Phaidra - University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna
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Measurement of ground reaction forces in cats after total hip replacement
No full textThe aim of this study was to evaluate ground reaction forces (GRFs) in cats after unilateral total hip replacement (THR) and compare them with cats after femoral head and neck ostectomy (FHO).The databases of the Small Animal Clinic of the Veterinary University in Vienna and three referral clinics were searched for cats that had undergone unilateral THR with the BioMedtrix Micro total hip system or FHO more than 6 months previously. Owners were invited to complete a survey and bring their cats for re-examination, inlcuding clinical and orthopaedic examinations, hip radiography and a gait analysis using a pressure-sensitive plate.Nine cats were included in each group. Cats after THR showed larger GRF values (peak vertical force [PFz] and vertical impulse [IFz] normalised to total force [%TF]) on the operated limb. The resulting symmetry indices (SIs) were lower in terms of vertical force in 7/9 (78%) cats and vertical impulse in 6/9 (67%) cats between the hindlimbs in cats after THR compared with FHO - SI (PFz)?=?3.31%?±?2.19% (THR) vs 4.84%?±?2.99% (FHO) and SI (IFz)?=?5.17%?±?3.66% (THR) vs 8.27%?±?3.12% (FHO). Cats after FHO showed significantly lower muscle circumference and range of motion (ROM) at the operated hindlimb compared with the contralateral side, whereas cats after THR showed no statistically significant differences between their hindlimbs. Owner surveys revealed significant differences in their subjective
assessment of activity and change in gait between the two groups, with better values for cats after THR.This was the first study that measured GRFs in cats after THR. PFz (%TF) and IFz (%TF) values were higher in the operated limb of the THR group than in those of the FHO group, resulting in lower symmetry indices (indicating better symmetry) and better loading of the corresponding hindlimb. This finding is clinically relevant and can help in making decisions regarding the treatment of hip joint pathologies in cats
Expression of GnRH, Kisspeptin, and Their Specific Receptors in the Ovary and Uterus in Deslorelin-Treated Late-Prepubertal Bitches
No full textn this study, the expression and localization of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH1) and kisspeptin (KISS1) and their specific receptors in canine ovarian and uterine tissues were investigated after the application of deslorelin acetate (Suprelorin®, 4.7 mg, Virbac, France) in the late prepubertal period. We hypothesized that prolonged treatment of prepubertal dogs with deslorelin would alter the expression of GnRH and kisspeptin genes in the uterus and ovaries. Ovarian and uterine samples of 25 dogs with an average age of 7.8 ± 0.2 months and from mixed breeds were used. Following implant insertion, dogs entered estrus (EST; n = 6); dogs without estrus (N-EST; n = 10) comprised the experimental groups. Nine dogs with placebo implants served as a control (CONT). Ovarian and uterine tissues were investigated for expression of GnRH1, GnRHR, KISS1, and KISS1R/GPR54 mRNA and protein by using IHC and RT-qPCR. In the uterus, expression of GnRH1 significantly decreased in response to deslorelin treatment in the N-EST, compared with the control group. Compared with CONT, KISS1R expression in ovarian samples was significantly lower in the EST group. Uterine protein expression of GnRH1 appeared weaker in N-EST than in CONT. While GnRH1-system members and KISS1 protein were localized in the follicles at various stages and stroma, no or only weak signals were detected for KISS1R in the ovarian samples. Deslorelin-mediated induction of puberty by changing the expression of some of the GnRH and KISS1-system members seems to have an effect on ovarian and uterine functionality. Deslorelin implants can, therefore, not be considered a valuable alternative to induce fertile estrus in late-prepubertal bitches. However, further studies with a larger number of animals are needed to clarify the effect of deslorelin-mediated induction of puberty
Comparative proteomic analysis of metronidazole-sensitive and resistant Trichomonas vaginalis suggests a novel mode of metronidazole action and resistance
No full textThe microaerophilic parasite Trichomonas vaginalis occurs worldwide and causes inflammation of the urogenital tract, especially in women. With 156 million infections annually, trichomoniasis is the most prevalent non-viral sexually transmitted disease. Trichomoniasis is treated with 5-nitroimidazoles, especially metronidazole, which are prodrugs that have to be reduced at their nitro group to be activated. Resistance rates to metronidazole have remained comparably low, but they can be higher in certain areas leading to an increase of refractory cases. Metronidazole resistance in T. vaginalis can develop in vivo in clinical isolates, or it can be induced in the laboratory. Both types of resistance share certain characteristics but differ with regard to the dependence of ambient oxygen to become manifest. Although several candidate factors for metronidazole resistance have been described in the past, e.g. pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase and ferredoxin or thioredoxin reductase, open questions regarding their role in resistance have remained. In order to address these questions, we performed a proteomic study with metronidazole-sensitive and -resistant laboratory strains, as well as with clinical strains, in order to identify factors causative for resistance. The list of proteins consistently associated with resistance was surprisingly short. Resistant laboratory and clinical strains only shared the downregulation of flavin reductase 1 (FR1), an enzyme previously identified to be involved in resistance. Originally, FR1 was believed to be an oxygen scavenging enzyme, but here we identified it as a ferric iron reductase which produces ferrous iron. Based on this finding and on further experimental evidence as presented herein, we propose a novel mechanism of metronidazole activation which is based on ferrous iron binding to proteins, thereby rendering them susceptible to complex formation with metronidazole. Upon resolution of iron-protein-metronidazole complexes, metronidazole radicals are formed which quickly react with thiols or proteins in the direct vicinity, leading to breaks in the peptide backbon
Hepatic Transcriptomics of Broilers with Low and High Feed Conversion in Response to Caloric Restriction
No full textIn broiler chickens, the efficient utilization of macro- and micronutrients is influenced by various metabolic pathways that are closely linked to feed efficiency (FE), a critical metric in poultry industry, with residual feed intake (RFI) as the preferred proxy. Feed restriction is considered an approach to address the underlying molecular mechanisms of feed conversion. We hypothesized that broiler chickens with divergent RFI subjected to quantitative feed restriction differ in their pattern of molecular pathways for efficient nutrient utilization in liver as post-absorptive tissue.Cobb 500FF broiler chickens divergent for RFI (n = 112) were feed-restricted from day 9 until market weight at day 33-37 post-hatch. Based on a previous trial, feed restriction levels were set at 92% (low-RFI birds) and 80% (high-RFI birds) relative to the control groups. Transcriptomic analyses of the liver were conducted.Due to the interaction of the RFI group and feeding regimen, a total of 140 to 507 differentially expressed genes were identified for the respective contrasts, with implications for hepatic metabolism and cellular stress response. Although the broilers did not realize their full growth potential under restrictive feeding (12.4% reduced body weight vs. controls, p = 0.094), the gene expression patterns indicate a lower susceptibility to blood coagulation (KNG1, FGG, and FGB), suggesting that controlled and mild feed restriction could lead to health benefits in less feed-efficient broilers. Moreover, FE traits are shown to be linked to cellular detoxification processes (MGST3 and CYP2AC2) and triacylglycerol syntheses (MOGAT1 and LPIN1).Divergent transcriptional profiles between broiler groups under varied caloric conditions indicate potential for optimizing nutritional management strategies
Toward a common interpretation of the 3Rs principles in animal research
No full textMany scientific breakthroughs have depended on animal research, yet the ethical concerns surrounding the use of animals in experimentation have long prompted discussions about humane treatment and responsible scientific practice. First articulated by Russell and Burch, the 3Rs Principles of Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement have gained widespread recognition as basic guidelines for animal research. Over time, the 3Rs have transcended the research community, influencing policy decisions, animal welfare advocacy and public perception of animal experimentation. Despite their broad acceptance, interpretations of the 3Rs vary substantially, shaping statutory frameworks at various levels, with both technical and practical impacts
Veterinary medicine under COVID-19: a mixed-methods analysis of student and practitioner experiences in Austria
No full textThis study aimed to provide a detailed analysis of the pandemic\u27s impact on the veterinary profession and education in Austria.Two online surveys were conducted from November 2022 to January 2023, inviting all veterinarians and veterinary students in Austria to share their experiences on the impact of the pandemic on their veterinarian work and education in a free text question.A total of n = 289 veterinarians and n = 272 veterinary students provided an answer. In summary, 39.8% of veterinarians reported no impact by the pandemic, while others experienced changes in workload (19.7%), changes in client behavior (14.9%), implementation of safety measures (13.1%), and organizational changes (13.1%). Additional impacts included effects on mental health, private life, finances, as well as physical health. Changes were more frequently mentioned in veterinarians working with pets compared to those working with livestock. In the student panel, only a minority reported no significant impact (8.1%) but 44.9% reporting changes due to online and hybrid learning. Key issues included impaired learning conditions (34.9%), and social distancing (34.6%) leading to social isolation. Some students appreciated increased flexibility and reduced commuting (10.7%), while others experienced mental health challenges (10.7%). Further impacts were related to the implementation of safety measures (5.5%), organizational changes (4.8%) and impaired physical health due to infection (1.1%). Negative changes related to distance learning were mainly reported by students in the final study phase, whereas those in the first study phase reported more positive aspects related to online/hybrid learning.Overall, this study highlights the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on veterinary education and professional practice in Austria, revealing diverse challenges for students and relatively lower but still notable effects on practicing veterinarians. Future research should monitor these impacts longitudinally and explore the integration of beneficial practices into standard veterinary education and care, such as effective digital learning platforms and appointment-based systems
Non-invasive monitoring of adrenocortical activity in the Gould\u27s wattled bat (Chalinolobus gouldii)
No full textAlthough bats are the second most species-rich mammalian order, very little is known about their endocrine physiology. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are commonly associated with the stress response, but also modulate vital physiological functions which help animals adapt to their environment. Understanding normal patterns of adrenocortical activity can provide valuable insights into a species\u27 fitness. Non-invasive hormone monitoring via faecal samples provides an integrated measure of adrenocortical activity while minimising stress on the animal but must be properly validated to ensure reliable results. The goal of this study was to validate an enzyme immunoassay for monitoring faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGMs) in a common Australian insectivorous bat species, the Gould\u27s wattled bat (Chalinolobus gouldii). We compared the performance of five assays for monitoring changes in FGMs following capture and transfer of C.gouldii from the wild to captivity. Four of the five assays detected a significant increase in FGMs following capture, but the magnitude of the increase and consistency across individuals differed considerably. We selected the UVM-69a assay as the best performing assay to then describe normative patterns of adrenocortical activity in the species. Males had higher FGM levels than females, and juveniles had higher FGM levels than adults. Individuals with poorer body condition had higher FGM levels. We also demonstrate seasonal patterns of FGMs with higher levels in March and April corresponding with reproductive up-regulation and lower levels in May and November. Our study is the first of its kind to examine adrenocortical activity in an Australian insectivorous bat and provides a valuable tool for studying this species. Understanding adrenal function in common species such as C.gouldii can shed light on the physiological mechanisms facilitating survival and success in changing environments
Long-term surveys of ungulates\u27 effects on tree and shrub species in mountainous forests -outcomes and potential limits
No full textUngulate herbivory might induce different effects on the diversity and growth of trees and shrubs. The density, distribution, and the species of ungulates as well as plant communities\u27 composition and other factors determine whether ungulate herbivory promotes or limits plants\u27 diversity and growth. The impacts of ungulates on woody plants are commonly surveyed with exclosure-control approaches. In practice, such surveys frequently only cover short periods of time, addressing immediate management needs. Long-term surveys, documenting lasting effects of ungulate herbivory, are highly needed, but still rare. However, the general transferability of outcomes of long-term surveys might be limited due to different disturbing factors. This study addresses two basic aspects of long-term monitoring in mountainous forests, based on a unique 30-year data set: (1) Possible long-term effects of herbivores on forest vegetation (e.g., species/structural diversity of woody plants) and (2) potential differences between short-term and long-term surveys in terms of height growth patterns. In our study, diversity of woody plant species showed great variability with no significant impact of ungulate herbivory. The presence of ungulates had a significantly negative effect on the vertical structural diversity and growth of trees. Due to the slower growth on control plots, it took trees longer to reach a 160 cm height-threshold with their terminal shoots than on exclosure plots. Our long-term control-exclosure data set indicated that long-term survey data indeed might differ from growth patterns represented by short-term surveys. This can be induced by several factors, like site-specific growth patterns of trees, occurrences of natural abiotic disturbances that influence the functional life of exclosures, and others
Reporting and interpreting non-significant results in animal cognition research
No full textHow statistically non-significant results are reported and interpreted following null hypothesis significance testing is often criticized. This issue is important for animal cognition research because studies in the field are often underpowered to detect theoretically meaningful effect sizes, i.e., often produce non-significant p-values even when the null hypothesis is incorrect. Thus, we manually extracted and classified how researchers report and interpret non-significant p-values and examined the p-value distribution of these non-significant results across published articles in animal cognition and related fields. We found a large amount of heterogeneity in how researchers report statistically non-significant p-values in the result sections of articles, and how they interpret them in the titles and abstracts. Reporting of the non-significant results as "No Effect" was common in the titles (84%), abstracts (64%), and results sections (41%) of papers, whereas reporting of the results as "Non-Significant" was less common in the titles (0%) and abstracts (26%), but was present in the results (52%). Discussions of effect sizes were rare (<5% of articles). A p-value distribution analysis was consistent with research being performed with low power of statistical tests to detect effect sizes of interest. These findings suggest that researchers in animal cognition should pay close attention to the evidence used to support claims of absence of effects in the literature, and-in their own work-report statistically non-significant results clearly and formally correct, as well as use more formal methods of assessing evidence against theoretical predictions
Retrospective evaluation of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a prognostic marker in cats with blunt trauma (2018-2021): 177 cases
No full textTo investigate the utility of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as a prognostic marker in cats with blunt trauma.Retrospective study from January 2018 to December 2021.University teaching hospital.Medical records of 177 cats admitted with blunt trauma were evaluated. History, clinical findings, blood cell count-based ratios, thoracic radiographs on presentation, and outcome were reviewed. The Animal Trauma Triage (ATT) score was assessed in each cat and classified as mild (1-3), moderate (4-7), and severe trauma (≥8). Forty-eight healthy blood donor cats served as the control population. NLR, neutrophil counts, and lymphocyte counts were compared between cats with blunt trauma and controls, and among trauma patients.None MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: NLR, neutrophil counts, and lymphocyte counts significantly differ in cats with blunt trauma compared to controls (p < 0.001), and NLR was higher in patients with thoracic trauma (p = 0.044). Nonsurvivors had lower lymphocyte counts (p = 0.041), although those values do not appear to be clinically relevant. A significant increase in NLR was observed with increasing severity of trauma (p < 0.001). The NLR was not associated with the length of hospitalization, intensive care assistance, or mortality.NLR is a widely available diagnostic tool, which can be used in addition to ATT to assess trauma severity, although in our study it was not predictive of the outcome