bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The development of a DNA vaccine for the Spring Viraemia of Carp Virus (SVCV)
Authors: KANELLOS (Θ.Σ. ΚΑΝΕΛΛΟΣ) Th. S , XYLOURI (Ε.Μ. ΞΥΛΟΥΡΗ) E. M. , RUSSEL P. H.
Published: February 2018

DNA immunization is a promising approach to induce immunity/protection against infectious agents. In the present study a DNA vaccine to Spring Viraemia of Carp Virus (SVCV) G glycoprotein was investigated. The G gene was cloned intact with several promoters namely: 1) the immediate early promoter/enhancer of the human cytomegalovirus; 2) the simian virus 40 promoter; and 3) the porcine myosin heavy chain IIA promoter. In fusion constructs, the G gene was fused either upstream to the LacZ gene or downstream to the murine Ig k-chain leader sequence. BALB/c mice immunized with the aforementioned plasmids produced strong T-cell proliferative responses to the SVCV, in the absence of any detectable antibody response. The group that responded most robusdy was the one that had received the LacZ fusion gene and therefore, this construct was further tested in mice with the addition of a plasmid expressing the murine cytokine GMCSF. Co-administration of the GMCSF expressing plasmid resulted in high SVCV spleenoproliferative responses in mice and the development of antibodies to both fused proteins. These results indicate the functionality of the constructs and the possibility of giving protection in fish.
Patterns of maternal behaviour of ewes and sucking behaviour of lambs
Authors: GOUGOULIS (Δ.Α. ΓΚΟΥΓΚΟΥΛΗΣ) D. A. , KYRIAZAKIS (Η. ΚΥΡΙΑΖΑΚΗΣ) Ι. , FTHENAKIS (Γ. Χ. ΦΘΕΝΑΚΗΣ) G. C.
Published: February 2018

In the present article the literature of maternal and sucking behaviour of sheep is reviewed. The article is divided into five sections: (i) Preparation of the ewe - lambing, (ii) Initiation of maternal behaviour - recognition of newborn lambs, (iii) Recognition between ewe and newborn lambs (auditory stimuli and ewe-lamb recognition, visual ewe-lamb recognition, olfactory cues for maternal behaviour, haptic cues in teat seeking by newborn lambs), (iv) Other patterns of ewe - lamb behaviour (other behavioural patterns immediately post-partum, behavioural patterns during lactation) and (v) Neuro-hormonal control of maternal behaviour. In general, studies of maternal and neonatal behavior of sheep contribute to development of management practices, resulting to decreased neonatal mortality, increase of meat production and improvement of animal health and welfare. They also confirm the importance of animal ethology as a veterinary speciality.
Equine Laminitis: A retrospective study of 55 cases (2000-2004)
Authors: PAPAKONSTANTIS (Ι. ΠΑΠΑΚΩΝΣΤΑΝΤΗΣ) I. , DIAKAKIS (Ν. ΔΙΑΚΑΚΗΣ) N. , PATSIKAS (Μ. ΠΑΤΣΙΚΑΣ) M. , DESIRIS (Α. ΔΕΣΙΡΗΣ) A.
Published: February 2018

Laminitis is a common equine disease. In order to have a good prognosis, prompt therapy is essential. Fifty-five cases of equine laminitis, that were treated in the Clinic of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, were included in this study. More specifically, the clinical presentation and the diagnostic approach are described and the therapeutic protocol is evaluated. At the same time, the literature is reviewed as far as the epidemiology, the pathogenesis, the clinical signs, the diagnosis and the treatment is concerned. It is worth mentioning that several therapeutic protocols have been put forward for the treatment of laminitis, perhaps due to the fact that its pathogenesis is still under dispute. Prolonged rest, frog support, cols hosing of the feet, severe diet, administration of antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug were the key points of the protocol of this study that led to extremely good results for the majority of the cases.
Report of an equine forelimb varus case
Authors: DIAKAKIS (Ν.ΔΙΑΚΑΚΗΣ) N. , DESIRIS (Α. ΔΕΣΙΡΗΣ) A.
Published: February 2018

Angular limb deformities could be congenital oracquired and could result from: a) asymmetrical growth from the distal radial epiphysis, b) incomplete growth of the carpal bones, the second and fourth metacarpal bones and c) laxity of the carpal joints. The causes of these conditions are numerous. As far as congenital angular deformities are concerned, the cause may be due to intrauterine malposition, overnutrition of the mare in the latter half of pregnancy, joint laxity, twin pregnancy, short gestation period, defective endochondral ossification of the carpal bones or maldevelopment of the second and fourth metacarpal bones. Specifically for the defective endochondral ossification of the carpal bones, the condition is put down to placentitis or reduced uterine blood supply, which prohibits the development of the placenta. Moreover, others claim that toxic and hormonal factors pray a role in the aetiopathogenesis of the disease. As far as the acquired angular limb deformity is concerned, it can be due to growth plate injury, deterioration of an existing subtle congenital deformity, excessive contralateral limb weight bearing, over nutrition, improper trimming, excessive exercise or bad training and poor limb conformation. This report describes the case of a 15-month-old foal, which was admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, A.U.Th. with bilateral forelimb varus, which was due to overfeeding of the animal. Based on the radiological findings and the age of the animal, the transection of the periosteum (periosteal stripping) from the concave side was the recommended treatment of choice. On re-examination, 4months post-operatively, carpal varus had resolved completely in both forelimbs.
Influenza in birds, pigs and humans: how strong is the species barrier?
Authors: Van REETH K. , De VLEESCHAUWER A. , KYRIAKIS C. S.
Published: February 2018

The recent epizootics of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in poultry and the occasional infections of humans and other mammals, including pigs and felines, have alerted the international scientific community. New questions over the interspecies transmission of influenza viruses have been raised and the role of the pig as a "mixing vessel" of avian and human viruses has been criticized. The major aim of this review is to evaluate the zoonotic potential of avian and swine influenza. Interspecies transmissions of influenza viruses are rare virus-evolution events and very few viruses have succeeded to become established in new host species. Until the appearance of the H5N1 virus in 1996 only 3 cases of humans infected with avian viruses were recorded. The lack of human-to-human transmission of H5N1 demonstrates that extensive changes in the virus genome are required in order to overcome the species barrier. Although avian influenza viruses have been isolated from pigs, only in one occasion an avian H I N I virus transmitted from wild ducks to pigs was able to further spread in the swine population. The susceptibility of swine to highly and low pathogenic avian viruses has been confirmed in experimental studies, but pig-to-pig transmission has not been demonstrated. Experimental and natural transmission of highly pathogenic avian viruses to felines, mice, ferrets and maqacues are also discussed, showing the major differences in the virus pathogenesis among different mammalian species. The study of this pathogenesis may offer insights to the reasons of limited virus spread within a new host. We may conclude that, contrary to common believes, the species barrier remains a serious obstacle for the spread of novel influenza viruses in new host species, including humans. Our experience with H5N1 and H7N7 has tested old established theories, proving them insufficient. Further study of the factors which influence and limit the transmission of influenza viruses from one species to another is needed to better understand and evaluate the risk of the emergence of new pandemic influenza viruses.
Pain management in cat
Authors: KAZAKOS (Γ.Μ. ΚΑΖΑΚΟΣ) G. M. , SAVVAS (Ι. ΣΑΒΒΑΣ) I. , RAPTOPOULOS (Δ. ΡΑΠΤΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ) D.
Published: February 2018

Although cats are very popular pets, pain in this species is often underestimated. The reasons for this may include difficulties in pain recognition, unfamiliarity with the use of opioids or non-steroidal analgesic drugs, and with the application of local analgesic techniques. Proper pain management should always be undertaken mainly for medical and humane purposes. Pre-emptive and multimodal analgesia can aid significanly in postoperative pain alleviation. Nowadays, the veterinarian's armamentarium is equipped with a variety of agents in order to alleviate pain in cats. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often as effective as opioids. The latter are now used successfully for pain management in cats. Both classes provide safe analgesia, taking into account the differences in metabolism between cats and other species. Adjunctive analgesic therapy may be provided with the use of ketamine or a2-adrenergic receptor agonists. Loco-regional analgesic techniques can be used to effectively manage pain in a variety of clinical settings.
Neurological examination of small ruminants
Authors: GIADINIS (Ν. Δ. ΓΙΑΔΙΝΗΣ) N. D. , PANOUSIS (Ν. Κ. ΠΑΝΟΥΣΗΣ) N. K. , POLIZOPOULOU (Ζ. ΠΟΛΥΖΟΠΟΥΛΟΥ) Z. , KARATZIAS (Χ. ΚΑΡΑΤΖΙΑΣ) H.
Published: February 2018

The neurological examination in small ruminants is very helpful in confirming the presence of a neurological problem and localizing the site of the lesion. The anatomical localization is useful for the differential diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of neurological diseases. A thorough review of the case history and clinical examination are followed by the inspection from a distance in order to assess behavior, level of consciousness and position of head, trunk and limbs. The locomotion disorders are evaluated upon walking the animals. Proprioception is examined with the postural reactions and cranial nerve function with the testing of the appropriate reflexes. The neurological examination is completed with the evaluation of muscular tone, spinal reflexes and the assessment of superficial and deep pain sensation.
Evaluation of a thymol formulation efficacy against Varroa destructor under Central Greek climatic conditions
Authors: BACANDRITSOS (Ν. ΜΠΑΚΑΝΔΡΙΤΣΟΣ) N. , PAPANASTASIOU (Ι. ΠΑΠΑΝΑΣΤΑΣΙΟΥ) I.
Published: February 2018

The acaricidical formulation based on thymol crystals (main active ingredient) in combination with eucalyptus oil, menthol and camphor crystals was evaluated for its efficacy for two consecutive years (2002 and 2003) the period from 25th May to 25th June. The experimental apiaries are located in Locrida (Central Greece) where the temperatures during summer are usually high. Naturally infected by the mite Varroa destructorbee colonies with similar population were used. The formulation was placed on the upper part of the frames at a rate of one dose every 15 days for two times. The average value of the formulation efficacy was 90.5%±1.0 and 90.6%±0.8 for 2002 and 2003, respectively. In 2002 the temperature in the area where the experiment took place ranged from 17.0°C up to 27.0 °C, while in 2003 it ranged from 16.3°C up to 27.5°C. The results showed that when the bee colonies were treated with two tablets, one every 15 days at the beginning of the summer, the efficacy of the thymol formulation was 90.5% with minimal side effects and toxicity. Additionally, at the beginning of its use, the observed bee agitation at the hive entrance can be reduced by placing 1/20 of the dosage one day before the main treatment.
Porcine malignant hyperthermia during sevoflurane anaesthasia
Authors: KOSTOMITSOPOULOS (Ν.Γ. ΚΩΣΤΟΜΗΤΣΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ) N. G. , BALAFAS (Ε. ΜΠΑΛΑΦΑΣ) E. , MANGIARAS (Γ. ΜΑΝΤΖΙΑΡΑΣ) G. , PARONIS (Ε. ΠΑΡΩΝΗΣ) E. , ALEXAKOS (Π. ΑΛΕΞΑΚΟΣ) P. , KARAYANNAKOS (Π.Ε. ΚΑΡΑΓΙΑΝΝΑΚΟΣ) P. E.
Published: February 2018

During a surgical procedure, in a pig, under general anaesthesia with sevoflurane, the animal developed malignant hyperthermia. Malignant hyperthermia was expressed only by a progressive increase of rectal temperature without early symptoms from the cardiopulmonary system. The delayed onset of the malignant hyperthermia may be due to the co-administration of a number of drugs at the pre-anaesthetic phase as well as during the surgical procedure.
Welfare of fish
Authors: TSANTILAS (Η. ΤΣΑΝΤΗΛΑΣ) H. , ATHANASSOPOULOU (Φ. ΑΘΑΝΑΣΟΠΟΥΛΟΥ) E. , GALATOS (Α.Δ. ΓΑΛΑΤΟΣ) A. D. , BITCHAVA (Κ. ΜΠΙΤΧΑΒΑ) K.
Published: February 2018

Fish welfare and in general the welfare of animals is a term that declares a painless and not stressfull state of being. During the previous years this term has been questioned by the producers, however, nowadays, it is actually legally regulated in several countries. For fishes, few are the examples of such enforcement, such as in Norway and Germany where the killing of fish for human consumption bases on techniques compatible with their welfare. All the animals need a stable environment of being so that they can survive, develop and reproduce. The absence of such a stability is termed as stress. There are various causes of producing stress in fish. Firsdy, almost all management procedures that are practiced commercially result in stress (e.g. transport). Secondly, inadequate conditions of farming, such as the high stocking-density and an unbalanced food, place the welfare of fishes at risk. To the same result may also lead other factors, such as the unsuitable quality of the rearing water, the techniques that are used for the prevention and treatment of illnesses, the techniques of killing and also transport.
Evaluation of individually ventilated caging system for laboratory animals - One year's experience
Authors: KOSTOMITSOPOULOS (Ν.Γ. ΚΩΣΤΟΜΗΤΣΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ) N. G. , PARONIS (Ε. ΠΑΡΩΝΗΣ) E. , ALEXAKOS (Π. ΑΛΕΞΑΚΟΣ) P. , APERGIS (Ι. ΑΠΕΡΓΗΣ) I.
Published: February 2018

During the last decades, the use of individually ventilated caging system has become more and more attractive for housing laboratory rodents. Since the Animal Facility of the Centre for Experimental Surgery of the Foundation of Biomedical Research of the Academy of Athens was totally equipped with individually ventilated caging units, it was decided, after one year and a half of working experience, to perform an evaluation of the system, based on specific criteria. Individually ventilated caging system can contribute to the increased number of laboratory rodents housed within the animal facility by making better use of the available space, which is not always dedicated to animals. The system is flexible for the simultaneous support of research protocols with different microbiological status with the minimum risk for cross contamination between animals. Special attention has to be given to its maintenance and monitoring. Individually ventilated caging units are ergonomically suitable and they reduce the exposure of personnel to airborne allergens.
Age - related behaviour on individually caged rabbits
Authors: KATSAROU (Α. ΚΑΤΣΑΡΟΥ) A. , TSIRONI (Α. ΤΣΙΡΩΝΗ) A. , SERAFETINIDOU (Μ. ΣΕΡΑΦΕΤΙΝΙΔΟΥ) M. , VOYAZAKI (Χ. ΒΟΓΙΑΤΖΑΚΗ) C. , BAUMANS V. , KOSTOMITSOPOULOS (Ν. ΚΩΣΤΟΜΙΤΣΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ) N.
Published: February 2018

Housing conditions and environmental enrichment of individually caged laboratory rabbits is of great importance for the welfare of the animals and the quality of the experimental results. In order to improve the design of existing environmental enrichment programs for laboratory rabbits, considerable knowledge of the behavioural needs of this species is necessary. Taking this into consideration, the aim of this study was to monitor and analyze the behaviour of juvenile and young adult rabbits in order to establish whether there are any age-dependent differences in grooming, rearing, sniffing, eating, drinking and gnawing. 12 NZW rabbits were divided into two groups: group A consisted of six 6-month-old rabbits (young adults) and group Β consisted of six 2-month-old rabbits (juvenile). All animals were already housed for more than twenty days under the same conditions in the animal facility. Both groups of rabbits were video-recorded between 06:00h - 18:00h for four consecutive days. The frequency of each behaviour was determined and compared in the two groups of rabbits from the video recordings. The frequencies of grooming, eating and gnawing in the young rabbits were significantly greater than those in the older rabbits (p<0.05). No statistical differences were found between the two groups for rearing, sniffing and drinking. From these results, we concluded that even small age differences should be taken into account when designing an environmental enrichment program for individually caged rabbits.
In vitro comparison of hydrolysis of different starches along the digestive tract of teleosts important for aquaculture
Authors: PAPOUTSOGLOU (Ε.Σ. ΠΑΠΟΥΤΣΟΓΛΟΥ) E. S. , LYNDON A. R.
Published: February 2018

The in vitro hydrolysis of different starches (potato, rice, wheat, corn, sorghum), as well as an intermediate product of malting process (brewer's spent grain), by blue tilapia, Oreochromis aureus, gilthead sea bream, Sparus aurata and European sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax, were compared (total carbohydrase assay, 37° C, pH 7.6,4 hours incubation). Obtained results (significandy higher hydrolysis levels obtained for potato, rice and sorghum starch) suggest that starch source and associated properties (starch granule size, amylose content) and modifications applied may have significant difference on its digestion by fish digestive carbohydrases. Furthermore, the importance of brewer's spent grain as a low-cost carbohydrate source and feed component, in relation to aglucosidase adaptive response to dietary carbohydrate, is also considered significant.
Molecular diagnostic investigation of brucellosis in a caprine organic farm
Authors: IKONOMOPOULOS (I.A. ΟΙΚΟΝΟΜΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ) J. A. , GAZOULI (M. ΓΑΖΟΥΛΗ) M. , XYLOURI (Ε. ΞΥΛΟΥΡΗ) E. , GEORGAKILAS (E.K. ΓΕΩΡΓΑΚΙΛΑΣ) E. K. , KARAGIANNI (Π. ΚΑΡΑΓΙΑΝΝΗ) P. , MENEGATOS (Ι. ΜΕΝΑΓΑΤΟΣ) I.
Published: February 2018

Brucellosis of sheep and goats is widely spread in the Mediterranean basin. The disease is of considerable significance with connection to Public Health protection since it can be transmitted to humans causing serious disease. In April 2005 we investigated whether brucellosis was present among the male animals of a caprine organic herd in Nomos Hleias, Greece. The herd consisted of 250 female and 13 male animals and had a record of sporadic abortions usually taking place at the final third of gestation. During sample collection all the animals were found clinically healthy, although it was not possible to determine from the records of the farm if there was any previous incidence of orchitis or epididymitis in the animals under study. The laboratory diagnostic investigation consisted of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay applied for the detection of DNA belonging to Brucella melitensis in blood samples. Two of the 13 samples that were tested reacted positive by PCR allowing the amplification of the 844 base pair DNA fragment specific for Brucella melitensis. In this study, PCR allowed detection of two animals that although they were clinically healthy, they carried enough Brucella in their blood to allow microbial identification with only a single blood collection. This finding seems to agree with the concept that goats consist the reservoir of brucellosis in Greece developing milder disease than sheep and sustaining the infection for longer periods of time. One of the positive samples that were recorded was identified by sequencing as Brucella suis, something that is reported for the first time with connection to goats. This finding and the sensitivity of man to B. suis renders human exposure to this pathogen through goats, an epidemiology factor worth of detailed investigation. This necessity is associated with the fact that as opposed to porcine meat, sheep and goat dairy products in Greece are sometimes consumed without the necessary heat treatment.
Genetically modified food
Authors: PAPPAS (Φ. ΠΑΠΠΑΣ) F. , STEFANIDOU (Μ. ΣΤΕΦΑΝΙΔΟΥ) M.
Published: February 2018

International consensus has been reached on the principles regarding evaluation of the food safety of genetically modified plants. The concept of substantial equivalence has been developed as part of a safety evaluation framework, based on the idea that existing foods can serve as a basis for comparing the properties of genetically modified foods with the appropriate counterpart. Substantial equivalence is a starting point in the safety evaluation, rather than an endpoint of the assessment. The development and validation of new profiling methods, such as DNA microarray technology, proteomics and metabonomics for the identification and characterization of unintended effects, which may occur as a result of the genetic modification, is recommended. The assessment of the allergenicity of newly inserted proteins and of marker genes is discussed. Also, the post-marketing surveillance of the foods derived from genetically modified crops is imperative.
Study of microbiological aspects of meningoencephalitis due to Listeria spp in ruminants
Authors: GIANNATI-STEFANOU (Α. ΓΙΑΝΝΑΤΗ-ΣΤΕΦΑΝΟΥ) A. , TSAKOS (Π. ΤΣΑΚΟΣ) P. , BOURTZI-HATZOPOULOU (Ε. ΜΠΟΥΡΤΖΗ-ΧΑΤΖΟΠΟΥΛΟΥ) E. , ANATOLIOTIS (Κ. ΑΝΑΤΟΛΙΩΤΗΣ) K.
Published: February 2018

Microbiological aspects of meningoencephalitis due to Listeria spp in Northern Greece were studied. The diagnosis was based on the isolation of Listeria monocytogenes from bovine, sheep and goats brains. Forty three bovine herds, 310 sheep flocks and 976 goat herds, suspicious of the neural form of listeriosis, were examined and 2 (4.6%), 60 (19.3%) and 361 (36.9%) of them were found positive, respectively. It was ascertained statistically (P<0.05) that encephalitic listeriosis affects mostly goats than sheep. All strains, except two, were isolated from adult animals mostly in December and January. Sero typing of 141 strains showed that serovar 4b was predominant (81%) and was distributed among all the areas where listeriosis was detected. Phage typing of 60 strains allowed the clustering of strains, those belonging to the same serotype and phage lysed by the same phage or a series of phages. These groups were found mainly in bordering areas with few exceptions. This fact probably shows the common origin of these strains.
Lymph node cytology in the dog and cat
Authors: MYLONAKIS (Μ.Ε. ΜΥΛΩΝΑΚΗΣ) M. E. , KOUTINAS (Α.Φ. ΚΟΥΤΙΝΑΣ) A. F. , KRITSEPI-KONSTANTINOU (Μ. ΚΡΙΤΣΕΠΗ-ΚΩΝΣΤΑΝΤΙΝΟΥ) M.
Published: February 2018

Lymph node (LN) cytology, a cost-effective and highly rewarding diagnostic technique, is performed routinely in the everyday practice. Localised or generalised lymphadenomegaly and clinical staging of malignant tumors comprise the main indications of this valuable diagnostic modality. The superficial and easily palpated submandibular, prescapular and popliteal LN can be easily positioned, while internal LN (i.e. mediastinal, mesenteric, sublumbar) may necessitate a surgical exploration or ultrasound guidance. Fine-needle biopsy and imprint smears from excised LN are the most common techniques to obtain the necessary material. Small lymphocytes constitute more than 80% of the normal LN population, with medium and large lymphocytes making up approximately the 5-15% of it. The occasional presence of plasma and mast cells, neutrophils, eosinophils and macrophages can also be noticed. Lymphadenomegaly, either localised or generalised, is mainly due to hyperplasia, inflammation or neoplasia. Hyperplastic LN may appear normal cytologically, but typically, small lymphocytes predominate (>50% of nucleated cells [NC]), in the context of a moderate increase of medium/large lymphocytes (<20%of NC) and plasma cells (>5% of NC). Hyperplastic lymphadenopathy is indicative of a lymphoid proliferation secondary to a local (e.g. deep staphylococcal pyoderma) or generalised (e.g. leishmaniosis) antigenic stimulation. In primary or secondary lymphadenitis, LN are infiltrated by increased numbers of inflammatory cells, the predominance of which define the neutrophilic or purulent, eosinophilic, granulomatous or pyogranulomatous inflammation. Bacterial (e.g. Mycobacterium sp.), fungal (e.g. Histoplasma capsulatum) and protozoal (e.g. Leishmania infantum) infections, represent the leading etiologies of canine and feline lymphadenitis. In lymphoma, the most common neoplastic lymphadenopathy in both animal species, the predominance of medium and large (> 50% of NC) immature lymphocytes is observed. Metastatic neoplasia can be documented when non-lymphoid malignant cells (i.e. epithelial, mesenchymal) or increased numbers of normally present cells (i.e. mast cells), also bearing malignant features, are detected on LN cytology. Failure to establish a definitive diagnosis on LN cytology warrants a surgical biopsy and histopathology.
Equine Recurrent Uveitis: a review
Authors: KOMNENOU (Α. ΚΟΜΝΗΝΟΥ) A. , DIAKAKIS (Ν. ΔΙΑΚΑΚΗΣ) N. , DESIRIS (Α. ΔΕΣΙΡΗΣ) A.
Published: February 2018

Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU), also known as "periodic ophthalmia" or "moon blindness", is one of the most serious and vision-threatening disorders worldwide. The pathogenesis of the disease is only partially understood, although it is confidently immune mediated, where bacterial {Leptospira, interrogans), viral and parasitic infections, trauma and systemic diseases have been implicated. The clinical manifestations of ERU vary considerably depending on the stage of the disease. The ocular lesions are usually unilateral, whereas in approximately 20% of the cases they are seen in both eyes. Diagnosis is based on ophthalmologic examination along with specific serology, aiming at the detection of any specific infectious agent. Aggressive and early undertaken treatment is of paramount importance in an attempt to preserve vision, decrease ocular pain and prevent or minimize further relapses. The conventional treatment includes the use of glucocorticosteroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs along with mydriatics-cycloplegics, while pars plana vitrectomy and cyclosporine A intra-ocular implants may also give encouraging results. Recendy, alternative therapeutic methods (homeopathy, acupuncture) have also been used. Prognosis in ERU is always guarded to poor, because the severity and frequency of the future episodes is unpredictable.
Gumboro disease (IBD)
Authors: GEORGOPOULOU (Ι. ΓΕΩΡΓΟΠΟΥΛΟΥ) J.
Published: February 2018

Gumboro Disease (IBD) caused by Infectious Bursal Disease Virus is an immunosuppressive condition of chickens, which resulted in severe economical losses. Approximately 47 years after the first appearance of the disease, the changes in the form of presentation and pathogenicity of IBDV in the field has resulted in continual changes and adjustments of the vaccines used to control IBD. The original form of the disease, also known as classic or clinical IBD, was usually observed after the third week of life with high mortality, depending on factors, such as virulence of the strain of virus involved, age of the birds and maternal antibody status. The acute IBD is caused by the very virulent IBDV strains, characterized by high mortality rates in vaccinated chickens and the clinical signs and lesions are similar to those of the classic form. The subclinicalform of the disease is associated with the "variant" strains of IBDV and is characterized by low mortality and severe immunosuppression. Initially, the classic IBD was controlled by the use of mild vaccines produced in the early 1970s and from the late 1980s revealed absence of protection from wIBDV in vaccinated chickens. Another group of vaccinal strains, known as intermediate plus vaccine, has been used to control wIBDV strains. These vaccines multiply in birds, even in the presence of high maternal antibody titers. In the USA and other countries, the disease from the variant strains was controlled by intermediate strains as well as by inactivated vaccines that included variant strains, thus providing maternal antibodies against both the standard and variant strains. Until today, the IBD continues to pose an important threat to commercial poultry industry. The high resistence of IBDV to physical and chemical agents accounts for persistence of the virus in the outside environment, particularly on contaminated farms, despite disinfection. Nevertheless and not quite unexpected for the IBDV mutations in the genome, resulted in the emergence of antigenic variant strains in vaccinated flocks. The IBD requires heightened vigilance and the incidence and prevalence of the clinical and immunosuppressive forms must be evaluated more precisely.
Use of anaesthetic agents in farmed fish
Authors: TSANTILAS (Η. ΤΣΑΝΤΗΛΑΣ) H. , GALATOS (Α. Δ. ΓΑΛΑΤΟΣ) A. D. , ATHANASSOPOULOU (ΑΘΑΝΑΣΟΠΟΥΛΟΥ Φ.) F.
Published: February 2018

Anaesthetic agents are routinely used in farmed fish to permit the performance of painful procedures, ease handling and reduce stress during grading, tagging, transport, blood sampling, artificial breeding and vaccination of fish. An ideal anaesthetic for fish should induce anaesthesia rapidly, allow a rapid recovery, be safe to both fish and user, leave low tissue residues and be inexpensive and easy to use. A variety of factors, including species, size, body weight, gill surface area to body weight ratio, lipid content, sex, sexual maturity, physical condition and health state of the fish, as well as temperature, pH, salinity and oxygen and mineral content of the water may affect the anaesthetic process in fish. The most commonly used anaesthetics are tricaine, benzocaine, phenoxyethanol, quinaldine, quinate, clove oil and metomidate. Tricaine is the only anaesthetic licensed for farmed fish use in the USA. It is easy to use and safe, but also expensive. Benzocaine is cheaper, but poorly water-soluble and has to be prepared in either ethanol or acetone. Phenoxyethanol is considered by most fish farmers as the anaesthetic of choice for farmed fish, because of its easy preparation, low price, rapid action and bactericidal and fungicidal properties. Quin aldine and quinate are effective and easy to use anaesthetic agents, however, a number of adverse effects have been reported to both fish and users. The active ingredients of clove oil are eugenol and isoeugenol and have been introduced only recently as fish anaesthetics. Apart from being inexpensive and easy to use, clove oil has also bactericidal and fungicidal properties. Metomidate may have a certain advantage as it probably evokes a less severe stress response in fish than the other anaesthetic agents.
Protection of piglets immunized with a cloned pseudorabies virus
Authors: ABDELWAHID S. A. , ELJALII IMA
Published: February 2018

The potential of pseudorabies virus (PrV) clone (mAlp) as an immunizing agem against Aujeszky's disease (AD) in swine was invesτigaτed in this study. The pathogenicity, immunogenicity and protective efficiency induced by the virus were the major focus of the study. An indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure antibody responses to the virus. The virus was proved non-pathogenic for piglets up to the dose 10 plaque forming unit (p.f.u.). The antibody titres to the virus were correlated with the immunization dose. The difference in the antibody levels for the doses 10 and 10 p.f.u. was nonsignificant (p<0.01), but between the dose 10 and 10 , was significant (p<0.05). Following challenge of immunized animals with the virulent PrV-CD strain, total protection of piglets was observed even at the immunizing dose 10 p.f.u. In conclusion, PrVmAlp was non-pathogenic, highly immunogenic and protective against virulent PrV challenge in piglets, hence suggested as an efficacious and safe vaccine candidate against the disease.
Transglutaminases - a review with special reference to microbial transglutaminase and its application in food processing
Authors: TZIKAS (Ζ. ΤΖΗΚΑΣ) Z. , AMBROSIADIS (Ι. ΑΜΒΡΟΣΙΑΔΗΣ) I.
Published: February 2018

Some properties and applications of the transglutaminase (TG), with particular focus on TG derived from microorganisms (MTG), are described. TG catalyzes an acyltransfer reaction in which the γ-carboxyamide groups of pep tidebound glutamine residues are the acyl-donors. Most food proteins, such as legume globulins, wheat gluten and gliadin, egg yolk and egg white proteins, meat actins and myosins, gelatin, collagen, milk caseins, a-lactalbumin and /Mactoglobulin, could be crosslinked by TG. TG are present in an extremely broad spectrum of living organisms, such as humans, most advanced animals, birds, amphibians, fish, plants and microorganisms. Commercial TG has been merely obtained from animal tissues for decades. The limited supply and the complicated separation and purification procedure for obtaining tissue TG have resulted in an extremely high price of the enzyme, which hampers a wide application in food processing. MTG, mass-produced at low cost by fermentation, catalyses the cross-linking of most food proteins through the formation of c-(v-glutamyl) lysine bonds, in the same way as wellknown mammalian enzymes. However, MTG is quite unique from other mammalian TG, since it is totally independent of Ca + and has a relatively lower molecular weight. The results of many studies suggest that MTG has many potential applications in food processing. Food treated with MTG appeared to have an improved flavour, appearance and texture. In addition, this enzyme can increase shelf-life and reduce allergenicity of certain foods. Using additional components, such as sodium ceseinate, maltodextrine and starch, MTG can be customized for use in many other foods, even those with lower protein content. In this respect, MTG technology will be an essential tool for producing acceptable protein foods from non-animal proteins in the future.
Defense mechanisms in the bovine mammary gland
Authors: MAVROGIANNI (Β. Σ. ΜΑΥΡΟΓΙΑΝΝΗ) V. S. , FTHENAKIS (Γ. Χ. ΦΘΕΝΑΚΗΣ) G. C.
Published: February 2018

In the present article the literature on the defence mechanisms of the bovine mammary gland is reviewed. The article is divided into three sections: (i) The teat, (ii) Cellular defence mechanisms (number of somatic cells, type of somatic cells, counting of somatic cells, defence role of somatic cells: macrophages, neutrophils, lymphocytes) and (iii) Chemoral defence mechanisms (cytokines: IL-1, IL-2, IL-8, granulocyte/macrophage-colony stimulating factor and TNF-a, immunoglobulins, complement, lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase/thiocyanate/ H 2 0 2 system, lysozyme).
Etiopathogenesis and clinical manifestations of the non-ketotic feline diabetes mellitus
Authors: SARIDOMICHELAKIS (Μ. Ν. ΣΑΡΙΔΟΜΙΧΕΛΑΚΗΣ) M. N. , KOUTINAS (Α.Φ. ΚΟΥΤΙΝΑΣ) A. F.
Published: February 2018

Diabetes mellitus, the clinical syndrome that results form absolute or relative insulin deficiency and/or reduced number or sensitivity of the insulin receptors, is considered one of the most common endocrine diseases in the cat, being secondary only to hypethyroidism. The exact etiology of type I feline diabetes mellitus remains obscure, although in many cases occurs secondarily to chronic pancreatitis. Type II diabetes mellitus, which is very common in the everyday clinical practice, is characterized by relative insulin deficiency, secondary to reduced production of this hormone (chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic amyloidosis), insulin resistance and/or increased glucose production by the liver (obesity, chronic stress, overproduction of amylin). Secondary (type III) diabetes mellitus is the result of various causes, not directly involving pancreatic tissue, that cause insulin resistance, such as hyperadrenocorticism, pheochromocytoma, acromegaly, hyperthyroidism, infections, neoplasia, hyperlipidemia, chronic heart and renal failure and the exogenous administration of glucocorticoids and progestagens. The most common clinical manifestations of feline non-ketotic diabetes mellitus include polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, weight loss, hepatomegaly, retinopathy, peripheral polyneuropathy, dry seborrhea and those resulting form the secondary infections, such as cystitis and stomatitis.
Contemporary aspects on the immunopathogenesis of pemphigus group in the dog
Authors: PAPADOGIANNAKIS (E. Ι. ΠΑΠΑΔΟΓΙΑΝΝΑΚΗΣ) E. M.
Published: February 2018

Autoimmune diseases of the canine epidermis originate from the activation of the immune system against some adhesion molecules, which link the keratinocytes. Epidermal autoimmunity eventually induces acantholysis, which is thepathological hallmark of these skin diseases. In this review article, a thorough analysis of the immunopathogenesis for each of these skin diseases has been attempted along with the mechanisms that modulate the process of acantholysis. Epidermal autoimmune diseases in the dog include pemphigus foliaceus, vulgaris, panepidermal pustular, erythematosus, paraneoplastic and pharmaceutical. The recent advances in immunopathological and molecular techniques have markedly facilitated the understanding of their pathogenesis, thus giving the opportunity for the development of new therapeutic strategies that may lead to their successful treatment.
High Hydrostatic Treatment of Foods
Authors: KARATZAS (Κ.Α.Γ. ΚΑΡΑΤΖΑΣ) K. Α.G.
Published: February 2018

Heat Treatment (cooking, boiling, roasting, pasteurisation, sterilisation etc.) has always been for centuries the principal method used in Food Preservation. Lately, recent trends in processing are aimed at more healthy, nutritious and convenient food. New food preservation techniques, new concepts (Hurdle Technology) have been developed and are currently being used in the Food Industry. One of the most promising and already applied,tested in the international market, novel techniques is the High Hydrostatic Pressure treatment. Principal usage of High Hydrostatic Pressure treatment (200-600 MPa) is the pasteurization of foods, where the use of heat treatment is not applicable or in cases where maximum retention of the nutritional value of food is needed. In contrast to thermal processing, High Hydrostatic Pressure treatment can inactivate microorganisms and unfavourable enzymes at ambient or low temperatures, without affecting flavour, colour or nutritional constituents within a food system. High Hydrostatic Pressure could also inactivate food parasites, prions viruses and prionsviruses. It is an excellent pasteurisation and in the future it will turn to be even a sterilisation method. High Hydrostatic Pressure treatment affects almost all cellular processes and parts ofthe cell, with more prominent targets the macromolecular synthesis, the proteins and the cellular membrane. The main problem of this method is the occurrence of piezotolerant strains of microorganisms with great deviations regarding their piezotolerance, that could cause problems in the design of the treatment. This phenomenon is mosdy related with the production of stress proteins. The problem could be solved by the use of combined processes of High Hydrostatic Pressure with other methods or with higher pressures achieved by the technological development of the method. Despite the above-mentioned problems, High Hydrostatic Pressure is a method that advances fast and is taking its place in the modern Food Industry, considering that only a decade passed since the first High Hydrostatic Pressure treated products were presented in the market. The Greek Food Industry and Research Sector should take advantage of the developments in HHP, as this method could improve substantially the quality and competitiveness of the Greek agricultural products.
Evaluation of Toyocerin®, a probiotic containing Bacillus toyoi spores, on the health status and performance of sows and their litters
Authors: GEORGOULAKIS (I.E. ΓΕΩΡΓΟΥΛΑΚΗΣ) I. E. , ALEXOPOULOS (Κ. ΑΛΕΞΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ) C. , MILIOTIS (Χ. ΜΗΛΙΩΤΗΣ) Ch. , MALANDRAKIS (Ε.Ε. ΜΑΛΑΝΔΡΑΚΗΣ) E. E. , KYRIAKIS (Σ.Κ. ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗΣ) S. C.
Published: February 2018

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of Toyocerin®, a probiotic containing l x l09Bacillus toyoi spores per gram, on the health status and productivity of sows and their litters. Eighty gilts and sows were allocated into four experimental groups as follows: TOYO - 0 = control, TOYO - 0.5 = 0.5xl09 Bacillus toyoi spores/kg of feed, TOYO - 1 = l.0xl09Bacillus toyoi spores/kg of feed, TOYO - 2 = 2.0x109Bacillus toyoi spores/kg of feed. The treatments started at the day of service and covered two complete breeding cycles. Toyocerin® supplementation of the feed improved gilt/sow performance by: increasing (P<0.05) the mean body weight from service to farrowing, decreasing (P<0.05) the mean weight loss from farrowing to weaning and decreasing (P<0.05) the mean weaning-to-conception interval. Toyocerin® also showed a positive effect on litter characteristics in terms of: higher (P<0.05) mean number of piglets born alive at each birth, higher (P<0.05) mean number of piglets weaned, a higher (P<0.05) mean piglet body weight at each weaning and lower (P<0.05) mean diarrhoea score. Finally, Toyocerin® tended to improve the health status and fertility of sows demonstrating: a tendency for lower percentages of sows with abnormal clinical signs and a similar effect on the percentages of sows returning to oestrus. These beneficial effects of Toyocerin® were more pronounced in the TOYO - 1 and the TOYO – 2 groups.
A case of periosteal proliferative polyarthritis in a cat
Authors: KARAYANNOPOULOU (Μ. ΚΑΡΑΓΙΑΝΝΟΠΟΥΛΟΥ) M. , POLIZOPOULOU (Ζ.Σ. .ΠΟΛΥΖΟΠΟΥΛΟΥ) Z. S. , KOUTINAS (Α. Φ. ΚΟΥΤΙΝΑΣ) A. F. , PATSIKAS (Μ.Ν. ΠΑΤΣΙΚΑΣ) M. N. , KAZAKOS (Γ. ΚΑΖΑΚΟΣ) G. , FYTIANOU (Α. ΦΥΤΙΑΝΟΥ) A.
Published: February 2018

In this paper a case of periosteal proliferative polyarthritis in an 11-year old, female Siamese cat, that was admitted to the Surgery Clinic of the Veterinary School, A.U.Th., with a 6-month history of non-weight bearing lameness of the left thoracic limb, is described. At physical examination, restricted range of motion of the left elbow joint, local swelling and pain were detected. In the radiological examination of the affected joint the main finding was a periarticular extensive and irregular periosteal new bone formation. The results of the complete blood count and routine serum biochemistry were within normal limits and the cat was serologically negative for FeLV and FIV. Synovial fluid examination showed a lymphoplasmacytic pleocytosis, while the bacterial culture was negative. Prednisolone given at an anti-inflammatory dose for two consecutive weeks resulted in a marked improvement of the clinical sings. However, two months after the end of the treatment lameness reappeared, but this time in the contralateral thoracic limb, due to the involvement of the same joint. Radiology revealed the same type of lesions in the right elbow joint, whereas the left became ankylosed. Again, prednisolone, given at an immunosuppressive dose for two weeks, did not improve but fairly the clinical condition of the animal and the radiological changes as well. For this reason azathioprine at the dose of 1 mg/kg BW, every 48 hours, was added to therapy that lasted for 5 months. Transient mild leukopenia, that resolved after decreasing the dose of azathioprine by 25%, was the only adverse side effect noticed. At the end of the treatment, regression of the radiographical lesions in both elbows enabled the cat to walk with a stilted gait, despite the development of joint ankylosis bilaterally. The disease was kept in remission during the 12-month follow up period.
Streptococcal infections of farmed fish
Authors: ATHANASSOPOULOU (Φ. ΑΘΑΝΑΣΟΠΟΥΛΟΥ) F. , ROBERTS R. J.
Published: February 2018

The genus Streptococcus is large and complex, accommodating a wide range of Gram positive bacteria. Only a few biotypes have been isolated from fish and the most pathogenic are those belonging to D serogroup, otherwise known as the Enterococci. Streptococcal septicaemia was first among cultured rainbow trout (Onchorynchus mykiss) in Japan in 1958. Since then, the disease has appeared sporadically or in epizootics among cultured or wild fish both in freshwater and marine environments all over the world. Among the freshwater species infected, rainbow trout (Onchorynchus mykiss) and tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) are the most important species. Clinical signs vary among species of affected fish. The most common symptoms are loss of appetite, erratic swimming, darkening of body colour, eye lesions, external haemorrhagic lesions and ulcerations. The standard system for identification is based on the antigenicity of the carbohydrate moiety of the cell wall, according to a scheme devised by Lancefìeld in the 1930's. The American freshwater isolates obtained by Robinson & Meyer (1966), Plumb et al. (1974), Rasheed & Plumb (1984) were all typed Lancefield's group Β serotype in contrast to almost all of the much more frequent isolates from marine fish, which are usually untypable Enter ο co ecus-like strains. The Streptococcus strains isolated from yellowtail (Seriola sp), ayu (Plecoglosus altivelis) and flounder (Rhombosolea. sp) have similar biochemical reactions to Streptococcus iniae, a species isolated from dolphins by Pier & Madin (1976), which is defined in Bergey's Manual as a separate species. Kusuda et al.(1991) have analysed numerous strains from yellowtail infections in mariculture and in eels and have concluded, on the basis of DNA/DNA hybridization studies and biochemistry that a specific condition, caused by such streptococci, exists and that these bacteria were closest to Enterococci in characteristics and that infectious coccosis of marine fish, as seen in Japan, should be called "Enterococcal infection". Enterococci released from diseased fish seem to be the main source of infection. It has been shown that these bacteria remain in seawater and particularly in the mud around farms for a long time. Higher numbers of microorganisms exist in the seawater during summer months in contrast to the winter months when the bacterial load is higher in the mud (Kitao et al. 1979). Ghittino & Prearo (1992) have shown that in freshwater fish the outbreak of the disease was related to an organic pollution of the rivers supplying fish farms, associated with high water temperature (21-22°C). Wild fish can also be infected and spread the bacteria. It is generally believed that the infection is horizontal with infection occurring from direct contact with infected fish or contaminated fish food (Robinson & Meyer, 1996). The mechanisms of enterococcal infections pathogenicity are not yet fully understood.
The applications of biotechnology in animal feeding: A critical overview
Authors: ZOIOPOULOS (Π. ΖΩΪΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ) P.
Published: February 2018

An effort is made in this article to present the applications of biotechnology as regards the improvement of nutritive value and the development of novel feeds as well as the production of various types of feed additives. With respect to raw materials, quality upgrading by bio technological means has been attempted through lignocellulose breakdown or protein enrichment. In addition, reference is made to bioproteins and feeds derived from transgenic plants, particularly those resistant to herbicides. In turn, reference is made to aminoacids as products of industrial fermentation. Furthermore, various feed additives, products of biotechnology, such as enzymes, antibiotics, probiotics, but also means for depression of methanogenesis in the forestomachs of ruminants, as well as silage agents, like inoculants and enzymes, are commented upon. In certain cases, reference is made to the issue of efficacy of biotechnology products when used in animal nutrition and the subject of feed safety. Finally, because of the need for licensing these products in order to be circulated, reference is made to the provisions of Community legislation governing the marketing of feeds. The article concludes with some thoughts on the future of the sector of application of biotechnology in the case of animal nutrition.