bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ιδιότητες των ραμμάτων που χρησιμοποιούνται στην κτηνιατρική χειρουργική
Authors: TZIMTZIMIS (Ε. ΤΖΙΜΤΖΙΜΗΣ) E. , PAPAZOGLOU (Λ. ΠΑΠΑΖΟΓΛΟΥ) L.
Published: February 2018

Sutures are necessary for wound healing in surgery and for ligation of vessels. Many of sutures currently available are classified according to their characteristics, such as the tensile strength, the elasticity, the plasticity, the pliability, the knot security, the memory, the capillarity, the tissue drag and the tissue reactivity. Regarding the rate of reduction of tensile strength, sutures are widely classified as absorbable, used in tissue closure that do not require long-term support, and non-absorbable, used whenever prolonged mechanical support is required. Sutures are also classified as natural or synthetic, as well as monofilament or multifilament depending on origin or structure, respectively. Sutures are available in different sizes. As suture’s size increases, increase in the tensile strength also occurs. Absorbablesutures described in this review include catgut, polydioxanone, polyglyconate, glycomer 631, polyglycolic acid, polyglactin 910, poliglecaprone 25,polyglytone 6211 and lactomer 9-1. Non-absorbable sutures described in this review include surgical silk, cotton, nylon,polymerised caprolactam, polyester fibers, polybutester, polypropylene and stainless steel. Usually, sutures are attached to surgical needles creating a continuous unit. Needles are classified based on their shape, length, way of suture attachment and cross-section of body and point. The latter property divides needles into blunt, taper and cutting; the selection of the appropriate type is based on the tissue that has to be sutured. Sutures in modern veterinary surgery are usually available in disposable sterilized packages.
Ophthalmoscopy in dog and cat
Authors: LIAPIS (Ι. Κ. ΛΙΑΠΗΣ) I. Κ.
Published: February 2018

Ophthalmoscopy is the procedure for fundus examination. As an examining technique, ophthalmoscopy is based on the principles of reflection and refraction of the light. In the first case (reflection of the light) ophthalmoscopy is direct. In the second case (reflection and refraction of the light) ophthalmoscopy is indirect. For direct ophthalmoscopy a simple light source is used or better yet a special ophthalmoscope. The indirect technique is realised with the assistance of special equipment. Each one of the above mentionned methods has advantages and disadvantages and it's better having them coherent to one another. The indirect ophthalmoscopy gives a general view of the fundus and magnifies it satisfactorily, whereas direct ophthalmoscopy even though provokes better magnification, gives a smaller optical field.
Παρουσία ανθεκτικών στη μεθικιλίνη Staphylococcus aureus σε γάλα και γαλακτοκομικά προϊόντα
Authors: PEXARA (Α. ΠΕΞΑΡΑ) A. , SOLOMAKOS (Ν. ΣΟΛΩΜΑΚΟΣ) N. , GOVARIS (Α. ΓΚΟΒΑΡΗΣ) A.
Published: February 2018

Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic Gram positive pathogen and the causative agent of many human and animal diseases. It is also an important human foodborne pathogen. Certain strains of S. aureus can produce staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) in foods and cause staphylococcal food poisonings (SFP). In recent years S. aureus has been increasingly associated with antibiotic resistance. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) includes those strains that have acquired genes conferring resistance to methicillin and essentially all other beta lactamantibiotics. MRSA was initially reported as a nosocomial pathogen in human hospitals (or hospital-associated MRSA, HA-MRSA). Since the 1990s, community-acquired or community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) infections have also been reported to affect people having no epidemiological connection with hospitals. More recently, MRSA has been isolated from most food-producing animals and foods of animal origin, raising public health concerns. MRSA strains have been isolated from cows’ or small ruminants’ milk and various dairy products in many countries. The MRSA prevalence in milk and dairy products recorded in different countries or even regions of the same country differs significantly.High MRSA prevalence have been recorded in milk produced in most African countries, for instance as high as 60.3% in Ethiopia. The MRSA prevalence in Asian countries varies from high e.g. 28.3% in Iran to low (e.g. in Korea and Japan). In most European countries, the MRSA prevalence in milk and dairy products has been generally found to be low. In the US and Canada, zero to low MRSA prevalence estimates have been reported. The investigation of MRSA prevalence in milk may serve as a tool for assessing both the sanitary conditions employed in dairyherds and the health risks that humans may encounter when infected with antibiotic-resistant strains.
Erythema multiforme in the dog
Authors: PAITAKI (Χ. ΠΑΪΤΑΚΗ) C. , KOUTINAS (Α.Φ. ΚΟΥΤΙΝΑΣ) A. F. , SARIDOMICHELAKIS (Μ.Ν. ΣΑΡΙΔΟΜΙΧΕΛΑΚΗΣ) M. N.
Published: February 2018

Canine erythema multiforme is a rarely seen skin eruption that is characterized by variable clinical signs and a rather distinctive histopathology. From a clinical point of view erythema multiforme is of particular interest, mainly due to its life-threatening potential. It is considered a host-specific cell-mediated hypersensitivity reaction, leading to epidermal and follicular wall keratinocyte apoptosis. Although the exact pathomechanism is not currently fully understood, it is often associated with drugs, infections, neoplastic and connective tissue diseases, adverse food reactions and idiopathy. Definite diagnosis is based on the clinical and histopathological findings and therapy aims to the elimination of the triggering factors and the institution of supportive measures. The usefulness of glucocorticoids in canine erythema multiforme is still controversial.
Canine pemphigus folliaceus: report of five clinical case
Authors: LIAPI (Μ.Β. ΛΙΑΠΗ) M. V. , SARIDOMICHELAKIS (Μ.Ν. ΣΑΡΙΔΟΜΙΧΕΛΑΚΗΣ) M. N. , KOUTINAS (Α. Φ. ΚΟΥΤΙΝΑΣ) A. F. , LEKKAS (Σ. ΛΕΚΚΑΣ) S.
Published: February 2018

Pemphigus folliaceus (PF), which is considered the most common autoimmune skin disease in the dog, is associated with the formation of autoantibodies directed against the desmosomes of the upper third of the epidermis, that result in loss of keratinocyte adhesion (acantholysis) and subsequent epidermal cleft formation. The clinical and histopathological findings, along with the response to treatment in 5 PF cases, either idiopathic (3/5) or secondary to trimethoprim-sulfonamides (1/5) and to allergic dermatitis (1/5), are presented and discussed, accordingly. All the 5 dogs exhibited hypotrichosis-alopecia (4/5), erythema (4/5), vesicles (1/5), pustules (5/5), crusts (5/5), epidermal collarettes (3/5), excoriations (1/5), erosions (3/5), ulcers (1/5), fissures (1/5), lichenification, thickening and folding of the skin (1/5), and footpad hyperkeratosis (1/5), that were pruritic in 3 of them. These lesions were located on the head (4/5), pinnae (4/5), limbs (3/5), body trunk (3/5) and the footpads (2/5). Diagnosis was based on the results of lesionai histopathology where the most striking finding was the presence of subcorneal pustules filled with normally looking neutrophils and acanthocytes. Moreover, pustule or crust cytology that was carried out in 3 cases, revealed clusters of acantholytic cells in 2 dogs. The treatment, that was instituted in 2/5 dogs and resulted in a complete resolution of skin lesions, was based on prednisolone in immunosuppressive dosage along with azathioprine (PF secondary to allergic dermatitis), or on a combination of dapsone, Oxytetracycline and vitamin E (idiopathic PF). The remaining 3 cases were left untreated, because one showed a spontaneous remission following withdrawal of the offending medication and the other 2 were lost to follow-up.
Site-directed mutagenesis in Brucella abortus S19 by overlap extension PCR-based procedure
Authors: NAYERI FASAEI B. , ZAHRAEI SALEHI T. , NASERLI S. , SAEEDINIA A. R , BEHROOZIKHAH A. M.
Published: February 2018

Introduction of a site-directed mutation can be effective method to evaluate properties of various genes. Brucellosis is one of the most common zoonotic infectious diseases, which causes great economic losses. Thus, determination of pathogenicity factors in the genus Brucella can lead to the control of this health problem. Due to the importance of site-directed mutations in identification of genomic structure, overlap extension polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been introduced as an improved technique for the removal and replacement of gene targets. In this study, three DNA fragments were amplified and combined using a two-step PCR with specific primers. The resulting fusion PCR product, obtained without any change in the nucleotide sequence, was cloned in a specific position in the pBluescript II SK (-) plasmid using restriction enzymes. Finally, the construct was transferred into cells of Brucella abortus S19 by electroporation and replaced the target gene (wbkA) in the genome of the bacterium. PCR analysis was performed on kanamycin-resistant colonies to provide genetic evidence that the B. abortus wbkA gene was interrupted by the kanamycin cassette. The results of this study show that the optimized modified technique, splicing by overlap extension PCR, is effective in creating mutations in the bacterial genome and can easily be used in Brucella spp.
Τreatment and prevention of canine heartworm disease (dirofilariosis): what is new?
Authors: SINANIS (Θ.Ν. ΣΙNΑΝΗΣ) T. N. , KOUTINAS (Χ.Κ. ΚΟΥΤΙΝΑΣ) C. K.
Published: February 2018

Canine heartworm disease (dirofilariosis) is a frequent parasitic disease in Greece and other para-Mediterranean countries. Immediate adulticide therapy, followed by administration of microfilaricidals, has been the mainstay of heartworm treatment. However, a more recent approach has included the requirement to killing microfilariae and Wolbachia pipientis prior to adulticide treatment. Administration of prophylactic doses of milbemycin, moxidectin, ivermectin or selamectin for 2 to 3 months, as well as of doxycycline (10 mg kg-1 bw, per os, twice daily) for a month, seems to negate the ‘susceptibility gap’ and to decrease the possibility of pulmonary thromboembolism. Moreover, an alternative protocol of adulticide therapy (2.5 mg kg-1 bw of melarsomine, intramuscularly, followed by two further injections, 24-hours apart, a month later) is considered superior to the classical one, regardless of the clinical stage of the disease.Treatment of potential complications (right heart failure or vena cava syndrome) includes administration of heart failure medication and surgical removal of adult worms. Strict exercise restriction seems to play the most important role in reducing the possibility of pulmonary thromboembolism. Alternative protocol melarsomine administration, after treatment with macrocyclic lactones and doxycycline, increases the therapeutic effect and improves prognosis in earlier stages of the disease. Continuous (or at least during the warm period of the year) preventive administration of microfilaricidals coupled with annual serological testing of animals is important for effective disease control.
Serological evidence of foot-and-mouth disease virus infection in goat breeds in the Samsun province of Turkey
Authors: ALBAYRAK H. , OZAN E. , KADI H. , CAVUNT A. , TAMER C. , TUTUNCU M M.
Published: February 2018

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is one of the major endemic trans-boundary livestock diseases of socio-economic importance in Turkey and worldwide. Goats constitute the third largest susceptible population of domestic livestock in Turkey. FMD surveillance and control strategies in the country largely ignore small ruminants, known to be critical in the epidemiology of the disease. In this study, blood samples were randomly collected from different domestic goat breeds (Anatolian black goat, Maltese and Saanen). The material consisted of 368 domestic goats, including 121 Anatolian black, 125 Maltese and 122 Saanen goats from Samsun province. The serum samples were examined for the presence of antibodies to foot and mouth disease virus using non structural proteins (NSPs) competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Out of 368 serum samples examined, 12 (3.26%) were positive for FMD. Seropositivity rates in Anatolian black, Saanen and Maltese breeds were 0.83%, 0.82% and 8.00% for FMD, respectively. Although, seropositivity rate in Maltese goat breed was higher than others, this result was not attributed to breed susceptibility. The results of the investigation indicate that FMD is less widespread in goats than sheep and cattle in Samsun province. The results, supported for the first time in Turkey the hypothesis that goats act as a potential reservoir of FMD virus and thus have a role in the epidemiology of FMD.
Rhabdomyosarcomas arising from striated muscles in elderly dogs: pathological features of 4 cases
Authors: BRELLOU (Γ.Δ. ΜΠΡΕΛΛΟΥ) G. D. , PSYCHAS (Β. ΨΥΧΑΣ) V. , VLEMMAS (Ι. ΒΛΕΜΜΑΣ) I.
Published: February 2018

Primary rhabdomyosarcomas are rare in dogs. Based on their classification, embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common, while alveolar and especially pleomorphic types occur less often. Four cases diagnosed as primary canine rhabdomyosarcomas of striated muscles were retrieved from our files. All the animals were cross-breeds, aged over 8 years. Two of them had died after developing disseminated intravascular coagulation and gastric ulcer, respectively, and two others were euthanized. Of those two, one had been admitted with neurological and cardiovascular symptoms and one with disseminated intravascular coagulation. Necropsy was performed and tissue samples were collected for histological and immunohistochemical examination. The first case was diagnosed as mixed rhabdomyosarcoma, pleomorphic type in the heart and the diaphragm and alveolar type in the lungs and the spleen. The three other cases were of alveolar type. One showed primary cardiac and oesophageal origin, with metastases in the skeletal muscles and non striated muscle tissues, one had primary cardiac, with mitral valve involvement, and skeletal muscle origin, with metastases in extra striated muscle tissues and one showed only skeletal muscle localization. Immunohistochemical examination revealed myoglobin and α-sarcomeric actin in tumour cells.
Investigation of Porcine Circovirus type 2 (PCV2) antibodies in clinically healthy boars from Serbian commercial farms
Authors: BOJKOVSKI J. , ILIĆ V. , VASIĆ A. , MALETIĆ J. , VAKANJAC S. , SAVIĆ S. , ŠTUKELJ M. , ZDRAVKOVIĆ N. , TZIKA E. D. , NICLUAE M. , MILANOV D.
Published: February 2018

The aim of the present study was to determine the porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) prevalence in boars in 3 farms in Serbia and their possible relation with alterations of reproductive parameters and blood biochemical parameters [total protein, urea, creatinine and aspartate transaminase levels (AST)]. The prevalence of (PCV2) was evaluated by the presence of specific antibodies. An ELISA assay was used for the detection of PCV2 antibodies in 58 boars’ blood sera from Serbian commercial farms, among which 48 were from and reared in the Serbian farms, and 10 were imported from different European Union (EU) countries. Anti PCV2 IgM and/or IgG were detected in sera of 51 (87.93%) boars. Based on the type of antibodies (IgM and IgG PCV2 antibodies), it was concluded that chronic PCV2 infection was the predominant type in tested boars. The imported boars did not have an active infection titer. Biochemical tests in blood didn’t show significant differences between PCV2 positive and negative boars. The recorded high prevalence of PCV2 antibodies among boars indirectly proved that PCV2 has been wide spread in the examined farms. Significant difference in the frequency of active, recent and chronic PCV2 infection in boars was found among three farms (p<0.05). Imported boars did not show significant difference in terms of active, recent or chronic PCV2 infection in comparison with boars deriving from Serbian farms (p>0.05). Among boars of three different breeds (Landrace, Duroc and Yorkshire), a significantly higher prevalence of PCV2 antibodies was revealed in Landrace boars (p=0.003). Reproductive parameters of sows that were inseminated with PCV2 positive or negative boars’ semen, showed similar farrowing rate, as well as percentage of live and stillborn piglets, thus indicating that the observed chronic PCV2 infection did not affect significantly the breeding capability of boars.
Antimicrobial susceptibility of Enterococcus spp. isolated from freshwater fish and personnel and equipment of fish markets in northern Greece
Authors: SERGELIDIS (Δ. ΣΕΡΓKΕΛΙΔΗΣ) D. , ABRAHIM (Α. ΑΜΠΡΑΧΙΜ) A. , PAPADOPOULOS (Θ. ΠΑΠΑΔΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ) T. , KIRKOUDIS (Ι. ΚΥΡΚΟΥΔΗΣ) J. , ANAGNOSTOU (Β. ΑΝΑΓΝΩΣΤΟΥ) V. , PAPAVERGOU (Α. ΠΑΠΑΒΕΡΓΟΥ) A. , PAPA (Α. ΠΑΠΑ) A.
Published: February 2018

In total, 270 samples from freshwater fish and personnel and equipment from retail fish markets in three cities in northern Greece, were examined for presence of antimicrobial resistance and biogenic amine production of Enterococcus spp. strains. Enterococci were isolated from 9.6% of the samples; from 7.4% and 2.2%, respectively, Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus casseliflavus were recovered. Isolates were tested for antibacterial susceptibility to 20 antibiotics used regularly in Greek hospitals. All isolates except one were multi drug resistant, to 7-15 antibiotics. Increased rates of resistance were recorded to penicillin, cephalosporins and erythromycin. Relatively increased rates were recoreded to quinupristin/casdalfopristin and linezolid, drugs commonly used as treatment options of infections by vancomycin-resistant enterococci. One E. faecium and one E. casseliflavus isolate showed intermediate resistance to vancomycin. Multiplex PCR assay for presence of van genes in E. faecium was negative. All E. faecium isolates and one third of E. casseliflavus isolates were able to decarboxylate tyrosine, but not histidine, ornithine or lysine. The results indicate that freshwater fish and fish markets are potential reservoirs of multi-drug resistant enterococci.
Laboratory evaluation and interpretation of haemostasis in small animals
Authors: MISCHKE R.
Published: February 2018

This review deals with indications for performing haemostasis tests, methodical aspects of blood sampling and handling of sample material, selection of appropriate tests and basic principles of test interpretation. Indications for laboratory evaluation of haemostasis in small animals include spontaneous bleeding or bleeding disproportionate to the degree of trauma, bleeding from multiple sites and diseases which are frequently associated with haemostatic disorders. Patient history and clinical findings can deliver clues for the type of haemorrhagic diathesis. Important preanalytical issues include prevention of prolonged venous stasis, order of drawing and appropriate filling of the collection tubes and careful mixing of blood with anticoagulant. Initial screening can be performed by global tests of haemostasis including viscoelastic testing using thrombelastography and rotation thrombelastometry and/or a “basic examination profile” including platelet count, capillary bleeding time (optional in cases of suspected functional platelet disorders) and group tests prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and thrombin (clotting) time (optionally in cases of prolonged PT and aPTT). This procedure allows a rational evaluation of the haemostatic system and a specific use of further tests including individual coagulation factor activities, inhibitor activities, activation markers, examination of von Willebrand factor, and platelet function analyses. It is important (1) to use species- and method specific reference values for interpretation and (2) to consider the limitations of tests when performed according to the standard test procedure optimised for human sample material (e.g., low sensitivity of PT test for canine and feline samples).
Correlation between equine colic and weather changes
Authors: DIAKAKIS (Ν. ΔΙΑΚΑΚΗΣ) N. , TYRNENOPOULOU (Π. ΤΥΡΝΕΝΟΠΟΥΛΟΥ) P.
Published: February 2018

The objective of this study is to evaluate the possible correlation between relative humidity/temperature change and equine colic in a specific region of Northern Greece. A study population of 823 adult horses stabled in a 40-km-radius around Thessaloniki, Northern Greece were included in this study; a total of 245 horses, suffering from several types of colic between January 2010 and December 2012 were selected. Metereological data, including temperature (oC) and relative humidity (%) were obtained as 3-hour periodic measurements by the Hellenic National Metereological Service. Statistical analysis was performed using Spearman correlation coefficients in order to assess the relationship between temperature changes, relative humidity changes and equine colic. A positive correlation between temperature change and equine colic was detected during March for the whole 3-year period, while positive correlation was presented during several months of late spring and late fall in specific years. No correlation between changes in relative humidity values and colic was shown. Moreover, a negative correlation between relative humidity and temperature, for temperatures >10°C (rho=-0.568, p<0.01) was found, while, a positive correlation (rho=0.650, p<0.01) between daily temperature difference (ΔT) and relative humidity difference was detected. In this study, abrupt temperature change was proven as a significant risk factor in the development of colic during late spring and fall, in Northern Greece, requiring more vigilant horse owners and equine practitioners. These results suggest that in the future it may be possible to modulate management taking into consideration the current weather conditions, in order to prevent colic episodes.
Milk quality characteristics of indigenous sheep breeds Boutsko, Frisarta and Karagouniko
Authors: SKOUFOS I. , GIANNENAS I. , KARAMOUTSIOS A. , TSINAS A. , PAPADOPOULOS G. K. , TZORA A.
Published: February 2018

In this study, the chemical and microbiological characteristics of ovine milk from three indigenous Greek breeds, Boutsko, Frisarta and Karagouniko were examined, while reared in the semi mountainous areas. The milk yield of each sheep breed was recorded at the early, mid and late stages of lactation for two consecutive years. The average composition of the samples of ewe’s milk used in this study was similar for protein, lactose and total solids among the three; however fat values were significantly lower (p<0.05) in Frisarta milk compared to Boutsko and Karagouniko. Total viable cells of Boutsko and Karagouniko raw milk were lower (p<0.05) than those of Frisarta. Enterobacteria detected in bulk raw milk from Boutsko and Frizarta breeds were in lower numbers (p<0.05) compared to milk from Karagouniko breed. Somatic cells were also counted in lower numbers in milk collected from Boutsko and Karagouniko breeds compared to Frisarta. The percentage of detected as potentially pathogenic bacteria (coagulase negative staphylococci and enterobacteriae) was higher in the milk from Frisarta sheep milk.
Effect of management factors on reproductive and milk production performance of a dairy sheep breed adapted to low-input management systems
Authors: TZANIDAKIS N. , VOUTZOURAKIS N. , STEFANAKIS A. , BROZOS C. N. , SOTIRAKI S. , KIOSSIS E. A.
Published: February 2018

Interest on the implementation and improvisation of low-input dairy sheep farming is rising. Our study aimed to describe a) the milk productivity of the Sfakia sheep, a Mediterranean well-adapted to low-input management schemes breed (“low-input breed”), and b) the effect of management (MS) and milking system (MLS) on milk yield and quality. Monthly bulk milk samples (n=307) and reproductive data were collected from 10 extensive and 10 semi-intensive Sfakia sheep flocks in Crete Greece, over two consecutive lactations. All semi-intensive and four extensive farms were equipped with a milking parlour machine (MPM). A portable machine (PM) was used in three extensive farms; hand-milking (HM) was applied in the rest extensive farms. The effect of MS and MLS on daily milk yield/ewe (DMY), somatic cell count (SCC), total bacterial count (TBC), pH and % lactose content (LACT) of milk was explored with linear mixed-effects models. Mean DMY (p<0.001) as well as the seasonal variation pattern of SCC (p=0.020) and LACT (p=0.018) differed between MS. TBC was higher in extensive farms using MPM than HM (p=0.002); PM was related to lower SCC, compared to MPM (p=0.044) and HM (p=0.012). Concluding, mild interventions in management and milking practices could improve the productivity of “low-input” dairy sheep breeds.
Effects of organic acids on the gut ecosystem and on the performance of broiler chickens
Authors: ANDREOPOULOU (Μ. ΑΝΔΡΕΟΠΟΥΛΟΥ) M. , TSIOURIS (Β. ΤΣΙΟΥΡΗΣ) V. , GEORGOPOULOU (Ι. ΓΕΩΡΓΟΠΟΥΛΟΥ) I.
Published: February 2018

Organic acids are studied as candidate alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters. Their action is related to the pH reduction of the intestinal digesta, affecting the gut ecosystem in numerous ways. Intestinal microbiota can be altered as a result of the remarkable antibacterial activity of organic acids and the growth enhancement of non-pathogenic beneficial microorganisms, due to exclusive competition. Antibacterial activity has been widely reported for many poultry pathogens, such as Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringens, Campylobacter spp., both in vitro and in vivo. However, it seems to depend on many factors concerning the weak acid used and the gut ecosystem. Apart from the microbiota, diet supplementation of organic acids has trophic effects on the intestinal mucosa, modifying the morphologic characteristics of intestinal villi and crypts and maintaining epithelial integrity. Furthermore, as found recently, organic acids have anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating properties. Diet acidification increases gastric proteolysis and the utilization of proteins and amino acids, affects pancreatic secretions and mineral absorption. There are also reports for an effect on appetite and palatability of the feed. All these properties attributed to organic acids have either a direct or indirect effect on the performance and health, even though the results presented for poultry lack consistency. Nonetheless, the benefits of organic acids can have practical application in the control of clinical and subclinical conditions, but more research is needed to study these perspectives.
Εvaluation of an environmental enrichment device used for laboratory rabbits
Authors: KOSTOMITSOPOULOS (Ν. ΚΩΣΤΟΜΗΤΣΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ) N. , SERAFETINIDOU (Μ. ΣΕΡΑΦΕΤΙΝΙΔΟΥ) M. , KATSAROU (Α. ΚΑΤΣΑΡΟΥ) A. , VOYAZAKI (Χ. ΒΟΓΙΑΤΖΑΚΗ) C. , DONTAS (Ι. ΔΟΝΤΑ) I.
Published: February 2018

Improving the housing conditions of individually caged laboratory rabbits using environmental enrichment devices is a source of concern in the scientific community and is encouraged in the guidelines of the local and international laboratory animal associations and national regulations. In this report, we inform on the results of an investigation whose aim was to evaluate the use of a commercially available shelter as an enrichment device for six individually caged rabbits (mean body weight 2.5 Kg) during their resting period. After an acclimatization period of five days in an animal room, a commercially available enrichment device, the Rabbit Hut (BioServ, New Jersey, USA), was introduced into every cage. After a 3-day familiarization period, the interactions of the rabbits with the device were video recorded for 12 hours during the light phase (06:00 – 18:00) on five consecutive days. Each rabbit’s interaction with the device was monitored and analyzed from the video recordings. We found that the rabbits used the enrichment device in different ways, which included passing through the device, staying under the device, gnawing the device, pulling and dragging the device using their teeth, and playing with the device. We also found that the rabbits mainly interacted with the device during the first two hours (06:00 – 08:00) and last four hours (14:00 – 18:00) of each 12-hour observation period of the 5-day investigation. Although the Rabbit Hut is marketed as an environmental enrichment item that could be used as a shelter for individually caged laboratory rabbits, our analysis of the interactions of individually caged  laboratory rabbits with the device has generated new questions about the usefulness of the device and its benefit for the rabbits. However, further investigation is needed to clarify whether some of the expressed interactions indicate curiosity, interest or frustration with the item.
Effects of Storage Duration and Temperature on the Values of Haematological Parameters in Bovine and Ovine Blood Samples
Authors: KIRMIZIGUL A. H. , GOKCE E. , SOZMEN M.
Published: February 2018

The purpose of the present study was to determine the alterations in haematological values at 0, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84 and 96 hours of storage in bovine and ovine venous blood samples stored at 4˚C and 24˚C in EDTA-coated tubes. Twenty healthy animals, including ten 4-year-old cattle and ten 2-year-old sheep constituted the study material. Bovine blood samples stored at 4˚C produced reliable results for the WBC, RBC, Hb, PCV, MCV, MCH and MCHC levels with the exception of PLT level as PLT levels decreased when the PLT stored 24 hours or longer times. On the other hand ovine blood samples stored at 4˚C for 24 hours or longer, all the parameters measured (WBC, RBC, Hb, PCV, MCV, MCH, MCHC and PLT levels) gave reliable results indicating that ovine blood parameters can be used effectively and safely. Furthermore, in the bovine blood samples, MCHC levels were decreased as from 60 hours stored at 24°C and WBC levels were decreased in the ovine blood samples stored 48 hours or longer at 24°C. However, the blood samples stored at 24°C, the measurement of the RBC, Hb, PCV, MCV, MCH and PLT levels produced reliable results.
An outbreak of Avian Encephalomyelitis in broilers in Greece
Authors: KOUTOULIS (Κ.Χ. ΚΟΥΤΟΥΛΗΣ) K. C. , HORVATH-PAPP I. , TONTIS (Δ. ΤΟΝΤΗΣ) D. , PAPAIOANNOU (Ν. ΠΑΠΑΙΩΑΝΝΟΥ) N. , EVANGELOU (Κ. ΕΥΑΓΓΕΛΟΥ) K.
Published: February 2018

Avian Encephalomyelitis Virus (AEV) is an infectious viral disease, member in the family of Picornaviridae, with a preference for the central nervous system and various parenchymatous organs of chickens. AEV is an enteric infection and can be transmitted by oral ingestion, but also vertically from infected broiler breeders to the chick, resulting in clinical signs at hatching. A flock of 18,000 broilers, located in the Southern part of Ipirus, exhibited sudden neurological signs. Clinical examination of 16 days old chicks showed rapid head tremors, ataxia and paralysis, often falling on their sides and lie with their legs at unusual angles. No gross lesions were noted during post mortem examinations conducted at 16, 20 and 26 days of age, apart from gross lesions on the brain. Morbidity of the flock exceeded 25% and total mortality reached 20.9% at the end of flock’s cycle. In order to diagnose the suspected AEV, histological and serological examinations were performed. The results showed typical “flame-shape” proliferation of glia, neuron necrosis and neuronocytophagia in the gray matter and Purkinje cells as well. Also, foci of infiltrating lymphocytes were seen in the brain, the glandular part of pancreas, muscular layer of heart and muscle layer of proventriculus. All observed lesions were characteristic of AEV infection. Serological results in affected flock, conducted by ELISA, showed a consecutive marked increase in serum encephalomyelitis virus antibody titers through time. At 30 days of age onwards, no clinical signs appeared. This clinical case of AEV in broilers was the first case reported in Greece.
Comparison of two ELISA methods for detection of antibodies against Footand- Mouth Disease virus of cattle breeds in Turkey
Authors: INCE Ö. B. , KALKAN R. , ÇAKIR S.
Published: February 2018

The study was conducted using two ELISA methods - the liquid phase blocking ELISA (LPBE) and solid phase competition ELISA (SPCE) for the detection of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) serotype A- and O-specific antibodies of different cattle breeds in Turkey. These methods were compared in 426 cattle previously vaccinated with oil-adjuvanted bivalent vaccine as well as in sera from 40 cattle with no history of foot-and-mouth disease infection or vaccination. The results were found that SPCE had a better specificity (serotype A; 100% and serotype O; 97.50%) than LPBE (serotype A 95.00% and serotype O 92.50%). Sensitivity of SPCE had also better values (serotype A; 99.30% and serotype O; 98.59%) than LPBE (serotype A; 97.89% and serotype O; 96.48%). The results of the present study showed that the SPCE method is more reliable than LPBE.
Campylobacter spp. infection in humans and poultry
Authors: NATSOS G. , KOUTOULIS K. C. , SOSSIDOU E. , CHEMALY M. , MOUTTOTOU N. K.
Published: February 2018

Campylobacter is well recognized as the leading cause of bacterial foodborne diarrheal disease worldwide. The infection may be subclinical or cause disease of variable severity. The eating and handling of improperly cooked or raw broiler meat has been shown to be one of the most important sources of human campylobacteriosis. Birds carrying Campylobacter are asymptomatic colonizers without any clinical signs. Broilers are considered Campylobacter free after hatching and become colonized by exposure to viable bacteria from the environment. Several risk factors can result in the introduction of Campylobacter into the flocks making it difficult to keep chicken flocks free of Campylobacter throughout the rearing period. Lack of biosecurity measures, season, age, partial depopulation practices, flock size, type of production system, presence of other animals on farm, water quality, presence of rodents and mechanical transmission via insects are considered to be some of the risk factors associated with horizontal transmission. The control of Campylobacter in poultry seems crucial for the reduction of human campylobacteriosis cases. In Greece, there has been a dearth of information on prevalence and risk factors of Campylobacter in broiler flocks. Therefore, it is essential to initially investigate the prevalence of Campylobacter infection on farms and in poultry carcasses and subsequently the risk factors at all production stages of broiler meat and plan intervention studies to help reducing the disease in humans. This paper review the most recent data reported worldwide on Campylobacter infection in humans and poultry in order to provide an overview of trends, risks, possible causes and mechanisms of transmission routes.
Ever-increasing emergence of multi-drug resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius in the dog and its zoonotic potentials
Authors: PAPADOGIANNAKIS (Ε. ΠΑΠΑΔΟΓΙΑΝΝΑΚΗΣ) E. , VELONAKIS (E. ΒΕΛΟΝΑΚΗΣ) E. , VATOPOULOS (Α. ΒΑΤΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ) A.
Published: February 2018

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) has emerged as an important pathogen in the dog over the past 10 years with an ever increasing incidence worldwide. This review focuses mainly on the epidemiology and detection of MRSP, emphasizing on the interpretation and pitfalls of screening laboratory tests and antimicrobial susceptibility tests. Risk factors for colonization and infection with MRSP and molecular analysis of the dominant clonal lineages are also described. The zoonotic potential and worldwide epidemiology of multidrug resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MDRSP) are presented. Finally, control options for the colonization of healthy dogs as well as infection by MRSP and MDRSP are described emphasizing on the indications for bacterial culture and susceptibility testing and the principles of topical therapy which may prove to be the sole effective treatment in several canine pyoderma cases.
Lamb mortality due to bronchopneumonia secondary to orf infection and control by vaccination
Authors: GIADINIS (Ν.Δ. ΓΙΑΔΙΝΗΣ) N. D. , ARSENOPOULOS (Κ. ΑΡΣΕΝΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ) K. , KRITSEPI-KONSTANTINOU (Μ. ΚΡΙΤΣΕΠΗ-ΚΩΝΣΤΑΝΤΙΝΟΥ) M. , TSAKOS (Π. ΤΣΑΚΟΣ) P. , ILIADOU (Π. ΗΛΙΑΔΟΥ) P. , MANGANA-VOUGIOUKA (ΜΑΓΚΑΝΑ-ΒΟΥΓΙΟΥΚΑ) O. , ABD EL-TAWAB M. M.
Published: February 2018

Newborn lambs of a sheep flock in Greece showed clinical signs of bronchopneumonia with high perinatal mortality. All different therapeutic protocols that were applied were ineffective. Clinical examination of 4 lambs confirmed that the animals exposed signs of bronchopneumonia and contagious ecthyma. Haematological parameters of all the 4 lambs were within normal limits, while gross pathologic findings were compatible with bronchopneumonia. Lung and scab specimens were taken from all 4 animals for microbiological examination. Orf virus was isolated from all scab specimens, while lung specimens were found negative. In contrast, all lung specimens yielded colonies of Pasteurella multocida, Manheimia haemolytica and Mycoplasma spp. All the remaining pregnant ewes of the flock were vaccinated against orf virus with a commercial live attenuated vaccine. It resulted in diminishment of bronchopneumonia cases in the newborn lambs. In conclusion, it is supported that the lambs in the present flock were immune-suppressed due to orf infection and therefore exposed secondary bronchopneumonia.
Predisposing factors and control of bacterial mastitis in dairy ewes
Authors: BRAMIS G. , GELASAKIS A. I. , KIOSSIS E. , BANOS G. , ARSENOS G.
Published: February 2018

Bacterial mastitis is a major health problem in dairy sheep worldwide. It is associated with reduced milk yield and occasionally involuntary culling of affected ewes, as well as insufficient growth and mortality of lambs. In general, the incidence of clinical mastitis in ewes during lactation is lower than 5%. However, the prevalence of subclinical mastitis is variable ranging from 10-30% or more. In clinical cases of bacterial intramammary infections, Staphylococcus aureus is dominant. In the case of subclinical mastitis the prevailing isolates are Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci(CNS). Moreover, predisposing factors related to the environment, genetics, udder morphology and nutrition, are likely to contribute to the occurrence of mastitis. Hence, control of the latter factors and bacteriological contamination during milking are the main preventive measures. The notion is that detection of the ovine genome regions involved in mastitis resistance will also facilitate the most effective control of mastitis in flock level. Appropriate genetic selection, together with the implementation of preventive measures, could reduce the negative consequences of bacterial mastitis.
Nitrates and Nitrites in meat products
Authors: GOVARI (Μ. ΓΚΟΒΑΡΗ) M. , PEXARA (Α. ΠΕΞΑΡΑ) A.
Published: February 2018

Nitrates and nitrites have been traditionally used as curing agents in the production of cured meat products. Beneficial effects of the addition of nitrates and nitrites to meat products are the improvement of quality characteristics as well as the microbiological safety. The nitrates and nitrites are mainly responsible for the development of the distinct flavor, the stability of the red color, as well as the protection against lipid oxidation in cured meat products. The nitrites show important bacteriostatic and bacteriocidal activity against several spoilage bacteria as well as foodborne pathogens found in meat products. The nitrites prevent the growth and toxin production by Clostridium botulinum. According to Commission Regulation (EU) No. 1129/2011, nitrates (sodium nitrate, E251; potassium nitrate, E252) and nitrites (potassium nitrite, E249; sodium nitrite, E250) are listed as permitted food additives. Nitrates are relatively non-toxic, but nitrites, and nitrites metabolic compounds such as nitric oxide and N-nitroso compounds, have raised concern over potential adverse health effects. Recently, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) concluded that ingested nitrates or nitrites are probable carcinogen to humans under conditions favoring the endogenous nitrosation. Legal limits for the addition of nitrates and nitrites have been set by several countries and EU [Commission Regulation (EU) No. 601/2014]. Several data from recent reviews conducted in several countries on the levels of nitrates and nitrites in cured meat products were summarized. In recent reviews, the residual levels of nitrites in cured meat samples have been constantly reduced and are in accordance with the legal limits set by most countries.
Occurrence of Aflatoxins in compound feeds and feed materials for dairy livestock in Central Greece
Authors: MANOURAS (Α. ΜΑΝΟΥΡΑΣ) A. , MALISSIOVA (Ε. ΜΑΛΙΣΣΙΟΒΑ) E.
Published: February 2018

Aflatoxins (AFs) in feeds are considered as serious hazards for livestock health and additionally they pose a risk for consumers’ health, especially when contaminated milk is consumed. Since AFs toxicity and stability during feeds and food processing is well established, this study aimed to determine the level of AFs contamination in compound feeds, feed materials and silage, intended for feeding dairy livestock, in central Greece. Out of 274 feed samples analyzed with Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), in 132 (48.17%) AFs were not detected, while 39 (14.23%) were found above the EU maximum tolerable limit of 10 μg kg-1. The levels of AFs contamination ranged from 0.6 to 45.2 μg kg-1. It was found more possible for corn to be contaminated (p-value<0.001). The relatively high incidence of AFs in feeds and especially in corn was verified in this study, something that is line with the view that Mediterranean countries are in high risk for AFs. As there are several factors affecting the level of AFs contamination, constant monitoring of AFs in feeds is required in order to prevent adverse effects on animals and additionally to act as a precaution measure for the occurrence of AFM1 in milk.
Reproductive emergencies in the bitch: a retrospective study
Authors: MARTINS-BESSA A. , CARDOSO L. , COSTA T. , MOTA R. , ROCHA A. , MONTENEGRO L.
Published: February 2018

This study aimed at analyzing reproductive emergencies (RE) in bitches brought in to a general veterinary hospital during a 24 month-period; evaluating their clinical-epidemiological features; and assessing the results of applied therapy. RE accounted for 11.8% of all female dog emergency clinical cases. Pyometra and dystocia accounted for 56.0% and 32% of the RE, with three (Newfoundland, Siberian Husky, Chow-Chow) and nine breeds (Boston Terrier, French Bulldog, Bernese Mountain Dog, Yorkshire Terrier, St. Bernard, Maltese, Chihuahua, Doberman and Boxer) found at higher risk of pyometra and dystocia, respectively. Fifty-four (96.4%) cases of pyometra were surgically managed, with a mortality of 13.0%. Primary uterine inertia (19 cases) was the main cause (59.4%) of dystocia. Medical treatment was attempted in 23 cases of dystocia (71.9%) but found to be effective in only two of them, leading to a high percentage of caesarian sections (30/32 cases, 93.8%). Both pyometra and dystocia had a high percentage of success following surgery. The use of standardized diagnostic and treatment protocols for the approach of RE allowed favorable outcomes.
Hyperthermia -a non-chemical control strategy against varroa
Authors: GORAS (ΓΕΩΡΓΙΟΣ ΓΚΟΡΑΣ) G. , TANANAKI (ΧΡΥΣΟΥΛΑ ΤΑΝΑΝΑΚΗ) C. H. , GOUNARI (ΣΟΦΙΑ ΓΟΥΝΑΡΗ) S. , DIMOU (ΜΑΡΙΑ ΔΗΜΟΥ) M. , LAZARIDOU (ΕΛΙΣΑΒΕΤ ΛΑΖΑΡΙΔΟΥ) E. , KARAZAFIRIS (ΕΜΜ. ΚΑΡΑΖΑΦΕΙΡΗΣ) E. , KANELIS (ΔΗΜΗΤΡΙΟΣ ΚΑΝΕΛΗΣ) D. , LIOLIOS (ΒΑΣΙΛΕΙΟΣ ΛΙΟΛΙΟΣ) V. , F. EL TAJ H. , THRASYVOULOU (ΑΝΔΡΕΑΣ ΘΡΑΣΥΒΟΥΛΟΥ) A.
Published: February 2018

Worldwide, the ectoparasitic mite varroa (Varroa destructor Anderson & Trueman) is potentially the main threatening parasite for Apis mellifera L. To find an alternative therapy for varroa and to limit the chemical residues in bee products, 27 bee colonies with their brood, were treated at 42°C for 12 to 480 minutes. All experimental colonies had 5-8 frames of brood and 10 frames of population (approximately 10.000 bees each colony). During the treatment the final temperature inside the hive varied from 42.3°C to 46.5°C. The effectiveness of hyperthermia to control the varroa population, depends on the duration of the therapy. When the time treatment was extended from 12 to 480 minutes, the falling mites ranged from 29.8% to 79.8%. A small number (4.7%) of dead mites was found in sealed brood after a 60-minute treatment, which gradually increased along with the treatment duration reaching 100% after 480 minutes. The use of the device irritated the bees but did not cause losses of honeybees, or excessive aggravation. Dead larvae inside sealed brood were observed when hyperthermia was applied for more than 120 minutes and increased along with the duration of heating. To our knowledge, in the presence of brood and adult bees, the hyperthermia method is used for the first time as alternative solution to limit the excessive use of chemical substances under field conditions. This method is proved to be most suitable for beekeepers with small amount of colonies.
Blockchain protocols in clinical trials: Transparency and traceability of consent
Authors: Benchoufi Mehdi , Porcher Raphael , Ravaud Philippe
Published: February 2018

Clinical trial consent for protocols and their revisions should be transparent for patients and traceable for stakeholders. Our goal is to implement a process allowing for collection of patients’ informed consent, which is bound to protocol revisions, storing and tracking the consent in a secure, unfalsifiable and publicly verifiable way, and enabling the sharing of this information in real time. For that, we build a consent workflow using a trending technology called Blockchain. This is a distributed technology that brings a built-in layer of transparency and traceability. From a more general and prospective point of view, we believe Blockchain technology brings a paradigmatical shift to the entire clinical research field. We designed a Proof-of-Concept protocol consisting of time-stamping each step of the patient’s consent collection using Blockchain, thus archiving and historicising the consent through cryptographic validation in a securely unfalsifiable and transparent way. For each protocol revision, consent was sought again.  We obtained a single document, in an open format, that accounted for the whole consent collection process: a time-stamped consent status regarding each version of the protocol. This document cannot be corrupted and can be checked on any dedicated public website. It should be considered a robust proof of data. However, in a live clinical trial, the authentication system should be strengthened to remove the need for third parties, here trial stakeholders, and give participative control to the peer users. In the future, the complex data flow of a clinical trial could be tracked by using Blockchain, which core functionality, named Smart Contract, could help prevent clinical trial events not occurring in the correct chronological order, for example including patients before they consented or analysing case report form data before freezing the database. Globally, Blockchain could help with reliability, security, transparency and could be a consistent step toward reproducibility.