Morphology, chemical properties, and radiocarbon dating of eutrophic peat in Turkey

Morphologies, classifications, chemical properties and radiocarbon dates of Akgöl–Sakarya peatland located in the northwestern part of Turkey, which has never been studied up to now, were investigated. Three representative profiles were excavated in the study area and soil samples were taken based on soil horizons. Additionally, soil samples were taken at the different depths in each profile for radiocarbon dating. Accretion rates changed between 1.40 and 1.69 mm year^− 1 according to ¹⁴C measurements. Radiocarbon ages ranged between 365 ± 90 and 195 ± 50 years depending on sampling depth. Profile I was Sapric Haplohemist, profile II was Hydric Haplohemist and profile III was Typic Haplosaprist. Soil properties varied widely depending on the profiles. Fibre contents were between 9.4% and 34.7% due to degree of organic matter decomposition. pH and ECe values varied between 4.20–6.62 and 0.51–2.50 dS m⁻¹, respectively. The cation exchange capacity (CEC) ranged from 100 to 140 cmol kg⁻¹. Total nitrogen and phosphorus ranged from 0.78% to 1.82% and from 0.45% to1.03%, respectively. Total calcium contents were between 1.44% to 3.25%, and magnesium contents varied from 0.22 to 0.71%. Both nutrients were higher in the surface horizons of profiles I and II. Total Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu and B contents varied considerably among profiles. It was found that total amounts of Fe, Zn, Cu and B in samples were between 4660–16220 mg kg^− 1, 89–451 mg kg^− 1, 16–57 mg kg^− 1, 3–11 mg kg^− 1 and 12–37 mg kg^− 1, respectively. Cr, Ni and Pb contents in peat samples were 22–55 mg kg^− 1, 24–58 mg kg^− 1, and 3–93 mg kg^− 1, respectively. However, there was no Cd and Hg detected. It was observed that seasonal ground water fluctuations, eutrophic formation and differences in decomposition degrees have a substantial effect on changing of morphological and chemical properties of organic soils in the study area.     

Lentil and chickpea protein-stabilized emulsions: optimization of emulsion formulation

Chickpea and lentil protein-stabilized emulsions were optimized with regard to pH (3.0-8.0), protein concentration (1.1-4.1% w/w), and oil content (20-40%) for their ability to form and stabilize oil-in-water emulsions using response surface methodology. Specifically, creaming stability, droplet size, and droplet charge were assessed. Optimum conditions for minimal creaming (no serum separation after 24 h), small droplet size (<2 μm), and high net droplet charge (absolute value of ZP > 40 mV) were identified as 4.1% protein, 40% oil, and pH 3.0 or 8.0, regardless of the plant protein used for emulsion preparation.     

The yellow rose aphid <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhodobium porosum</Emphasis>: a new pest of Damask rose in Turkey

Apterous and alate viviparous females of the yellow rose aphid, Rhodobium porosum (Sanderson) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), were collected on Damask rose, Rosa damascena Mill., in Isparta Province, Turkey. The aphid is recorded for the first time from Turkey. Brief information about the invasive yellow rose aphid, including its distribution in Isparta Province and a key to the apterous females of aphid species known to infest Damask rose in Turkey, is provided.     

Distribution of eosinophil granulocytes and mast cells in the reproductive tract of female goats in the preimplantation phase

Changes in eosinophil granulocytes and mast cells post-insemination may affect conceptus implantation, but information regarding the numbers of such cells in the mammalian reproductive tract is limited. This study investigated the preimplantation distribution of eosinophil granulocytes and mast cells (MCs) in the reproductive tract organs of female goats. Uterus, uterine cervix and uterine tubes samples were obtained at slaughter. Cornu uteri were washed in phosphate buffer solution (each animal contained at least one embryo). Tissues were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formol, Carnoy solution and Mota’s fixative (basic lead acetate) for 48 h and embedded in paraffin. Six-micrometre-thick sections were stained with Congo red (for eosinophil granulocytes) and toluidine blue in 1% aqueous solution at pH 1.0 for 5 min (for MCs). In the uterus, MCs occurred in highest numbers in the myometrium. Higher MC numbers were observed in uterus, uterine and uterine tubes in the preimplantation (experimental) group (cycle synchronised through 7 days intravaginal sponge with 0.3 g P₄) compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Eosinophil granulocyte numbers were significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group (P < 0.05). These results indicate preimplantation-related changes in numbers of eosinophil granulocytes and MCs in goat reproductive tract organs.     

Impact of honeybee and bumblebee pollination on alfalfa seed yield

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the effects of honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) and bumblebee (Bombus terrestris L . ) on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) seed production in the west Mediterranean region of Turkey, between 2001 and 2003. The experimental plots (4×3 m) were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications for spring and autumn seasons. Four pollination treatments (caged with bumblebee (BP), caged with honeybee (HP), open-pollinated (OP) and pollinator excluded (EP)) were applied. The effects of honeybee and bumblebee on alfalfa seed yield, number of pods per raceme, number of seeds per pod, and podding rate were investigated. The results of seed yield indicate that interaction between treatment groups and seasons was significant (p<0.01). The highest seed yield in alfalfa was found in OP (66.19kg/ha) in the spring followed by BP (56.48kg/ha), HP (49.20kg/ha) and EP (2.44kg/ha). With regarding to the autumn season, the highest seed yield was found in BP (26.17kg/ha) treatment followed by HP (22.89kg/ha), OP (18.12kg/ha) and EP (1.96kg/ha). The results of this research show that B. terrestris can be recommended as an alternative pollinator to honeybee for alfalfa seed production.     

The anamnestic serologic response to vaccination with a canarypox virus-vectored recombinant West Nile virus (WNV) vaccine in horses previously vaccinated with an inactivated WNV vaccine

A new recombinant West Nile virus (WNV) vaccine has been licensed for use in horses. Prior to the availability of the recombinant vaccine in 2004, the only equine WNV vaccine available on the market had been an inactivated vaccine. Since the recombinant vaccine only expresses selected viral genes, the question could be posed as to whether a single dose of the recombinant vaccine would be effective in producing an anamnestic serologic response in horses previously vaccinated with an inactivated WNV vaccine. In this study we demonstrate that vaccination of horses with a canarypox-vectored recombinant vaccine, under field conditions, results in a marked anamnestic response in horses previously vaccinated with an inactivated WNV vaccine.     

Distribution and Heterogeneity of Mast Cells in Female Reproductive Tract and Ovary on Different Days of the Oestrus Cycle in Angora Goats

The physiological distribution of mast cells (MCs) in the reproductive tract and ovary of 12 Angora goats was determined using light microscopic histochemical techniques. Uterus (corpus uteri and cornu uteri), uterine cervix, uterine tubes (isthmus and ampulla) and ovary samples were obtained by laparatomy from groups of animals during metoestrus, dioestrus and proestrus (days 5, 10 and 16 of the oestrous cycle). Tissues were fixed in Mota's fixative (basic lead acetate) for 48 h and embedded in paraffin. Six-micrometre-thick sections were stained with toluidine blue in 1% aqueous solution at pH 1.0 for 5 min and alcian blue-Safranin at pH 1.0 for 30 min. MCs were generally associated with blood vessels in all reproductive organs. In the uterus, they were concentrated mainly in the close of the uterine gland and deep stroma in the endometrium. Higher MC numbers were observed by toluidine blue staining in the uterus, uterine cervix and uterine tubes on days 10 (corpus uterine: 4.7 ± 3.8 and cornu uterine: 4.9 ± 3.5) and 16 (corpus uterine: 5.9 ± 4.5 and cornu uterine: 5.4 ± 2.4) of the oestrous cycle compared with day 5 (p < 0.05). Mast cells were not observed in the follicles, the corpus luteum and the underside of the surface epithelium of the ovarian cortex, but were observed in the interstitial cortical stroma and the ovarian medulla. In the ovary, MC numbers were significantly higher on day 16 of the oestrous cycle (cortex: 3.4 ± 2.4 and medulla: 5.7 ± 4.5, p < 0.05). Safranin-positive connective tissue MCs were not observed in the uterine tube on any occasion. These results indicate oestrous cycle-related changes in the number and location of MCs in goat reproductive organs.     

Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies to three infectious bronchitis virus serotypes.

Three panels of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were prepared against the spike (S) proteins of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) strains Arkansas 99, Connecticut 46, and Massachusetts 41. Based on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the MAbs were grouped into three categories: 1) group-specific, which reacted with a broad spectrum of homologous and heterologous IBV serotypes; 2) serotype-specific, which reacted only with strains of the homologous serotype; and 3) strain-specific, which reacted "selectively" with only certain strains of homologous and heterologous serotypes. MAbs that displayed serotype specificity were all specific to S1 fractions of the homologous serotype, confirming that epitopes that determine virus serotype are associated with the S1 protein. An excellent correlation was found when the results of IBV serotyping by MAb-based indirect ELISA were compared with those from the conventional virus-neutralization test. This confirms that the MAbs described here will serve as valuable tools in epizootiological studies and serotype-specific diagnosis of IBV infection.     

Evaluation of the ability of canarypox-vectored equine influenza virus vaccines to induce humoral immune responses against canine influenza viruses in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate canarypox-vectored equine influenza virus (EIV) vaccines expressing hemagglutinins of A/equine/Kentucky/94 (vCP1529) and A2/equine/Ohio /03 (vCP2242) for induction of antibody responses against canine influenza virus (CIV) in dogs. ANIMALS: 35 dogs. PROCEDURES: Dogs were randomly allocated into 4 groups; group 1 (n = 8) and group 2 (9) were inoculated SC on days 0 and 28 with 1.0 mL (approx 10(5.7) TCID(50)) of vCP1529 and vCP2242, respectively. Dogs in group 3 (n = 9) were inoculated twice with 0.25 mL (approx 10(5.7) TCID(50)) of vCP2242 via the transdermal route. The 9 dogs of group 4 were control animals. All dogs were examined for adverse reactions. Sera, collected on days -1, 7, 13, 21, 28, 35, and 42, were tested by hemagglutination inhibition (HI) and virus neutralization (VN) assays for antibodies against CIV antigens A/Canine/FL/43/04-PR and A/Canine/NY/115809/05, respectively. RESULTS: Inoculations were tolerated well. The HI and VN antibodies were detected by 7 days after primary inoculation. Most dogs of groups 1 and 2 and all dogs of group 3 had detectable antibodies by 14 days after initial inoculation. The second inoculation induced an anamnestic response, yielding geometric mean HI titers of 139, 276, and 1,505 and VN titers of 335, 937, and 3,288 by day 42 (14 days after booster inoculation) in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Canarypox-vectored EIV vaccines induce biologically important antibodies and may substantially impact CIV transmission within a community and be of great value in protecting dogs against CIV-induced disease.     

A reliable gender diagnostic PCR assay for jojoba (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Simmondsia chinensis</Emphasis> (Link) Schneider)

Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis (Link) Schneider) is an obligate cross-pollinated shrub native to the Sonora desert. The most valuable product of the jojoba seeds is the liquid wax or jojoba oil which is marketed extensively in the cosmetic industry. Differing from the most of the cultivated crop species, jojoba has slow-growing habit, difficulties in the determination of sex at the early seedling stages, a male-biased ratio and low seed yield. In jojoba, the development of molecular strategies for the identification of sexes at early stages has been a priority in plantations and breeding programs. Two previous studies reported two candidate male-specific jojoba DNA markers. However, present study indicated that these markers were not useful in jojoba sex identification. A reliable gender diagnostic marker for jojoba is, therefore, needed. In the present study a novel jojoba male-specific touch-down polymerase chain reaction based DNA marker (JMS900) was reported using a total of 120 individual jojoba plants bulked into 16 samples. This sex specific DNA marker may have considerable theoretical and practical applications in the establishment of jojoba plantation and breeding studies.