bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tritrichomonas foetus: a new cause of diarrhea in cats in Greece
Authors: XENOULIS (Π.Γ. ΞΕΝΟΥΛΗΣ) P. G. 
Published: February 2018

Over the past few years, the protozoan parasite Tritrichomonas foetus (T foetus) has emerged as a new and important cause of feline diarrhea in the international veterinary community. In a recent study, the presence of T. foetus was confirmed for the first time in cats in Greece. The protozoan parasite Τ foetus has been primarily known as a cause of trichomoniasis in cattle. In this animal species, the parasite affects the reproductive system of both males and females and is associated with infertility and other reproductive problems. It was first described as a cause of feline diarrhea in 2003 in the United States. Since then, feline Τ.foetus -associated diarrhea has been reported in many countries around the world and, recently, it was, also, described in cats in Greece. The trophozoites of the parasite are excreted in the feces and healthy cats are infected with the ingestion of T. foetus trophozoites. Τ foetus affects mainly the colon and the last part of the small intestine. Τ/oeto-associated diarrhea occurs mainly in young cats, but cats of any age can be infected and develop clinical signs. The main clinical sign is diarrhea, which may contain mucus or blood, and it often has spontaneous remissions and exacerbations. General clinical sings such as anorexia, weight loss and fever occur less frequently. If left untreated, the diarrhea often persists for months or years. In some cats, the clinical signs eventually resolve without treatment, but this can take up to 2 years. Moreover, these animals usually remain infected and are a source of infection for other cats (or humans) and often the clinical signs relapse in situations of stress. Feline Τ foetus infection can be diagnosed mainly by: a) microscopic examination of fecal samples, b) fecal culture specific for Τ foetus and c) fecal PCR. None of the above methods is diagnostic in 100% of cases and, therefore, these methods should be used in combination and bearing in mind the disadvantages of each method. Most antiparasitic and antibiotic drugs are not effective in treating diarrhea caused by T. foetus . Transient improvement can be seen with the use of common antibiotics or antiparasitic drugs, but the clinical signs typically recur with discontinuation of treatment. The only drug with proven efficacy against T. foetus in cats is ronidazol, which is usually used at a dose of 30 mg/kg, orally every 24 hours for 14 days. In some cases, the clinical sings recur with discontinuation of treatment but they usually resolve after one additional treatment cycle. The most serious side effect of ronidazole in cats is the development of neurological signs, but those usually resolve with discontinuation of treatment. Finally, T. foetus may be transmitted to humans, although this has not been proven.
Perineal urethrostomy in the cat. Technique and complications
Authors: PAPAZOGLOU (Λ.Γ. ΠΑΠΑΖΟΓΛΟΥ) L. G. , BASDANI (Ε. ΜΠΑΣΔΑΝΗ) E. 
Published: February 2018

Perineal urethrostomy (PU) is the surgical procedure performed in the male cat in order to create a permanent stoma of the pelvic urethra to the skin of the perineal region. The first urehrostomy was devised on early sixties and since then many urethrostomy techniques were invented. On 1971 Wilson and Harrison invented a technique of PU that is currently used by the majority of surgeons, because of the better results and fewer complications compared to the other urethrostomy techniques. Indications for performing PU in the male cat include recurrent urethral obstruction associated with lower urinary tract disease, as an emergency procedure for the restoration of the patency of the obstructed urethra when all other conservative measures failed, priapism, strictures, trauma and urethral neoplasms. For a successful PU: 1) the pelvic urethra should be incised and anastomosed in the perineum cranial to the bulbourethral glands, 2) the urethra should be completely freed from its attachments to the ishium so as to decrease tension to the stoma, and 3) accurate apposition of the urethra to the skin should be performed to achieve first intention healing of the stoma site and avoid stricture formation. Complications following PU may include urethral stricture, ascending urinary tract infection, haemorrhage, subcutaneous urine extravasation resulting in sloughing and dehiscence of the stoma, skin fold dermatitis, urinary and fecal incontinence, bladder atony, iatrogenic perineal hernia and rectourethral fistula. Prepubic, subpubic or transpelvic urethrostomy may be used to salvage postoperative urethral stricture. Pepubic urethrostomy is the only salvage technique that has been evaluated long-term, but is associated with serious complications such as urine scalding, urinary incontinence and urinary tract infection. Perineal urethrostomy aims at relieving urethral obstruction and is part of the medical management of cats with recurrent or persistent urethral plug formation.
Cultural and social aspects of animal domestication in Greek traditional society
Authors: ECONOMOU (Α. ΟΙΚΟΝΟΜΟΥ) A. 
Published: February 2018

The study of the ways, perceptions and practices by means of which a traditional society domesticates animals constitutes an important chapter in the understanding and interpretation of the making of its civilization, as the presence of animals can be found in all its facets and expressions. In the present paper which, in its initial form, was delivered as a lecture to the Hellenic Veterinary Medical Society, reference was made to the ways the Greek traditional society uses to integrate animals in its cultural system. This reference, however, was a brief and indicative one, as these ways have not been sufficiently studied from a folkanthropological point of view in Greece. This integration happened in many different ways, through the production and reproduction of the animals in their quality as financial asset, the consumption of their meat during week days and celebrations, their naming, the care to prevent and to cure illnesses affecting them, their participation in the worship rituals of saints as sacrificial offers, both real and symbolic, their position in the symbolic and the imaginary as it is depicted in oral narrative (legends, fairy tales, traditions, proverbs). Special mention is made to the saint patrons (St. Modestos, St. Mamas, St. Minas) of the animals in orthodox Christian religion and in Greek popular beliefs and practices.
Survival of pathogens in "Graviera Kritis" cheese made with raw and pasteurized milk
Authors: SAMOURIS (Γ. ΣΑΜΟΥΡΗΣ) G. , ZDRAGAS (Α. ΖΔΡΑΓΚΑΣ) A. , VAFEAS (Γ. ΒΑΦΕΑΣ) G. , BELIBASAKI (Σ. ΜΠΕΛΙΜΠΑΣΑΚΗ) S. 
Published: February 2018

A field trial was carried out to investigate the hygienic status of Graviera 'Kritis' cheese made with raw and pasteurized milk. Graviera was manufactured in a small plant in Crete under traditional manufacturing conditions. Forty-two samples were examined during the manufacturing process for Colifoms, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., Escherìchia coli 0157:H7 and VRE (Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci). All samples were negative for Salmonella spp., E. coli 0157:H7 and VRE. Populations of Colifoms and E. coli before cooking of the curd were 3 3.5 log10MPN/g higher in cheese made with raw milk in comparison to that made with pasteurized milk and populations of both bacteria decreased sharply during the aging period in both types of cheese. L. monocytogenes type 4b was isolated from the cheeses of two trials until after the salting period and remained under the detection limit of 100 cfu/g . At the end of the ripening period, all the examined bacteria were declined or eliminated to safe level.
Renal surgery in the dog and cat
Authors: PAPAZOGLOU (Λ.Γ. ΠΑΠΑΖΟΓΛΟΥ) L. G. , KOUTI (Β. ΚΟΥΤΗ) V. 
Published: February 2018

Nephrectomy is the complete removal of the kidney and ipsilateral ureter and usually it is performed through a midline laparotomy for the treatment of end stage unilateral kidney disease. Indications for performing nephrectomy may include: renal and ureteral neoplasms, persistent renal haematuria, serious renal trauma associated with or without avulsion of renal pedicle, end-stage hydronephrosis, single renal cysts associated with renal disease, polycystic kidney disease associated with pyelonephritis, renal parasites, renal or perirenal abscessation, chronic end-stage pyelonephritis and renal disease associated with ectopic ureter. Normal function of the contralateral kidney is a prerequisite for performing nephrectomy. The presence of azotaemia or persistent isosthenuria is a contraindication for nephrectomy. Nephrectomy for pyelonephritis may not consistently resolve the infection in the remaining kidney. Preoperative evaluation of renal function in animals undergoing nephrectomy would ideally include determination of glomerular filtration rate using renal nuclear scintigraphy. However, in clinical practice, excretory urography is performed for the assessment of renal function. Nephrotomy is a limited surgical incision through the dorsal renal surface to remove nephroliths, to explore the pelvis for polyps and neoplasms and to identify causes of renal haematuria. Nephrotomy is reported not to significantly affect renal function in normal dogs and cats. Indications for nephrotomy associated with the presence of nephroliths may include hydronephrosis and hydroureter associated with renal pelvic obstruction, recurrent infection resistant to conservative treatment, progressive nephrolith enlargement and deterioration of renal function. Pyelolithotomy for calculus removal may only be used when the renal pelvis and the proximal ureter are markedly dilated.
Leptospirosis: An important re-emerging infection of animals and man
Authors: BISIAS (Γ. ΜΠΙΣΙΑΣ) G. , KRITAS (Σ.Κ. ΚΡΗΤΑΣ) S. K. , BURRIEL A. , KONTOS (Β. ΚΟΝΤΟΣ) B. 
Published: February 2018

Leptospirosis, a re-emerging infection of animals and man, is caused by one of 200 serotypes of Leptospira spp. The genus is currently divided into eight pathogenic species, infecting various animal species and man, either clinically or subclinically. Natural hosts of the microorganism are traditionally, but not exclusively, considered to be rodents. Infected animals excrete Leptospira in the environment, where it may remain for long periods of time, especially if temperatures are about 25°C. The reportedprevalence of infected animals from around the world is between 2% and 46%. In Greece, recent reports show a seropositivity among abortion cases of small ruminants around 25%, while the relevant percentage among apparently healthy food producing animals is between 5.7% and 16.2%. The most prevalent serotypes were Bratislava, Australis and Copenhageni, depending on the animal species. There is a need for more systematic study of the infection in Greece (especially with the possibility of the expected climatic changes to result in a temperature rise).
The status of Donkeys (Equus asinus) in Greece
Authors: ARSENOS (Γ. ΑΡΣΕΝΟΣ) G. , GELASAKIS (Α. Ι. ΓΕΛΑΣΑΚΗΣ) A. I. , PAPADOPOULOS (ΕΛ. ΠΑΠΑΔΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ) E. I. 
Published: February 2018

The paper presents, for the first time, information about donkeys (Equus asinus) in Greece. Most of the information was obtained from interviews of donkey owners, using a purpose built questionnaire. The population of donkeys in Greece showeda remarkable decrease over the last decades. From 508,000 in 1955, there were only 14,570 in 2008, a decrease of 97%. The existing donkeys were characterised by a large diversity in phenotypes. The lack of any breeding programme for donkeys, the importation of jacks from foreign breeds, the loss of interest and under-appreciation, together with the ignorance of health and welfare needs of such animals were the main reasons that shaped the current status. The health and welfare status of donkeys differed enormously across different areas of Greece, reflecting differences in the cultural, economical and "emotional" importance of individual animals. It was revealed that many problems were associated with diseases originating in malnutrition, parasites and bad husbandry management. Moreover, current and future trends, resulting from social and economical developments in rural areas of Greece, are discussed. Given the trends currently affecting the status of donkeys in Greece we concluded that a conservation policy should be adopted, because the number of donkeys will continue to fall.
Aquaculture systems and pathological problems of new species reared in fresh water in Greece
Authors: RAGIAS (Β. ΡΑΓΙΑΣ) B. , ATHANASSOPOULOU (Φ. ΑΘΑΝΑΣΟΠΟΥΛΟΥ) F. 
Published: February 2018

Published data on growth and pathology of the fish species: Mugil cephalus (mullet) and Acipenser gueldestaedi (sturgeon), under intensive culture, is limited. In particular, data on dietary requirements is non-existing. For the artificial feeding of these fish, other feeds originally prepared for other cultured fish species are used (trout and/or sea bass, sea bream pelleted feeds). Mugil cephalus is very tolerant to intensive rearing and the main problem observed was recurrent infections by Chilodonella sp. Mugilids reared in lagoons are infected with a variety of parasites, but these do not cause problems and mortality. Acipenser gueldestaedi is a very desirable fish for rearing, because of the fast growth rate, the good digestibility of food, even with no specific diets and the ability to be cultured under different systems. Furthermore, it has a wide temperature tolerance, it is very tolerant to stress and the mortality at fish> 5cm is less than 5%. Disease experiences from rearing sturgeon are reported mainly from N. America and concern viral infections. In Greece, Acipenser gueldestaedi seems to be very susceptible to both Noda virus and spinal deformities after the weight of 500g. Fish in open flow systems started to show skeletal abnormalities with increasing prevalence. Histopathology investigations, both in Greece and Canada, were inconclusive as to the aetiology of these skeletal deformities. These could not be proved to be associated with the feed of the fish. These deformities have been observed before in cultured sturgeon, but they are not yet fully investigated. At a later stage, fish cannot swim properly, do not feed and soon succumb to secondary infections by Aeromonas hydrophila.
Use of mesophilic Lactic Acid Bacteria in the manufacture of Feta cheese
Authors: KARAGEORGIS (Σ.Β. ΚΑΡΑΓΕΩΡΓΗΣ) S. B. , PAPAGEORGIOU (Δ.Κ. ΠΑΠΑΓΕΩΡΓΙΟΥ) D. K. , MANTIS (Α.Ι. ΜΑΝΤΗΣ) A. I. , GEORGAKIS (Σ.Α ΓΕΩΡΓΑΚΗΣ) S. A. 
Published: February 2018

The use of mesophilic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in the manufacture of Feta cheese was studied. Five selected mesophilic strains, confirmed as Lactobacillus plantarum (2 strains), Lb. paracasei subsp. paracasein Lb. brevis and Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, isolated from ripened Feta and Teleme cheeses, were used in 7 different combinations, alone or in combination with Lb. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus (the control combination) for the manufacture of Feta cheese. Each combination of strains was used to prepare four different batches of Feta cheese, keeping all the other production parameters according to the traditional technology. The cheese batches were analyzed for bacteriological, chemical and sensory characteristics. The results showed that the populations of lactobacilli and lactococci increased from the beginning of the cheese manufacture reaching a population of more than 7.0 log10cfu/g. This level was maintained during the whole ripening period (60 days) and during the subsequent 60-day storage period. Only in batches prepared with the control combination F8 {Str. thermophilus I Lb. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus), did the population of LAB decline to 6.0 log10cfu/g at the end of the ripening period. Also, except for the yeast population which increased, in all other bacterial groups tested (coliforms, staphylococci, total contaminating bacteria, psychrotrophic bacteria, proteolytic and lipolytic bacteria) populations gradually decreased during the ripening period. Results of the chemical analysis showed a sharp increase in acidity (the cheese pH dropped to ca. 4.5 within 3-4 d) and, whereas the values of other chemical indices (moisture content, fat content and NaCl) were stabilized between the 15* and 30* day of ripening, proteolysis (nitrogen soluble in 12% TCA) and lipolysis (ADV) progressed throughout ripening. The assessment of the overall acceptance by the sensory panel was between "very good" and "excellent" for all cheeses. This suggests that the selected mesophilic starter cultures can be used alone or in combination with the traditional culture {Lb.delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus I Str. thermophilus) in the production of Feta cheese, as the results of this work indicate that the wild (autochthonous) strains of Lb. plantarum and Lc. lactis subsp. Lactis are well adapted to the environmental conditions that prevail in Feta cheese. Batches prepared using these mesophilic starters received the highest score in the assessment of organoleptic quality of Feta cheese. Very good results were also obtained using the combination of the mesophilic starters Lb. brevis and Lc. lactis subsp. lactis or Lb. paracasei subsp. paracasei and Lc. lactis subsp. lactis alone or in combination with Lb. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Str. thermophilus.
Determination of breakthrough maternal antibodies titres by two intermediate and two intermediate plus vaccine strains against Gumboro disease, in commercial broilers
Authors: BOUGIOUKLIS (Π. ΜΠΟΥΠΟΥΚΛΗΣ) P. , GEORGOPOULOU (Ι. ΓΕΩΡΓΟΠΟΥΛΟΥ) I. , IORDANIDIS (Π. ΙΟΡΔΑΝΙΔΗΣ) P. 
Published: February 2018

Two field trials (termed A and B) were carried out on 4 farms (groups) with 20,000 broilers each. The groups in A and Β were named Al, A2, A3, A4 and Bl, B2, B3, B4, respectively. The chicks in A were hatched from breeders of 39, 43, 46, and 56 weeks-old and in Β from 27, 31, 52, and 54 weeks-old. One vaccination to each group was administered against Gumboro in drinking water, in each trial. Intermediate plus vaccines I and II were used in groups 1 and 2 and intermediate I and II in groups 3 and 4. In A the vaccinations were conducted when the chicks were 15-days-old and in Β at 19-days-old. In both trials blood samples were collected at 8, 15, 19, 23, 30 and 37 days of age. Serum examinations by ELISA established that in groups Al, A2, A3 and A4 vaccinations were carried out in the presence of mean maternal antibody titres 7.1 log2, 7.2 log2, 6.3 log2 and 6.4 log2, respectively. A regression of antibodies up to 37 days were observed in these 4 groups. In groups Bl, B2, B3 and B4 the vaccinations were carrie out in the presence of mean maternal antibody titres 7.3 log2, 7.4 log2,3.2 log2 and 3.3 log2, respectively. A strong serological response from 30 days was observed in these 4 groups. It is remarkable that intermediate plus vaccines to 7.3log2 and 7.41og2 mean maternal antibody titres caused active immune response in groups Bl and B2, respectively, contrary to what happened to similar titres in groups Al and A2. This important observation showed that age may be one of the main factors that influences the effectiveness of vaccinations, as well as the interference of maternal antibodies and the virulence of vaccines strains. The results of both field trials indicate that both intermediate vaccines at 15-days-old did not breakthrough mean maternal antibody titres higher than 6.3 log2, whereas intermediate plus vaccines succeded to breakthrough mean maternal antibody titres lower than 7.4 log2 at 19-days-old.
Development of suitable technology for the canning of smoked Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) in tomato sauce
Authors: KYRIAZI-PAPADOPOULOU (Α. ΚΥΡΙΑΖΗ -ΠΑΠΑΔΟΠΟΥΛΟΥ) A. , VARELTZIS (Κ. ΒΑΡΕΛΤΖΗΣ) K. 
Published: February 2018

The following procedure for the canning of smoked Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) was developed and studied. Mussels from the mussel culture of the East Cost of Thermaikos Bay were washed in running water and steamed at 80 °C for 10 min, in order to remove or open the shells. The mussel meat was salted in brine with 4% sodium chloride for 15 min, in a mussel /brine ratio 1:2, dried at 60-65°C for 13 min and smoked at 65-80°C for 17 min. The smoked mussel meat was placed in cans and filled with tomato sauce, in a ratio 32% mussel to 60% sauce. After the sealing cans were sterilized at 110°C for 21 min, to insure Fo value=4,l min. Chilling with cold water and storage in environmental conditions followed. The results demonstrated that the thermal processing safeguarded the microbiological stability of the canned mussels, due to the smoke components, since no swelling of cans was observed after incubation at 37°C for 7 days and during storage at ambient conditions for 15 months. The results of the sensory evaluation showed that the sauce was preserved without deterioration for 15 months. Also, the mussels' tenderness and their total acceptability lasted for 15 months . But the mussels displayed a grainy texture on chewing after 13 months preservation. Therefore, the procedure, which was developed for the canning of smoked mussels meat in tomato sauce, can provide an acceptable product for 13 months.
The effect of superlevies, due to milk quota excess, on dairy farming profitability in Greece
Authors: VALERGAKIS (Γ. Ε. ΒΑΛΕΡΓΑΚΗΣ) G. E. 
Published: February 2018

The effect of superlevies on dairy farming profitability was studied in a sample of 120 dairy farms of medium and large size, in Central Macedonia, Greece. The farms were classified in classes, according to the percentage of their milk production in excess of their quota. There were no differences among the classes in the characteristics of the farms. Profit, net family income and return of capital investment decreased by 47.1%, 24.6% and 19.3% respectively on farms with an average milk quota excess of 15.1%, while on those exceeding their quota by 39,5%, the decrease was 118.6%, 68.6% and 54.5% respectively. The farms of the latter class were operating at a loss. In order to cope with the problem two alternatives were examined: a) a decrease in the number of cows kept on farms in order to decrease milk production to the quota level and b) the purchase of quota in the current (high) market price combined with a short depreciation period in order to cover the excess production. The results showed that a decrease in the number of cows, without considering the expected increase in productivity, will increase profit and keep net family income at the previous levels on farms with an average previous quota excess of 15.1%, while the significant increase in profit on farms with a higher quota excess (39.5%) will improve net family income by almost 1 million drs. The study of the quota purchasing alternative showed that a small profit increase would result only on farms keeping high-producing cows, on farms with considerable size or on those with high on farm feedstuffs production. In both cases and independently of the alternative chosen, the need for: a) an increase in cow productivity and b) a better allocation of the production factors, was evident.