5^th Animal Health and Veterinary Medicine Congress September 26-27, 2016 Valencia, Spain

Emrah Hicazi Aksu has completed his PhD from Fırat University and Post-doctoral studies from Atatürk University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. He is an Instructor of the Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination. He has published 9 articles in SCI journals and has been serving as an Editorial Board Member of Atatürk University Veterinary Sciences journals.

This study aimed to investigate trace element levels, metabolic and hormone profiles of male calf bearing (MCB) and female calf bearing (FCB) cows in periparturient period. In the present study, 20 Brown Swiss (4-5 years old and 500-550 kg weighing) cow was used as animal material. Blood samples were collected on prepartum 21th day. According to birth records samples were classified as MCB (n=11) and FCB (n=9). 9 of the cows were selected as the control group (C) and after 21 days from the births blood samples were collected. Biochemical analyzes (glucose, urea, cholesterol, creatine, Ca, Cl, Na, P, K, Fe, Mg, FSH, LH and Progesterone) of the samples were done. Our Findings showed that glucose, Na, Cl, and progesterone levels in both pregnancy groups were significantly higher than the control group. Alternatively, cholesterol levels of the both pregnancy groups were significantly when compared to the C group. Urea level in MCB group was significantly higher than in both FCB and C group. Ca levels in MCB group were similar with FCB group but higher than the C group. On the other hand, there were no any differences among the all groups for creatine, K, P, Mg, Fe, FSH, and LH levels.

Fatih Mehmet Kandemir has completed his PhD at from Firat University in Turkey. He has been working as an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at Ataturk University. He has published more than 33 papers in SCI and SCI expanded journals.

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effects of chrysin (CH) on the liver toxicity of high doses of paracetamol (PCM). A total of 35 Sprague Dawley rats were used in this study, including 5 groups with 7 rats in each group. The control group (healthy) was given orally saline (SF) only for 6 days but not any drugs. The CH group was given 50 mg/kg/day of CH orally for 6 days. The PCM group was given SF orally for 6 days, and then 500 mg/kg single oral dose of PCM 30 min. after SF treatment on the 6th day. The PCM+CH 25 mg/kg/day group was given CH (25 mg/kg/day) orally for 6 days and then single oral dose of PCM (500 mg/kg/day) 30 min. after CH treatment on the 6th day by gavage. Similarly, the PCM+CH 50 mg/kg/day group was given CH (50 mg/kg/day) orally for 6 days and then single oral dose of PCM (500 mg/kg/day) 30 min. after CH treatment on the 6th day by gavage. It was determined that in the PCM group compared with the control group, the serum ALP, ALT and AST activities increased and that the liver SOD, CAT, GPx activities and GSH levels were decreased and the liver MDA levels were increased (P<0.05 ). It was found that in PCM+CH-25 and CH-50 groups compared to the PCM group, the serum ALP, ALT, AST activities were decreased and the liver SOD, CAT, GPx activities and GSH levels were increased and the liver MDA levels were decreased (P<0.05).It was concluded that both doses of CH treatments were effective on PCM-induced liver toxicity.

Areej O Bakhraibah is currently working as an Assistant Professor of Zoology Department and Supervisor of Zoology Section at King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia.

The present study was carried out on a total number of 60 specimens of Scarus fish caught from the Rea Sea coast of Jeddah and Rabigh cities in Saudi Arabia. 30 fish from each locality were carefully examined for the determination of their metazoan parasitic fauna. Collected parasites were identified as Monogenea (Diplectanum spp.), Isopoda (praniza larva), Copepoda (Hatshakia spp.) and Digenea (Bucephalus and Lecithoclaster spp.). Out of 30 specimens of fish caught from the coast of Jeddah, 13 (43.4%) were infested by 90 parasites which comprise of two parasite species, Diplectanum spp. and praniza Larva with prevalence of infestation 40% and 3.33% respectively. Mean intensity of the previous infestations varied from 6-7 parasites per fish. Digenean parasites were not detected in Scarus fish of Jeddah. Concerning Scarus fish of Rabigh, a total number of infested fish was 19 (63.33%) with a number of 205 parasites representing 4 parasite species. Single and multiple infestations were recorded. Monogenea (Diplectanum spp.) represents the most commonly encountered ectoparasite with prevalence of 53.3% and mean intensity of 10.9 followed by Digenea (20%) and mean intensity of 3.8 then Isopoda (13.3%) and mean intensity of 1.75. No parasitic infestation was observed in Scarus female fish (no. 10) of Jeddah (0.0%). Out of 20 male fish 13 (65%) were infested with 90 parasites with mean intensity 6.9, comprising two parasite species, Isopoda with prevalence of 55.5 and mean intensity of 7 and Copepoda in only one fish (5.0%) and intensity of 6. Female fish from Rabigh (no. 19) had higher prevalence (84.2%) than male (no. 11) which showed prevalence of 27.3% with Isopoda only. Four parasite species were recovered from female fish of Rabigh. Monogenea showed the highest prevalence (68.7) and mean intensity (9.7) followed by Digenea, prevalence (31.56%) and mean intensity (3.8) then Isopoda showed the lowest prevalence (21.05%) and mean intensity (1.75). Statistical analysis was used to compare the obtained data and factors that may determine the relationship between parasitic prevalence and intensity and fish sex were discussed.

Atsushi Kimura is currently working as a researcher at Morioka-Chiiki Agricultural Mutual Aid Association, Japan.

Introduction: Ruminal cannulation surgery is necessary to accurately investigate the continuous properties of ruminal juice. However, complications of this surgery include adhesion of organs and peritonitis due to ruminal juice leakage into the abdominal cavity of the cattle. Consequently, cattle may not be fit for continued experiments. In addition, there is little information of ruminal cannulation surgery in calf. Thus, we developed a procedure to improve this surgical technique and have described its application in calves. Materials & Methods: 14 Holstein calves with a mean weight of 71.83±2.25 kg (mean±SE) were used. Each calf was fitted with a ruminal cannula with 3.5 cm central diameter, 15 cm largest diameter, and 5 cm body wall thickness. Surgical steps were as follows: 1) Each calf was completely shaved behind the left rib, and the skin was marked in accordance with the internal diameter of the cannula; 2) For sedation, 2% xylazine was administered through the caudal epidural space, and the surgical site was anesthetized using a local anesthetic; 3) Using a scalpel, the skin and muscle were carefully excised along the marker to incise the peritoneum; 4) Simple ligation was performed between the muscle and peritoneum at four locations (3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock positions); 5) Additional ligation was performed between the peritoneum, muscle and skin at four to six locations; 6) An antibiotic was injected into the abdominal cavity; 7) The rumen was pulled out of the body and carefully incised to avoid ruminal juice leakage; 8) The ruminal serous membrane surface and skin were ligated at approximately 10 locations starting from the 6 o’clock position; 9) The site of operation was washed with antibiotic-containing saline; and 10) The cannula, which became soft in hot water was inserted. Results & Discussion: Our procedure improved ruminal cannulation surgery in calves by preventing ruminal juice leakage into the abdominal cavity, thereby avoiding peritonitis. Good animal health was confirmed by monitoring appetite and conducting blood biochemistry tests. Autopsy findings indicated that the skin, muscle, peritoneum, and rumen formed adhesions in a ring shape, but no other adhesion was observed in the abdominal cavity. Improved surgical procedure in this study can help avoid complications associated with ruminal cannulation surgery and keep the calf fit for continued rumen research.

Bülent Polat has completed his PhD at from Ankara University in Turkey. He has been working as a Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Veterinary Faculty, Ataturk University. He has published more than 27 papers in many reputed journals.

The aim of presented study was to compare the effect of intrauterine ozone and rifaximin treatment in cows with subclinical endometritis. The study was conducted on 53 Simmental cows with subclinical endometritis, which was diagnosed by ultrasonographic examination. According to results, interval between treatment to pregnancy (46.4±6.2 vs. 40.0±6.0), interval from calving to pregnancy (129.4±9.0 vs. 125.0±13.1), and insemination number (3.2±0.3 vs. 3.1±0.5) after treatment were similar in the groups (P>0.05). In conclusion, intrauterine ozone treatment was observed as therapeutic as rifaximin and to be an alternative treatment approach in dairy cows with subclinical endometritis.

Ş Canan Bölükbaşı has completed his PhD from Ataturk University in Turkey. He has been working as an Associate Professor in Agricultural Faculty, the Department of Animal Sciences at Ataturk University.

The present study was conducted to determine dietary supplemental citrus peel oils (orange, lemon, bergamot) in different levels (1, 2 and 3 ml/kg) on some blood parameters in broilers. The trial consisted of 1-day-old male and female (250 male and 250 female) Ross 308 chicks. The study consisted of 10 groups in total and each group had 5 subgroups. Experimental diets were prepared by adding orange, lemon and bergamot peel oil levels (1, 2 and 3 ml/kg) to basal diet. It was observed that supplementation of citrus peel oils to their diets significantly changed HDL-Cholesterol. Especially, the highest HDL-Cholesterol value was obtained from broilers fed with1 ml/kg orange peel oil. However, LDL-Cholesterol value was not affected by supplementing citrus peel oils. It was found that the lowest total cholesterol level was in the groups which had 2ml/kg of orange peel oil in the ration and the highest cholesterol level was in the groups which had 1ml/kg of orange peel oil in the ration. Citrus peel oils except for levels of 1 ml significantly increased glucose values. The lowest glucose value was obtained from broilers fed with 1 ml/kg lemon peel oil. Highest TG concentration was in the groups added 1 ml/kg of lemon peel oil but the lowest was in the groups added 3 ml/kg of orange peel oil to the ration. In this study, it was observed that with 2 ml/kg lemon and 3 ml/kg orange additions triglycerides values decreased significantly, but 1 ml/kg lemon peel addition increased the value of triglyceride. As a result, because HDL cholesterol increased and decreased TG value and LDL cholesterol (numerically), 2 ml/kg lemon peel oil and 3 ml/kg orange peel oil addition to the ration may be suggested.

Céline Nicolas graduated in Veterinary Medicine and received PhD from the University of Nantes (France). She then worked as a Post-doctoral fellow and Research Assistant at the University of Bristol (UK) for 5 years and at the University of Nice (France ) for 2 years. She has published a dozen articles in reputed journals and joined Virbac in 2016 to work as a Scientific Writer in the Medical department, in 2016.

Cephalexin is a first-line antibiotic with a large spectrum widely used in veterinary medicine. Acceptability of this product by catis of great importance to allow management of infections. The aim of this study was to compare the acceptability of 3 different cephalexin-containing antibiotics: Rilexine®75 mg (Virbac, France), Therios®75 mg (Ceva, France) and Cefaclear® 75 mg (Kyoritsu, Japan). 30 cats (domestic shorthairs, ≥9 months of age and average body weight: 3.6 kg) were divided into 3 groups and received a single administration of each product, in a different, randomized order per group (random cross-over) for 3 days: on days 1, 2 and 3, Group 1 received Rilexine®, Therios® and Cefaclear® respectively, Group 2 received Therios®, Cefaclear® and Rilexine®, respectively and Group 3 received Cefaclear®, Rilexine® and Therios®, respectively. The person giving the tablet was blinded concerning the products, which were named with letters A, B or C. The tablet was put in a bowl for 2 minutes and then presented in the hand of the experimenter (with glove) for 30 seconds if the cat did not take it in the bowl. A monitoring sheet with informations concerning intake (bowl, hand or no intake) and consumption (total, partial or none) for every cat was filled each day. A general mixed model for correlated data assuming a binomial distribution and a logit link was used to compare the 3 groups. Pair wise comparisons were performed at the 5% significant threshold. The number of cats (%) taking the product (in bowl or hand) were: 26/30 (86.7%), 20/30 (66.7%) and 23/30 (76.7%) for Rilexine®, Therios® and Cefaclear®, respectively. The number of cats (%) consuming the whole product were: 23/30 (76.7%), 20/30 (66.7%) and 20/30 (66.7%), respectively. Although not significantly different, more cats took and consumed Rilexine than the 2 other products, suggesting a better acceptability of Rilexine. In conclusion, Rilexine® is taken and consumed spontaneously by most cats. This good acceptability should allow good treatment compliance, which is of interest for long-term management of skin infections, for example.

Maria Grochowska is a Dipterologist at Maria Curie Sklodowska University. She has been involved in monitoring of Culicoides-BTV and SBV vectors in Poland for 8 years. She has authored many articles published in reputed journals. Currently, she is working on a project under Programme of Applied Research: Assessment of the spread and importance of infection with the Schmallenberg virus in Poland.

In recent years, two arboviruses (BTV and SBV) causing diseases in ruminants have spread across Europe, which has aroused interest in their vectors representing the genus Culicoides (Insecta, Diptera). The Schmallenberg virus (SBV) appeared in 2011 and the maximum incidence of infections of ruminants was reported in 2012 and 2013. Investigations conducted in Poland have shown a higher seroprevalence degree in wild-living (bison, deer) than in livestock animals. Given the close relationship between infection of ruminants and the competence of individual vectors in transmission of the viruses, comparison of the species composition and abundance of insects from the genus Culicoides in habitats of wild and livestock animals was carried out. The entomological research was conducted in the Podlaskie province in 2014-2015 in three cattle farms (rural environment) and two bison reserves (forest environment). The insects were captured into OVI traps activated for one night a week from the beginning of April until the end of November. In total, 632,124 biting midges, i.e. 105,342 in cattle herds and 526,782 in the bison habitats, were captured. Analysis of the collected material revealed significant differences both in the species structure and abundance of Culicoides present in these two habitats. The number of individuals in the forest environments was over ten-fold greater than that in the cattle environment, i.e. 6753 and 6463 specimens/night/trap, respectively. There was also a significant difference in the quality structure of Culicoides. The insect groups in the forest habitat were clearly dominated by C. achrayi, which accounted for over 50% of all biting midges collected in that environment. C. obsoletus was the second most numerous species (28.1%). In turn, C. obsoletus occurred most numerously in the cattle breeding environment (on average 78% of all biting midges). In 2014, C. punctatus exhibited great abundance in one habitat (in the Augustowski County - 70% of all Culicoides). Other species, including C. achrayi, accounted for 5.2% of the Culicoides composition collected in the animal breeding environment, 4/5 of which were noted in the Ostrowski County in 2015. As shown by the literature, besides C. obsoletus and C. punctatus, also C. chiopterus, C. dewulfi, C. pulicaris, and C. nubeculosus are well-known SBV vectors. In the light of our research, a question arises about the role of C. achrayi in the transmission of the SBV virus. Its high abundance in the forest habitats and the high seroprevalence degree noted in bison (up to 80% of the population) may indicate the importance of this species in the transmission of the virus. Further research on this issue could provide an answer to the question.

Céline Nicolas graduated in Veterinary Medicine and received PhD from the University of Nantes (France). She then worked as a Post-doctoral fellow and Research Assistant at the University of Bristol (UK) for 5 years and at the University of Nice (France ) for 2 years. She has published a dozen articles in reputed journals and joined Virbac in 2016 to work as a Scientific Writer in the Medical department, in 2016.

Osteoarthritis is a common degenerative disorder in ageing dogs. The multimodal management of the disease includes the use of NSAIDs, disease modifying osteoarthritis drugs; essential fatty acid enriched diets and physical therapy. The aim of this open study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a new dry dietetic pet food (VeterinaryTM HPM, Virbac, France) intended for the support of joint function in dogs. 53 client-owned adult and senior dogs with mobility disorders and for at least 3 months they were recruited. They were fed exclusively with the tested diet (metabolisable energy (ME): 373 kcal/100 g dry matter (DM), protein 35% ME, fat 38% ME, carbohydrate 27% ME, omega-3 3.3% DM and EPA 0.7% DM) for 2 months. No medical management for osteoarthritis was allowed during the study. Seven mobility criteria (interaction with people, ability to rise, ability to walk, lameness and abilities to walk on stairs, jump and play) were used to evaluate mobility disorder and were noted from 0 (normal) to 3 (serious alteration). For inclusion in the study, at least 3 criteria had to be above 0. The sum of the 7 scores defined the severity score. Assessments (questionnaires filled in by owners) were done on Day 0 (baseline) and then every 2 weeks (W2, W4, W6, W8). Other parameters like body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), kibbles palatability, digestive tolerance and owners’ satisfaction were also evaluated. For each criterion, pair wise adjusted (Dunnett) comparisons of time points were performed in the repeated measures of ANOVA. The significant threshold was set to 5%. 49 dogs completed the study and 48 dogs were analyzed for efficacy (one dog received prednisolone for skin treatment and was excluded). All criteria (mean scores) were significantly improved at W8 compared to Day 0 (p<0.05): interaction with people (0.4 vs. 0.88, respectively), ability to rise (0.94 vs. 1.44), ability to walk (0.54 vs. 1.17), lameness (0.88 vs. 1.46), ability to walk up and down stairs (1.24 vs. 1.50), ability to play (1.25 vs. 1.56) and ability to jump on couch, bed or car (1.36 vs. 1.68). The first four criteria and the mean severity score (6.44 at W8 vs. 9.48 at Day 0) were significantly improved from W2. 20% overweight dogs recovered an optimal weight despite no diet restriction and 35% owners estimated the dog’s silhouette was thinner or more muscular. Palatability was considered normal to very good by 86% pet owners. The digestive safety was high: 92% dogs had stools with normal or dry consistency; 86% dogs had stools in normal or fewer quantities than with the usual diet and 85% dogs had no flatulence or with similar frequency as usual. 78% owners were satisfied by the effects of this diet on their dog. Overall, the tested diet improved dogs’ mobility and their quality of life. These results may be attributed to the diet containing high levels of proteins for muscle maintenance and omega-3 fatty acids known to reduce inflammation and pain. The good tolerance and palatability should help for optimal compliance.

Mustafa Sinan AktaÅŸ has completed his PhD from Ankara University in Turkey. He has been working as an Associate Professor in the Ataturk University, Veterinary Faculty, and Department of Internal Medicine.

The purpose of this study is to explore the protective effects of different doses of rutin with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties on acute lung injury (ALI) induced by oleic acid (OA) in rats. 35 Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly separated into five groups: comprising control, rutin 150 mg, OA, rutin 75 mg+OA and rutin 150 mg+OA. In the rutin 75 mg+OA group, the malondialdehyde level (MDA) was significantly lower than that of the OA group. In the rutin 75 mg+OA group, the GPx, GSH, CAT and SOD levels were significantly higher than those of the OA group, and significantly lower than those of the control group. In the rutin 150 mg+OA group, the MDA level was significantly lower than that of the OA group. In the rutin 150 mg+OA group, the GPx, GSH, CAT and SOD levels were significantly higher than those of the OA group, and when compared to the control group the GPx, CAT and SOD levels did not have any difference, but the GSH levels were significantly lower. In the rutin 75 mg+OA and rutin 150 mg+OA groups, iNOS expressions in the interstitial parts of the lungs were significantly lower than those of the OA group. The iNOS expression was lower in the 150 mg+OA group compared to the rutin 75 mg+OA group. It was concluded that on the ALI induced by OA, rutin had protective effects through the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and that this protective effect of rutin was higher in the 150 mg/kg dose compared to the 75 mg/kg dose and that the application of rutin as a supportive treatment in ALI would be beneficial.

Patric Maurer has completed his Graduation in 2013 and currently is a Research Assistant at the Institute of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig. He is specialising in Meat Hygiene and investigates different issues of veterinary public health. He achieved the Saxon Certificate of Higher Education Didactics and, currently, is pursuing his Doctoral entitled “the development and quality assessment of the extramural practical trainings in abattoirs in German veterinary education”.

Introduction: As part of the free movement and opening of labor markets within the European Union, the recognition of professional qualifications became more important. The Directive 2005/36/EC describes the minimum requirements concerning the veterinary study and emphasize the importance of practical training in abattoirs. Additionally, the Regulation (EC) No. 854/2004 stipulates special professional qualifications for official veterinarians working in the food sector. Among similar regulations in many other European countries, German senior veterinary students have to complete a 100 hours mandatory extramural study (EMS) in an abattoir during their practical year (9th/10th semester). Under the surveillance of official veterinarians, the students have to train the ante- and post-mortem meat inspection in cattle and pigs and inform about the treatment of slaughter animals. According to the guidelines of the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education, an evaluation of the training is required (EAEVE 2012). Aim: The objective of this study is to evaluate the current contents of the EMS and the opinions of both veterinary students and official veterinarians. Therefore, a cross-sectional, compulsory, but anonymous survey was conducted. The questionnaire was developed and adopted by senior lectures of all veterinary universities in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Results: The evaluation refers to questionnaires of 705 senior veterinary students of the University of Leipzig. 82.1% (n=579) of the participants attended one, 17.9% (n=126) multiple abattoirs. These are distributed across 13 states of Germany and abroad. Most students (n≥675 each ≥95.7%) completed the required contents. The post-mortem meat inspection in the event of doubt was only conducted by about three-quarters of the participants (cattle: 69.4%, n=489/pig: 76.7%, n=541). Many students had also noted other contents, e.g. hygiene, slaughter technology and trichinella examination. Only 60.9% (n=429) of the students witnessed the official procedure after an animal welfare breach. Overall, a positive perception of the EMS corresponded between students and official veterinarians. Nevertheless, only one third of the students considered a potential future career in meat inspection, in contrast to about 50% of the respective official veterinarians. Conclusion: The results of our present study demonstrated high variations within the EMS. While the students were introduced to a wide range of relevant topics, not all statutory compulsory requirements were part of each EMS. In particular, the relatively high number of students who missed the extended meat inspection (in cases of doubt concerning the fitness for human consumption) [where only veterinarians are considered to be competent] needs to be reviewed critically. Overall, the communication between official veterinarians and the respective university teachers ought to be drastically improved. Thus, the learning outcome of EMS in an abattoir can be increased.

Shiro Kushibiki has completed his PhD from Tohoku University and Post-doctoral studies from National Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science (NILGS). He is an Associate Director of Ruminant Metabolism Unit of NILGS. He has published more than 30 papers in reputed journals and is serving as a Professor of Tsukuba University.

Feeding high-grain diets to induce subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) in dairy cows has consistently been associated with increase in the concentrations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxin originating from gram-negative bacteria in rumen fluid, and of acute phase proteins, including LPS-binding protein (LBP), in peripheral blood. Changes in the levels of acute phase proteins and LBP are indicative of a systemic immune response, possibly due to the translocation of LPS from the digestive tract. Lactoferrin (LF) is an important modulator of the immune response and inflammation. In vitro studies have shown that LF inhibits LPS-induced inflammatory response. We investigated the effect of bovine LF feeding on rumen LPS level and pH and plasma LBP in lactating dairy cows. 24 Holstein cows were randomly assigned to two groups: LF (10 g/day) feeding group (n=12) and LF (0 g/day, control) group (n=12) during 3 and 12 weeks after the parturition. Cows were fed a close-up total mixed ration (120% of TDN requirement). Postpartum, cows were fed the same close-up diet and commercial concentrate (NDF 33%, 100% of TDN requirement). Wireless ruminal pH sensors were used to obtain ruminal pH profiles (10 min interval) 3 weeks prior to calving until 9 weeks postpartum. Cows were considered to have SARA if the total below pH 5.8 was ≥180 min/day. Rumen LPS activity was lower (P<0.05) in the LF feeding group than in the control group at 12 weeks after parturition. Plasma LBP concentration was lower (P<0.05) in the LF feeding group than in the control group at 8 and 12 weeks after parturition. There were no significant differences in body weight, dry matter intake, milk yields, and rumen volatile fatty acids concentration in both groups. Cows in LF and control group had similar pH profile in lactating period, the amount of time at pH≥5.8 (67 vs. 81 min; SEM 0.45) and SARA cow was one of them in each group. Our results indicated that bovine LF feeding decreased rumen LPS activity and plasma LBP concentration in dairy cows after parturition.

Toshihiro Ichijo is currently working as a researcher in the Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine at Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, Japan.

Soft X-ray equipment has been used to image birds. The purpose of this study was to acquire and examine diagnostic images in the whooper swan. The head, thorax, and wings of five swans from the Iwate Prefectural Wildlife Protection Center were imaged using digital X-ray equipment (Aero DR system; Konica Minolta, Tokyo, Japan) and an X-ray generator (Mikasa, Tokyo, Japan). The conditions were 50-55 kV, 0.5-1.0 mA, and a file focus distance of 100 cm. The image data were analyzed with the software. The images revealed that the lateral thoracic tracheal cartilage spiraled around the chest cavity and was connected to the left and right air sacs. The syrinx seemed to spiral in some sections. The soft tissues of the heart and gizzard, the pelvic, hip, leg bones and the muscles were all clearly seen. The tail anteroposterior image revealed the intestine, the shafts of the tail feathers, the feather valves, and the wing roots. Sufficient contrast resulted in clear visualization of soft tissue. The skeleton, soft tissue and cartilage were revealed well by digital X-ray imaging, suggesting applications in diagnostic imaging.

Faten A M Abo-Aziza has completed her PhD from Beni-Suef University in 2012 and Post-doctoral studies from Kyushu University, Graduate School of Dental Science, Japan. She is currently serving as a Researcher of Clinical Pathology at the National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt. Her research interest is Mesenchymal Stem Cells Application.

In cellular therapy field, the impact of confluence degree to harvest or differentiate BMMSCs and the effect created by cell-to-cell contact remains controversial. Therefore, the impact of 20, 50, 70, 80 and 100% confluences on BMMSCs proliferation properties, ERK and p-ERK proteins expression and glucose consumption rate was studied. Confluence-associated osteogenic differentiation efficiency was identified by determining calcium deposition, alizarin red staining, alkaline phosphatase activity and osteopontin and osteocalcin genes expression. There was a correlation between confluence% and density. Viability was declined at the lower and higher confluences. The highest CFU-F, Brd-U uptake and population doubling were obtained at 80% confluence. ERK band intensity in 100% confluent BMMSCs was lower. Bands of p-ERK were highly detectable at 70% and 80% confluences. Glucose consumption rate at 70% and 80% confluences were higher than at 20% and 100% confluences. Although higher osteogenic differentiation appeared at 80% confluence, it was also extended at 100% confluence. Osteopontin gene expressed among all confluences while osteocalcin gene was highly expressed in 70% confluence. We concluded that the optimum seeding density for maximal expansion and harvesting purposes is 80% confluence and up to 100% confluence for osteogenic differentiation to trigger the process to be more cost effective.