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Summary: The dentigerous cyst or temporal teratoma in horses is a well‐known congenital malformation that occurs in the temporal region and usually contains dental tissue. This case report describes two horses with a previously unreported variant of the dentigerous cyst associated with an exostosis arising from the temporal bone. The principal clinical sign was a draining tract opening at the margin of the right pinna in both horses. There was no evidence of an ectopic tooth on the radiographs or at ultrasonographic examination. Computed tomography combined with positive contrast sinography of the draining tract revealed bone formation arising from the supramastoid crest of the right temporal bone extending towards a cyst‐like structure but without direct connection in both cases. This bone formation was located at a site on the supramastoid crest, close to the external acoustic meatus, where ectopic teeth may also occur. Both cysts were removed surgically with a good long‐term outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deterioration of ballast and the consequences of weak subsoil increase the need for track maintenance. These problems reduce the service life of tracks, and a higher maintenance budget is required. This paper introduces an innovative method for evaluating the condition of the ballast and the subsoil. Fractal analysis of the vertical track geometry enables infrastructure managers to determine the root cause of track irregularities by quantifying the wavelength characteristics of the common track geometry data. This methodology determines whether the ballast or the substructure condition is the cause of poor track quality. Fractal analysis has been carried out to date on the main network of the Austrian Federal Railways, which comprises some 4000 km of track, as well as within the network of Suisse Federal Railways (∼5000 km). Additionally, several lines in the United States (Amtrak), Belgium (InfraBel), and Denmark (BaneDanmark) have been evaluated. A detailed validation process has been carried out to investigate different characteristics and their correlation to the in situ behavior of the track. This research is now showing promising results after being cross-checked with historical data and compared to the implemented maintenance measures. On-site inspections have confirmed the evaluated component-specific condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical, gross, histopathologic, electron microscopic findings and enzymatic analysis of 4 captive, juvenile springboks (Antidorcas marsupialis) showing both polycystic kidneys and a storage disease are described. Springbok offspring (4 of 34; 12%) were affected by either one or both disorders in a German zoo within a period of 5 years (2008–2013). Macroscopic findings included bilaterally severely enlarged kidneys displaying numerous cysts in 4 animals and superior brachygnathism in 2 animals. Histopathologically, kidneys of 4 animals displayed cystic dilation of the renal tubules. In addition, abundant cytoplasmic vacuoles with a diameter ranging from 2 to 10 μm in neurons of the central and peripheral nervous system, hepatocytes, thyroid follicular epithelial cells, pancreatic islets of Langerhans and renal tubular cells were found in 2 springbok neonates indicative of an additional storage disease. Ultrastructurally, round electron-lucent vacuoles, up to 4 μm in diameter, were present in neurons. Enzymatic analysis of liver and kidney tissue of 1 affected springbok revealed a reduced activity of total hexosaminidase (Hex) with relatively increased HexA activity at the same level of total Hex, suggesting a hexosaminidase defect. Pedigree analysis suggested a monogenic autosomal recessive inheritance for both diseases. In summary, related springboks showed 2 different changes resembling both polycystic kidney and a GM2 gangliosidosis similar to the human Sandhoff disease. Whether the simultaneous occurrence of these 2 entities represents an incidental finding or has a genetic link needs to be investigated in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]