First Report on the Frequency and Molecular Detection of Neuropathogenic EHV-1 in Turkey

There has been an increase in outbreaks of neuropathogenic equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) in the United States and Europe. However, the presence and frequency of neuropathogenic EHV-1 in Turkish horses are not known at present. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of EHV-1 and neuropathogenic strains of EHV-1 in the Marmara Region of Turkey. Samples were analyzed for the presence of EHV-1 and neuropathogenic EHV-1 by real-time PCR TaqMan probe assays. Overall detection rate of EHV-1 was 45.5% (51 of 112). The detection rates were 70.5% (24 of 34) in aborted fetuses, 53.3% (8 of 15) in neonatal deads, 66.6% (4 of 6) in foals, 40% (2 of 5) in dead mares, and 25% (13 of 52) in living mares. Overall detection rate of neuropathogenic EHV-1 was 7.8% (4 of 51), and the real-time PCR results were confirmed by sequencing. Neuropathogenic strains of EHV-1 were detected in the brain and lung of two mares with neurological disease but without a history of abortion, in the brain of a foal that died of respiratory disorder, and in the nasal swab from a mare with a history of abortion. On histopathology, nonpurulent meningoencephalitis, hemorrhages, and vasculitis were seen in the brain. In conclusion, results of this study indicated, for the first time, that the neuropathogenic EHV-1 is circulating in the Marmara Region of Turkey. The results of this study also show that the current risk for non-neuropathogenic strains is high, whereas risk for the neuropathogenic EHV-1-G₂₂₅₄ strain seems to be low. As outbreaks of EHV-1 continue in the Marmara region of Turkey, surveillance for neuropathogenic EHV-1 genotype should be maintained.     

Vulvar leiomyosarcoma in a cat

A vulvar leiomyosarcoma was diagnosed in an 8-year-old mixed-breed, sexually intact cat. The cat had a history of vulvar swelling, bleeding and stranguria. The mass was located at the ventral commissura of the vulva. The cut surface of the mass was lobulated and greyish-white, with areas of necrosis and haemorrhage. Histologically, it was a spindle-cell sarcoma consisting of interlacing bundles of very elongated neoplastic smooth muscle cells and variably dense collagenous matrix separated by individual cells or streams. It also contained areas of focal necrosis and haemorrhage. The mitotic index ranged from seven to 12 mitoses per 10 high-power fields. Immunohistochemically, the spindle-shaped neoplastic cells were strongly positive for smooth muscle actin (SMA) and vimentin, whereas no immunoreactivity was obtained for desmin. The vascular elements of the internal control tissue also exhibited strong SMA and vimentin immunoreactivity. Based on the morphological and immunohistochemical features, the tumour was classified as a leiomyosarcoma.     

Genetic variations of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes in dogs with mammary tumours

Mammary tumours are the most common tumour type in female dogs. The formation of the mammary tumours is multifactorial but the high incidence of tumour disease in certain canine breeds suggests a strong genetic component. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are the most important genes significantly associated with mammary tumours. The aim of this study was to determine the association between the variations of these two genes and canine mammary tumours. 5′-untranslated region, intron 8 and exon 9 of BRCA1 and exons 12, 24, 27 of BRCA2 were sequenced in order to detect the genetic variations. In addition to six previously identified polymorphisms, six novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected. Five of the coding SNPs were synonymous and three of them were non-synonymous. The comparison of the sequences from 25 mammary tumour bearing and 10 tumour free dogs suggested that the two SNPs in intron 8 and exon 9 of BRCA1 and two SNPs in exon 24 and exon 27 of BRCA2, which are firstly identified in this study, might be associated with mammary tumour development in dogs. Especially one SNP in exon 9 of BRCA1 and one SNP in exon 24 of BRCA2 were found to be significantly associated with canine mammary tumours.     

Nutritional composition of hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) as influenced by basic fertilization

Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) deficiencies are a widespread phenomenon throughout the world, and are one of the most common nutritional disorders in Turkish hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) cultivation. In this research, the effects of macronutrient fertilizers on mineral contents and some biochemical contents of ‘Tombul’ hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) variety cultivated in the Black Sea Region of Turkey were investigated, and the contribution of these nuts to human nutrition was determined. The trials were carried out at ‘Tombul’ hazelnut orchards, and the hazelnuts were fertilized with five different doses of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in each year for three consecutive years. The basic fertilizers (N, P₂O₅, and K₂O) significantly affected some biochemical contents and mineral compositions of the hazelnuts. In order to improve the biochemical and mineral compositions of hazelnut, 200 kg ha^?1 and 400 kg ha^?1 N fertilizations, 120 kg ha^?1 and 160 kg ha^?1 P₂O₅ fertilizations, and 400 kg ha^?1 and 600 kg ha^?1 K₂O fertilizations could be recommended for practice. According to the daily mineral element requirements, 100 g of hazelnuts provided about 43.5% P, 13.2% K, 19.4% Ca, 37.0% Mg, 0.2% Na, 53.8% Fe, 24.5% Zn, 14.5% B, and 66.7% Mo of the recommended dietary allowances. Cu and Mn contents of 100 g hazelnut were higher than the respective daily requirements. These results indicated that the mineral composition of hazelnut depended not only on the variety but also on the cultivation techniques such as soil condition and especially basic fertilization practices.     

Current Research Projects

In this study, the use of composted hazelnut husk (CHH) as an alternative substrate for a horticultural crop, tomato (cv. Ancon), was evaluated. Before use, the CHH was separated into three different fraction sizes, 0-2 mm, 2-4 m m and 4-6.35 mm. These fractions were then mixed with soil samples, based on increasing ratios (0%, 2%, 4% and 8%, v/v) and different media were prepared. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with three media, four mixture ratios with four replicates under greenhouse conditions. After a growing period of three months, plant growth and some fruit quality properties were measured. Plants were grown more successfully in 0-2 mm and 2-4 mm CHH fraction sizes and 8% mixture ratio. The effect on fruit quality of CHH fractions showed differences, however; 4% and 8% ratios of 0-2 mm CHH fraction size mixed with soil were found to be more effective on fruit quality properties. According to these results, CHH can be used for tomato growing, especially with 4% and 8% ratios of 0-2 mm and 2-4 mm CHH fraction sizes mixed with soil. For tomato plants, research of different combinations of CHH media is recommended to attain better results.     

Biological performance,water absorption,and swelling of wood treated with nano-particles combined with the application of Paraloid B72<Superscript>®</Superscript>

We evaluated fungal decay and mold resistance, leaching, and water absorption of nano-compounds and Paraloid B72^® (PB72) in treated wood specimens to develop new methods of consolidation by combining nano-particles and consolidants. Scots pine wood specimens were treated with dispersions of nano-CuO, nano-ZnO, nano-B₂O₃, nano-TiO₂, and nano-CeO₂. PB72 treatments of nano-particle-treated wood specimens were then carried out by either vacuum or immersion for 24 h. Previously, decayed wood specimens were also consolidated with the nano-compounds and PB72. PB72 treatments reduced element release from treated wood specimens. Nearly all nano-compounds + PB72 treatments increased the biological performance of treated wood specimens against decay fungi tested. PB72-only treated wood specimens had the highest weight losses in decay tests. No improvements were obtained in mold resistance tests when the nano-compounds and PB72 were combined. In nano-compound-only treatments, unleached specimens showed slightly lower water absorption values compared to untreated control specimens. Incorporation of PB72 into nano-compound-treated wood specimens resulted in considerably lower water absorption and volumetric swell. In previously decayed specimens treated with the nano-compounds and PB72 solution, water absorption after 2-h immersion declined compared to control specimens.     

Nonlinear Varying-Coefficient Models with Applications to a Photosynthesis Study

Motivated by a study on factors affecting the level of photosynthetic activity in a natural ecosystem, we propose nonlinear varying-coefficient models, in which the relationship between the predictors and the response variable is allowed to be nonlinear. One-step local linear estimators are developed for the nonlinear varying-coefficient models and their asymptotic normality is established leading to point-wise asymptotic confidence bands for the coefficient functions. Two-step local linear estimators are also proposed for cases where the varying-coefficient functions admit different degrees of smoothness; bootstrap confidence intervals are utilized for inference based on the two-step estimators. We further propose a generalized F-test to study whether the coefficient functions vary over a covariate. We illustrate the proposed methodology via an application to an ecology data set and study the finite sample performance by Monte Carlo simulation studies.     

Short-Term Effects of Hazelnut Husk Compost And Organic Amendment Applications On Clay Loam Soil

The experiment was carried on a clay loam soil to examine the short-term effects of hazelnut husk compost (HHC) and organic amendments on selected soil physical properties between 2001 and 2003. The amendments were only applied in 2001. The experimental design was replicated five times as a randomized complete block with four organic amendments: HHC, peat, farmyard manure (FM), chicken manure (CM) and soil (control). Amendments were applied at rates of 0, 12.5, 25, 50, 75 and 100 tons ha^?1 (dry weight) replicated. The effect on the soil's physical properties such as bulk density, water retention characteristics, pore ratio, structural stability, and soil organic carbon were determined. All amendments and their rates had a positive effect on the physical properties of the soil. HHC decreased the bulk density of soil. The effect depended on year since application. Moreover, HHC increased soil total porosity, the amount of water held at field capacity and wilting point of soil. The 75 ton ha^?1 application was most effective. Its effects on these soil properties were more obvious at the end of the second year. HHC did not affect macropore/micropore ratio of the soil until the third year, due to an increase in micropore number. Although the effects of the other organic amendments on structural stability of soil were more obvious in the second year, the effect of HHC increased in the third year, due to its high C/N ratio. The 75 ton ha^?1 application of HHC increased the structural stability of the soil the most. HHC had the highest organic carbon content. The effects of HHC on physical productivity of soil generally were clearer at the end of the second year. For this reason, it is recommended that HHC should be reapplied after two years as organic fertilizer. Further studies should be carried out to determine the long-term effects of HHC on physical productivity of soils.     

Vermicompost suppresses Rhizoctonia solani Kühn in cucumber seedlings

Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection - Disease suppressiveness of vermicompost produced from agricultural wastes consisting of cattle manure, tree bark (Salix spp.), potato culls, and apples...