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Kyriazakis I, Arndt C, Aubry A, Charlier J, Ezenwa VO, Godber OF, Krogh M, Mostert PF, Orsel K, Robinson MW, Ryan FS, Skuce PJ, Takahashi T, van Middelaar CE, Vigors S, Morgan ER. Improve animal health to reduce livestock emissions: quantifying an open goal. Proc Biol Sci 2024; 291:20240675. [PMID: 39045693 PMCID: PMC11267467 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2024.0675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from livestock production must be urgently tackled to substantially reduce their contribution to global warming. Simply reducing livestock numbers to this end risks impacting negatively on food security, rural livelihoods and climate change adaptation. We argue that significant mitigation of livestock emissions can be delivered immediately by improving animal health and hence production efficiency, but this route is not prioritized because its benefits, although intuitive, are poorly quantified. Rigorous methodology must be developed to estimate emissions from animal disease and hence achievable benefits from improved health through interventions. If, as expected, climate change is to affect the distribution and severity of health conditions, such quantification becomes of even greater importance. We have therefore developed a framework and identified data sources for robust quantification of the relationship between animal health and greenhouse gas emissions, which could be applied to drive and account for positive action. This will not only help mitigate climate change but at the same time promote cost-effective food production and enhanced animal welfare, a rare win-win in the search for a sustainable planetary future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilias Kyriazakis
- Institute for Global Food Security, Queen’s University, Belfast, UK
| | - Claudia Arndt
- Mazingira Centre for Environmental Research and Education, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Aurelie Aubry
- Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Hillsborough, UK
| | | | - Vanessa O. Ezenwa
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Olivia F. Godber
- Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Mogens Krogh
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Aarhus University, Tjele, Denmark
| | - Pim F. Mostert
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Karin Orsel
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mark W. Robinson
- Institute for Global Food Security, Queen’s University, Belfast, UK
| | - Frances S Ryan
- Supporting Evidence-Based Interventions in Livestock, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | | | - Taro Takahashi
- Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Hillsborough, UK
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford, UK
| | - Corina E. van Middelaar
- Animal Production Systems Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Stafford Vigors
- School of Agriculture & Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eric R. Morgan
- Institute for Global Food Security, Queen’s University, Belfast, UK
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Picault S, Niang G, Sicard V, Sorin-Dupont B, Assié S, Ezanno P. Leveraging artificial intelligence and software engineering methods in epidemiology for the co-creation of decision-support tools based on mechanistic models. Prev Vet Med 2024; 228:106233. [PMID: 38820831 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2024.106233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Epidemiological modeling is a key lever for infectious disease control and prevention on farms. It makes it possible to understand the spread of pathogens, but also to compare intervention scenarios even in counterfactual situations. However, the actual capability of decision makers to use mechanistic models to support timely interventions is limited. This study demonstrates how artificial intelligence (AI) techniques can make mechanistic epidemiological models more accessible to farmers and veterinarians, and how to transform such models into user-friendly decision-support tools (DST). By leveraging knowledge representation methods, such as the textual formalization of model components through a domain-specific language (DSL), the co-design of mechanistic models and DST becomes more efficient and collaborative. This facilitates the integration of explicit expert knowledge and practical insights into the modeling process. Furthermore, the utilization of AI and software engineering enables the automation of web application generation based on existing mechanistic models. This automation simplifies the development of DST, as tool designers can focus on identifying users' needs and specifying expected features and meaningful presentations of outcomes, instead of wasting time in writing code to wrap models into web apps. To illustrate the practical application of this approach, we consider the example of Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD), a tough challenge in fattening farms where young beef bulls often develop BRD shortly after being allocated into pens. BRD is a multi-factorial, multi-pathogen disease that is difficult to anticipate and control, often resulting in the massive use of antimicrobials to mitigate its impact on animal health, welfare, and economic losses. The DST developed from an existing mechanistic BRD model empowers users, including farmers and veterinarians, to customize scenarios based on their specific farm conditions. It enables them to anticipate the effects of various pathogens, compare the epidemiological and economic outcomes associated with different farming practices, and decide how to balance the reduction of disease impact and the reduction of antimicrobial usage (AMU). The generic method presented in this article illustrates the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and software engineering methods to enhance the co-creation of DST based on mechanistic models in veterinary epidemiology. The corresponding pipeline is distributed as an open-source software. By leveraging these advancements, this research aims to bridge the gap between theoretical models and the practical usage of their outcomes on the field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Guita Niang
- Oniris, INRAE, BIOEPAR, 44300, Nantes, France
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3
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Sucena Afonso J, Gilbert W, Oikonomou G, Rushton J. Setting the boundaries-an approach to estimate the Loss Gap in dairy cattle. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0306314. [PMID: 38935774 PMCID: PMC11210862 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Dairy production in the UK has undergone substantial restructuring over the last few decades. Farming intensification has led to a reduction in the total numbers of farms and animals, while the average herd size per holding has increased. These ever-changing circumstances have important implications for the health and welfare of dairy cows, as well as the overall business performance of farms. For decision-making in dairy farming, it is essential to understand the underlying causes of the inefficiencies and their relative impact. The investigation of yield gaps regarding dairy cattle has been focused on specific causes. However, in addition to the risk of overestimating the impact of a specific ailment, this approach does not allow understanding of the relative contribution to the total, nor does it allow understanding of how well-described that gap is in terms of underlying causes. Using the English and Welsh dairy sectors as an example, this work estimates the Loss Gap-composed of yield losses and health expenditure - using a benchmarking approach and scenario analysis. The Loss Gap was estimated by comparing the current performance of dairy herds as a baseline with that of scenarios where assumptions were made about the milk production of cows, production costs, market prices, mortality, and expenditure related to health events. A deterministic model was developed, consisting of an enterprise budget, in which the cow was the unit, with milking herd and young stock treated separately. When constraining milk production, the model estimated an annual Loss Gap of £148 to £227 million for the whole sector. The reduction in costs of veterinary services and medicines, alongside herd replacement costs, were important contributors to the estimate with some variation between the scenarios. Milk price had a substantial impact in the estimate, with revenue from milk yield representing more than 30% of the Loss Gap, when milk price was benchmarked against that of the top performing farms. This framework provides the boundaries for understanding the relative burden from specific causes in English and Welsh dairy cattle, ensuring that the sum of the estimated losses due to particular problem does not exceed the losses from all-causes, health or non-health related.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Sucena Afonso
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Global Burden of Animal Diseases Programme, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - William Gilbert
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Global Burden of Animal Diseases Programme, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Georgios Oikonomou
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Rushton
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Global Burden of Animal Diseases Programme, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Yusuf H, Hillman A, Stegeman JA, Cameron A, Badger S. Expanding access to veterinary clinical decision support in resource-limited settings: a scoping review of clinical decision support tools in medicine and antimicrobial stewardship. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1349188. [PMID: 38895711 PMCID: PMC11184142 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1349188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Digital clinical decision support (CDS) tools are of growing importance in supporting healthcare professionals in understanding complex clinical problems and arriving at decisions that improve patient outcomes. CDS tools are also increasingly used to improve antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) practices in healthcare settings. However, far fewer CDS tools are available in lowerand middle-income countries (LMICs) and in animal health settings, where their use in improving diagnostic and treatment decision-making is likely to have the greatest impact. The aim of this study was to evaluate digital CDS tools designed as a direct aid to support diagnosis and/or treatment decisionmaking, by reviewing their scope, functions, methodologies, and quality. Recommendations for the development of veterinary CDS tools in LMICs are then provided. Methods The review considered studies and reports published between January 2017 and October 2023 in the English language in peer-reviewed and gray literature. Results A total of 41 studies and reports detailing CDS tools were included in the final review, with 35 CDS tools designed for human healthcare settings and six tools for animal healthcare settings. Of the tools reviewed, the majority were deployed in high-income countries (80.5%). Support for AMS programs was a feature in 12 (29.3%) of the tools, with 10 tools in human healthcare settings. The capabilities of the CDS tools varied when reviewed against the GUIDES checklist. Discussion We recommend a methodological approach for the development of veterinary CDS tools in LMICs predicated on securing sufficient and sustainable funding. Employing a multidisciplinary development team is an important first step. Developing standalone CDS tools using Bayesian algorithms based on local expert knowledge will provide users with rapid and reliable access to quality guidance on diagnoses and treatments. Such tools are likely to contribute to improved disease management on farms and reduce inappropriate antimicrobial use, thus supporting AMS practices in areas of high need.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jan Arend Stegeman
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Imada J, Arango-Sabogal JC, Bauman C, Roche S, Kelton D. Comparison of Machine Learning Tree-Based Algorithms to Predict Future Paratuberculosis ELISA Results Using Repeat Milk Tests. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1113. [PMID: 38612352 PMCID: PMC11011002 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Machine learning algorithms have been applied to various animal husbandry and veterinary-related problems; however, its use in Johne's disease diagnosis and control is still in its infancy. The following proof-of-concept study explores the application of tree-based (decision trees and random forest) algorithms to analyze repeat milk testing data from 1197 Canadian dairy cows and the algorithms' ability to predict future Johne's test results. The random forest models using milk component testing results alongside past Johne's results demonstrated a good predictive performance for a future Johne's ELISA result with a dichotomous outcome (positive vs. negative). The final random forest model yielded a kappa of 0.626, a roc AUC of 0.915, a sensitivity of 72%, and a specificity of 98%. The positive predictive and negative predictive values were 0.81 and 0.97, respectively. The decision tree models provided an interpretable alternative to the random forest algorithms with a slight decrease in model sensitivity. The results of this research suggest a promising avenue for future targeted Johne's testing schemes. Further research is needed to validate these techniques in real-world settings and explore their incorporation in prevention and control programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Imada
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (J.I.); (C.B.); (S.R.)
| | - Juan Carlos Arango-Sabogal
- Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada;
| | - Cathy Bauman
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (J.I.); (C.B.); (S.R.)
| | - Steven Roche
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (J.I.); (C.B.); (S.R.)
- ACER Consulting, 100 Stone Rd West #101, Guelph, ON N1G 5L3, Canada
| | - David Kelton
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (J.I.); (C.B.); (S.R.)
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Akinsulie OC, Idris I, Aliyu VA, Shahzad S, Banwo OG, Ogunleye SC, Olorunshola M, Okedoyin DO, Ugwu C, Oladapo IP, Gbadegoye JO, Akande QA, Babawale P, Rostami S, Soetan KO. The potential application of artificial intelligence in veterinary clinical practice and biomedical research. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1347550. [PMID: 38356661 PMCID: PMC10864457 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1347550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a fast-paced technological advancement in terms of its application to various fields of science and technology. In particular, AI has the potential to play various roles in veterinary clinical practice, enhancing the way veterinary care is delivered, improving outcomes for animals and ultimately humans. Also, in recent years, the emergence of AI has led to a new direction in biomedical research, especially in translational research with great potential, promising to revolutionize science. AI is applicable in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) research, cancer research, drug design and vaccine development, epidemiology, disease surveillance, and genomics. Here, we highlighted and discussed the potential impact of various aspects of AI in veterinary clinical practice and biomedical research, proposing this technology as a key tool for addressing pressing global health challenges across various domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olalekan Chris Akinsulie
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Ibrahim Idris
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | | | - Sammuel Shahzad
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | | | - Seto Charles Ogunleye
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Department of Population Medicine and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States
| | - Mercy Olorunshola
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Deborah O. Okedoyin
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC, United States
| | - Charles Ugwu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | | | - Joy Olaoluwa Gbadegoye
- Department of Physiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Qudus Afolabi Akande
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
| | - Pius Babawale
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Sahar Rostami
- Department of Population Medicine and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States
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Zhang YJ, Luo Z, Sun Y, Liu J, Chen Z. From beasts to bytes: Revolutionizing zoological research with artificial intelligence. Zool Res 2023; 44:1115-1131. [PMID: 37933101 PMCID: PMC10802096 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2023.263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the late 2010s, Artificial Intelligence (AI) including machine learning, boosted through deep learning, has boomed as a vital tool to leverage computer vision, natural language processing and speech recognition in revolutionizing zoological research. This review provides an overview of the primary tasks, core models, datasets, and applications of AI in zoological research, including animal classification, resource conservation, behavior, development, genetics and evolution, breeding and health, disease models, and paleontology. Additionally, we explore the challenges and future directions of integrating AI into this field. Based on numerous case studies, this review outlines various avenues for incorporating AI into zoological research and underscores its potential to enhance our understanding of the intricate relationships that exist within the animal kingdom. As we build a bridge between beast and byte realms, this review serves as a resource for envisioning novel AI applications in zoological research that have not yet been explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Juan Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Insects
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Animal Biology
- College of Life Science, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Zeyu Luo
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Insects
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Animal Biology
- College of Life Science, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Yawen Sun
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Insects
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Animal Biology
- College of Life Science, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Junhao Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Insects
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Animal Biology
- College of Life Science, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Zongqing Chen
- School of Mathematical Sciences
- National Center for Applied Mathematics in Chongqing, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China. E-mail:
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8
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Dank G, Buber T, Rice A, Kraicer N, Hanael E, Shasha T, Aviram G, Yehudayoff A, Kent MS. Training and validation of a novel non-invasive imaging system for ruling out malignancy in canine subcutaneous and cutaneous masses using machine learning in 664 masses. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1164438. [PMID: 37841459 PMCID: PMC10570610 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1164438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To train and validate the use of a novel artificial intelligence-based thermal imaging system as a screening tool to rule out malignancy in cutaneous and subcutaneous masses in dogs. Animals Training study: 147 client-owned dogs with 233 masses. Validation Study: 299 client-owned dogs with 525 masses. Cytology was non-diagnostic in 94 masses, resulting in 431 masses from 248 dogs with diagnostic samples. Procedures The prospective studies were conducted between June 2020 and July 2022. During the scan, each mass and its adjacent healthy tissue was heated by a high-power Light-Emitting Diode. The tissue temperature was recorded by the device and consequently analyzed using a supervised machine learning algorithm to determine whether the mass required further investigation. The first study was performed to collect data to train the algorithm. The second study validated the algorithm, as the real-time device predictions were compared to the cytology and/or biopsy results. Results The results for the validation study were that the device correctly classified 45 out of 53 malignant masses and 253 out of 378 benign masses (sensitivity = 85% and specificity = 67%). The negative predictive value of the system (i.e., percent of benign masses identified as benign) was 97%. Clinical relevance The results demonstrate that this novel system could be used as a decision-support tool at the point of care, enabling clinicians to differentiate between benign lesions and those requiring further diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tali Buber
- HT BioImaging Ltd., Hod Hasharon, Israel
| | - Anna Rice
- HT BioImaging Ltd., Hod Hasharon, Israel
| | | | | | | | - Gal Aviram
- Department Biomedical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | | | - Michael S. Kent
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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AbdulJabbar K, Castillo SP, Hughes K, Davidson H, Boddy AM, Abegglen LM, Minoli L, Iussich S, Murchison EP, Graham TA, Spiro S, Maley CC, Aresu L, Palmieri C, Yuan Y. Bridging clinic and wildlife care with AI-powered pan-species computational pathology. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2408. [PMID: 37100774 PMCID: PMC10133243 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37879-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancers occur across species. Understanding what is consistent and varies across species can provide new insights into cancer initiation and evolution, with significant implications for animal welfare and wildlife conservation. We build a pan-species cancer digital pathology atlas (panspecies.ai) and conduct a pan-species study of computational comparative pathology using a supervised convolutional neural network algorithm trained on human samples. The artificial intelligence algorithm achieves high accuracy in measuring immune response through single-cell classification for two transmissible cancers (canine transmissible venereal tumour, 0.94; Tasmanian devil facial tumour disease, 0.88). In 18 other vertebrate species (mammalia = 11, reptilia = 4, aves = 2, and amphibia = 1), accuracy (range 0.57-0.94) is influenced by cell morphological similarity preserved across different taxonomic groups, tumour sites, and variations in the immune compartment. Furthermore, a spatial immune score based on artificial intelligence and spatial statistics is associated with prognosis in canine melanoma and prostate tumours. A metric, named morphospace overlap, is developed to guide veterinary pathologists towards rational deployment of this technology on new samples. This study provides the foundation and guidelines for transferring artificial intelligence technologies to veterinary pathology based on understanding of morphological conservation, which could vastly accelerate developments in veterinary medicine and comparative oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid AbdulJabbar
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Simon P Castillo
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Katherine Hughes
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge, UK
| | - Hannah Davidson
- Zoological Society of London, London, UK
- Centre for Genomics and Computational Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Sq, London, UK
| | - Amy M Boddy
- Department of Anthropology, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Lisa M Abegglen
- Department of Pediatrics and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- PEEL Therapeutics, Inc., Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Lucia Minoli
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Selina Iussich
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Elizabeth P Murchison
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge, UK
| | - Trevor A Graham
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Centre for Genomics and Computational Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Sq, London, UK
| | | | - Carlo C Maley
- Arizona Cancer Evolution Center, Biodesign Institute and School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Luca Aresu
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Chiara Palmieri
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, 4343, Gatton, QLD, Australia
| | - Yinyin Yuan
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK.
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK.
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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10
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Dank G, Buber T, Polliack G, Aviram G, Rice A, Yehudayoff A, Kent MS. A pilot study for a non-invasive system for detection of malignancy in canine subcutaneous and cutaneous masses using machine learning. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1109188. [PMID: 36777665 PMCID: PMC9909829 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1109188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Early diagnosis of cancer enhances treatment planning and improves prognosis. Many masses presenting to veterinary clinics are difficult to diagnose without using invasive, time-consuming, and costly tests. Our objective was to perform a preliminary proof-of-concept for the HT Vista device, a novel artificial intelligence-based thermal imaging system, developed and designed to differentiate benign from malignant, cutaneous and subcutaneous masses in dogs. Methods Forty-five dogs with a total of 69 masses were recruited. Each mass was clipped and heated by the HT Vista device. The heat emitted by the mass and its adjacent healthy tissue was automatically recorded using a built-in thermal camera. The thermal data from both areas were subsequently analyzed using an Artificial Intelligence algorithm. Cytology and/or biopsy results were later compared to the results obtained from the HT Vista system and used to train the algorithm. Validation was done using a "Leave One Out" cross-validation to determine the algorithm's performance. Results The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the system were 90%, 93%, 88%, 83%, and 95%, respectively for all masses. Conclusion We propose that this novel system, with further development, could be used to provide a decision-support tool enabling clinicians to differentiate between benign lesions and those requiring additional diagnostics. Our study also provides a proof-of-concept for ongoing prospective trials for cancer diagnosis using advanced thermodynamics and machine learning procedures in companion dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian Dank
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel,*Correspondence: Gillian Dank ✉
| | | | | | - Gal Aviram
- HT BioImaging LTD, Hod Hasharon, Israel,Department Biomedical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Anna Rice
- HT BioImaging LTD, Hod Hasharon, Israel
| | | | - Michael S. Kent
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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11
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Meade KG. The increasing relevance of immunobiology within a connected animal science curriculum. Transl Anim Sci 2023; 7:txad007. [PMID: 36935864 PMCID: PMC10015800 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txad007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Modern technological agriculture emerged in the 20th century and has expanded into a global enterprise occupying approximately 38% of the Earth's land area and accounting for over 40% of the world's workforce. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that to feed a world population of 9-billion people in 2050 will require an almost doubling of overall food production, including meat, dairy, and egg production over 2010 levels. However, our collective ability to meet this demand cannot be taken for granted. Despite many successes, global agricultural systems now face multiple unprecedented challenges including a dearth of new treatments for livestock diseases. The discovery of antibiotics led to a complacency now reflected in a dependency on exogenous antimicrobials and a growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. Developments within the field of immunobiology had led to significant breakthroughs in understanding of human health and disease. However, despite over 60% of infectious diseases being zoonotic in nature and nonhuman animals acting as an important disease reservoir, research in livestock immunobiology has not been as resourced. As a direct result, recalcitrant animal diseases continue to threaten sustainability of animal production systems, security of the food chain and human health. It is within the context of collective One Health action that ambitious innovation in the connectivity of animal science undergraduate curricula is urgently required, specifically to include threshold concepts in immunobiology. Fostering transformative learning is critical to equip future generations of animal scientists with the knowledge and interdisciplinary skills to counter these existential challenges of our time.
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Hennessey E, DiFazio M, Hennessey R, Cassel N. Artificial intelligence in veterinary diagnostic imaging: A literature review. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2022; 63 Suppl 1:851-870. [PMID: 36468206 DOI: 10.1111/vru.13163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Artificial intelligence in veterinary medicine is an emerging field. Machine learning, a subfield of artificial intelligence, allows computer programs to analyze large imaging datasets and learn to perform tasks relevant to veterinary diagnostic imaging. This review summarizes the small, yet growing body of artificial intelligence literature in veterinary imaging, provides necessary background to understand these papers, and provides author commentary on the state of the field. To date, less than 40 peer-reviewed publications have utilized machine learning to perform imaging-associated tasks across multiple anatomic regions in veterinary clinical and biomedical research. Major challenges in this field include collection and cleaning of sufficient image data, selection of high-quality ground truth labels, formation of relationships between veterinary and machine learning professionals, and closure of the gap between academic uses of artificial intelligence and currently available commercial products. Further development of artificial intelligence has the potential to help meet the growing need for radiological services through applications in workflow, quality control, and image interpretation for both general practitioners and radiologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Hennessey
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA.,Army Medical Department, Student Detachment, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Matthew DiFazio
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Ryan Hennessey
- Department of Computer Science, College of Engineering, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Nicky Cassel
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
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Pathak RK, Kim JM. Vetinformatics from functional genomics to drug discovery: Insights into decoding complex molecular mechanisms of livestock systems in veterinary science. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1008728. [PMID: 36439342 PMCID: PMC9691653 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1008728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Having played important roles in human growth and development, livestock animals are regarded as integral parts of society. However, industrialization has depleted natural resources and exacerbated climate change worldwide, spurring the emergence of various diseases that reduce livestock productivity. Meanwhile, a growing human population demands sufficient food to meet their needs, necessitating innovations in veterinary sciences that increase productivity both quantitatively and qualitatively. We have been able to address various challenges facing veterinary and farm systems with new scientific and technological advances, which might open new opportunities for research. Recent breakthroughs in multi-omics platforms have produced a wealth of genetic and genomic data for livestock that must be converted into knowledge for breeding, disease prevention and management, productivity, and sustainability. Vetinformatics is regarded as a new bioinformatics research concept or approach that is revolutionizing the field of veterinary science. It employs an interdisciplinary approach to understand the complex molecular mechanisms of animal systems in order to expedite veterinary research, ensuring food and nutritional security. This review article highlights the background, recent advances, challenges, opportunities, and application of vetinformatics for quality veterinary services.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jun-Mo Kim
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong-si, South Korea
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Multimodal Approach of Optical Coherence Tomography and Raman Spectroscopy Can Improve Differentiating Benign and Malignant Skin Tumors in Animal Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14122820. [PMID: 35740486 PMCID: PMC9221378 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14122820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Skin and subcutaneous tumors are among the most frequent neoplasms in dogs and cats. We studied 51 samples of canine and feline skin, lipomas, soft tissue sarcomas, and mast cell tumors using a multimodal approach based on optical coherence tomography and Raman spectroscopy. A supervised machine learning algorithm detected malignant tumors with the sensitivity and specificity of 94% and 98%, respectively. The proposed multimodal algorithm is a novel approach in veterinary oncology that can outperform the existing clinical methods such as the fine-needle aspiration method. Abstract As in humans, cancer is one of the leading causes of companion animal mortality. Up to 30% of all canine and feline neoplasms appear on the skin or directly under it. There are only a few available studies that have investigated pet tumors by biophotonics techniques. In this study, we acquired 1115 optical coherence tomography (OCT) images of canine and feline skin, lipomas, soft tissue sarcomas, and mast cell tumors ex vivo, which were subsequently used for automated machine vision analysis. The OCT images were analyzed using a scanning window with a size of 53 × 53 μm. The distributions of the standard deviation, mean, range, and coefficient of variation values were acquired for each image. These distributions were characterized by their mean, standard deviation, and median values, resulting in 12 parameters in total. Additionally, 1002 Raman spectral measurements were made on the same samples, and features were generated by integrating the intensity of the most prominent peaks. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was used for sample classification, and sensitivities/specificities were acquired by leave-one-out cross-validation. Three datasets were analyzed—OCT, Raman, and combined. The combined OCT and Raman data enabled the best sample differentiation with the sensitivities of 0.968, 1, and 0.939 and specificities of 0.956, 1, and 0.977 for skin, lipomas, and malignant tumors, respectively. Based on these results, we concluded that the proposed multimodal approach, combining Raman and OCT data, can accurately distinguish between malignant and benign tissues.
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Ho CWL. Operationalizing "One Health" as "One Digital Health" Through a Global Framework That Emphasizes Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits From the Use of Artificial Intelligence and Related Digital Technologies. Front Public Health 2022; 10:768977. [PMID: 35592084 PMCID: PMC9110679 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.768977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The operationalization of One Health (OH) through digitalization is a means to deploy digital technologies (including Artificial Intelligence (AI), big data and related digital technologies) to better capacitate us to deal with growing climate exigency and related threats to human, animal and plant health. With reference to the concept of One Digital Health (ODH), this paper considers how digital capabilities can help to overcome ‘operational brakes’ in OH through new and deeper insights, better predictions, and more targeted or precise preventive strategies and public health countermeasures. However, the data landscape is fragmented and access to certain types of data is increasingly restrictive as individuals, communities and countries seek to assert greater control over data taken from them. This paper proposes for a dedicated global ODH framework—centered on fairness and equity—to be established to promote data-sharing across all the key knowledge domains of OH and to devise data-driven solutions to challenges in the human-animal-ecosystems interface. It first considers the data landscape in relation to: (1) Human and population health; (2) Pathogens; (3) Animal and plant health; and (4) Ecosystems and biodiversity. The complexification from the application of advance genetic sequencing technology is then considered, with focus on current debates over whether certain types of data like digital (genetic) sequencing information (DSI) should remain openly and freely accessible. The proposed ODH framework must augment the existing access and benefit sharing (ABS) framework currently prescribed under the Nagoya Protocol to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in at least three different ways. First, the ODH framework should apply to all genetic resources and data, including DSI, whether from humans or non-humans. Second, the FAIRER principles should be implemented, with focus on fair and equitable benefit-sharing. Third, the ODH framework should adopt multilateral approaches to data sharing (such as through federated data systems) and to ABS. By operationalizing OH as ODH, we are more likely to be able to protect and restore natural habitats, secure the health and well-being of all living things, and thereby realize the goals set out in the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework under the CBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calvin Wai-Loon Ho
- Department of Law and Centre for Medical Ethics and Law, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Basran PS, Appleby RB. The unmet potential of artificial intelligence in veterinary medicine. Am J Vet Res 2022; 83:385-392. [PMID: 35353711 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.22.03.0038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Veterinary medicine is a broad and growing discipline that includes topics such as companion animal health, population medicine and zoonotic diseases, and agriculture. In this article, we provide insight on how artificial intelligence works and how it is currently applied in veterinary medicine. We also discuss its potential in veterinary medicine. Given the rapid pace of research and commercial product developments in this area, the next several years will pose challenges to understanding, interpreting, and adopting this powerful and evolving technology. Artificial intelligence has the potential to enable veterinarians to perform tasks more efficiently while providing new insights for the management and treatment of disorders. It is our hope that this will translate to better quality of life for animals and those who care for them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parminder S Basran
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - Ryan B Appleby
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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Sykes AL, Silva GS, Holtkamp DJ, Mauch BW, Osemeke O, Linhares DCL, Machado G. Interpretable machine learning applied to on-farm biosecurity and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:e916-e930. [PMID: 34719136 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Effective biosecurity practices in swine production are key in preventing the introduction and dissemination of infectious pathogens. Ideally, on-farm biosecurity practices should be chosen by their impact on bio-containment and bio-exclusion; however, quantitative supporting evidence is often unavailable. Therefore, the development of methodologies capable of quantifying and ranking biosecurity practices according to their efficacy in reducing disease risk has the potential to facilitate better-informed choices of biosecurity practices. Using survey data on biosecurity practices, farm demographics, and previous outbreaks from 139 herds, a set of machine learning algorithms were trained to classify farms by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus status, depending on their biosecurity practices and farm demographics, to produce a predicted outbreak risk. A novel interpretable machine learning toolkit, MrIML-biosecurity, was developed to benchmark farms and production systems by predicted risk and quantify the impact of biosecurity practices on disease risk at individual farms. By quantifying the variable impact on predicted risk, 50% of 42 variables were associated with fomite spread while 31% were associated with local transmission. Results from machine learning interpretations identified similar results, finding substantial contribution to predicted outbreak risk from biosecurity practices relating to the turnover and number of employees, the surrounding density of swine premises and pigs, the sharing of haul trailers, distance from the public road and farm production type. In addition, the development of individualized biosecurity assessments provides the opportunity to better guide biosecurity implementation on a case-by-case basis. Finally, the flexibility of the MrIML-biosecurity toolkit gives it the potential to be applied to wider areas of biosecurity benchmarking, to address biosecurity weaknesses in other livestock systems and industry-relevant diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abagael L Sykes
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Gustavo S Silva
- Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Derald J Holtkamp
- Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Broc W Mauch
- Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Onyekachukwu Osemeke
- Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Daniel C L Linhares
- Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Gustavo Machado
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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