Plasma disposition and faecal excretion of oxfendazole, fenbendazole and albendazole following oral administration to donkeys

Fenbendazole (FBZ), oxfendazole (fenbendazole sulphoxide, FBZSO), and albendazole (ABZ) were administered orally to donkeys at 10mg/kg bodyweight. Blood and faecal samples were collected from 1 to 120 h post-treatment. The plasma and faecal samples were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The parent molecule and its sulphoxide and sulphone (FBZSO(2)) metabolites did not reach detectable concentrations in any plasma samples following FBZ administration. ABZ was also not detected in any plasma samples, but its sulphoxide and sulphone metabolites were detected, demonstrating that ABZ was completely metabolised by first-pass mechanisms in donkeys. Maximum plasma concentrations (C(max)) of FBZSO (0.49microg/mL) and FBZSO(2) (0.60microg/mL) were detected at (t(max)) 5.67 and 8.00h, respectively, following administration of FBZSO. The area under the curve (AUC) of the sulphone metabolite (10.33microg h/mL) was significantly higher than that of the parent drug FBZSO (5.17microg h/mL). C(max) of albendazole sulphoxide (ABZSO) (0.08g/mL) and albendazole sulphone (ABZSO(2)) (0.04microg/mL) were obtained at 5.71 and 8.00h, respectively, following ABZ administration. The AUC of the sulphoxide metabolite (0.84microg h/mL) of ABZ was significantly higher than that of the sulphone metabolite (0.50microg h/mL). The highest dry-faecal concentrations of parent molecules were detected at 32, 34 and 30h for FBZSO, FBZ and ABZ, respectively. The sulphide metabolite was significantly higher than the parent molecule after FBZSO administration. The parent molecule was predominant in the faecal samples following FBZ administration. After ABZ administration, the parent molecule was significantly metabolised, probably by gastrointestinal microflora, to its sulphoxide metabolite (ABZSO) that showed a similar excretion profile to the parent molecule in the faecal samples. The AUC of the parent FBZ was significantly higher than that of FBZSO and ABZ in faeces. It is concluded that the plasma concentration of FBZSO was significantly higher than that of FBZ and ABZ. Although ABZ is not licensed for use in Equidae, its metabolites presented a greater plasma kinetic profile than FBZ which is licensed for use in horses. A higher metabolic capacity, first-pass effects and lower absorption of benzimidazoles in donkeys decrease bioavailability and efficacy compared to ruminants.     

Investigation of the genetic diversity among native Turkish sheep breeds using mtDNA polymorphisms

A total of 135 unrelated sheep from nine Turkish native sheep breeds (Dagl?c, Kivircik, Imroz, Chios, Morkaraman, Ivesi, Hemsin, Karayaka and Akkaraman) were investigated to determinate the maternal genetic diversity using a sequence of a 531-bp segment of the mtDNA control region. Analysis of the mtDNA control region sequence revealed 63 haplotypes and 53 polymorphic sites. Haplotype diversity, nucleotide diversity and the average number of nucleotide differences were estimated to be 0.9496?±?0.011, 0.01407?±?0.00060 and 7.456, respectively. The sequence analysis also revealed high level of genetic diversity among the native Turkish breeds. These breeds were grouped into three major maternal haplogroups: A, B and C, with one animal belonging from the Akkaraman breed to the rare haplogroup E. Irregular shape of mismatch distribution of haplogroup C could be an indicator that haplogroup C may represent different haplogroups. Contrarily to previous studies carried out on Turkish native breeds, majority of animals grouped in haplogroup A in the present study. This result and the irregular shape of mismatch curve of haplogroup C indicate that genetic structure of Turkish native sheep breeds could be more complicated than it is thought.     

The prediction of seedy grape drying rate using a neural network method

This paper presents an application which uses Feedforward Neural Networks (FNNs) to model the nonlinear behaviour of the drying of seedy grapes. First, a novel type of dryer for experimentally and mathematically evaluating the thin-layer drying kinetics of seedy grapes is developed. In the developed drying system, an expanded-surface solar air collector, a solar air collector with Phase-Change Material (PCM) and drying room with swirl element have been particularly included. Secondly, the drying rate is estimated as an exponential-type equation using non-linear regression analysis. Thirdly, the drying rate of seedy grapes is estimated using an FNN. Finally, the performance of the FNN model is compared with those of nonlinear and linear regression models by means of the root mean square errors, the mean absolute errors, and the correlation coefficient statistics. The results indicate that the FNN is more accurate and performed more consistently than alternative approaches employed in estimating drying rate.     

Cryopreservation of scaly carp (Cyprinus carpio) sperm: effect of different cryoprotectant concentrations on post-thaw motility, fertilization and hatching success of embryos

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of various cryoprotectants on post-thaw sperm quality and fertilizing capacity of cryopreserved scaly carp (Cyprinus carpio) semen. The present study focused on freezing of scaly carp sperm utilizing a practical and inexpensive protocol for aquaculture. Semen was diluted with Kurokura’s extender composing 3.6 g/l NaCl, 10 g/l KCl, 0.22 g/l CaCl₂, 0.08 g/l MgCl₂ and 0.2 g/l NaHCO₃. The extender contained three different cryoprotectants (DMSO, DMA and egg yolk) at ratios of 5, 10 and 15 %. Semen was placed into 0.25-ml straws and exposed to liquid nitrogen vapor (?120 °C) using an insulated box with an adjustable tray for 10 min and then plunged into liquid nitrogen (?196 °C) tank. The thawing process was performed in a water bath at 40 °C for 10 s. The results indicated that type of cryoprotectants and their concentrations are rather effective in scaly carp sperm cryopreservation on post-thaw sperm quality, while they are very important in order to obtain high fertilization rates. The highest fertilization rate was determined as 96.4 ± 0.15 % with 15 % egg yolk, while the highest hatching rate was determined as 99.3 ± 0.80 with 15 % DMA. In conclusion, the applied cryopreservation method for scaly carp sperm is suitable to fertilize high amounts of eggs.     

Effects of fruit collection date on Phillyrea latifolia L. seed germination

This study was conducted to determine the effects of date of fruit collection on the germination of Phillyrea latifolia L. Fruits were collected between September and December of 2007, in Egirdir, Turkey. It was found that the one thousand seed weight for the species seeds was 400 g, with significant differences among dates of fruit collection. The highest germination percentage of 58% was obtained from the seeds collected on the ground from previous years on the 1st of September 2007. The seeds from crown on the 1st of September 2007 had a germination percentage of 42%. Moreover, seeds from crown on the 1st of November and December 2007 and 15th of October and November 2007 did not germinate. In conclusion, P. latifolia seeds collected on the ground from previous years could be sown in early autumn to obtain a high germination rate.     

Screening and selection of faba beans (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Vicia faba</Emphasis> L.) for cold tolerance and comparison to wild relatives

Since autumn-sown faba beans possess several advantages including higher seed yield over the spring cultivars, the study was aimed to screen and select cold tolerant accessions of faba beans (Vicia faba L.) and compare these to wild species in the highland of the west Mediterranean region, Turkey. A total of 114 accessions of Vicia species including 109 accessions of faba bean, three accessions of narbon bean (V. narbonensis L.) and two accessions of V. montbretii Fisch. et C.A. Mey. were screened for cold tolerance at seedling stage in two successive years, 2005–2006 and 2006–2007 growth seasons. Accessions were evaluated for cold tolerance using a 1 (Highly cold tolerant)-5 (Highly cold susceptible) visual scale. Considerable variation was found for cold tolerance and some agronomical characteristics in faba beans. Wild relatives of faba bean were found to be more tolerant to cold than those of cultivated faba beans. Although some pigmented accessions were free from freezing damage at −9.6°C without snow cover, accessions with white flowers were damaged. The proposed screening technique could easily be used to evaluate many faba bean accessions for cold tolerance. To increase yield, it was concluded that the cold tolerant accessions with high yield could be grown as autumn-sown crop in the target environment.     

Evaluation of Alternative Methods of Applying Sulfur Fertilizers to Chrysanthemums

ABSTRACT

Previous research has shown that supplying adequate sulfur (S) continuously in combination with reduced amounts of nitrogen (N) will produce a quality plant. However, not all commercially available fertilizers use the same source of S, contain the same or optimal concentration of it, or contain any S at all. Additionally, nutrient incompatibility can occur if all the macronutrients are combined in one solution or one dry fertilizer. Thus, the objective of this research was to determine the effect of different methods of application and different types of S fertilizers on chrysanthemum growth. Two experiments were conducted in which three S sources (H₂SO₄, MgSO₄, and K₂SO₄) were applied in combination with three N concentrations (50, 100, and 150 mg L^?1) as fertilizer treatments. Sulfur was applied at 10 mg L^?1, either continuously—by slightly acidulating the fertilizer solution with H₂SO₄—or in one, two, or three single, discrete applications as either K₂SO₄ or MgSO₄. Leaf N concentration was greatest when 100 or 150 mg N L^?1 was applied. As expected, S applied continuously by slightly acidulating the fertilizer solution with sulfuric acid resulted in higher leaf S concentration and larger flower diameter than under any of the other treatments. Together, plants fertilized with S continuously at 10 mg S L^?1 and N at 100 mg L^?1 were the largest, had the largest flower diameter, and contained the greatest leaf N and S concentrations. Sulfur concentration in the mix was highest and N concentration lowest when S was supplied continuously. Thus, if growers need to supply S and acidulate their water, sulfuric acid would be the best choice. If there are concerns about possible S contamination in landfills or in mix recycling, either potassium or magnesium S, applied multiple times as single applications in combination with 100 or 150 mg N L^?1, may be a better choice.     

INHERITANCE OF RESISTANCE TO IRON DEFICIENCY CHLOROSIS IN CHICKPEA (CICER ARIETINUM L.)

Iron (Fe)-deficiency chlorosis causes considerable yield losses in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) when susceptible genotypes are grown in calcareous soils with high pH. The most feasible method for alleviating Fe deficiency is the selection of suitable cultivars resistant to Fe deficiency chlorosis. ICC 6119 (desi type), which is Fe-deficient chlorosis, was crossed with CA 2969 and Sierra (kabuli types), resistant to Fe deficiency chlorosis. Inheritance of resistance to Fe deficiency in chickpea revealed that the resistance was controlled by a single dominant gene in these genotypes crossed. A negative selection for resistance to Fe deficiency chlorosis will be effective after segregating generations.     

Comparative plasma dispositions of ivermectin and doramectin following subcutaneous and oral administration in dogs

This study evaluates the comparative plasma dispositions of ivermectin (IVM) and doramectin (DRM) following oral and subcutaneous administration (200 microg/kg) over a 40-day period in dogs. Twenty bitches were allocated by weight in to four groups (Groups I-IV) of five animals each. Animals in the first two groups (Groups I and II) received orally the injectable solutions of IVM and DRM, respectively, at the dose of 200 microg/kg bodyweight. The other two groups (Groups III and IV) received subcutaneously injectable solutions at the same dose rate. Blood samples were collected between 1h and 40 days after treatment and the plasma samples were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using fluorescence detection. The results indicated that IVM produced a significantly higher maximum plasma concentration (C(max): 116.80+/-10.79 ng/ml) with slower absorption (t(max): 0.23+/-0.09 day) and larger area under the concentration versus time curve (AUC: 236.79+/-41.45 ng day/ml) as compared with DRM (C(max): 86.47+/-19.80 ng/ml, t(max): 0.12+/-0.05 day, AUC: 183.48+/-13.17 ng day/ml) following oral administration of both drugs; whereas no significant differences were observed on the pharmacokinetic parameters between IVM and DRM after subcutaneous administrations. In addition, subcutaneously given IVM and DRM presented a significantly lower maximum plasma concentration (C(max): 66.80+/-9.67 ng/ml and 54.78+/-11.99 ng/ml, respectively) with slower absorption (t(max): 1.40+/-1.00 day and 1.70+/-0.76 day, respectively) and larger area under the concentration versus time curve (AUC: 349.18+/-47.79 ng day/ml and 292.10+/-78.76 ng day/ml, respectively) as compared with the oral administration of IVM and DRM, respectively. No difference was observed for the terminal half-lives ((t(1/2lambda(z)) and mean residence times (MRT) of both molecules. Considering the pharmacokinetic parameters, IVM and DRM could be used by the oral or subcutaneous route for the control of parasitic infection in dogs.