bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Equine enterolithiasis
Authors: DIAKAKIS (Ν.ΔΙΑΚΑΚΗΣ) N. 
Published: February 2018

Enterolithiasis is characterized by the presence of enteroliths in the large colon of horses with the ascending colon being the most common site of obstruction. Enteroliths are composed of ammonium magnesium phosphate, which is supplied both by the digestive processes intestinal bacteria and by feeds. The enteroliths typically form around a central nidus. Although enterolithiasis is seen all over the world, the most cases are reported from North America, and more specifically, California, South West Indiana and Florida. As far as breed is concerned, it affects predominantly Arab horses and rarely Quarter and Thoroughbreds. As far as age is concerned, it is usually seen in middle-aged horses. Although the pathogenesis of enterolithiasis is not fully understood, nutrition and heritability are believed to be a part in it. A rich diet in ammonium, magnesium and phosphorus predisposes to enterolith formation, as those elements are the main components of enteroliths. Clinical signs vary considerably and are rarely characteristic of the disease. Usually, the presence of the enterolith is free of symptoms unless it leads to obstruction. In most cases of enterolithiasis a small amount of faeces, air and the administered mineral oil could pass from the obstruction site. On the contrary, in complete obstructions the passage is closed, defecation is absent and no laxative can pass the obstruction site. The enterolith is rarely found by rectal examination. A history of recurrent colic might be connected to the presence of enteroliths that cause partial or temporary obstruction. The most accurate method for diagnosing enterolithiasis is abdominal radiography. The treatment of choice is the surgical removal of enteroliths, which has a favorable prognosis provided that the laparotomy is going to take place early in course of the disease, before the onset of peritonitis. Intestinal rupture, which rapidly leads to peritonitis, is the gravest and commonest complication. Other complications are colitis, leakage through the laparotomy site and peritonitis. In order to prevent reformation of enteroliths, the daily consumption of alfalfa hay has to be reduced dramatically and poor quality hay has to be administered.
Overview of the situation of sheep production in the area of Eordea Kozani
Authors: GIANNENAS (Η. ΓΙΑΝΝΕΝΑΣ) I. , LEONIDIS (Γ. ΛΕΩΝΙΔΗΣ) G. , CHRISTOFI (Α. ΧΡΙΣΤ0ΦΗ) A. , ROSSIOS (Κ. ΡΩΣΣΙΟΣ) K. 
Published: February 2018

In this paper it was examined the current status of sheep production in the area of Eordea of the prefecture of Kozani, that is mainly based in the semi-intensive system. The aim of this research was the collection of information of the current status of the sheep production sector with emphasis on its current problems and future perspectives. For this purpose, a questionnaire based research was conducted, using an objective sample (17.8%) of the total sheep farms in the area of Eordea from 16 separate settlements. The collection of the data and their statistical analysis gave a plethora of conclusions: the farms operate in a traditional way and have not been systematically upgraded; there is lack of uptake of new technologies (automated milking, artificial rearing and buildings). The low milk yields achieved are mainly due to the low genetic status of the animals used and the deficiencies in their feeding (non satisfactory combination between grazing and supplementary feeding, non rational feeding in the farm). Also, farms have high production costs due to their relatively small size and fractionation i.e. ineffective management. Other constraining factors include the age of farmers (they are old enough) and the unsatisfactory trade of the sheep products mainly due to the total lack of farmer cooperatives to market sheep products (milk, meat) and buy animal feeds. Although the sector of sheep husbandry does not seem to face at present intense antagonisms among the European Union countries, there are a lot of problems and disorders. However, many of the above mentioned problems may be overcome in the next years, through collaboration of sheep farmers with the relevant expert scientists, but also with the concern of the responsible services of the state.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Non-thermal microwave effects on chicken foetuses during organogenesis
Authors: XENOS (Θ.Δ. ΞΕΝΟΣ) Th. D. , MAGRAS (Ι.Ν. ΜΑΓΡΑΣ) I. N. 
Published: February 2018

The purpose of this work is το investigate possible effects of pulse-modulated (PW) and non-modulated (CW) low power density microwave radiation on chicken foetuses during organogenesis. A total of 496 fertilised chicken eggs were used in this study; 380 of diem as experimental material and 116 as controls. The experimental eggs were exposed to a non-thermal power density of 8.8 uW/cm2 (SAR= 1.16 mW/Kg) radiation at 9.152 GHz, from the 3rd to the 10th day of incubation, continuously. 172 eggs were irradiated by CW whereas 208 eggs by PW. The controls were sham-exposed. The foetuses of the experimental eggs and of the controls were macro- and microscopically examined at the end of their incubation. In 62.78% of CW-irradiated, 47.12% of PWirradiated and only in 3.44% of the sham-exposed fetuses abnormalities (development retardation and severe malformations) and embryonic and foetal deaths (embryonic and foetal) were observed. The differences in the effects caused by CW and PW irradiation were statistically evaluated. These results support the aspect that very low power density microwaves applied to the chicken foetuses, in ovo during organogenesis, may cause abnormal development.
The use of multiple ovulation, embryo cryopreservation and embryo transfer techniques to facilitate movement of genetic material between countries
Authors: STAMATARIS (Κ. ΣΤΑΜΑΤΑΡΗΣ) K. , DELIGIANNIS (Κ. ΔΕΛΗΓΙΑΝΝΗΣ) K. , LAINAS (Θ. ΛΑΪΝΑΣ) T. , ARSENOS (Γ. ΑΡΣΕΝΟΣ) G. 
Published: February 2018

The objective of the study was to evaluate the use multiple ovulation and embryo transfer techniques in an indigenous Greek dairy breed of sheep. We stimulated selected donor ewes of the Karagouniko breed to produce large numbers of embryos after the induction of multiple ovulations by gonadotropin treatment (superovulatory response). A total of 50 Greek Karagouniko ewes were synchronised into oestrus using progestagen pessaries and superovulated for embryo transfer using ovine FSH. Six days following laparoscopic insemination with fresh semen ewes were flushed surgically and embryos collected. Subsequently, the embryo recovery, along with embryo cryopreservation, embryo survival and quality were assessed. The Karagouniko donor ewes achieved a mean ovulation rate of 11.9 (SE. 0.89). The ova Recovery rate was 80,9% and 87,6% of the ova recovered being fertilised. A total of 327 (77,5%) of the viable embryos were assessed as being of sufficient quality for cryopreservation. The embryos ranged from late morulae to expanded blastocyst and were frozen via a 3-step process in 1.5 M ethylene glycol following repeated washing and trypsination. Cryopreserved embryos were frozen and then transported to Scotland, UK. There, embryos were thawed rapidly and re-hydrated via a 2 step sucrose/ethylene glycol gradient. A total of 92.4% of embryos frozen remained suitable for transfer semi-surgically into synchronized Scottish Blackface ewes. 183 embryos were transferred in total with a 66.1% survival rate. The survival rate of frozen thawed blastocysts(75%) was significantly greater than (P<0.01) that for morulae (48%). It was concluded that MOET could be successfully applied in Greek dairy breeds of sheep as a means for genetic improvement. Frozenembryos could be a successful medium for the transportation of ovine genetic material from and to Greece, however, most likely the choice of embryonic stage for cryopreservation is crucial.
Endoscopic and histological findings in teats of dairy goats
Authors: KIOSSIS (Ε. ΚΙΟΣΣΗΣ) E. , BROZOS (Χ.Ν. ΜΠΡΟΖΟΣ) C. N. , PAPAIOANNOU (Ν. ΠΑΠΑΪΩΑΝΝΟΥ) N. , TZANIDAKIS (Ν. ΤΖΑΝΙΔΑΚΗΣ) N. , BOSKOS (Κ. ΜΠΟΣΚΟΣ) C. 
Published: February 2018

Objective of the study was to study the endoscopic examination of teats of dairy goats and to explore the nature and the prevalence of lesions therein. Potentially abnormal findings were further investigated with histological examination. The study was performed in 510 teats from dairy goats, which were collected from slaughterhouses. The endoscopic findings were correlated with those of the histological examination. Of the total teats examined, 16% (82/510) had abnormal findingsat the area of teat cistern. The most common finding (66 teats) wast hickness and nodular proliferation of the teat cistern. Diaphragms at the teat cistern were also common (19 teats), while cysts and abnormal findings located at the area of teat cistern were noticed only in 5 and 4 teats, respectively. Variations in the colour of the mucosa of the teat cistern were noticed in 29 cases; in 7 cases teat cistern mucosa was red, in 14 yellow and in 8 red and yellow. Endoscopic examination appearsto be an effective technique that might potentially allow evaluation of teat abnormalities in living dairy goats.
Comparison of the Vaginal Cytological and Microbiological Results in the Detection of Normal Microflora of Pregnant
Authors: ÖZDEMIR SALCI E. S. , GONCAGÜL G. , İPEK V. 
Published: February 2018

The aim of this study was to carry out a cytological and microbiological comparative investigation of vaginal microflora in pregnant ewes. The subjects for the study comprised of 39 healthy curly fleeced breed ewes (n=39), approximately 3 years old, at 2-4 months of pregnancy. Two vaginal samples were taken for cytological and microbiological examinations from each ewe in a sterile manner. Hemacolor® was used in cytological examination, while microbiological analysis were completed by conventional techniques. In cytological examination, slides were evaluated to detect lactobacilli, other bacteria, “clue cell” formation and presence of neutrophils. Microbiological investigation was carried out to detect possible pathogens. Cytological results compatible with bacterial vaginosis were obtained in 10 cases. Microbiologically, single type bacteria in 27 cases and more than one bacterium in 12 cases were isolated. The most common isolated pathogen was Escherichia coli. Comparing the cytological and microbiological results, 7 out of 27 cases were compatible with the bacterial vaginosis. In 3 cases of bacterial vaginosis non-pathogenic agents were revealed. In conclusion, it was proven that utilising the cytological examination provides more reliable results for detection of normal vaginal microflora of pregnant ewes.
Genetic Polymorphisms of Cyp19 and Myostatin Genes in Turkish Indigenous Sheep Breeds
Authors: AKIŞ I. , ESEN GÜRSEL F. , HACIHASANOĞLU ÇAKMAK N. , ATMACA G. , YARDIBI H. , ATEŞ A. , DURAK M. H. , ÖZTABAK K. 
Published: February 2018

Growth and meat production traits are very important in sheep breeding. Cyp19 gene has a major role in reproductive activity and growth due to its function in estrogen synthesis. Another gene affecting growth traits is Myostatin (MSTN) gene, which mainly regulates skeletal muscle growth. In this study allele frequencies of genetic polymorphism in Cyp19 and Myostatin genes were identified by PCR-RFLP method in five indigenous Turkish sheep breeds, Chiose, Imroz, Kivircik, Zom and Morkaraman. Digestion of Cyp19 gene with HaeIII only revealed uncut AA genotype and digestion of MSTN with DraI also revealed only uncut AA genotype. Both loci analyzed in this study were found to be monomorphic in five Turkish indigenous sheep breeds. These highly conserved parts of the two genes can be useful for molecular evolutionary studies in sheep. Further studies regarding association analysis of Cyp19 and MSTN in sheep should be conducted.
Rotavirus infections in domestic animals
Authors: CHATZOPOULOS (Δ.Χ. ΧΑΤΖΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ) D. C. , ATHANASIOU (Λ.Β. ΑΘΑΝΑΣΙΟΥ) L. V. , SPYROU (Β. ΣΠΥΡΟΥ) V. , FTHENAKIS (Γ.Χ. ΦΘΕΝΑΚΗΣ) G. C. , BILLINIS (Χ. ΜΠΙΛΛΙΝΗΣ) C. 
Published: February 2018

Rotaviruses are major enteric pathogens of humans and a wide variety of animals. Rotavirus infections have a worldwide prevalence. The viral genome is composed of 11 double-stranded RNA segments with six structural and five or six non-structural proteins. Over 35,000 strains have been identified and classified into five main (A, B, C, D, E) and three additional tentative (F, G, H) serotype groups. A binary classification system has been proposed defining ‘G’ or ‘P’ types, with at least 27 G and 35 P genotypes reported thusfar. The virus is transmitted primarily by the faecal-oral and oral routes. After attachment, entry into the host cells occurs through direct entry, fusion or endocytosis. Main mechanisms of Rotavirus-induced diarrhoea involve extensive enterocyte losses and nutrient disdigestion and malabsorption. Clinical features of Rotavirus infections range from asymptomatic infections to fulminant disease leading to rapid death.In calves, lambs and kids, piglets and foals, salient sign of the disease is diarrhoea; diarrhoeic faeces are white, yellow or, in severe cases, blood-tinted or frank haemorrhagic. In dogs and cats, the infection occurs usually as self-limiting diarrhoea. Avian Rotavirus infections are characterized by enteritis, growth depression and/or growth retardation. Definitive diagnosis of the infection can only be achieved by laboratory tests, including electron microscopic examination, immunohistochemical examination, immunofluorescence, ELISA, latex agglutination and molecular techniques. There is no specific treatment against Rotavirus infections. Treatment is based in providing supportive care and managing clinical signs and potential complications. Effective vaccines, containing inactivated, recombinant or attenuated strains of the virus, are available. Challenge studies have shown the ease of the virus in cross-infecting various animal species; animal strains of the virus may cross species and infect humans. Due to the ability of the virus to overcome species barriers, animal strains may act as natural source of viral genomes, promoting mutations and creating new viral genotypes, whose virulence cannot be predictable.