Detection of Spirocerca lupi and an unknown Trichinella-like nematode in raccoon (Procyon lotor).

The raccoon Procyon lotor (Carnivora: Procyonidae) is an invasive species of growing importance for the introduction of alien pathogens or as additional hosts for autochthonous pathogens in Europe, including zoonotic parasites. As the population is steadily increasing and outcompeting the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in Germany, the consumption of raccoon meat raises concerns about pathogens they may transmit. Therefore the presence of Trichinella larvae was here investigated in muscle samples (n = 904) of raccoons from northern Germany. No Trichinella larvae were found, thus confirming the general low occurrence of this parasite in Germany. However, Spirocerca lupi (n = 12) and an unidentified Trichinella-like nematode (n = 1) were accidently detected in the examined samples. The first is not a zoonotic parasite but has a high veterinary relevance as it can cause severe diseases in dogs. It is the first documented autochthonous infection of this nematode in Germany. The larvae of an unidentified Trichinella-like nematode were found in high abundance in all examined muscles of one raccoon, though they could not be identified to species level. Histological investigation revealed intramuscular cystic structures. This is the largest study investigating muscular parasites of raccoons in Europe so far, which suggests that this invasive animal species is infected by S. lupi and by a yet unknown Trichinella -like parasite.

Epithelial membrane antigen-reactive feline chordoid meningioma in a European wildcat (Felis silvestris).

Meningioma is the most frequent intracranial neoplasm in cats. Here we describe the first case of chordoid meningioma (CM), a rare grade II meningioma subtype, in a 5.5-year-old European wildcat (Felis silvestris) from a Swiss zoo. The wildcat was found dead after a clinical history of neurological signs and clinical suspicion of a carcinoma in the right external ear canal with concurrent chronic otitis. Post-mortem examination revealed a large intracranial, extra-axial and intradural neoplasm that invaded into the right ear canal and had histological features compatible with CM, which has been only reported in humans and dogs. Neoplastic cells expressed vimentin but were negative for glial fibrillary acidic protein, S100 and pancytokeratin. Immunohistochemistry revealed epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) expression in neoplastic cells. To the best of our knowledge, we provide the first evidence of EMA expression in feline meningioma.

Outbreak of equine coronavirus disease in adult horses, Switzerland 2021.

Coronaviruses are causing severe respiratory and enteric diseases in humans and animals. Here, we report an outbreak of equine coronavirus disease in adult horses, detected by a voluntary syndromic surveillance scheme for equine diseases in Switzerland. This scheme allowed a rapid concerted action to diagnose and contain the disease.

Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumour in a Seba's Short-Tailed Bat (Carollia perspicillata).

There are few reports of tumours in bats, despite the fact that members of the Chiroptera order include 22.4% of all currently known mammal species. We now describe a case of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour (MPNST) in an adult female Seba's short-tailed bat (Carollia perspicillata) from a private zoo in Switzerland. The macroscopical and histological findings indicated that the MPNST originated from a dorsal spinal nerve root sheath in the lumbar region and metastasized to the spleen. Immunohistochemical labelling for glial fibrillary acid protein, S100 protein, neuron specific enolase and synaptophysin was negative. The cytoplasm of a few neoplastic cells labelled for smooth muscle actin and desmin. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a PNST in a member of the Chiroptera order.

Tenogenic Properties of Mesenchymal Progenitor Cells Are Compromised in an Inflammatory Environment.

Transplantation of multipotent mesenchymal progenitor cells is a valuable option for treating tendon disease. Tenogenic differentiation leading to cell replacement and subsequent matrix modulation may contribute to the regenerative effects of these cells, but it is unclear whether this occurs in the inflammatory environment of acute tendon disease. Equine adipose-derived stromal cells (ASC) were cultured as monolayers or on decellularized tendon scaffolds in static or dynamic conditions, the latter represented by cyclic stretching. The impact of different inflammatory conditions, as represented by supplementation with interleukin-1ß and/or tumor necrosis factor-α or by co-culture with allogeneic peripheral blood leukocytes, on ASC functional properties was investigated. High cytokine concentrations increased ASC proliferation and osteogenic differentiation, but decreased chondrogenic differentiation and ASC viability in scaffold culture, as well as tendon scaffold repopulation, and strongly influenced musculoskeletal gene expression. Effects regarding the latter differed between the monolayer and scaffold cultures. Leukocytes rather decreased ASC proliferation, but had similar effects on viability and musculoskeletal gene expression. This included decreased expression of the tenogenic transcription factor scleraxis by an inflammatory environment throughout culture conditions. The data demonstrate that ASC tenogenic properties are compromised in an inflammatory environment, with relevance to their possible mechanisms of action in acute tendon disease.

The microvascular anatomy of the talus: a plastination study on the influence of total ankle replacement.

PURPOSE: The purpose of our study was to systematize the arterial supply of the talus and characterize the vessel damage occurring in the talus after total ankle replacement. Previous studies exist using vascular injection to visualize the topic [Giebel et al. (Surg Radiol Anat 19:231-235, 1997); Mulfinger and Trueta (J Bone Joint Surg Br 52:160-167, 1970); Peterson et al. (Acta Orthop Scand 46:1026-1034, 1975); Peterson and Goldie (Acta Orthop Scand 45:260-270, 1974)]. The vascularization of the talus has previously been described by various authors [Aquino et al. (J Foot Surg 25:188-193, 1986); Haliburton et al. (J Bone Joint Surg Am 40:1115-1120, 1958); Mulfinger and Trueta (1970); Peterson et al. (1975); Wildenauer (Z Orthop Ihre Grenzgeb 113:730, 1975)]. The plastination method provides excellent intraosseous view of the arterial system and offers a helpful method to demonstrate the influence of the Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement (STAR) on the blood vessels. METHODS: In a first step, the nutritive foramina were analyzed on 20 macerated cadaver feet. After this, the articular surface was measured with a print using Optosil. The next step was the visualization of the vascularization of the talus using the plastination method. After vascular injection, a STAR was implanted in two specimens and a plastination was done. RESULTS: The highest amount and density of nutritive foramina were found in the sulcus tali. Using the imprint technique for the examined tali, we found a mean area covered by cartilage of 56.9% in comparison to the total surface. The deep fin of STAR has the potential to eliminate important blood vessels of the talus. CONCLUSION: The plastination methods were useful methods to analyze the arterial supply of the talus. In our study, the STAR showed a dominant influence on the vascularization of the talus. The fin appeared to be too long. A design modification with a short fin could provide the arterial supply, but should be tested biomechanically.

A comprehensive review of telementoring applications in laparoscopic general surgery.

BACKGROUND: Incorporation of advanced laparoscopic procedures in the practice of institutions without respective experience is a significant impediment in the dissemination of minimally invasive techniques. On-site mentoring programs carry several cost-related and practical constraints. Telementoring has emerged as a practical and cost-effective alternative mentoring tool. The present study aimed to review the pertinent literature on telementoring applications in laparoscopic general surgery. METHODS: A systematic review using the Medline database was performed. Articles reporting on clinical experience with telementoring applications in general surgery were included. Variations in methodology, study design, and operative procedures precluded cumulative outcome evaluation. Instead, a critical appraisal of current evidence was undertaken. RESULTS: Seventy-five articles were identified in the primary search, and ten studies were considered eligible. No randomized studies comparing on-site mentoring with telementoring were identified. The included studies reported on a total of 96 laparoscopic telementored procedures: 50 cholecystectomies, 23 colorectal resections, 7 fundoplications, 9 adrenalectomies, 6 hernia repairs, and 2 splenectomies. Completion of remotely assisted procedures was feasible in the vast majority of cases, whereas technical difficulties included video and audio latency with low transfer rates (<128 kbps) and inadequate guidance regarding the correct plane for dissection. CONCLUSION: Current evidence supports the feasibility and safety of telementoring programs in general surgery. Their clinical effectiveness as teaching alternatives to traditional mentoring programs remains to be further evaluated.

The microvascular anatomy of the metatarsal bones: a plastination study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to categorize and systematize the arterial supply of the metatarsal bones and furthermore the observation of arterial lesions after frequently performed forefoot surgeries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-two cadaver feet were analyzed by two plastination methods and the enzyme maceration method. Five forefoot surgeries were performed after arterial injections. RESULTS: The bases of the metatarsal bones were primarily supplied by dorsal and plantar arteries. The arterial supply of the metatarsal diaphysis was given by a frequently observed nutrient artery. The first plantar metatarsal artery was the main supply of the first metatarsal head. The plantar and dorsal metatarsal arteries supplied the lesser metatarsals heads. The forefoot surgeries revealed lesions of arteries in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: The plastination methods were excellent methods to analyze the arterial supply. In addition arterial damage after forefoot surgeries could be analyzed with these methods.