Antidiabetic,Antihypertensive and Antioxidant Properties of Grapevine Leaf Extracts Obtained by Ultrasound,Microwave Assisted,and Classical Solvent Extraction

Grapevine leaves are consumed as a food in Mediterranean countries. At the same time, it is a byproduct of the wine industry. Antioxidant, antihypertensive and antidiabetic properties of grapevine leaves after ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave assisted extraction (MAE) and classical solvent extraction (CSE) were evaluated and compared by using water and methanol as solvent. DPPH radical scavenging activity, total phenolic content (TPC), total antioxidant capacity (TEAC), metal chelating activity, ACE inhibitory activity and α?glucosidase inhibitory activity of grapevine leaves extracts were determined. The highest values of grapevine leave extracts for antioxidant properties; DPPH (61.60%), TPC (910.18?mg GAE?g^?1), TEAC (6.23?µg Trolox mg^?1) and metal chelating activity (IC50; 3.18?mg mL^?1) were obtained from UAE when the methanol was used extracting solvent. However antihypertensive activity (13.68%) and antidiabetic activity (83.00%) values obtained from MAE by using water as a solvent were relatively highest. The effectiveness of UAE, MAE and CSE methods in terms of antioxidant, antihypertensive and antidiabetic properties of grapevine leaves were significantly (p?<?0.05) different from each other. This differences depending on the solvent used.     

Localization profiles of natriuretic peptides in hearts of pre-hibernating and hibernating Anatolian ground squirrels (Spermophilus xanthoprymnus)

The Anatolian ground squirrel (Spermophilus xanthoprymnus) is a typical example of true mammalian hibernators. In order to adapt to extreme external and internal environments during hibernation, they lower their body temperatures, heart rates and oxygen consumption; however, pathological events such as ischemia and ventricular fibrillation do not occur in their cardiovascular systems. During the hibernation, maintenance of cardiac function is very important for survival of ground squirrels. Natriuretic peptides (NPs) are key factors in the regulation of cardiovascular hemostasis. Since NPs’ role on the protection of heart during hibernation are less clear, the aim of this study was to investigate dynamic changes in NPs content in the cardiac chambers and to reveal the possible role of NPs on establishing cardiac function in ground squirrel during hibernation using immunohistochemistry. The immunohistochemical results indicate that cardiac NP expressions in atrial and ventricular cardiomyocytes were different from each other and were sex-independent. ANP and BNP were expressed in a chamber-dependent manner in female and male squirrel hearts. Furthermore, cardiac NPs expression levels in hibernation period were lower than those at the pre-hibernation period. During prehibernation period, ANP, BNP and CNP were expressed in the white and beige adipocytes of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT); while during hibernation period, the brown adipocytes of EAT were positive for BNP and CNP. These data suggest that the hibernation-dependent reduction in levels of NPs, particularly ANP, in cardiac chambers and EAT may be associated with low heart rate and oxygen consumption during hibernation. However, further studies are needed to better delineate the roles of NPs during the hibernation.

     

Effect of clinoptilolite on serum biochemical and haematological characters of broiler chickens during aflatoxicosis

Clinoptilolite (CLI, a natural zeolite) incorporated into the diet at 1.5 and 2.5 per cent were evaluated for their ability to reduce the deleterious effects of 2.5 mg total aflatoxin (AF) kg(-1)diet on broiler chickens from 1 to 21 days of age. In total 360 broiler chicks were divided into six equal treatment groups (control, AF, CLI (1.5 per cent), AF plus CLI (1.5 per cent), CLI (2.5 per cent) and AF plus CLI (2.5 per cent)). When compared with the controls, AF treatment significantly decreased serum total protein, albumin, inorganic phosphorus, uric acid, total cholesterol and the values of haematocrit, red blood cell counts, mean corpuscular volume, haemoglobin, thrombocyte counts, percentage of monocyte counts; increased values of white blood cell and heterophil counts. The addition of CLI (1.5 per cent) and CLI (2.5 per cent) to the AF -containing diet reduced the adverse effects of AF and should be helpful in a solution to the aflatoxicosis problem in poultry.     

The first serological evidence for Rift Valley fever infection in the camel,goitered gazelle and Anatolian water buffaloes in Turkey

Tropical Animal Health and Production - Rift valley fever (RVF), a vector-borne zoonotic disease, is caused by a phlebovirus (family Bunyaviridae). The virus was initially characterized...     

Effect of injecting with dexamethasone and progestagen-PMSG on reproduction and rearing of lambs in semi-intensive conditions

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different doses dexamethasone and progestagen-PMSG on fertility and prolificacy in Kivircik ewes during the breeding season. For the experiment, 100 ewes were divided into four groups, with 25 females in each group. Groups were fluorgestone acetate (FGA, 30 mg), administered via intravaginal sponges. Experimental groups 2, 3 and 4 mL dexamethasone injection were given 72 h before mating season. The fertility rates control, 2, 3 and 4 mL were 88.0, 92.0, 100.0 and 100.0%, respectively (p<0.05). The prolificacy rates for the same groups were 122.7, 130.4, 144.0 and 156.0%, respectively (p<0.01). The injections dexamethasone significantly increased lamb birth weight and daily weight gain for 60 days (p<0.05).     

Using empirical equations to determine appropriate furrow length under field condition

In this study, some of the empirical methods such as USDA-SCS and volume balance equations were used for determining furrow length. The main purpose was proving empirical equations application possibility. According to results, USDA-SCS and Volume Balance Equations can be used for determining furrow length at the Bafra Plain, Turkey. The field experiment and Volume Balance results are very close to each other. Experimental results are different from USDA-SCS equation results, but there is a relationship between both. There is a coefficient between field results and USDA-SCS equation result for furrow length. The coefficient (0.41) can multiply by UDSA-SCS result is 73 m which is very close to the field experimental result of 71 m.     

The preparation and characterization of conductive poly(ethylene terephthalate)/polyaniline composite fibers using benzoyl peroxide

Conductive polyaniline (PAn)/poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) composite fibers were prepared by chemical polymerization of aniline in the presence of PET fibers using benzoyl peroxide (Bz₂O₂) in organic solvent/aqueous hydrochloric acid mixtures. The effects of polymerization conditions such as organic solvent/water ratio, oxidant, aniline and hydrochloric acid concentrations and temperature were investigated on the amount of PAn deposited on PET fiber and the electrical surface resistance of composite fibers. The maximum PAn content and the lowest electrical surface resistance of composite fibers were observed at HCl concentrations of 0.5 mol L⁻¹. The properties of PAn/PET composite fibers such as density, diameter, tensile strength and breaking elongation were also investigated in comparison with those of pure PET. Characterization of conductive composite fibers was carried out by FTIR, TGA, SEM techniques, surface resistance measurements, and cross section images taken by optical microscope.     

Hydraulic Structures in Water Aeration Processes

The primary purpose of water aeration is to increase the oxygen saturation of the water. This can be achieved by using hydraulic structures because of substantial air bubble entrainment at these structures. This paper reviewed the literature on hydraulic structures used in water aeration processes. The hydraulic structures were divided into two groups as the high-head flow systems and the free-surface flow systems. The high-head flow systems were circular and venturi nozzles, pipe with venturi tube, and high-head conduit, and the free-surface flow systems were weir, stepped cascade, and free-surface conduit. Air/water flow ratio and aeration efficiency in circular nozzles with air holes and venturi nozzles were significantly high. Pipes with venturi tubes showed high aeration efficiency although they had low air/water flow ratio. In high-head and free-surface conduits, almost full oxygen transfer, up to the saturation value, occurred. Forty-five degrees triangular sharp-crested weir had significantly better air/water flow ratio and aeration efficiency than other sharp-crested weir shapes. Stepped cascades, in particular nappe flow regime, were very efficient means of aeration.