Phaidra - University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna
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Transcriptional Control of Interferon-Stimulated Genes
No full textInterferon-induced genes are among the best-studied groups of coregulated genes. Nevertheless, intense research into their regulation, supported by new technologies, is continuing to provide insights into their many layers of transcriptional regulation and to reveal how cellular transcriptomes change with pathogen-induced innate and adaptive immunity. This article gives an overview of recent findings on interferon-induced gene regulation, paying attention to contributions beyond the canonical JAK-STAT pathways
Suspected Cases of Chlamydia-Induced Fertility Problems in Sows: What Is the Approach of Austrian Practitioners?
No full textAlthough it is generally accepted that Chlamydia spp. can induce fertility problems in sows, many questions concerning diagnostic, therapeutic, and prophylactic approaches remain unanswered. The aim of this study was to gather information about how swine practitioners deal with these knowledge gaps.Austrian swine practitioners were anonymously asked for their assessment of chlamydiosis using the Lime Survey program.PCR tests are used for molecular chlamydia detection from abortion material (64.3%), vaginal swabs (40.5%), and the genital tract (postmortem slaughterhouse samples) (9.5%). Treatment mainly includes tetracyclines (95.2%), occasionally macrolides (2.4%) or other (not mentioned) antibiotic groups (7.1%). Treatment periods vary greatly, from 5 to 10 days (23.8%), from 11 to 15 days (47.6%), from 16 to 21 days (11.9%), and >21 days (9.5%). Prophylactic measures include hygiene improvement, rodent control, and herd treatments with tetracyclines.Serological methods are perceived as inadequate, and there is a general need for better guidance on interpreting results. Knowledge about the increased incidence of tetracycline-resistant Chlamydia suis strains is limited. Weighing up economic interests, feasibility, and animal welfare plays an important role. Further research to improve diagnosis and prevention of chlamydia-related fertility diseases in sows is urgently needed
Dyke-Davidoff-Masson-like syndrome in an adult cat
No full textA 4-year-old cat was presented with acute onset of lateralised neurological central nervous system (CNS) signs and seizures. Haematological and serum biochemical parameters were within normal limits. Imaging diagnostics revealed severe CT and MRI abnormalities of the right brain, similar to Dyke-Davidoff-Masson syndrome (DDMS) in human medicine. This syndrome includes cerebral hemiatrophy with compensatory calvarial hyperostosis and ventriculomegaly. Such changes have previously been reported only once in a single feline case of approximately the same age. In humans, DDMS is described as an embryonic and perinatal developmental disturbance or an acquired injury in early childhood.This case report shows that without further imaging diagnostics, congenital disorders can be overlooked in some rare cases of adult cats with later onset of their first clinical signs
Effects of Bacillus subtilis on Growth Performance, Metabolic Profile, and Health Status in Dairy Calves
No full textThis study focused on assessing whether the inclusion of probiotics (B. subtilis) as feed additives during the preweaning stage can enhance the body weight and metabolic condition of neonatal calves. A total of 50 Holstein calves, all born on the same farm, were randomly divided into two homogeneous treatment groups after birth. The calves in the control group (CG) were fed a milk replacer (n = 25) (13 females and 12 males) and those in the B. subtilis-supplement-treated group (TG), (n = 25) (13 females and 12 males) were fed a milk replacer with 7.5 mL/calf/day of B. subtilis probiotic (complied with the manufacturer\u27s guidelines). The probiotic was administered 24 h post-birth, signifying the start of the experimental period. It took one month to collect the animals. Body weight was measured at birth for all animals. A local veterinarian, working on the farm, conducted daily health checks of the calves, recording health parameters and any antibiotic treatments. Blood samples were collected from each calf at birth and 30, 60, and 90 days by puncturing the jugular vein using 10 mL evacuated serum tubes before morning feeding. Significant differences in body weight were observed between the CG and the TG at 30, 60, and 90 days of age. At 30 days, the TG had a 4.11% higher average body weight than the CG (54.38 kg vs. 52.71 kg). At 60 days, the TG\u27s average weight was 3.75% higher (79.21 kg vs. 76.34 kg), and at 90 days, the TG had a 2.91% higher average weight (112.87 kg vs. 109.67 kg). At 30 days of age, the TG showed significantly lower AST activity, with a 41.12% decrease compared to the CG (51.02 IU/L vs. 72.00 IU/L). Conversely, GGT activity was significantly higher in the TG by 64.68% (40.64 IU/L vs. 14.35 IU/L). Phosphorus concentration at 30 days was also significantly higher in the TG by 9.36% (3.27 mmol/L vs. 2.99 mmol/L). Additionally, the TG had a significantly lower total protein concentration, with a 21.63% decrease at 30 days (46.32 g/L vs. 56.34 g/L) and a 20.28% decrease at 60 days (48.32 g/L vs. 58.12 g/L) compared to the CG. These findings indicate that dairy calves given conventional milk replacer along with a daily dose of 7.5 mL of B. subtilis probiotic experienced enhanced growth performance and a more favourable metabolic profile during the first 90 days of their lives
15 years Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology (LBI HO): achievements and future perspectives
No full textCancer stem cells, also known as leukemic stem cells (LSC) in the context of leukemias, are an emerging topic in translational oncology and hematology. The Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology (LBI HO) was established in 2008 with the aim to translate LSC concepts into clinical practice. Major specific aims of the LBI HO are to identify LSC in various blood cell disorders and to improve anti-leukemic therapies by establishing LSC-targeting and LSC-eradicating approaches with the ultimate aim to translate these concepts into clinical practice. In addition, the LBI HO identified a number of diagnostic and prognostic LSC markers in various blood cell malignancies. Members of the LBI HO have also developed precision medicine tools and personalized medicine approaches around LSC in applied hematology. As a result, diagnosis, prognostication and therapy have improved in the past 10 years. Major disease models are myeloid leukemias and mast cell neoplasms. Finally, the LBI HO consortium launched several projects in the field of open innovation in science where patient-derived initiatives and their input supported the scientific community. Key aims for the future of the LBI HO are to develop LSC-related concepts and strategies further, with the long-term vision to cure more patients with hematologic malignancies
Early-life glucocorticoids accelerate lymphocyte count senescence in roe deer
No full textImmunosenescence corresponds to the progressive decline of immune functions with increasing age. Although it is critical to understand what modulates such a decline, the ecological and physiological drivers of immunosenescence remain poorly understood in the wild. Among them, the level of glucocorticoids (GCs) during early life are good candidates to modulate immunosenescence patterns because these hormones can have long-term consequences on individual physiology. Indeed, GCs act as regulators of energy allocation to ensure allostasis, are part of the stress response triggered by unpredictable events and have immunosuppressive effects when chronically elevated. We used longitudinal data collected over two decades in two populations of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) to test whether higher baseline GC levels measured within the first year of life were associated with a more pronounced immunosenescence and parasite susceptibility. We first assessed immunosenescence trajectories in these populations facing contrasting environmental conditions. Then, we found that juvenile GC levels can modulate lymphocyte trajectory. Lymphocyte depletion was accelerated late in life when GCs were elevated early in life. Although the exact mechanism remains to be elucidated, it could involve a role of GCs on thymic characteristics. In addition, elevated GC levels in juveniles were associated with a higher abundance of lung parasites during adulthood for individuals born during bad years, suggesting short-term negative effects of GCs on juvenile immunity, having in turn long-lasting consequences on adult parasite load, depending on juvenile environmental conditions. These findings offer promising research directions in assessing the carry-over consequences of GCs on life-history traits in the wild
Satellite-derived measures of habitat structure perform as well as locally recorded measures in predicting predation on artificial nests in central European agricultural landscapes
No full textGround nesting birds have declined throughout Europe, with the reduction of habitat structure in agricultural areas being a key contributing factor. Habitat structure is vital not only for providing food and suitable microclimates for these species but also limits nest predation. Field assessments of habitat structure have, historically, been the most common way of identifying areas of low nest predation. However, they are limited in their applicability over wide areas due to time, money, and logistics. Remotely sensed measures (e.g., recorded by a satellite) can address these issues. Normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) is a measure of the \u27greenness\u27 of an area and correlates with habitat structure. We conducted an artificial nest experiment over three years (2019, 2020, 2023) in Baden, Austria to test the relationship of NDVI to nest predation in an agricultural landscape. Critically, we compared whether NDVI could predict nest predation as well as locally recorded variables (ground cover, vegetation height, etc, ). We report that NDVI performs equally well at predicting nest predation, with predation decreasing with higher values of NDVI, signifying greater habitat structure. This was supported by our finding that predation probability decreased with greater ground cover (a locally recorded variable). Additionally, we found that areas with greater partridge numbers had higher predation and circumstantial evidence that birds are the primary predator in our study area. Overall, our study shows that satellite-derived measures of habitat structure have untapped potential in identifying areas of high nest predation for European ground nesting birds in agricultural landscapes
Co-Infection of Chickens with Staphylococcus lentus and Staphylococcus aureus from an Outbreak of Arthritis, Synovitis, and Osteomyelitis Argues for Detailed Characterisation of Isolates
No full textStaphylococcus species are widespread in poultry environments and can cause various infections, often when the host\u27s defences are compromised. This manuscript reports on a co-infection of chickens with Staphylococcus lentus and Staphylococcus aureus associated with an outbreak of arthritis, synovitis, and osteomyelitis in an organic broiler breeder flock in Austria. Clinically, the affected flock showed weakness, lethargy, lameness, and increased mortality. Post-mortem examinations identified purulent arthritis and femoral head necrosis. Bacteriological analysis using MALDI-TOF MS identified both S. aureus and S. lentus in the affected joints. Antibiotic resistance testing revealed significant resistance, particularly in S. lentus. Histological analysis showed severe inflammation and bacterial colonies in the joints. While S. aureus is a common pathogen in poultry, S. lentus is less frequently reported. This study emphasises the need for detailed bacterial characterisation in outbreaks to better understand the role of less common pathogens like S. lentus. Further research is necessary to elucidate the impact of S. lentus on poultry health and its role in causing arthritis and synovitis, highlighting the importance of comprehensive investigation in such outbreaks
Proximity tracking using ultra-wideband technology for equine social behaviour research
No full textSociopositive interactions with conspecifics are essential for equine welfare and quality of life. This study aimed to validate the use of wearable ultra-wideband (UWB) technology to quantify the spatial relationships and dynamics of social behaviour in horses by continuous (1/s) measurement of interindividual distances. After testing the UWB devices\u27 spatiotemporal accuracy in a static environment, the UWB measurement validity, feasibility and utility under dynamic field conditions was assessed in a group of 8 horses. Comparison of the proximity measurements with video surveillance data established the measurement accuracy and validity (r?=?0.83, p?<?0.0001) of the UWB technology. The utility for social behaviour research was demonstrated by the excellent accordance of affiliative relationships (preferred partners) identified using UWB with video observations. The horses remained a median of 5.82 m (95% CI 5.13-6.41 m) apart from each other and spent 20% (median, 95% CI 14-26%) of their time in a distance???3 m to their preferred partner. The proximity measurements and corresponding speed calculation allowed the identification of affiliative versus agonistic approaches based on differences in the approach speed and the distance and duration of the resulting proximity. Affiliative approaches were statistically significantly slower (median: 1.57 km/h, 95% CI 1.26-1.92 km/h, p?=?0.0394) and resulted in greater proximity (median: 36.75 cm, 95% CI 19.5-62 cm, p?=?0.0003) to the approached horse than agonistic approaches (median: 3.04 km/h, 95% CI 2.16-3.74 km/h, median proximity: 243 cm, 95% CI 130-319 cm), which caused an immediate retreat of the approached horse at a significantly greater speed (median: 3.77 km/h, 95% CI 3.52-5.85 km/h, p?<?0.0001) than the approach
Parasitologie in der Zootiermedizin: Literaturrecherche und Analyse parasitologischer Beiträge in den Verhandlungsberichten des Internationalen Symposiums über die Erkrankungen der Zoo- und Wildtiere und deren Nachfolgeveranstaltungen 1981 bis 2000
No full textDiplomarbeit - Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien - 2024Die Parasitologie ist in der Wild- und Zootiermedizin ein unerlässliches Fachgebiet, das zum Erhalt der Gesundheit von Zoo- und Wildtieren, dem Eindämmen des Verbreitungsgebietes von Parasiten und der Überwachung von Zoonosen beiträgt. In der vorliegenden Diplomarbeit wurde die Präsenz der Parasitologie der Zoo- und Wildtiermedizin in den Verhandlungsberichten des Internationalen Symposiums über die Erkrankungen der Zoo- und Wildtiere untersucht. Es wurde ein spezieller Fokus auf Berichte über Plattwürmer, speziell Echinococcus-Arten, außerdem Leberegel – Fasciola hepatica, Fasciola gigantica, Fascioloides magna, Dicrocoelium dendriticum – und Pansenegel (Paramphistomidae) gelegt. Als Forschungsgrundlage dienten hierfür die Tagungsbände der European Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians (EAZWV) und des Leibnitz-Instituts für Zoo- und Wildtierforschung (IZW) aus den Jahren 1981 bis 2000. Die Ergebnisse der Literaturrecherche zeigten, dass ein Viertel der Verhandlungsberichte parasitologische Beiträge beinhalteten, dabei wurden vor allem Helminthen, speziell Nematoden und Plattwürmer, behandelt. Unter den Berichten über Plattwürmer stellten sich Fasciola hepatica und Dicrocoelium dendriticum als bedeutsame Vertreter der Trematoden in den Tagungsbänden heraus, deren Wirtstiere zu den Familien der Hornträger, Hirsche, Kamele, Feldhasen, Schweine, Stachelratten und Pferde zählten. In den Berichten über Infektionen mit Echinokokken fiel unter den Wirtstieren die häufige Nennung von Altweltaffen, besonders Meerkatzenverwandten, in menschlicher Obhut auf. Aus den Tagungsbänden konnte ein umfangreicher Überblick über mögliche parasitäre Erkrankungen bei Zoo- und Wildtieren präsentiert werden. Aufgrund der geringen Zahl an Berichten über die einzelnen Erreger stellte sich eine quantitative Auswertung der Parasiten als nicht sinnvoll heraus. Interessant wäre es daher, weitere Parasitenspezies genauer zu untersuchen und Tagungsbände aus größeren Zeitspannen als Forschungsgrundlage zu verwenden.Diplomarbeit - Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien - 2024Die Parasitologie ist in der Wild- und Zootiermedizin ein unerlässliches Fachgebiet, das zum Erhalt der Gesundheit von Zoo- und Wildtieren, dem Eindämmen des Verbreitungsgebietes von Parasiten und der Überwachung von Zoonosen beiträgt. In der vorliegenden Diplomarbeit wurde die Präsenz der Parasitologie der Zoo- und Wildtiermedizin in den Verhandlungsberichten des Internationalen Symposiums über die Erkrankungen der Zoo- und Wildtiere untersucht. Es wurde ein spezieller Fokus auf Berichte über Plattwürmer, speziell Echinococcus-Arten, außerdem Leberegel – Fasciola hepatica, Fasciola gigantica, Fascioloides magna, Dicrocoelium dendriticum – und Pansenegel (Paramphistomidae) gelegt. Als Forschungsgrundlage dienten hierfür die Tagungsbände der European Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians (EAZWV) und des Leibnitz-Instituts für Zoo- und Wildtierforschung (IZW) aus den Jahren 1981 bis 2000. Die Ergebnisse der Literaturrecherche zeigten, dass ein Viertel der Verhandlungsberichte parasitologische Beiträge beinhalteten, dabei wurden vor allem Helminthen, speziell Nematoden und Plattwürmer, behandelt. Unter den Berichten über Plattwürmer stellten sich Fasciola hepatica und Dicrocoelium dendriticum als bedeutsame Vertreter der Trematoden in den Tagungsbänden heraus, deren Wirtstiere zu den Familien der Hornträger, Hirsche, Kamele, Feldhasen, Schweine, Stachelratten und Pferde zählten. In den Berichten über Infektionen mit Echinokokken fiel unter den Wirtstieren die häufige Nennung von Altweltaffen, besonders Meerkatzenverwandten, in menschlicher Obhut auf. Aus den Tagungsbänden konnte ein umfangreicher Überblick über mögliche parasitäre Erkrankungen bei Zoo- und Wildtieren präsentiert werden. Aufgrund der geringen Zahl an Berichten über die einzelnen Erreger stellte sich eine quantitative Auswertung der Parasiten als nicht sinnvoll heraus. Interessant wäre es daher, weitere Parasitenspezies genauer zu untersuchen und Tagungsbände aus größeren Zeitspannen als Forschungsgrundlage zu verwenden.Diploma thesis - University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna - 2024Parasitology in zoological medicine: literature research and analysis of parasitological contributions in the proceedings of the International Conference on Diseases of Zoo and Wild Animals and its follow-up events 1981 to 2000 The field of parasitology is indispensable for zoo and wildlife medicine as it ensures animal wellbeing and helps to contain the spread of parasites and to monitor zoonoses. The objective of this thesis was to evaluate the parasitological studies in the proceedings of the European Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians (EAZWV) and the Leibnitz-Institut für Zoo- und Wildtierforschung (IZW) in the years 1981 to 2000. There was a focus on articles about flatworms, specifically liver flukes such as Fasciola hepatica, Fasciola gigantica, Fascioloides magna, and Dicrocoelium dendriticum, and rumen flukes (Paramphistomidae) as well as studies on Echinococcus species. The literature review showed that a quarter of the articles from the proceedings contained studies about parasites, specifically helminths such as nematodes and flatworms. Fasciola hepatica and Dicrocoelium dendriticum revealed to be significant trematodes in the proceedings with host animals from the families of Bovidae, Cervidae, Camelidae, Leporidae, Suidae, Echimyidae and Equidae. Further, in articles on Echinococcus spp., Old World monkeys, especially the family of Cercopithecidae, appeared to be mentioned more frequently. Overall, the proceedings provided an extensive overview on possible parasitological diseases in wild animals. However, due to the small number of articles on the specific parasites a quantitative evaluation was not significant