Deep-Learning-Based Segmentation of the Shoulder from MRI with Inference Accuracy Prediction

Three-dimensional (3D)-image-based anatomical analysis of rotator cuff tear patients has been proposed as a way to improve repair prognosis analysis to reduce the incidence of postoperative retear. However, for application in clinics, an efficient and robust method for the segmentation of anatomy from MRI is required. We present the use of a deep learning network for automatic segmentation of the humerus, scapula, and rotator cuff muscles with integrated automatic result verification. Trained on N = 111 and tested on N = 60 diagnostic T1-weighted MRI of 76 rotator cuff tear patients acquired from 19 centers, a nnU-Net segmented the anatomy with an average Dice coefficient of 0.91 ± 0.06. For the automatic identification of inaccurate segmentations during the inference procedure, the nnU-Net framework was adapted to allow for the estimation of label-specific network uncertainty directly from its subnetworks. The average Dice coefficient of segmentation results from the subnetworks identified labels requiring segmentation correction with an average sensitivity of 1.0 and a specificity of 0.94. The presented automatic methods facilitate the use of 3D diagnosis in clinical routine by eliminating the need for time-consuming manual segmentation and slice-by-slice segmentation verification.

Equine lentivirus, comparative studies on four serological tests for the diagnosis of equine infectious anaemia

Serological diagnosis of equine infectious anemia is of necessity group-reactive, i.e. based on viral core protein p26, because viral envelope components as well as the host's immune response to them undergo rapid antigenic change. Since 1970 the agar gel-immunodiffusion test ("Coggins-test") has been the diagnostic method of choice. Recently, ELISA tests have been introduced for faster and theoretically more sensitive serodiagnosis, while Western blots have been used to clarify doubtful results obtained in Coggins-tests. A commercial competitive ELISA was found to give practically equivalent results to the Coggins-test. The sensitivity of this market product is intentionally kept marginal in order to avoid false-positive "reactor horses". Another commercial ELISA, non-competitive, gave inconsistent results, creating great turmoil among horse owners when falsely positive. Caution is also indicated when interpreting Western blots. Sera of strongly positive horses gave as many as eleven bands, of medium positives fewer bands, and of the weakest reactors solely the p26 band. Single p26 banding was, however, also encountered in 5% healthy horses, in two of them consistently over time, which are accordingly considered non-specific. In order to be interpreted as positive, a Western blot for this equine lentivirus must band with its core protein plus at least one glycoprotein, similar to the recommended criterion for a positive reading of serum samples from AIDS patients.

[Three cases of virus isolation from horse fetuses diagnosed with equine arteritis virus (EAV) abortion from stud farms with different breeds]

Three cases of abortions were diagnosed as caused by Equine Arteritis Virus (EAV) by isolation and typing of this virus from the respective fetuses. All 3 abortions were single cases, one occurring on a stud with Iceland Ponies, one with Warmbloods, one with Lipizzaner horses. On each stud horses of the respective breed were kept exclusively, therefore there existed no epidemiologic link. By means of seroneutralization tests performed on in contact horses it could be shown, that EAV had only been introduced recently into the stud with the Iceland Ponies. An extraneous mare stabled temporarily for covering by the stud's stallion could be incriminated for introducing EAV. By means of post-abortion serology it could be demonstrated that the Warmblood stud had been harbouring EAV for a longer period of time. Likewise, the Lipizzaner stud could be shown to have been persistently infected, this time on pre-abortion serums stored frozen at our Institute. On both these studs preexisting neutralizing antibodies accounted for the single case of abortion and prevented serial abortions. By investigating frozen serums taken in earlier years we could show that the Lipizzaner stallions had reacted positively to EAV for several years already. However, the gestation period of the aborting mare allowed to exclude EAV-positive semen transmitted on copulation as cause of its abortion. Both the Iceland Pony stallion as well as the Warmblood stallion could be excluded as sources of infection for the respective aborting mares as both repeatedly were seronegative.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Attempts to immunoprotect adult horses, specifically pregnant mares, with commercial vaccines against clinical disease induced by equine herpesvirus-1

In a project lasting 4 years more than 300 Lipizzans, around 180 of them adults, were vaccinated systematically against Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) and representative groups thereof were serologically controlled for their antibody responses. In part, vaccination intervals recommended on packing slips were followed, in part other intervals, implicated by intermediary results, were used. A live virus vaccine proved ineffective if humoral antibodies were present. An oil-adjuvanted vaccine proved of highest antiviral immunogenicity, but after repeated revaccinations caused severe local reactions so frequently that we had to discontinue its use in adults. Fetal calf serum originating from the cell cultures used for viral propagation and not eliminated from the marketed product, was accused of being responsible for the incompatibilities. An inactivated mixed virus vaccine was of weak antigenicity regarding its EHV-1 component (whereas good regarding the influenza viruses) so that it proved unsatisfactory for primary immunization. It was, however, potent enough, and clinically well tolerated, to maintain suitable antibody levels in horses which had been initially primed by the oil-adjuvanted vaccine. Consequently, optimal humoral immunity as well as clinical acceptability resulted when two different vaccines were used, one for induction, the other for maintenance of protection. Vaccination intervals different from those on the packing slips are recommended for the mixed vaccine.

[Year-round antibody profile of groups of horses of a herd kept in isolation after differently terminating use of an experimental viral combination vaccine]

The commercial vaccine "Resequin F Konz." devised against viral respiratory infections of horses contains the abortigenic Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1). Therefore we had used it in our protection project of the Austrian Lipizzaners+ primarily to prevent abortions. Taking into account the recent perception that for young horses the respiratory-pathogenic EHV-4 type is essential Behringwerke Marburg added this particular virus to their market product to produce a multicomponent experimental vaccine. We examined this vaccine for its antibody induction as well as their persistence against each of its viral components. On groups of foals we did this regarding its prophylactic effect against respiratory infections. Furthermore, we investigated its immunogenicity in adult horses, hoping for a potentiating effect of EHV-4 against EHV-1, mediating enhanced protection against abortion caused by the latter virus. This experimental vaccine proved excellently tolerable, its immunogenicity against either equine herpesvirus type was considerable, was very good against both equine influenza subtypes, was low, however, against retroviruses types 1 and 3. Recommendations are made for seasonal optimal spacing of vaccinations, taking into account the prevalent dissemination phases of the viruses involved, the different age groups of horses and their respective use.

Comparative evaluation of the agar gel immunodiffusion test and two commercial ELISA kits for the serodiagnosis of equine infectious anemia

Selected sets of serum samples of horses were tested blindly in a comparative investigation for antibodies against Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) virus. Three commercial kits were used, a well-established agar-gel immuno-diffusion kit which our laboratory has been using routinely for 14 years on one hand, a competitive ELISA kit (CELISA) and a non-competitive ELISA kit on the other hand. The American EIA Reference Laboratory in Ames cotested 56 serum samples with the same 3 products, with highest-level correlation, thereby ascertaining full dependability of our own results. Five EIA experts supplied us critically weak or doubtfully reacting serum samples of experimentally infected horses together with their own test results, by necessity limited to the then available AGID in most instances. A high degree of correlation was found between our and their AGID results. In our own laboratory good correlation was found between the AGID test and one lot of the CELISA product. Time of seroconversion was coincident in some experimentally infected horses, partly AGID, partly CELISA proved more sensitive. Another lot of the CELISA product deteriorated completely long before the warranted validity, an unpleasant finding experienced by many other laboratories alike. The non-competitive ELISA product showed unacceptable inter-lot differences, oscillation between positive and negative results on consecutive samples of one and the same horse, never reacted with the weak positive International Reference Serum, and one lot deteriorated well beyond its expiration date. We discuss our results with the background: high sensitivity versus false-positive horses and advocate to maintain at their present sensitivity levels the AGID and the CELISA tests and not to push them further, as would be technically possible.

Viraemia and abortions are not prevented by two commercial equine herpesvirus-1 vaccines after experimental challenge of horses

Eighteen horses, vaccinated on a number of occasions over a period of 12 to 20 months with either a live equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) or an inactivated EHV-1 vaccine, were challenged by the intranasal instillation of the subtype 1 virus isolated from the 1983 outbreak of abortion and paralytic disease at the Lipizzan Stud, Piber, Austria. The prechallenge serum titres of all vaccinated horses were remarkably low, although most horses had received their last vaccine dose only 3 weeks before test-infection. Higher titres were obtained with the inactivated product than with the live virus vaccine. However, no obvious differences were found between the two vaccines in their ability to prevent disease, in that all vaccinated and two 'sentinel' horses became infected and developed viraemia and some degree of clinical disease after challenge; five of the 10 in-foal mares aborted.

[Training of the immune system of foals against ERP virus infections by frequent vaccination with presently available commercial vaccines]

During 3 foaling seasons around 150 Lipizzaner foals were vaccinated against ERP with commercial vaccines and groups thereof were serotested in CF and SN for their humoral immune response. In addition, 6 horses of cheaper common breeds were vaccinated on the University premises, were continuously serologically screened and subjected to virulent nasal test infection. The live-virus vaccine Prevaccinol interfered so profoundly and up to the 20th week of life with maternal antibodies that its further use was discontinued. The inactivated vaccine Pneumabort-K proved to be of impressive immunogenicity, but without any doubt must be used 4 times instead of 3 times only during the first year of life as recommended by its manufacturer. Proofs that the vaccination intervals as recommended on the packing slips are too far-spaced and that 3 basic doses of vaccine induce unsatisfactory protection became apparent under two aspects. Firstly, yearling mares experienced an enzootic field infection by subtype 1 of EHV 1 while on summer pasture. Secondly, experimental nasal infection of horses of the University herd gave takes certified clinically, virologically, and serologically. Data as well as arguments are brought forward which shed doubt on the merits of CF-titers as indicators of immunity as recommended by other authors; SN-titers were shown to be more dependable parameters. With regard to the frequently needed revaccinations there is an absolute "must" for the producer of Pneumabort-K to purify this product before marketing it.

A heteroploid permanent cell line originating from embryonic calf thyroid supporting the replication of all known bovine adenovirus serotypes

An embryonic calf thyroid cell culture was established as a permanent heteroploid cell line, which is now in its 150th subculture. It allowed replication of all nine bovine adenovirus serotypes at its 15th as well as its 60-150th passages. All viruses induced typical cytopathic effects. Yields obtained on the permanent calf thyroid line were, on average, 0.8 log10 lower than those obtained on primary calf testicle cells.

Genomic and antigenic comparison of an equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV 1) isolate from the 1983 Lippizan abortion storm with EHV 1 reference strains

An EHV 1 isolate from the Lippizan Stud at Piber, which caused the abortion and paresis outbreak in 1983, was investigated using 3 known subtype 1 and 2 subtype 2 strains for comparison. Broad-scale restriction enzyme analysis as well as cross-neutralization with hyperimmune sera produced in rabbits were performed, and SDS-PAGE of infected cell proteins was conducted on a limited scale. The Piber isolate was clearly classified as a subtype 1 strain of EHV 1, and showed closest resemblance in its restriction patterns with a British EHV 1 strain, which originated from an outbreak with paretic symptoms. A second Piber isolate from the same outbreak examined to limited extent only was practically indistinguishable from the first one, as could have been expected. A thoroughly controlled systematic vaccination program with existing commercial vaccines against EHV 1 should protect the endangered Lippizan horses population against the abortigenic and less certainly against the paretic syndromes caused by this virus. According to data presented, a protection against respiratory disease is less probable.

A follow-up study on bovine rotavirus dissemination among calves of a large dairy herd

Rotaviruses had previously been involved in lethal diarrhoea of newborn calves as well as non-lethal diarrhoea in calves aged 6 to 7 weeks in a closed dairy herd comprising 220 heads of cattle. Fifty calves born consecutively were thereafter tested at weekly intervals till 8 weeks old for diarrhoea by clinical judgement of their feces and for rotavirus excretion by ELISA tests. Serum antibodies against rotaviruses were sporadically determined by CF tests. Rotavirus was shown to persist in this herd in widely disseminated form, in seasonal waves, peaking during the second week of age. The first week of life and the third, in this order, ranked next in frequency of dissemination. Silent, non-clinical rotavirus excretion also occurred quite frequently in calves 1 to 3 weeks old. All calves examined possessed maternally-derived antibodies in their blood serum, which according to literature merely exert protective activity as long as present in the unabsorbed state in the gut lumen. Careful colostrum feeding during the first week postponed rotavirus excretion as compared to the earlier onset described in the United States, and milk replacer (devoid of antibody) fed from day 8 onward accounted for the peak of rotavirus infection in the second week of life. It proved impossible to assess the degree of rotavirus coetiology for diarrhoea observed at high frequency.

Bovine adenoviruses--IV. Two mixed antigens for routine serodiagnosis by complement fixation reaction

The frequency of bovine adenovirus infections occurring in cattle has been grossly underestimated up to the present day. Primary isolation of serotypes belonging to bovine subgroup II is cumbersome. Hardly any laboratory has used all 8 officially-recognised bovine serotypes in seroneutralisation-tests, which should be done when this type-specific method is used for serodiagnosis. The complement fixation test, known as group-reactive from human adenovirus serology, has failed to disclose the true incidence of bovine infections, as until recently the importance of a novel additional group-reactive bovine adenovirus antigen has been undisclosed. Here we describe production, composition and performance of two mixed antigens for complement fixation reactions, which take into account recent findings by our team on peculiarities of bovine adenovirus antigens. Mixed antigen 1 contains bovine serotypes 1, 2 and 3 and detects group-specific antibodies of the classical mastadenoviruses. Mixed antigen 2 contains bovine serotypes 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 and determines group-specific antibodies against the novel paramastadenoviruses. In addition, each antigen is capable of demonstrating complement-fixing type-specific antibodies in sera against the respective types included in each mixed antigen, with a net enhancing effect produced by mixing. Use of the 2 mixed antigens promptly shows whether bovine adenoviruses, presently recognised as well as unclassified, are involved in a given outbreak of respiratory or enteric disease of cattle. If needed, the responsible type may be determined in a second step of serological investigation.

Herpesvirus strigis, a new avian herpesvirus. II. Biochemical and biophysical properties

A virus (HSIS) originating from dead owls was successfully cultivated in chicken embryo fibroblasts. Its replication was inhibited by IUDR. Tissue cultured virus proved sensitive to ether, chloroform, 0.5 per cent trypsin, and to pH levels of 4.0 or lower. Infectivity was rapidly destroyed at 56° C. Negatively stained naked virions of 100 nm average diameter were seen, and enveloped virions with 160–250 nm size. The capsid was built up of hollow cyclindrical capsomeres, arranged in equilateral triangles, carrying 5 capsomeres along each edge. Cubical symmetry and icosahedron structure yielded a total number of 162 capsomeres. All these biochemical and biophysical data lead to classification of HSIS virus into the genus herpesvirus. Biological properties described in a foregoing paper sustained such grouping, and indicated that the agent was a new avian herpesvirus for which the nameherpesvirus strigis was proposed.