Disaccharide combinations and the expression of enolase3 and plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPase isoform in sturgeon sperm cryopreservation

Acipenser sinensis and Acipenser dabryanus are critically endangered species, so germplasm conservation via cryopreservation of sperm is necessary. Disaccharides can act as membrane‐impermeable cryoprotectants, and enolase3 (ENO3) and plasma membrane Ca²⁺ ATPase isoform (PMCA2) are proteins associated with sperm quality. We considered seven characteristics of sperm quality in cultured brood stock from A. sinensis and A. dabryanus. We tested use of sucrose or trehalose alone and in combination at different concentrations for cryopreservation of A. dabryanus sperm. A low concentration of sucrose plus trehalose (S₁₅T₁₅) was optimal. Mixing of the extender with sucrose, lactose, or trehalose alone or with pairwise mixtures revealed that a mixture of lactose and trehalose (L₁₅T₁₅) gave the best results for both A. sinensis and A. dabryanus. Enolase3 and PMCA2 expression levels were measured in cryopreserved A. sinensis sperm via Western blotting. Relative ENO3 and PMCA2 expression levels were examined, and the relationship between disaccharide composition, sperm quality and protein expression was explored in A. sinensis. The results showed that relative ENO3 and PMCA2 expression levels were the highest at L₁₅T₁₅ in cryopreserved A. sinensis sperm. There were significant positive correlations between ENO3 expression and percentage membrane integrity, and between PMCA2 expression and sperm motility parameters (percentage of motile sperm, curvilinear velocity, straight‐line velocity and average path velocity; p < .05) in cryopreserved A. sinensis sperm. Our results indicate the optimal disaccharide combination and concentrations for cryopreservation of A. sinensis and A. dabryanus sperm and suggest that ENO3 and PMCA2 expression levels could serve as a valuable indicator of sperm quality in A. sinensis.     

Histologic characteristics and local cellular immunity of the gland of the third eyelid after topical ophthalmic administration of 2% cyclosporine for treatment of dogs with keratoconjunctivitis sicca

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of topical administration of a 2% solution of cyclosporine (CsA) for treatment of dogs with keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) and to correlate results with histopathologic characteristics and local cellular immunity of the gland of the third eyelid. ANIMALS: 24 dogs with bilateral KCS. PROCEDURE: Lacrimal secretion was measured, using Schirmer tear test (STT) strips. Leukocyte and T-lymphocyte subsets were determined in blood samples. Histopathologic changes as well as CD4+, CD8+, and alpha-naphthyl-acetate esterase-positive (ANAE+) lymphocytes were evaluated. RESULTS: Clinical signs resolved at the end of 1 month in conjunction with significantly increased STT values, compared with baseline values. Fifteen and 30 days after discontinuation of CsA treatment, a decrease was observed in STT values in both eyes; however, only values for the right eye were significantly different. There was a significant decrease in the number of lymphocytes and ANAE+ lymphocytes 15 and 30 days after discontinuation of CsA treatment, compared with baseline values. Differences were not observed in number of CD4+ lymphocytes among treatment groups. However, there was a significant decrease in number of CD8+ lymphocytes with reversal of the CD4+:CD8+ in both eyes after CsA treatment for 30 days, compared with the control group. Increased secretory activity and decreased lymphocyte infiltration were characteristic histopathologic findings. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Topical administration of a 2% solution of CsA was effective for the treatment of dogs with KCS. Strict follow-up monitoring is required after the cessation of treatment because of the possibility of recurrence of KCS.     

The effect of Alkanna tinctoria Tausch on burn wound healing in rabbits

Eighteen adult male New Zealand White rabbits were used in the treatment of partial thickness, severe and olive oil burns. Both right and left sides of the animals were burned to make partial thickness, severe and hot olive oil burn wounds. The solution of A. tinctoria TAUSCH in 16% prepared in medical olive oil in weight basis, were applied to the left, and right side served as control. It was topically applied twice a day by gently rubbing against the burn area. While complete healing of partial thickness and olive oil burn wounds occurred in 7 to 10, and 26 days, respectively, with well formed dermal-epidermal junctions in both groups, severely burned wounds appeared to be nonresponsive to A. tinctoria.     

Immunohistochemical and qPCR determination of the expression and serum level of anti‐Müllerian hormone in pre‐pubertal,intact and ovarian remnant syndrome detected bitches

The aim of this study was to determine the serum concentrations, ovarian presence and expression of anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) in pre‐pubertal, bitches with signs of ovarian remnant syndrome (ORS) and intact bitches. In addition, we aimed to verify the suitability of serum AMH concentrations for diagnostic purposes in sterilized bitches and/or in suspected cases of ORS in the field of veterinary medicine. For this purpose, 36 healthy female dogs divided into six groups: proestrus, oestrus, dioestrus, anoestrus, pre‐pubertal and ORS. Serum AMH concentrations were determined by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay, and ovarian presence and distribution of AMH was confirmed by immunohistochemical and qPCR techniques. According to the results of qPCR, while the expression values of AMH were at the highest concentrations in the proestrus and oestrus, there was a statistically significant decrease in these values at the later stages of the cycle (p < 0.05). According to hormone analysis, the serum AMH values of the ORS group had decreased significantly compared with the proestrus and oestrus (p < 0.05). Although serum AMH levels of ORS group were increased compared with anestrus and pre‐pubertal groups, this increase was statistically non‐significant (p > 0.05). Immunohistochemically, AMH expression was first observed in the granulosa cells of primordial follicles in folliculogenesis. Expression values were the highest in the proestrous and oestrus groups, but values from bitches in later stages of the cycle were statistically significant decrease in comparison with these groups (p < 0.05). As a result, AMH concentration and expression were found to be higher in proestrus and oestrus than in other periods (p < 0.05). In addition, the measurable level of AMH concentration in bitches with ORS is an indication that it can be used in the diagnosis of ORS.     

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.     

Genetic diversity and molecular epidemiology of the T strain of Plum pox virus

Very limited information is available on the origin, diversity and evolution of Plum pox virus (PPV) ‘Turkey’ (T) strain. Phylogenetic analyses based on partial sequences of 421 isolates and complete genome sequences of 57 isolates, representing the geographical distribution of PPV-T in Turkey, revealed the existence of several monophyletic and, in some cases, geographically limited groups within the PPV-T strain (Ankara-Konya1-Kayseri, Ankara-Balkan, Istanbul, Konya2 and Balkan). PPV-T diversity (0.018%) was found to be greater than that of PPV strains D and Rec but lower than that of the M strain when including the newly described and divergent M-Istanbul isolates, suggesting a long evolutionary history for PPV-T. The European part of Turkey in the Balkans, close to Bulgaria where PPV was identified for the first time, appears as a likely centre of origin for PPV-T isolates. The colonization of various parts of Turkey by diverse isolates from that region, followed by secondary local spread, is the most likely scenario for the diffusion of PPV-T in Turkey.     

Effect of pre-slaughter environment on some physiological parameters and meat quality in New Zealand rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of pre-slaughter environment on physiology and meat quality in New Zealand rabbits. Pre-slaughter environment consisted of combined effects of social and non-social factors. For the experiment, 18 male New Zealand rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), 3 months of age, were used. Some biochemical and meat quality parameters of the animals were measured, and the results were compared with the control group. The pre-slaughter environment significantly influenced some biochemical and meat quality parameters (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). It is concluded that pre-slaughter environment negatively affected the welfare status and decreased the meat quality in New Zealand rabbits.     

Effects of Nitrogen Fertilizer on Yield Quality and Nutrient Content in Broccoli

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to determine the effects of nitrogen (N) doses on yield, quality, and nutrient content in broccoli heads. Treatments consisted of 0, 150, 300, 450, and 600 kg N ha^{? 1}. Nitrogen rates significantly increased yield, average weight of main and secondary heads, and the diameter in broccoli compared to control. The highest total yield (34631 kg ha^{? 1}) was obtained at 300 kg N ha^{? 1}. At harvest, the highest amount of the total N in broccoli heads was measured at 450 kg N ha^{? 1} application. Potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) content increased with increases in nitrogen treatments but, phosphorus (P), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), boron (B), and sodium (Na) contents were not influenced. Also, removed nutrients by broccoli head were highest at 300 kg ha^{? 1}N rate.     

EFFECT OF ORGANIC FERTILIZATION ON FIG LEAF NUTRIENTS AND FRUIT QUALITY

Turkish dried fig (Ficus carica L.) production plays a major role in the world trade due to its volume and quality. The production is generally realized from orchards on steep slopes under rain-fed conditions. Birgi-?rima?z? in Ödemi? has peculiarities in respect to dried fig production. In this region, colluvial soils require additional late-winter irrigation by flooding especially in years because of inadequate winter rainfall. Organic dried fig production has gained importance since mid 1980s. The research work aimed at testing the effect of sheep and cow manure mixtures (at two different ratios: 1:1 and 2:1) on leaf and fruit nutrient contents, vigor, and fruit quality. The results proved that tree vigor and fruit quality were improved with the applied rates of farmyard manure, where as the effect on nutrient content of the leaf was not marked.