Ovarian cysts in cattle--etiology, therapy success, fertility

The functions of the ovaries were controlled in 92 cattle over a period of 12 to 95 days p.p. Cystic follicles developed in 61% (25 from 41) during reconvalescence period and were correlated with a 4.2 days earlier onset of ovarian function, which was assured statistically. All together in 41 animals cystic degeneration was registered. Cysts having appeared before day 39 p.p. receded spontaneously in 24%, those having developed later remained. By application of the GnRH-analogous Buserelin (Receptal), either exclusive or combined with beta-carotene or Prostaglandin Trometamol-Tiaprost (Iliren) ovarian function could be restored in all cases. Restitution was most rapid when using Buserelin plus beta-carotene (Fertilizing insemination 3 weeks post application), but protracted after the consecutive method of therapy. All 92 cattle became pregnant. The P4-level of all "cyst-cows" were low, i.e. between 0.68 and 0.81 ng/ml of skimmed milk. The increase of conductivity of the cervical mucus to above 30 Ohm turned out an evidence of an ovarian cyst to be present. Restoration took longer in correlation with the increasing diameter of the cysts.     

Challenges in developing and implementing a decision support systems (ETÇAP) in forest management planning: a case study in Honaz and Ibradı, Turkey

Decision support systems (DSSs) are indispensable tools in preparing a forest management plan for a better combination of multiple forest values. This study attempted to develop and explain a stand-based forest management DSS (Ecosystem-based multiple-use forest planning [ETÇAP]) comprising a traditional simulation, linear programming (LP), metaheuristics and geographic information system. The model consists of five submodels; traditional management approach to handle inventory data, an empirical growth and yield model, a simulation to conceptualize management actions, a LP technique to optimize resource allocation and a simulated annealing approach to directly create a spatially feasible harvest schedule. The ETÇAP model has been implemented in a comparative two case study areas; Denizli–Honaz and Akseki–Ibrad?. Both simulation and optimization models outperformed to the traditional management plan. The periodical change of growing stock, allowable cuts, carbon sequestration and water production are used as performance indicators. The results showed that more amount of wood could be harvested over time compared to traditional level of harvesting. It could be concluded that various management strategies allowed managers to stimulate more decision options for better outputs through intertemporal trade-offs of management interventions as the model provided tools to quantify forest dynamics over time and space. Challenges exist to establish the functional relationships between forest structure and values for better quantification and integration into the management plans.     

Origin and distribution of facial nerve anatomy in van cats

This study aims to reveal the morphological properties of facial nerve and the middle ear in Van cats. Study material was composed of 6 female Van cats. Dissections were performed under a Zoom Stereo Microscope. There was no plexus buccalis in Van cats. The chorda tympani was observed to pass through an opening in the tympanic cavity, emerge through a small opening just behind the retroarticular process, and join the lingual nerve. A rounded anatomical formation with a size of 2.75 ± 0.3 mm was found to be located within the mastoid process of the temporal bone between the facial nerve and the auricular branch of the vagus nerve. The stapes nerve was not present. The geniculate ganglion was very prominent and about 1.00 mm high. The deep petrosal nerve was observed to emerge from the plexus tympanicus. The bulla tympanica was 18.96 ± 0.10 mm long, 13.03 ± 0.20 mm wide and 13.16 ± 0.20 mm high. After leaving the mandibular nerve, the n.tensoris tympani coursed caudally around the a.maxillaris, formed an ansa, entered the tympanic cavity through the canalis musculotubarius and reached an end in the m. tensor tympani. Due to the scarcity of studies on the middle ears of Van cats, it is thought that this study will fill a gap in the field of veterinary anatomy.     

Effect of Oyster Mushroom,Pleurotus ostreatus,Extract on Hemato‐Immunological Parameters of Rainbow Trout,Oncorhynchus mykiss

The current study investigated the effects of oyster mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus, extract on immunological and hematological parameters of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. The fish were fed diets containing 0 (control), 1, and 2% supplementation of the oyster mushroom extract for 6 wk. Blood samples were collected weekly for the first 6 weeks. After 6 wk of feeding, the fish were challenged with Lactococcus garvieae and mortality was recorded. The results of this study showed that feeding rainbow trout an oyster mushroom extract–supplemented diet stimulated phagocytic activity of phagocytic cells, lysozyme activity, and myeloperoxidase activity in serum, but it did not significantly affect the total serum immunoglobulin level. At the same time, a significant increase was found in the number of neutrophils, monocytes, and total white blood cells. Fish fed the diet supplemented with oyster mushroom extract showed reduced mortalities following L. garvieae infection compared with controls. These results show that supplementation of fish diets with oyster mushroom extract at 1 and 2% concentrations significantly imrpoves hematological parameters and modulates the immune response against L. garvieae in rainbow trout.     

Arterial vascularization of the pineal gland in the fetus of Zavot-bred cattle

This study aimed at revealing arterial vascularization of the pineal gland of the Zavot-bred foetus. Twenty foetuses, regardless of their sex, at the age of 2-7 months were used. Coloured-latex was injected by way of both the right and left common carotid arteries. Then, dissection was performed and vessels nourishing the pineal gland were documented. The pineal gland is vascularized by a number of 2-5 central rami. A small vessel arising from each of the central rami in two foetuses (10%) was shown anastomosing with a branch of the cranial cerebral artery, which advances in cranio-caudal direction in the callosal groove. Hence, anastomoses were observed between several sub-branches of each caudal cerebral and cranial cerebellar arteries.     

Detection of leptospiral antigens in kidney and liver of cattle

This study was designed to investigate the presence of leptospiral antigens in kidney and liver of naturally infected cattle using an immunoperoxidase (IP) staining and Levaditi's staining methods. A total of 39 cattle suspected from leptospirosis were examined histologically and immunohistochemically for the presence of leptospiral antigens. The leptospiral antigens were detected in 16 out of 39 cases (seven kidneys, three livers, and six kidneys and livers) when IP staining method was used, whereas leptospiral antigens were detected in 6 out of 39 cases (four kidneys and two livers) when Levaditi's staining method was used. This study ascertained that IP staining was more sensitive method than Levaditi's staining method for demonstrating the presence of leptospirosis in cattle.     

Use of exfoliative cytology for diagnosis of transmissible venereal tumour and controlling the recovery period in the bitch

Transmissible venereal tumour (TVT) is a rare vaginal tumour that can be treated surgically or cryosurgically as well as by radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Vincristine has been found to be very effective for treating TVT. Since vaginal secretion or discharge may contain neoplastic cells, the cytological identification of TVT cells is possible. The present study was carried out in 12 bitches. Vaginal smears were obtained with cotton swab from the anterior vagina and TVT suspected structures. The smears were stained according to Papanicolaou and assessed by light microscopy. Additionally the general condition of the patients was evaluated by haematological and radiographic examinations. In bitches with TVT vincristine sulphate was administered intravenously at weekly intervals. The total treatment period was three to six weeks until no atypical cells were found in the smear. This was the case after an average of 3.2 +/- 1.3 applications. Tumour masses became smaller and by this non-visible from the rima vulva after 4.2 +/- 0.7 applications. During the treatment, two of the 12 bitches (16.7%) suffered from vomiting and diarrhoea while three (25%) showed neutropenia. Twelve months after completion of treatment, the bitches were examined again and vaginal smears were taken in order to control the recovery process or a possible recurrence of TVT. No atypical cells were found in any vaginal smear. By this exfoliative cytology has proved to be a safe and easy method for TVT diagnosis and for observing the recovery process.     

Fruit tree Aphids and their natural enemies in Isparta region,Turkey

Fourteen aphid species belonging to eight genera and three families of the superfamily Aphidoidea were presented from Isparta region in fruit tree orchards. Among these, Dysaphis plantaginea, Aphis pomi and Dysaphis devecta, which cause harm to apples, are the most common species in the area because of the high amount of apple production. In addition, eight species from the family Coccinellidae (Coleoptera), three from Syrphidae (Diptera) and one species from Forficulidae (Dermaptera) were found as predator. Totally, eight species were determined as parasitoids from the families Aphidiidae, Aphelinidae and Pteromalidae (Hymenoptera).     

Antioxidant activity, reducing power and total phenolic content of some lichen species

The total antioxidant activity, total phenolic content and reducing power of methanol and water extracts of four lichen species, Bryoria fuscescens, Dermatocarpon intestiniformis, Peltigera rufescens and Pseudevernia furfuracea, were determined in vitro. Water and methanol extracts of P. rufescens showed the highest antioxidant activity. However, there was no correlation between antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of the extracts. Although the methanol extract of P. furfuracea had the highest total phenolic contents, it exhibited low antioxidant activity. In contrast, there was a strong correlation between reducing power and total antioxidant activity of the extracts. The highest reducing power was determined for the methanol extract of P. rufescens.