Effect of different phytases on the performance, nutrient retention and tibia composition in broiler chickens

The effect of different phytases on the performance response, nutrient utilization and tibia characteristics of chickens was investigated. The five pelleted diets were the following: positive control (PC) with added monocalcium phosphate; negative control (NC) formulated with equivalency values of phytase for Ca and digestible P; and three further diets where different phytases were individually added to the NC diet at 500 FTU/kg. The phytases were derived either from Aspergillus (phytase I), or E. coli (phytases II and III). Compared to PC, the performance parameters, as well as apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn), mineral retention, bone breaking force and tibia mineral content were suppressed by the reduction of dietary Ca and digestible P. All phytases enhanced the overall body weight gains and feed conversion ratio in comparison with NC, but none outperformed PC. Only phytase II improved AMEn compared to NC and PC group. However only phytase I outperformed NC group in terms of mineral retention and P retention was higher than phytase II and III. No significant differences were observed in fat digestibility and N retention. Bone strength among phytases did not differ and all improved this parameter compared to the NC diet. However, even though all phytases enhanced tibia minerals content, the improvement was less pronounced with phytase III. Moreover, the differences in all analysed tibia minerals between phytase III and II were significant suggesting that even among 6-phytases derived from and expressed in the same organism, different efficacy or mode of action can occur

Updated evidence on intracoronary abciximab in ST-elevation myocardial infarction: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Abstract Background: Intracoronary (IC) abciximab administration remains a promising approach aimed to increase a drug concentration in the target area and possibly improve clinical outcomes in the setting of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The goal of this literature review and meta-analysis is to update available knowledge comparing IC and intravenous (IV) abciximab administration in STEMI patients. Methods: A total of 7 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with a median follow-up of 3 months were included in the meta-analysis (n = 3311). All-cause mortality was selected as the primary end point while recurrent myocardial infarction (re-MI), target vessel revascularization (TVR) and major bleeding complications were the secondary end points. Results: IC abciximab did not provide any benefits in terms of all-cause mortality as compared with IV abciximab (odds ratio [OR] 0.67; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.34 1.34). However, this neutral effect was driven by the AIDA STEMI trial. The IC route was associated with a reduced rate of re-MI when compared with IV administration (OR 0.61; 95% CI 0.40 0.92) but the difference disappeared after one of the RCTs was excluded from the analysis. Both strategies were equal regarding TVR (OR 0.66; 95% CI 0.40 1.09) and major bleeding complications (OR 1.18; 95% CI 0.76 1.83). Conclusions: Our updated meta-analysis shows that the clinical superiority of IC over IV abciximab administration in STEMI patients is no longer clear after the release of the AIDA STEMI trial results. Further research in high-risk STEMI patients is warranted to finally determine clinical advantages of IC vs IV abciximab administration. (Cardiol J 2012; 19, 3:230 242

Observation of nutrient uptake at the adaxial surface of leaves of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) using Raman spectroscopy

Foliar application of nutrient fertilizers is standard practice in agricultural environments, and has been shown to increase crop yield and quality more efficiently and economically than soil-based fertilizers. The adsorption of macro- and micro-nutrients through the upper epidermis of leaves is largely species dependent; reliant upon penetration through the cuticle and stomata, and also upon the plant’s ability to translocate the nutrient. Herein we describe a method to observe nitrate (NO3−) uptake at the adaxial leaf surface to determine the efficacy of foliar fertilizers. We use Raman microspectroscopy as a sensitive approach to monitor NO3− associated vibrational modes, complemented by ion probe measurements and measurements of leaf nutrient status using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. The results show that NO3− uptake can be observed down to concentrations as low as 15 mM using Raman microspectroscopy over a defined surface area, and that the rate of uptake can also be quantified using this approach. These observations could also infer information regarding the transport of other ions present in nitrate salts, such as calcium (Ca), via the indirect monitoring of NO3- specific bands. We believe that Raman microspectroscopy provides a novel method for monitoring nutrient movement throughout plant tissue, and provides a potential tool for nutrient screening

Wpływ nawożenia azotem na zawartość cukrów, witaminy C i fenoli w kapuście głowiastej białej (Brassica oleracea var. capitata alba L.)

The aim of this research was to determine the influence of various forms, diverse doses, and methods of application of nitrogen fertilizers and foliar nutrition on the concentration of soluble sugars, ascorbic acid and phenolic compounds in cabbage. The three year (2005–2007) field experiment was carried out with ‘Galaxy’ F1 white cabbage. Two factors were examined: the type of N fertilizer ammonium sulphate and RSM (solution ammonium nitrate and urea 1 : 1), and method of N application (placement and top dressing – broadcasted with or without foliar nutrition). Climatic conditions considerably affect the concentration of compounds in cabbage. The highest concentration of soluble sugars was fund in cabbage receiving N as RSM in comparison to ammonium sulphate and with foliar nutrition treatment. In each year of the experiment plants fed RSM were characterized highest concentration of ascorbic acid. For means of year 2005–2007 foliar nutrition led to a marked decline in the concentration of ascorbic acid in cabbage. In 2005 and 2007 highest concentration of phenolic compounds was assessed in cabbage plants fed RSM. Cabbage plants fertilized 75% N broadcasted at planting of seedlings with foliar nutrition characterized the lowest concentration of phenolic compounds – means for 2005–2007.Celem badań było określenie wpływu różnych form azotu, metod aplikacji nawozów azotowych i dokarmiania pozakorzeniowego na zawartość cukrów rozpuszczalnych, witaminy C i fenoli w kapuście głowiastej białej. Badania polowe prowadzono w latach 2005–2007 z wykorzystaniem odmiany ‘Galaxy’ F1. Badano wpływ rodzaju nawozu azotowego (siarczan amonu, RSM) oraz sposobów aplikacji nawozów azotowych (rzutowe, zlokalizowane) z/lub bez dokarmiania pozakorzeniowego. Warunki klimatyczne istotnie modyfikowały zawartość oznaczanych składników w kapuście. Wyższą zawartością cukrów rozpuszczalnych charakteryzowały się rośliny nawożone RSM w porównaniu z siarczanem amonu oraz rośliny dokarmiane dolistnie. W każdym roku badań RSM zwiększał zawartość witaminy C w roślinach. Średnio w latach 2005–2007 dolistne dokarmianie roślin obniżało koncentrację witaminy C w kapuście. W roku 2005 i 2007 wyższą zawartością fenoli charakteryzowały się rośliny nawożone RSM. Kapusta nawożona 75% N rzutowo i dokarmiana pozakorzeniowo posiadała najniższą zawartość fenoli średnio w okresie 2005–2007

Wpływ nawożenia azotem na przyswajalność Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr i Zn przez kapustę głowiastą białą (Brassica oleracea var. capitata alba) uprawianą w warunkach produkcyjnych

The results of three year investigations with 'Galaxy' F1 cabbage grown commercially in important agricultural region of the southern Poland are prescnted. The effect of ammonium sulphate and RSM (solution of ammonium nitrate + urea), the method of application (placement and broadcast technique and foliar fertilization) on Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr and Zn concentrations in edible parts of cabbage were surveyed. In present work all metals concentration in cabbage were below the lower range of content reported for cabbage grown in non-contaminated areas. The low concentration of micro/trace elements were related to soil parent material, with generally low total and extractable levels of metals. Consistently greater concentrations of Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn and Ni were measured in cabbage grown on the site with lower pH compared with concentrations in plants sampled at other soil sites with higher pH. Ammonium sulphate significantly increased Mn and Fe concentrations in cabbage heads. However environmental factors considerably influenced this tendency. The similar trend for Zn was observed. The method of application affected Mn content in 2007 and Ni in 2007 in cabbage. Slightly higher manganese and nickel concentration for placement fertilization was noted. The results obtained would suggest that in commercial cabbage production on over-limed soils using nitrogen ammonium fertilizers may improve Mn, Fe and Zn uptake by plants.Doświadczenie z kapustą głowiastą białą odm. Galaxy F1 prowadzono w latach 2005-2007 w Zagorzycach koło Miechowa. Badano wpływ rodzaju nawozu azotowego (siarczan amonu, RSM - roztwór saletrzano-mocznikowy) oraz sposobu nawożenia (rzutowo, zlokalizowanie) oraz dokarmiania pozakorzeniowego (mocznik i Supervit K) na dostępność dla roślin Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Sr i Zn. Zawartość wszystkich badanych metali w główkach kapusty była poniżej poziomu przyjętego za normalny w warunkach gleb nieskażonych. Mała zawartość metali była skorelowana z małą ogólną i przyswajalną zawartością badanych metali w glebach. Rodzaj zastosowanego nawozu azotowego wpływał znacznie na zawartość Fe i Mn w kapuście. Więcej Mn i Fe zawierały rośliny nawożone siarczanem amonu w porównaniu do RSM. Jednak tendencje te były silnie uzależnione od warunków środowiskowych panujących w kolejnych latach prowadzenia badań. Podobne zależności obserwowano także dla Zn, chociaż nie były one statystycznie udowodnione. Sposób stosowania nawozów azotowych wpływał na zawartość Mn i Ni w kapuście. Lokalizowanie depozytów azotowych w pobliżu roślin podnosiło zawartość Mn i Ni w roślinach w porównaniu do rzutowego stosowania siarczanu amonu i RSM. Zależność ta nie była jednak obserwowana we wszystkich latach. Otrzymane wyniki mogą wskazywać, że w warunkach gleb nadmiernie wapnowanych wykorzystanie do nawożenia azotem siarczanu amonowego może poprawić zaopatrzenie roślin w Mn, Zn i Fe