Radiological follow-up of cemento-osseous dysplasia on cone-beam computed tomography.

This study investigated the natural course of cemento-osseous dysplasia (COD) on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Retrospectively, 104 CBCT scans from 36 patients (mean age, 44.5 years; 33 female and three male) with mandibular COD (10 florid, seven focal, 19 periapical) were included, based upon clinico-radiological features, without complications such as infection and related surgery. Changes in maximum diameter and morphology (lytic, mixed lytic-sclerotic, sclerotic) were evaluated in 83 lesions, with a mean follow-up of 28.3 months. The occurrence of a diameter increase was assessed by time-to-event analysis; interreader agreement for diameter and morphological evaluation by intraclass correlation coefficient and weighted κ statistics, respectively. Fifteen of 83 (18.1%) lesions (eight florid, one focal, six periapical) in 10 patients increased in diameter; 12 of 83 (14.5%) lesions (five florid, seven periapical) in 11 patients changed morphologically. The median period until a diameter increase was longest (120 months) for periapical COD, and shortest (66 months) for florid COD (p = 0.023). There was high reader agreement (ICC = 0.891; weighted κ = 0.901). In conclusion, CBCT is an effective tool with which to follow-up COD. If any, the natural progress in uncomplicated COD is prolonged, which underlines its non-surgical character and aids in its long-term management.

Histiocytic Sarcoma in a Captive Hybrid Orangutan (Pongo sp.): Morphological and Immunohistochemical Features.

Histiocytic sarcoma (HS), an infrequent highly aggressive hematopoietic tumor, has been observed in diverse animal species, with isolated occurrences in non-human primates. This study describes the first case of disseminated HS in a 45-year-old female hybrid captive orangutan. The clinical profile mirrored symptoms seen in human HS cases, encompassing anorexia and ascites. Detailed histopathological examination demonstrated characteristic features of this tumor and immunohistochemistry, using markers such as Iba-1 and HLA-DR, confirmed the diagnosis. Significantly, the absence of CD163 and CD204 expression challenges their diagnostic utility in non-human primates. This investigation enhances our understanding of HS diagnosis in non-human primates, underscoring the necessity for standardized markers and diagnostic protocols.

Circoviridae Survey in Captive Non-Human Primates, Italy.

Circoviruses (CVs) and cycloviruses (CyVs), members of the family Circoviridae, have been identified only occasionally in non-human primates (NHPs). In this study, we investigated the presence and genetic features of these viruses in 48 NHPs housed in the Bioparco-Rome Zoological Garden (Italy) and in the Anima Natura Wild Sanctuary Semproniano (Grosseto, Italy), testing fecal, saliva, and serum samples with a broadly reactive consensus nested PCR able of amplifying a partial region of the replicase (Rep) gene of members of the family Circoviridae. Viral DNA was detected in a total of 10 samples, including a saliva swab and 9 fecal samples collected, respectively from five Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) and four mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx), with an overall prevalence of 18.7% (9/48). On genome sequencing, five strains revealed the highest nucleotide identity (98.3-98.6%) to a CyV strain (RI196/ITA) detected in the intestinal content of a Maltese wall lizard (Podarcis filfolensis) in Italy. Although the origin of the Italian NHP strains, genetically distant from previously detected NHP CyVs, is uncertain, our results also highlight that the virome of captive animals is modulated by the different dietary and environmental sources of exposure.

Imaging the Posterior Elements of the Spine.

The posterior elements of the spine consist of the pedicles, laminae, facets (articular processes), transverse processes, and the spinous process. They are essential for spinal stability, protecting the spinal cord and nerve roots, and enabling movement of the spine. Pathologies affecting the posterior elements can cause significant pain and disability. Imaging techniques, such as conventional radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, are crucial for the diagnosis and evaluation of pathology, enabling accurate localization, characterization, and staging of the disease.

Serological and Molecular Survey on Domestic Dog Hepadnavirus in Household Dogs, Italy.

The discovery of hepadnaviruses in cats (domestic cat hepadnavirus, DCH) and of a DCH-like virus in dogs has raised several questions regarding the role of these viruses in pets, with particular emphasis on their potential impact on animal health and epidemiology, as well as possible zoonotic implications. In this study, by screening an age-stratified collection of 600 canine serum samples for DCH with an ELISA assay based on the recombinant core antigen (DCHCAg), specific antibodies were found with an overall prevalence of 10.0% (60/600), with a higher prevalence in younger and older dogs. By retesting the canine DCHCAbs-positive sera with an ELISA test based on the recombinant surface protein of DCH (DCHSAg), a total of 18 sera (30%, 18/60) also contained IgG anti-DCHSAg. All the sera were also assessed molecularly using either a consensus hepadnavirus PCR or a specific real-time PCR for DCH. Hepadnavirus DNA was detected in four seronegative dogs, with a prevalence rate of 0.7% (4/600). On sequence analysis of the polymerase region amplified with pan-hepadnavirus primers, the amplicons displayed the highest nucleotide identity (97.3-99.6%) to DCH sequences detected in cats and to the domestic dog hepadnavirus recently identified in a canine serum sample from Italy.

Systemic Infection by Angiostrongylus vasorum in a Fennec (Vulpeszerda) in an Italian Zoological Garden.

This paper reported a case of a metastrongyloid nematode Angiostrongylus vasorum infection in a fennec (Vulpes zerda) kept in a zoo in central Italy. The fennec had shown paralysis of the hind limbs, anorexia, weakness and respiratory signs before death. Cardiomegaly and granulomatous pneumonia were the major anatomopathological findings. Inflammatory lesions associated with parasitic larvae were observed in the lungs, brain, liver, heart, spinal cord and kidney of the fennec at histology. A. vasorum diagnosis was confirmed by both morphological and molecular identification of adult worms recovered at necropsy. Fennecs are active predators and maintain their hunting behaviour in captivity. Hence, it is likely that the animal was exposed to infection by preying on parasitised gastropods, intermediate hosts of A. vasorum, entering zoo enclosures from the surrounding environment. This is the first report of A. vasorum systemic infection in a captive fennec (V. zerda) in a zoo in Italy.

The Vienna morphological Achilles tendon score-VIMATS : Description, reproducibility and initial clinical results.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose was to introduce the Vienna morphological Achilles tendon score (VIMATS), to evaluate its reproducibility and to assess its clinical application. METHODS: In 38 patients a total number of 40 painful ATs and 20 volunteers were examined on a 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner using a standard MRI protocol. In 20 patients clinical scoring according to the Achilles tendon rupture score was available. Two observers independently assessed the thickness, continuity, signal intensity, and associated pathologies of the Achilles tendon (AT) according to the newly created VIMATS. Intraobserver and interobserver agreements were calculated and the clinical application of the VIMATS regarding its potential to differentiate between patients and volunteers was tested. RESULTS: An analysis of the Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) yielded an excellent intraobserver (ICC 0.925) and interobserver agreement (ICC 0.946) for the total VIMAT score. A significant difference in total VIMATS was found between patients (47.6 ± StD 21.1 points) and volunteers (91.5 ± SD 10.9 points; p < 0.01) as well as a moderate correlation between morphological and clinical scoring (Pearson correlation 0.644). CONCLUSION: The VIMAT score is the first MRI score for the semiquantitative morphological evaluation of AT injuries and was shown to be an easy, fast and reproducible tool for assessing injuries of the AT.

Plasmodium matutinum Transmitted by Culex pipiens as a Cause of Avian Malaria in Captive African Penguins (Spheniscus demersus) in Italy.

Avian malaria is a parasitic disease of birds caused by protozoa belonging to the genus Plasmodium, within the order Haemosporida. Penguins are considered particularly susceptible, and outbreaks in captive populations can lead to high mortality. We used a multidisciplinary approach to investigate the death due to avian malaria, occurred between 2015 and 2019, in eight African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) kept in two Italian zoos located in central Italy, and situated about 30 km apart. We also provided information about the presence and circulation of Plasmodium spp. in mosquitoes in central Italy by sampling mosquitoes in both zoos where penguin mortalities occurred. In the eight dead penguins, gross and histopathological lesions were consistent with those previously observed by other authors in avian malaria outbreaks. Organs from dead penguins and mosquitoes collected in both zoos were tested for avian malaria parasites by using a PCR assay targeting the partial mitochondrial conserved region of the cytochrome b gene. Identification at species level was performed by sequencing analysis. Plasmodium matutinum was detected in both dead penguins and in mosquitoes (Culex pipiens), while Plasmodium vaughani in Culex pipiens only. Parasites were not found in any of the PCR tested Aedes albopictus samples. Based on our phylogenetic analysis, we detected three previously characterized lineages: Plasmodium matutinum LINN1 and AFTRU5, P. vaughani SYAT05. In Culex pipiens we also identified two novel lineages, CXPIP32 (inferred morphospecies Plasmodium matutinum) and CXPIP33 (inferred morphospecies P. vaughani). Significantly, LINN1 and AFTRU5 were found to be associated to penguin deaths, although only LINN1 was detected both in penguins (along the years of the study) and in Culex pipiens, while AFTRU5 was detected in a single penguin dead in 2017. In conclusion, in our study Plasmodium matutinum was found to cause avian malaria in captive penguins kept in Europe, with Culex pipiens being its most probable vector. Our results are in agreement with previous studies suggesting that Culex pipiens is one of the main vectors of Plasmodium spp. in Europe and the Northern Hemisphere. Zoos maintaining captive penguins in temperate areas where Culex pipiens is abundant should be well aware of the risks of avian malaria, and should put every effort to prevent outbreaks, in particular during the periods when the number of vectors is higher.

Present Status of Musculoskeletal Radiology in Europe: International Survey by the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology.

No official data exist on the status of musculoskeletal (MSK) radiology in Europe. The Committee for National Societies conducted an international survey to understand the status of training, subspecialization, and local practice among the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (ESSR) partner societies. This article reports the results of that survey. An online questionnaire was distributed to all 26 European national associations that act as official partner societies of the ESSR. The 24 questions were subdivided into six sections: society structure, relationship with the national radiological society, subspecialization, present radiology practice, MSK interventional procedures, and MSK ultrasound. The findings of our study show a lack of standardized training and/or accreditation methods in the field of MSK radiology at a national level. The European diploma in musculoskeletal radiology is directed to partly overcome this problem; however, this certification is still underrecognized. Using certification methods, a more homogeneous European landscape could be created in the future with a view to subspecialist training. MSK ultrasound and MSK interventional procedures should be performed by a health professional with a solid knowledge of the relevant imaging modalities and sufficient training in MSK radiology. Recognition of MSK radiology as an official subspecialty would make the field more attractive for younger colleagues as well as attracting the brightest and best, an important key to further development of both clinical and academic radiology. KEY POINTS: · Standardized training and/or accreditation methods in the field of MSK radiology is lacking at a national level.. · With certification methods, such as the European diploma in musculoskeletal radiology, a more homogeneous European landscape could be created in the future with a view to subspecialist training.. · Recognition of MSK radiology as an official subspecialty would make the field more attractive for younger colleagues as well as attracting the brightest and best, an important key to further development of both clinical and academic radiology..

Vertebral Bone Marrow and Endplate Assessment on MR Imaging for the Differentiation of Modic Type 1 Endplate Changes and Infectious Spondylodiscitis.

On magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, Modic type 1 (MT1) endplate changes and infectious spondylodiscitis share similar findings. Therefore, this study investigated vertebral bone marrow and endplate changes to enable their differentiation. The lumbar spine MR examinations of 91 adult patients were retrospectively included: 39 with MT1; 19 with early spondylodiscitis without abscess; and 33 with advanced spondylodiscitis with abscess. The assessment included percentage of bone marrow edema on sagittal short tau inversion recovery images, and the signal ratio of edema to unaffected bone and endplate contour (normal; irregular, yet intact; blurred; destructive) on sagittal unenhanced T1-weighted images. Differences were tested for statistical significance by Chi-square test and mixed model analysis of variance. The MR diagnostic accuracy in differentiating MT1 and spondylodiscitis was assessed by cross-tabulation and receiver-operating characteristic analysis. The endplate contours, edema extents, and T1-signal ratios of MT1 (extent, 31.96%; ratio, 0.83) were significantly different (p < 0.001) from early spondylodiscitis (56.42%; 0.60), and advanced spondylodiscitis (91.84%; 0.61). The highest diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity, 94.87%; specificity, 94.23%; accuracy, 94.51%) in identifying MT1 was provided by an irregular, yet intact endplate contour. This may be a useful MR feature for the differentiation between MT1 and spondylodiscitis, particularly in its early stage.

Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Degeneration as a Common Incidental Finding in Young Pregnant Women as Observed on Prenatal Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Background: Obstetric imaging, subserving fetal evaluation, may yield incidental maternal findings. Based on prenatal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, this study aims to investigate incidental intervertebral disc degeneration and displacement in young, pregnant women. Methods: This retrospective study included the sagittal 1.5 Tesla, T2-weighted lumbar spine images of 943 pregnant Central Europeans (age range, 18-47 years), who initially had undergone MR imaging because of sonographically suspected fetal abnormalities. Qualitatively, 4715 lumbar intervertebral discs were evaluated for degeneration using a modified Pfirrmann MR classification (nondegenerated, low-grade, moderate, and high-grade degeneration), as well as for displacement. In addition to descriptive statistics, an ordinal regression analysis was performed to analyze the relationship between degeneration and the women's age, and body weight. Results: With regard to the highest degree of degeneration in each woman, 578 (61.3%) showed low-grade, 211 (22.4%) moderate, and 154 (16.3%) high-grade degeneration, and no woman had entirely nondegenerated discs. For the span from 18 to 47 years of age, moderate and high-grade degeneration increased from 6.7% to 36.7% and from 13.3% to 22.4%, respectively. Of 943 women, 57 (6%) had disc displacements, of which 97% were in conjunction with high-grade degeneration. There was a statistically significant relationship (p < 0.001) between degeneration and age, and between degeneration and body weight. Conclusions: In young pregnant women, lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration is a ubiquitous, incidental finding, increasing from the late second decade of life onward, which may be part of physiological aging, as opposed to a small percentage of incidental disc displacements.

Femoropatellar Joint Reaction Detected During a 4486 KM Ultramarathon with Mobile MRI.

Almost nothing is known about the condition of the knee joints of multistage ultra-marathon (MSUM) runner. This is first image-based investigation of the femoropatellar joint (FPJ) using a mobile 1.5T MRI accompanying the MSUM TransEurope Foot-Race (TEFR) 64 stages over 4486 km. Twenty-two (20 male) subjects got a knee MRI-protocol at defined measurement intervals during TEFR: T2*-mapping (FLASH T2*-GRE), TIRM, and fat saturated PD -sequence. In the FPJ 12 different regions were evaluated regarding cartilage T2* and thickness changes and cartilage lesions in course of TEFR and a test on possible compounding factors (running burden, BMI, age) was done if being appropriate. No significant changes in cartilage thickness- and T2*-values were found during TEFR. In 8 runners, at least one single cartilage lesion (Grade 2-3) was found at baseline, but no significant race-related adjacent T2*-changes or progress of the defects could be detected. Analyses on compounding factors were negative. In knees with MPP (5) significantly lower adjacent T2*-values were found. The extreme running burden of a MSUM seems not to have a relevant negative influence on the FPJ tissues, even if cartilage lesions are present.

Nuclear and Mitochondrial Data on Trichuris from Macaca fuscata Support Evidence of Host Specificity.

Whipworms are parasitic intestinal nematodes infecting mammals, and traditionally humans and other primates that have so far been considered infected by Trichuris trichiura. Recent molecular studies report a more complex scenario suggesting the presence of a species complex with several Trichuris taxa specifically infecting only one primate species as well as taxa able to infect a range of primate species. The systematics of the group is important for taxonomic inference, to estimate the relative zoonotic potential, and for conservation purposes. In fact, captive animals living in zoological gardens are usually infected by persistent monoxenous intestinal parasites. Here, two Japanese macaques living in the Bioparco Zoological Garden of Rome were found infected by Trichuris sp. Nematodes were characterized at the molecular level using nuclear (btub and 18S) and mitochondrial (16S and cytb) markers and then compared to Trichuris collected previously in the same location, and to other Trichuris infecting primates. Evidences from mitochondrial and nuclear markers allowed for the identification of Trichuris sp. specific to Macaca fuscata. Results obtained here also described a uniform taxonomic unit of Trichuris, separated but closely related to Trichuris trichiura, thus, emphasizing its zoonotic potential for workers and visitors.

When an incidental MRI finding becomes a clinical issue : Posterior lumbar subcutaneous edema in degenerative, inflammatory, and infectious conditions of the lumbar spine.

BACKGROUND: On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), posterior lumbar subcutaneous edema (PLSE) is a frequent incidental, yet unclear finding within the deep subcutaneous perifascial tissue. This study aimed to investigate PLSE in various pathological lumbar conditions. METHODS: This retrospective study included the MR images of the lumbar spine of 279 patients (age range 18-82 years) without cardiovascular, renal or hepatic diseases, 79 of whom had low-grade disc degeneration, 101 combined endplate and facet joint degeneration, 53 axial spondyloarthritis and 46 infectious spondylodiscitis. There were 232 patients with a body mass index (BMI) <30, and 47 with a BMI ≥30 (obese). For each group, the relationship between PLSE and BMI was analyzed using multiple logistic regression, and between PLSE extension and BMI using ordinal regression. RESULTS: A PLSE was found in 11/79 (13.9%) patients with disc degeneration, 37/101 (36.6%) with endplate and facet joint degeneration, 7/53 (13.2%) with spondyloarthritis, and 28/46 (60.9%) with spondylodiscitis. For each group, a statistically significant relationship was demonstrated between PLSE and BMI (P = 0.000-P = 0.031), except for spondylodiscitis (P = 0.054), as well as between PLSE extension and BMI (P = 0.000-P = 0.049). A PLSE was found in 21.1% of nonobese and 72.3% of obese patients (P = 0.000). CONCLUSION: The presence of PLSE seems to be associated with various lumbar conditions, particularly in obese patients. Its perifascial location may suggest a potential fascial origin; however, PLSE should not to be confused with posttraumatic, postsurgical or infectious edema or edema associated with internal diseases.

Molecular characterization of Trichuris spp. from captive animals based on mitochondrial markers.

Monoxenous parasites may easily infect animals in captivity, and nematodes belonging to the genus Trichuris are commonly reported in zoological gardens worldwide. Infections in captive animals should be accurately monitored and the characterization of pathogens is highly advisable, as a tool to infer possible routes of intra- and interspecific transmission pathways and to assess the related zoonotic potential. Whipworms are usually identified on the basis of few morphological features of adults males and eggs and by an host-affiliation criterion. Given the strong morphological convergence of adaptive traits and the possible occurrence of hybridization and/or cross-infections events, the use of molecular methods is of great utility. Here, we analysed two partial mitochondrial loci, the cytochrome c oxidase I and the cytochrome b regions, in Trichuris spp. infecting four animal species hosted in the Bioparco Zoological Garden of Rome. Results from molecular systematics, compared to previous data, suggested that the five Trichuris taxa recovered were well separated, showing a significant degree of host affiliation (herbivorous, primates/swine and rodents/canids). The screw horn antelopes and the camels were infected with two variants of Trichuris ovis; Trichuris sp. similar to those observed in rodents from South America was infecting the Patagonian maras. Moreover, Trichuris from the ring-tailed lemur showed a great similarity to Trichuris infecting the Japanese macaque previously analysed from the same zoological garden, and clustering together with Trichuris trichiura, posing a potential zoonotic threat for visitors and workers.

Death of captive-bred vultures caused by flunixin poisoning in Italy.

Among non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) diclofenac is considered the main cause for the decline of vulture populations in the Indian subcontinent since the '90 s. Chemical analysis showed high levels of flunixin (31,350 µg/kg) in beef which three captive Gyps vultures fed on, later dying with severe visceral gout. Levels in dead vultures' organs and tissues ranged from 4 to 38.5 µg/kg. The typical lesions and the concentrations found in beef indicate flunixin as the cause of death. This is the first observational study which correlates the concentration of flunixin in the meat ingested with that found in tissues of vultures.

Seroprevalence for norovirus genogroups GII and GIV in captive non-human primates.

Noroviruses (NoVs) are a major cause of epidemic gastroenteritis in children and adults. Several pieces of evidence suggest that viruses genetically and antigenically closely related to human NoVs might infect animals, raising public health concerns about potential cross-species transmission. The natural susceptibility of non-human primates (NPHs) to human NoV infections has already been reported, but a limited amount of data is currently available. In order to start filling this gap, we screened a total of 86 serum samples of seven different species of NPHs housed at the Zoological Garden (Bioparco) of Rome (Italy), collected between 2001 and 2017, using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on virus-like particles (VLPs) of human GII.4 and GIV.1 NoVs. Antibodies specific for both genotypes were detected with an overall prevalence of 32.6%. In detail, IgG antibodies against GII.4 NoVs were found in 18 Japanese macaques (29.0%, 18/62), a mandrill (10.0%, 1/10), a white-crowned mangabey (16.6%, 1/6) and in an orangutan (33.3%, 1/3). Twelve macaques (19.3%, 12/62), five mandrills (50.0%, 5/10), two chimpanzees (100%, 2/2) and a white-crowned mangabey (16.6%, 1/6) showed antibodies for GIV.1 NoVs. The findings of this study confirm the natural susceptibility of captive NHPs to GII NoV infections. In addition, IgG antibodies against GIV.1 were detected, suggesting that NHPs are exposed to GIV NoVs or to antigenically related NoV strains.

Serological and molecular investigation for hepatitis E virus (HEV) in captive non-human primates, Italy.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the leading cause of human enterically-transmitted viral hepatitis occurring around the world both as outbreaks and as sporadic cases. Non-human primates (NHPs) have been experimentally infected with HEV, but few studies have been reported about natural infection in wild-living and zoo monkeys. In order to provide a more complete picture on the epidemiology of HEV in NHPs living in controlled environment, we investigated the presence of HEV by screening serologically and molecularly a historical collection of 86 sera from seven different species of primates housed at the Zoological Garden (Bioparco) of Rome, Italy. By using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay based on the recombinant capsid protein of a Gt3 HEV strain, IgG antibodies were detected in three macaques (4.8%; 3/62) and in a white-crowned mangabey (16.6%; 1/6), with an overall prevalence of 4.6% (4/86). This positivity was confirmed when assessed the sera by western blotting. Rescreening the sera for IgM and viral RNA, all the samples resulted negative. Also, HEV RNA was not found when 17 stool samples were analyzed by RT-PCR. Although these results suggest that none of the monkeys housed at the Bioparco of Rome in the 17-year time frame spanning 2001 to 2017 developed acute or at least sub-acute HEV disease, the detection of IgG antibodies demonstrated that animals living in this setting were exposed to HEV or to antigenically related viruses.

Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a European Lynx (Lynx Lynx): Papillomavirus Infection and Histologic Analysis.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common finding in domestic and wild felids. Only two cases of oral SCC have been reported in Lynx species (Lynx rufus and Lynx canadensis), at mandibular and gingival sites. In this study, we describe the first report of tongue SCC in a 15 years old female European lynx (Lynx lynx), along with viral investigations. Necropsy and histological analysis were performed and the presence of papillomavirus (PV) infection was investigated by ultrastructural and molecular methods. The lardaceous mass at tongue level was histologically diagnosed as moderately differentiated SCC. Typical microscopical features of SCC were also found in the retropharyngeal lymph node and at the pulmonary level. Neither viral DNA by PCR, nor viral particles by transmission electron microscopy were found. Despite that PV infection is associated with Felidae, this work reports the first description of tongue SCC in Lynx species, but no evidence of PV infection, suggesting that PV may not be involved in development of SCC in bobcat species.