverlauf, der die Überlebenswahrscheinlichkeit der neugeborenen Kälber sehr stark beeinflusst. Ebenfalls ist die Versorgung mit ausreichend und vor allem qualitativ hochwertigem Kolostrum von hoher Bedeutung und der zweite entscheidende Faktor, um die Vitalität und Gesundheit des neugeborenen Kalbes optimal zu unterstützen. Im vorliegenden Versuch wurden die Geburten von 24 Holstein Kalbinnen protokolliert und das Kolostrum mit vier unterschiedlichen Kolostrummessmethoden (Refraktometer, Auslaufbecher, Senkspindel, Ansaugspindel) auf ihre Qualität getestet und die Ergebnisse mit einem im Labor ermittelten IgG-Referenzwert verglichen. Bei den Abkalbungen zeigte sich, dassein höheres Geburtsgewicht zu Schwergeburten bzw. dem vermehrten Einsatz von Geburtshilfe führte (P=0,02). Neun Kälber hatten ≥ 43 kg Geburtsgewicht, von diesen neun brauchten nur zwei keine Geburtshilfe, vier benötigten mittlere Geburtshilfe und drei schwere Geburtshilfe. Kalbinnen sollten also unbedingt mit dem Samen von kleinrahmigen Bullen belegt werden. Beim Vergleich mit dem Referenzwert korrelierte keine der Schnellmethoden signifikant mit dem im Labor ermittelten IgG-Gehalt. Die Ansaugspindel hatte mit r=0,45 die höchste Korrelation. Bemerkenswert sind allerdings die IgG-Referenzwerte, die deutlich niedriger waren als in der Literatur für Rinderkolostrum beschrieben
Adaptive Multiple Comparisons With the Best
No full textSubset selection methods aim to choose a nonempty subset of populations including a best population with some prespecified probability. An example application involves location parameters that quantify yields in agriculture to select the best wheat variety. This is quite different from variable selection problems, for instance, in regression. Unfortunately, subset selection methods can become very conservative when the parameter configuration is not least favorable. This will lead to a selection of many non-best populations, making the set of selected populations less informative. To solve this issue, we propose less conservative adaptive approaches based on estimating the number of best populations. We also discuss variants of our adaptive approaches that are applicable when the sample sizes and/or variances differ between populations. Using simulations, we show that our methods yield a desirable performance. As an illustration of potential gains, we apply them to two real datasets, one on the yield of wheat varieties and the other obtained via genome sequencing of repeated samples
Unraveling Interspecies Differences in the Phase I Hepatic Metabolism of Alternariol and Alternariol Monomethyl Ether: Closing Data Gaps for a Comprehensive Risk Assessment
No full textThe Alternaria mycotoxins alternariol (AOH) and alternariol 9-O-monomethyl ether (AME) are pervasive food contaminants known to exert adverse effects in vitro, yet their toxicokinetics remain inadequately understood. Thus, this study endeavors to elucidate the qualitative and quantitative aspects of the phase I metabolism of AOH and AME. To pursue this goal, reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-fortified porcine, rat, and human liver microsomes were incubated for 0-10 min with AOH or AME within a concentration range of 1-100 and 1-50 μM, respectively. The decline in the parent toxin concentration was monitored via liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry, whereas coupling to high-resolution mass spectrometry provided insights into the composition of the arising metabolic mixture. The collected quantitative data allowed us to calculate the hepatic intrinsic clearance rates of AOH and AME, marking a notable contribution to the field. Moreover, we unveiled interspecies differences in the pattern and rate of the phase I metabolism of the investigated mycotoxins. The presented findings lay the groundwork for physiologically based toxicokinetic modeling aimed at estimating local concentrations of these mycotoxins in specific organs, enhancing our understanding of their mode of action and adverse health effects
Mould allergen Alt a 1 spiked with the micronutrient retinoic acid reduces Th2 response and ameliorates Alternaria allergy in BALB/c mice
No full textWe investigated the biological function of the mould allergen Alt a 1 as a carrier of micronutrients, such as the vitamin A metabolite retinoic acid (RA) and the influence of RA binding on its allergenicity in vitro and in vivo.Alt a 1-RA complex formation was analyzed in silico and in vitro. PBMCs from Alternaria-allergic donors were stimulated with Alt a 1 complexed with RA (holo-Alt a 1) or empty apo-Alt a 1 and analyzed for cytokine production and CD marker expression. Serum IgE-binding and crosslinking assays to apo- and holo-protein were correlated to B-cell epitope analysis. Female BALB/c mice already sensitized to Alt a 1 were intranasally treated with apo-Alt a 1, holo-Alt a 1 or RA alone before measuring anaphylactic response, serum antibody levels, splenic cytokines and CD marker expression.In silico docking calculations and in vitro assays showed that the extent of RA binding depended on the higher quaternary state of Alt a 1. Holo-Alt a 1 loaded with RA reduced IL-13 released from PBMCs and CD3+CD4+CRTh2 cells. Complexing Alt a 1 to RA masked its IgE B-cell epitopes and reduced its IgE-binding capacity. In a therapeutic mouse model of Alternaria allergy nasal application of holo-Alt a 1, but not of apo-Alt a 1, significantly impeded the anaphylactic response, impaired splenic antigen-presenting cells and induced IL-10 production.Holo-Alt a 1 binding to RA was able to alleviate Th2 immunity in vitro, modulate an ongoing Th2 response and prevent anaphylactic symptoms in vivo, presenting a novel option for improving allergen-specific immunotherapy in Alternaria allergy
Foliar application of various biostimulants produces contrasting response on yield, essential oil and chemical properties of organically grown sage (Salvia officinalis L.)
No full textSage (Salvia officinalis L.) is a medicinal and aromatic plant (MAP) belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Its morphological, productive and chemical characteristics are affected by abiotic and biotic factors. The use of biostimulants seems to be one of the most interesting innovative practices due to fact they can represent a promising approach for achieving sustainable and organic agriculture. Despite a large application in horticulture, the use of biostimulants on MAPs has been poorly investigated. On this basis, a field experiment in a 2-year study was done to assess the effect of foliar treatments with different types of biostimulants (containing seaweeds, fulvic acids and protein hydrolysates) and two frequencies of application on morphological, productive, and chemical characteristics of S. officinalis grown organically in Mediterranean environment. Morphological, productive, and chemical parameters were affected by the factors. The biostimulant application generated higher plant height, chlorophyll content, relative water content, biomass yield and essential oil yield compared to control plants. In addition, more
frequent application of biostimulants produced higher biomass and essential oil yield. The application of fulvic acid and protein hydrolysates every week produced the highest total fresh yields (between 3.9 and 8.7 t ha-1) and total dry yields (between 1.3 and 2.5 t ha-1). The essential oil yield almost doubled (33.9 kg ha-1) with a higher frequency of protein hydrolysates application. In this study, 44 essential oil compounds were identified, and the frequency factor significantly influenced the percentage of 38 compounds. The highest percentage of some of the most representative monoterpenes, such as 1,8-cineole, ?-thujone and camphor, were observed in biostimulated plants, with average increases between 6% and 35% compared to control plants. The highest values for total phenolics, rosmarinic acid, antioxidant activity were obtained in control plants and with a lower frequency of biostimulant applications. This study emphasizes how biostimulant applications may be used to improve sage production performance and essential oil parameters when produced in agricultural organic system. At the same time, biostimulants application
caused a decrease in total phenolic, antioxidant activity and rosmarinic acid values
Epigenetic inheritance of diet-induced and sperm-borne mitochondrial RNAs
No full textSpermatozoa harbour a complex and environment-sensitive pool of small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs)1, which influences offspring development and adult phenotypes1-7. Whether spermatozoa in the epididymis are directly susceptible to environmental cues is not fully understood8. Here we used two distinct paradigms of preconception acute high-fat diet to dissect epididymal versus testicular contributions to the sperm sncRNA pool and offspring health. We show that epididymal spermatozoa, but not developing germ cells, are sensitive to the environment and identify mitochondrial tRNAs (mt-tRNAs) and their fragments (mt-tsRNAs) as sperm-borne factors. In humans, mt-tsRNAs in spermatozoa correlate with body mass index, and paternal overweight at conception doubles offspring obesity risk and compromises metabolic health. Sperm sncRNA sequencing of mice mutant for genes involved in mitochondrial function, and metabolic phenotyping of their wild-type offspring, suggest that the upregulation of mt-tsRNAs is downstream of mitochondrial dysfunction. Single-embryo transcriptomics of genetically hybrid two-cell embryos demonstrated sperm-to-oocyte transfer of mt-tRNAs at fertilization and suggested their involvement in the control of early-embryo transcription. Our study supports the importance of paternal health at conception for offspring metabolism, shows that mt-tRNAs are diet-induced and sperm-borne and demonstrates, in a physiological setting, father-to-offspring transfer of sperm mitochondrial RNAs at fertilization
Dairy cows\u27 motivation to nurse their calves
No full textWhen weaning offspring, female mammals limit nursing opportunities. This study aimed to investigate whether imposing a gradual reduction in daily contact time, by separating cows from their calves as an attempt to stimulate weaning, reduced dairy cows\u27 motivation to nurse their calves. For seven weeks, 84 Holstein-Friesian cow-calf pairs were housed with either full-time (23 h contact/d), part-time (10 h contact/d), or no contact. In the following two weeks, half of full- and part-time pairs were subjected to reduced contact (50% of initial contact in week 8, 25% of initial contact in week 9), while the other half continued with unchanged contact. In weeks 8 and 9, cows\u27 motivation to obtain full contact to and opportunity to nurse their calves was measured using weighted push gates using a novel maximum price paid method providing an alternative choice to the cows to reduce frustration. Cows with reduced calf contact were more motivated than cows with unchanged contact; however, cows used the alternative choice less than expected. The results show that cows\u27 motivation for full calf contact and opportunity to nurse increases when daily calf contact is reduced, illustrating that dairy cows are motivated to continue nursing their 9- to 10-week-old calves
Development of a 3D in vitro model to study corpus luteum of felids based on luteinized cells from antral follicles
No full textThe study aimed to establish a long-term 3D cell culture model using luteinized follicular cells to investigate the functionality and life cycle of the CL in felids. A mixture of cell types from antral follicles was luteinized in vitro and cultured for up to 23 days. The method, initially applied to the domestic cat, was later extended to Persian and Clouded leopards. Antral follicles were isolated and digested with enzymes; then, the cells were subjected to culture. Experimental subsets were treated with/without 1 µg/mL cloprostenol to validate the cell culture model\u27s suitability for functional studies. In domestic cat samples, microscopic evaluation indicated luteinization, which was confirmed by increased progestagen concentrations and IHC staining for HSD3B and CYP11A1. The gene expression of selected steroidogenic factors (HSD3B1, STAR, CYP11A1) and hormone receptors (LHCGR, PTGFR, PRLR) significantly increased, while CYP17A1 expression decreased. Cloprostenol treatment resulted in reduction of steroidogenic activity, proving its suitability for functional studies. Persian and Clouded leopards\u27 cell cultures exhibited similar patterns in progestagen secretion and gene expression, compared to domestic cats. This model, with its defined luteinization, as well as high and stable progestagen production, allows future investigation of factors regulating CL life cycle and function
Mixtures of organic micropollutants exacerbated in vitro neurotoxicity of prymnesins and contributed to aquatic toxicity during a toxic algal bloom
No full textPrymnesins produced by an algal bloom of Prymnesium parvum led to the death of several hundred tons of freshwater fish in the Oder River in summer 2022. We investigated effects on aquatic life and human cell lines from exposure to extracts of contaminated water collected during the fish kill. We detected B-type prymnesins and >120 organic micropollutants. The micropollutants occurred at concentrations that would cause the predicted mixture risk quotient for aquatic life to exceed the acceptable threshold. Extracts of water and filters (biomass and particulates) induced moderate effects in vivo in algae, daphnids and zebrafish embryos but caused high effects in a human neuronal cell line indicating the presence of neurotoxicants. Mixture toxicity modelling demonstrated that the in vitro neurotoxic effects were mainly caused by the detected B-type prymnesins with minor contributions by organic micropollutants. Complex interactions between natural and anthropogenic toxicants may underestimate threats to aquatic ecosystems
Evaluation of Different Sensor Systems for Classifying the Behavior of Dairy Cows on Pasture
No full textMonitoring animal behavior using sensor technologies requires prior testing under varying conditions because behaviors can differ significantly, such as between grazing and confined cows. This study aimed to validate several sensor systems for classifying rumination and lying behaviors in cows on pasture under different environmental conditions, compare the sensors\u27 performance at different time resolutions, and evaluate a correction algorithm for rumination data. Ten Simmental dairy cows were monitored on pasture, each simultaneously equipped with an ear-tag accelerometer (ET), two different leg-mounted accelerometers (LMs), and a noseband sensor (NB). Indirect visual observations using drone-recorded video footage served as the gold standard for validation. The concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) for rumination time was very high for both the ET and NB (0.91-0.96) at a 10 min time resolution. Applying the correction algorithm to 1 min data improved the CCC for the NB from 0.68 to 0.89. For lying time, the CCC was moderate for the ET (0.55) but nearly perfect for both LMs (0.99). In conclusion, both sensors evaluated for classifying rumination are suitable for cows on pasture. We recommend using a correction algorithm for 1 min NB data. For the measurement of lying time, the LMs significantly outperformed the ET