Prevalence of equine herpesvirus-1 and equine herpesvirus-4 infections in equidae species in Turkey as determined by ELISA and multiplex nested PCR

In this report we examined the presence of specific antibodies against equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1), and equine herpesvirus type 4 (EHV-4) in several equidae, including mules, donkeys, horses. The presence of EHV-1 and EHV-4 in respiratory diseases of equids, and ability of multiplex nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screening in simultaneous diagnosis of horses acutely infected by EHV-1 and EHV-4 were also investigated. Sera from 504 horses, mules and donkeys sampled were tested for the presence of EHV-1 and EHV-4 specific antibodies. Blood samples taken from 21 symptomatic horses and nasal swabs taken from 40 symptomatic horses were tested for the presence of EHV-1 and EHV-4 by a multiplex nested PCR. A total of 14.3% (3/21) of buffy coat samples and 32.5% (13/40) nasal swab samples were found to contain EHV-1 DNA, while 19% (4/21) buffy coat samples and 22.5% (9/40) nasal swab samples were found to be positive for EHV-4 DNA. By species, 14.5% of horses, 37.2% of mules and 24.2% of donkeys tested were EHV-1 seropositive. EHV-4 specific antibodies were detected in 237 (81.7%) of 290 horse sera tested. Results from this investigation demonstrate that EHV-1 and EHV-4 are prevalent throughout the equid population, and that donkeys and mules might also represent an important source of infection for other equids. We also showed that the multiplex nested PCR assay might be useful for diagnosis of mixed respiratory infections in horses due to EHV-1 and EHV-4.     

Adsorption of Methylene Blue from Aqueous Solution onto Perlite

Adsorption of methylene blue from aqueous solutionsonto unexpanded and expanded perlite samples activatedby H₂SO₄ and NaCl solutions has beeninvestigated, to assess the possibility of usingperlite for removing cationic dyes from aqueoussolutions. The effects of pH and temperature of dyesolution on the adsorption capacities have beenevaluated. The experimental data were correlatedreasonably well by the Langmuir adsorption isothermand the isotherm parameters (Q _m and K) have beencalculated. The removal efficiency (P) anddimensionless separation factor (R) have shown thatperlite can be used for removal of methylene blue fromaqueous solutions, but unexpanded perlite is more effective.     

Antioxidant activity of Erica arborea

The antioxidant properties of the methanol extract of leaves and flowers of Erica arborea and the ethyl acetate, butanol and water soluble fractions were investigated. The ethyl acetate extract was found to be the richest for phenolic and flavonoid content which showed the highest antioxidant activity.     

SPERMATIC GRANULOMA IN THE RAM: DIAGNOSIS BY ULTRASONOGRAPHY AND SEMEN CHARACTERISTICS

Ultrasonographic appearance of the testis and epididymis, and seminal characteristics, with regard to localization of spermatic granuloma were studied. In rams with spermatic granuloma (n = 9), diagnosed by clinical or ultrasonographic examinations before histopathological confirmation, localization of each lesion was recorded. Epididymal granulomas, caput and cauda, were seen as anechoic or hyperechoic areas with a distinct margin with or without a hyperechoic capsule. Granulomas in the testis were microscopic and, therefore, could not be detected by ultrasonography. Enlargement in the mediastinum testis was detected in all rams when there were granulomas in the caput. Heterogeneous testis parenchyma invaded by numerous hyperechoic foci, representing testicular degeneration, was associated with granulomas both in the epididymis and testis. Ultrasonographic appearance of the lesions did not differ with regard to season. Seminal characteristics varied between rams. It was concluded that ultrasonographic evaluation may give valuable information in the diagnosis of sperm granuloma in the ram.     

Effects of dietary Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) peel oil on growth,haematology and immune response of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) juveniles

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of essential oil extracted from bergamot (Citrus bergamia) peel on growth performance and health status of European sea bass juveniles (5.10 + 0.05 g). Test diets supplemented with 0.0%, 0.5%, 1.0% and 2.0% bergamot peel oil (BPO₀, BPO_0.5, BPO₁ and BPO₂) were fed to experimental fish for 60 days. At the end of the experiment, the best growth performance was obtained in the BPO_0.5 and BPO₁ groups (p < .05). No significances were found for haematological parameters including red blood cell count, haematocrit and haemoglobin concentration at the end of the feeding experiment. There were significant differences between the total protein, cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (p < .05) between the BPO0.5 and BPO1 supplemented groups and the control group with no BPO addition. The addition of BPO showed significant differences in immune parameters such as lysozyme activity, total myeloperoxidase content, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity between BPO₀ and BPO supplemented groups (p < .05). It might be concluded that dietary addition of 0.5%‐1% BPO could increase the growth performance and feed utilization with improved health status in sea bass juveniles.     

Pre‐challenge and post‐challenge haemato‐immunological changes in Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) fed argan oil against Lactococcus garvieae

The present study investigated the effects of argan oil, obtained from Argania spinosa, on pre‐ and post‐challenge immuno‐haematological and biochemical responses of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. For this purpose, the fish were fed diets containing 0, 0.5%, 1% or 2% argan oil for 45 days. Following 45 days of feeding, fish were challenged with Lactococcus garvieae and mortality was recorded for 15 days. During the pre‐challenge period, significantly higher respiratory burst activity, total white blood cell (WBC), serum lysozyme activity and myeloperoxidase activity were determined in the argan oil‐fed groups. The serum glucose and cholesterol levels decreased whilst total protein and albumin did not change in the groups fed with argan oil‐supplemented diets. After challenge with Lactococcus garvieae, the percentage survival (%) was found to be the highest in the 1% and 2% argan oil‐supplemented feeding groups. Also, there was a significant increase in weight gain, specific growth rate and feed conversion ratio in those fish fed argan oil. The results of this study indicated that after the supplementation of fish diets with argan oil, especially at 1% and 2% concentrations, the immunological, haematological and biochemical values remained similar in both the pre‐ and post‐challenge periods and the immune response against L. garvieae in Nile tilapia was modulated.