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Comparative analysis of phytoplankton diversity using microscopy and metabarcoding: insights from an eLTER station in the Northern Adriatic Sea
No full textThe monitoring of phytoplankton is crucial to highlight changes in the marine ecosystems. In the present study, the phytoplankton community of an eLTER station in the Northern Adriatic Sea was analysed combining two approaches, i.e. microscopy and eDNA metabarcoding (targeting V4 and V9 regions of the 18S rRNA gene, and using PR2 and SILVA as reference databases), to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of these two methods. Metabarcoding revealed a so far unknown phytoplankton diversity (99 genera and 151 species), while microscopy detected 14 genera and 44 species not revealed by metabarcoding. Only a small percentage of genera and species were shared by the two methods (microscopy and metabarcoding), 18S regions (V4 and V9) and reference databases (PR2 and SILVA). Metabarcoding showed a community characterized by a higher number of phytoflagellate and dinoflagellate genera and species, in comparison with microscopy where diatom and dinoflagellate taxa were the most represented. Moreover, metabarcoding failed to reveal almost all the coccolithophores. The results confirmed metabarcoding as a powerful tool, but it should still be combined with microscopy to have a more detailed information on the community and to counteract the drawbacks of metabarcoding, such as gaps in the reference databases
Benchmarking claw health across three dairy cow breeds in 508 dairy farms using numerical claw health indicators
No full textCurrently, prevalence and incidence of claw lesions are used as parameters for benchmarking claw health. The aims of this study were to create a benchmarking system for claw health utilizing the claw health indicators Farm-Claw-Score (FCS) for the herd and Cow-Claw-Score (CCS) for the individual animal, and to benchmark claw health of the three predominant dairy cattle breeds in Austria. Claw health data from 17,642 cows from 508 Austrian dairy farms were analyzed. The CCS and FCS were calculated based on recorded claw lesions and their three severity levels using geometrically weighted scoring. The FCS of each of the dairy farms was classified into five percentile thresholds (P10, P25, P50, P75, P90), with the FCS calculated using the median value of CCS in each herd. Furthermore, claw health was benchmarked for three breeds (Fleckvieh, Holstein, Brown Swiss cows), using claw lesion prevalences and CCS values. When the median FCS was calculated, dairy farms in P50 and below had an FCS of 20.0, indicating very good claw health. However, P90 farms showed an FCS-MEDIAN of 67.5. Evaluation of the prevalences of the 14 claw lesions considered and the CCS values revealed that Fleckvieh cows (CCS-MEDIAN: 24.0), followed closely by Holstein cows (CCS-MEDIAN: 22.7) had significantly poorer claw health (P < 0.0001) compared to Brown Swiss cows (CCS-MEDIAN: 12.0). The use of CCS and FCS as primary claw health indicators allowed for a quick assessment of the current state of an individual cow and a dairy herd in a benchmarking system. Detailed information on the claw health of each animal and the dairy herd can be easily reviewed by examining diagnosis lists that display prevalences, particularly those related to lameness, in the respective electronic documentation systems
Mechanical Problem Solving in Goffin\u27s Cockatoos-Towards Modeling Complex Behavior
No full textGoffin\u27s cockatoos (Cacatua goffiniana) can solve a diverse set of mechanical problems, such as tool use, tool manufacture, and mechanical puzzles. However, the proximate mechanisms underlying this adaptive behavior are largely unknown. Similarly, engineering artificial agents that can as flexibly solve such mechanical puzzles is still a substantial challenge in areas such as robotics. This article is an interdisciplinary approach to study mechanical problem solving which we hope is relevant to both fields. The behavior we are studying results from the interaction between a complex environment (the lockbox) and different processes that govern the animals\u27 behavior. We therefore jointly analyze the parrots\u27 (1) engagement, (2) sensorimotor skill learning, and (3) action selection. We find that none of these aspects could solely explain the animals\u27 behavioral adaptation and that a plausible model of proximate mechanisms must jointly address these aspects. We accompany this analysis with a discussion of methods to identify such mechanisms. At the same time, we argue, it is implausible to identify a detailed model from the limited behavioral data of just a few studies. Instead, we advocate for an incremental approach to model building in which one first establishes constraints on proximate mechanisms before specific, detailed models are formulated. To illustrate this idea, we apply it to the data presented here. We argue that as the field attempts to find mechanistic explanations for increasingly complex behaviors, such alternative modeling approaches will be necessary
Does Catheter Insertion Site Matter? Contamination of Peripheral Intravenous Catheters during Dental Scaling in Dogs
No full textDuring dental scaling in dogs under general anaesthesia, contamination of the peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) is unavoidable due to splatter and the generated aerosol. Bacterial contamination was compared between two commonly used PIVC placement sites. Thirty-nine client-owned dogs with a minimum length from their nose to their tail base of 50 cm were randomly assigned to receive a PIVC in either their cephalic or saphenous vein. Irrespective of the PIVC placement site, brain heart infusion agar dishes were placed in the cephalic and saphenous vein areas. Their lids were closed 0, 5, and 10 min into the procedure. Contamination was measured by counting the colony-forming units after incubation on different substrates. The data were analysed with descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and ANCOVA (p< 0.05). The cephalic vein area showed a significantly higher bacterial load than the saphenous vein area (p ≈ 0.0) regardless of the length of the dog. Furthermore, the dorsal PIVC injection ports were sampled before and after scaling, and the colonies isolated were counted and subjected to MALDI-TOF-MS for identification. The bacteria mainly belonged to the genera Staphylococcus, Neisseria, and Bacillus. Our results suggest that for dental scaling in dogs, the PIVC should be placed in the pelvic limb whenever possible to reduce the potential risk of contamination
Correction: Validation of the hind feet position score and its association with heel height difference in dairy cows
No full textThe wrong Supplementary file was originally published with this article; it has now been replaced with the correct file
Comparison between Intramuscular and Intranasal Administration of Sedative Drugs Used for Piglet Castration
No full textThe aim of this study was to test the intranasal administration of different anaesthetics in piglets less than seven days of age undergoing castration for their suitability for providing good-quality sedation and short induction and recovery time with minimal stress. Azaperone alone at a high (5 mg/kg), medium (3 mg/kg) and low dosage (2 mg/kg) and in two combinations with either alfaxalone or midazolam were applied intramuscularly (i.m.) or intranasally (i.n.) to 120 healthy piglets. Compared to intramuscular application, intranasal application showed longer induction times, shorter recovery times and higher scores for defence and vocalisation. In conclusion, the intranasal protocols did not meet the requirements in all groups and their use can therefore not be recommended. A rapid induction phase and good quality of sedation could not be guaranteed
Potent drug delivery enhancement of betulinic acid and NVX-207 into equine skin in vitro - a comparison between a novel oxygen flow-assisted transdermal application device and microemulsion gels
No full textGray horses are predisposed to equine malignant melanoma (EMM) with advancing age. Depending on the tumor\u27s location and size, they can cause severe problems (e.g., defaecation, urination, feeding). A feasible therapy for EMM has not yet been established and surgical excision can be difficult depending on the location of the melanoma. Thus, an effective and safe therapy is needed. Naturally occurring betulinic acid (BA), a pentacyclic triterpene and its synthetic derivate, NVX-207 (3-acetyl-betulinic acid-2-amino-3-hydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl-propanoate) are known for their cytotoxic properties against melanomas and other tumors and have already shown good safety and tolerability in vivo. In this study, BA and NVX-207 were tested for their permeation potential into equine skin in vitro in Franz-type diffusion cell (FDC) experiments after incubation of 5 min, 30 min and 24 h, aiming to use these formulations for prospective in vivo studies as a treatment for early melanoma stages. Potent permeation was defined as reaching or exceeding the half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of BA or NVX-207 for equine melanoma cells in equine skin samples. The active ingredients were either dissolved in a microemulsion (ME) or in a microemulsion gel (MEG). All of the formulations were transdermally applied but the oil-in-water microemulsion was administered with a novel oxygen flow-assisted (OFA) applicator (DERMADROP TDA).All tested formulations exceeded the IC50 values for equine melanoma cells for BA and NVX-207 in equine skin samples, independently of the incubation time NVX-207 applied with the OFA applicator showed a significant time-dependent accumulation and depot-effect in the skin after 30 min and 24 h (P?<?0.05).All tested substances showed promising results. Additionally, OFA administration showed a significant accumulation of NVX-207 after 30 min and 24 h of incubation. Further in vivo trials with OFA application are recommended
Mitotic activity: A systematic literature review of the assessment methodology and prognostic value in feline tumors
No full textIncreased proliferation is a driver of tumorigenesis, and quantification of mitotic activity is a standard task for prognostication. This systematic review is an analysis of all available references on mitotic activity in feline tumors to provide an overview of the assessment methods and prognostic value. A systematic literature search in PubMed and Scopus and a nonsystematic search in Google Scholar were conducted. All articles on feline tumors that correlated mitotic activity with patient outcome were identified. Data analysis revealed that of the 42 eligible articles, mitotic count (MC, mitotic figures/tumor area) was evaluated in 39 studies, and mitotic index (MI, mitotic figures/tumor cells) in 3 studies. The risk of bias was considered high for most studies (26/42, 62%) based on small study populations, insufficient details of the MC/MI methods, and lack of statistical measures for diagnostic accuracy or effect on outcome. The MC/MI methods varied between studies. A significant association of MC with survival was determined in 20 of 28 (71%) studies (10 studies evaluated other outcome metrics or provided individual patient data), while 1 study found an inverse effect. Three tumor types had at least 4 studies, and a prognostic association with survival was found in 5 of 6 studies on mast cell tumors, 5 of 5 on mammary tumors, and 3 of 4 on soft-tissue sarcomas. MI was shown to correlate with survival for mammary tumors by 2 research groups; however, comparisons to MC were not conducted. Further studies with standardized mitotic activity methods and appropriate statistical analysis for discriminant ability of patient outcome are needed to infer the prognostic value of MC and MI
Evaluation of the uterine wall echotexture changes following an induced abortion in mid-term pregnant bitches: preliminary study
No full textThe objective of this study was to evaluate structural echotexture changes in the uterine wall following abortion induction in bitches during the late embryonic/mid-gestation stage and to develop an evaluation method for the abortion process. A total of 10 healthy pregnant bitches of different breeds, ranging from 25 to 40 days (d) of gestation, were included in this study. In Group 1 (n=5), Aglepristone (10 mgkg-1(-1) bw, sc) was administered once daily for two consecutive d. In Group 2 (n=5), a combination of Aglepristone, Cabergoline, and Misoprostol was used for induction of abortion (IA). Prior to the induction of abortion, and at 24-hour intervals until completion of abortion (CA), the uterus and placenta were sonographically examined. Additional examinations were conducted on d 1 (CA+1), d 7 (CA+7), and d 14 (CA+14) after the abortion process was completed. Blood samples were taken on the same days to detect serum progesterone (P4) levels. 4 ) levels. Selected echotexture parameters (homogeneity, contrast, gradient, and entropy) were assessed on sonographical images using image analysis software
(Bs200Pro (R)). Contrast and gradient values significantly decreased on d CA, CA+1 and CA+7 compared to the IA state (P<0.05 P <0.05 and P <0.01). Contrast values were lower in G1 than G2 two days before abortion (CA-2) (P<0.01). P <0.01). Gradient levels were higher in G2 than in G1 on CA-2 (P<0.01). P <0.01). Homogeneity values of G2 were higher than in G1 on d CA-1 and CA+7 (P<0.05). P <0.05). Progesterone values showed a non- significant decrease after IA during the study period in both groups. In G2, a negative correlation between P4 4 and homogeneity (r=-0.797) and a positive correlation between P4 4 and contrast values (r=0.719) were found. In conclusion, echotexture analysis allows quantitative and objective evaluation of the uterine structure during abortion, but specific standard values need to be established for both medication protocols, taking into account individual factors.El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los cambios estructurales de ecotextura en la pared uterina tras la inducción de un aborto en perras durante la fase embrionaria tardía/media gestación y desarrollar un método de evaluación del proceso abortivo. Se incluyeron en este estudio un total de 10 perras gestantes sanas de diferentes razas, con edades comprendidas entre los 25 y los 40 días (d) de gestación. En el Grupo 1 (n=5), se administró Aglepristona (10 mg·kg-1 de peso vivo, vía oral) una vez al día durante dos días consecutivos. En el Grupo 2 (n=5), se utilizó una combinación de Aglepristona, Cabergolina y Misoprostol para la inducción del aborto (IA). Antes de la inducción del aborto, y a intervalos de 24 horas hasta la finalización del aborto (AC), se examinaron ecográficamente el útero y la placenta. Se realizaron exámenes adicionales el d 1 (AC+1), el d 7 (AC+7) y el d 14 (AC+14) tras la finalización del proceso de aborto. Los mismos días se tomaron muestras de sangre para detectar los niveles séricos de progesterona (P4). Se evaluaron determinados parámetros de ecotextura (homogeneidad, contraste, gradiente y entropía) en las imágenes ecográficas utilizando un software de análisis de imágenes (Bs200Pro®). Los valores de contraste y gradiente disminuyeron significativamente en los d CA, CA+1 y CA+7 en comparación con el estado IA (P<0,05 y P<0,01). Los valores de contraste fueron inferiores en G1 que en G2 dos días antes del aborto (CA–2) (P<0,01). Los niveles de gradiente fueron mayores en G2 que en G1 en CA–2 (P<0,01). Los valores de homogeneidad de G2 fueron superiores a los de G1 en los días CA–1 y CA+7 (P<0,05). Los valores de P4 mostraron un descenso no significativo tras la IA durante el periodo de estudio en ambos grupos. En G2, se encontró una correlación negativa entre P4 y homogeneidad (r=-0,797) y una correlación positiva entre P4 y valores de contraste (r=0,719). En conclusión, el análisis de ecotextura permite una evaluación cuantitativa y objetiva de la estructura uterina durante el aborto, pero es necesario establecer valores estándar específicos para ambos protocolos de medicación, teniendo en cuenta los factores individuales.El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los cambios estructurales de ecotextura en la pared uterina tras la inducción de un aborto en perras durante la fase embrionaria tardía/media gestación y desarrollar un método de evaluación del proceso abortivo. Se incluyeron en este estudio un total de 10 perras gestantes sanas de diferentes razas, con edades comprendidas entre los 25 y los 40 días (d) de gestación. En el Grupo 1 (n=5), se administró Aglepristona (10 mg·kg-1 de peso vivo, vía oral) una vez al día durante dos días consecutivos. En el Grupo 2 (n=5), se utilizó una combinación de Aglepristona, Cabergolina y Misoprostol para la inducción del aborto (IA). Antes de la inducción del aborto, y a intervalos de 24 horas hasta la finalización del aborto (AC), se examinaron ecográficamente el útero y la placenta. Se realizaron exámenes adicionales el d 1 (AC+1), el d 7 (AC+7) y el d 14 (AC+14) tras la finalización del proceso de aborto. Los mismos días se tomaron muestras de sangre para detectar los niveles séricos de progesterona (P4). Se evaluaron determinados parámetros de ecotextura (homogeneidad, contraste, gradiente y entropía) en las imágenes ecográficas utilizando un software de análisis de imágenes (Bs200Pro®). Los valores de contraste y gradiente disminuyeron significativamente en los d CA, CA+1 y CA+7 en comparación con el estado IA (P<0,05 y P<0,01). Los valores de contraste fueron inferiores en G1 que en G2 dos días antes del aborto (CA–2) (P<0,01). Los niveles de gradiente fueron mayores en G2 que en G1 en CA–2 (P<0,01). Los valores de homogeneidad de G2 fueron superiores a los de G1 en los días CA–1 y CA+7 (P<0,05). Los valores de P4 mostraron un descenso no significativo tras la IA durante el periodo de estudio en ambos grupos. En G2, se encontró una correlación negativa entre P4 y homogeneidad (r=-0,797) y una correlación positiva entre P4 y valores de contraste (r=0,719). En conclusión, el análisis de ecotextura permite una evaluación cuantitativa y objetiva de la estructura uterina durante el aborto, pero es necesario establecer valores estándar específicos para ambos protocolos de medicación, teniendo en cuenta los factores individuales
Nachweis von Typ II Hemidesmosomen im Jejunum von Schweinen
No full textDiploma thesis - University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna - 2024The inner lining of the intestine consists of a single-layered, iso-prismatic epithelial cell layer, which is connected to the basal lamina via hemidesmosomes (HDs). In monolayer epithelia, type II HDs have been described which contain plectin and integrinα 6β4 as components. In this work, jejunum samples from four 3-month-old pigs were examined histologically. Morphological features (destruction of the epithelium, epithelial detachment, vacuole formation, cell-poor lamina propria) were examined semi-quantitatively in HE-stained sections and villus lengths were measured. The presence and localization of the type II HDs proteins plectin and integrin β4 as well as the proteins of the basal lamina (laminin and collagen-IV) were examined by immunohistochemical staining. The analysis was performed semi-quantitatively in four regions (crypts, villus base, villus center and villus tip). Epithelial detachment and vacuole formation dominated the morphological appearance of the tissue sections. Epithelial destruction was observed least frequently. In the crypt region, laminin could be visualized well, plectin and integrin β4 partially, and collagen IV only in two sections. The proteins plectin, integrin β4, laminin and collagen-IV could be detected in all three regions of the villi analyzed. In the case of epithelial detachment, the basal lamina (laminin, collagen-IV) was visible adjacent to the lamina propria, while the HDs II proteins plectin and integrin β4 were detected on the basal side of the epithelial cells. The occurrence and distribution of the type II HDs proteins plectin and integrin β4 as well as the proteins of the basal lamina (laminin, collagen-IV) could be shown in this work. Further studies are necessary to better understand the occurrence and functional mechanisms of type II HDs in the intestine and the distribution of the basal lamina proteins.Diplomarbeit - Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien - 2024Die innere Auskleidung des Darms besteht aus einer einschichtigen, iso- bis hochprismatischen Epithelzellschicht, welche über Hemidesmosomen (HDs) mit der Basallamina verbunden ist. In einschichtigen Epithelien sind Typ II HDs beschrieben, welche Plectin und Integrin α6β4 als Bestandteile aufweisen. In dieser Arbeit wurden Jejunumproben von vier 3 Monate alten Schweinen histologisch untersucht. An HE gefärbten Schnitten wurden morphologische Besonderheiten (Zerstörung des Epithels, Epithelablösung, Vakuolenbildung, zellarme Lamina propria) semiquantitativ untersucht sowie Zottenlängen gemessen. Mittels immunhistochemischer Färbung wurde das Vorhandensein und die Lokalisation der Typ II HDs Proteine Plectin und Integrin β4 sowie der Proteine der Basallamina (Laminin und Kollagen-IV) untersucht. Die Auswertung erfolgte semiquantitativ in vier Regionen (Krypten, Zottenbasis, Zottenmitte und Zottenspitze). Die Epithelablösung und die Vakuolenbildung dominierten das morphologische Erscheinungsbild der Gewebeschnitte. Am seltensten konnte die Epithelzerstörung festgestellt werden. In der Kryptenregion konnte von den untersuchten Proteinen Laminin gut dargestellt werden, Plectin und Integrin β4 zum Teil, Kollagen-IV hingegen nur in zwei Schnitten. Die Proteine Plectin, Integrin β4, Laminin und Kollagen-IV konnten in allen drei ausgewerteten Regionen der Zotten nachgewiesen werden. Im Falle einer Epithelablösung war die Basallamina (Laminin, Kollagen-IV) der Lamina propria anliegend sichtbar, während die Typ II HDs Proteine Plectin und Integrin β4 an der basalen Seite der Epithelzellen detektiert wurden. Das Vorkommen und die Verteilung der Typ II HDs Proteine Plectin und Integrin β4 sowie der Proteine der Basallamina (Laminin, Kollagen-IV) konnte in dieser Arbeit gezeigt werden. Weitere Untersuchungen sind notwendig, um das Auftreten und die Funktionsmechanismen der Typ II HDs im Darm sowie die Verteilung der Proteine der Basallamina besser zu verstehen