prebiotics offered to broiler chicken exert positive effect on meat quality traits irrespective of delivery route

Elimination of antibiotic growth promoters from poultry production has encouraged intensive search for relevant alternatives. Prebiotics are proposed as efficient replacements to stimulate colonization/expansion of beneficial microflora in chickens. The aim of this study was to deepen the knowledge on the effect of prebiotic administration on slaughter performance and meat quality traits of broiler chickens by evaluating different routes of their delivery (in ovo vs. in-water vs. in ovo + in-water). At d 12 of incubation, 1,500 eggs (Ross 308) containing viable embryos were randomly allotted into 4 groups and injected in ovo with 0.2 mL solution containing: 3.5 mg/embryo BI (Bi²tos, trans-galactooligosaccharides); 0.88 mg/embryo DN (DiNovo, extract of Laminaria spp.); 1.9 mg/embryo RFO (raffinose family oligosaccharides) and 0.2 mL physiological saline (C). All prebiotics increased final BW compared to C group (P < 0.01), irrespective of delivery route. The prebiotics injected in ovo (T1) or in ovo combined with in-water supplementation (T2) increased carcass weight as compared with in-water group (T3), while T3 had the lowest carcass yield compared to the other groups. All prebiotics increased breast muscle weight and yield (P < 0.01), as well as fiber diameter (P < 0.05). Ultimate meat pH was lower (P < 0.01) in T3 than in T2 group. Meat from chickens treated with prebiotics showed a lower redness index, while lightness and yellowness were not affected by the treatments. Saturated fatty acid (SFA), polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and n-3 fatty acids contents were higher (P < 0.01), and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) level was lower (P < 0.01) in prebiotic groups compared with C group. Nutritional indexes (n-6/n-3, PUFA/SFA ratio and thrombogenic index) displayed favorable human health-promoting values in the meat of chickens which were treated with prebiotics, irrespective of delivery route. Muscle cholesterol content was not affected by prebiotics. In conclusion, this study has shown that prebiotics can exert positive effects on growth of broiler chickens, carcass and meat quality traits, irrespective of delivery route

COST 733 - WG4: Applications of weather type classification

The main objective of the COST Action 733 is to achieve a general numerical method for assessing, comparing and classifying typical weather situations in the European regions. To accomplish this goal, different workgroups are established, each with their specific aims: WG1: Existing methods and applications (finished); WG2: Implementation and development of weather types classification methods; WG3: Comparison of selected weather types classifications; WG4: Testing methods for various applications. The main task of Workgroup 4 (WG4) in COST 733 implies the testing of the selected weather type methods for various classifications. In more detail, WG4 focuses on the following topics:• Selection of dedicated applications (using results from WG1), • Performance of the selected applications using available weather types provided by WG2, • Intercomparison of the application results as a results of different methods • Final assessment of the results and uncertainties, • Presentation and release of results to the other WGs and external interested • Recommend specifications for a new (common) method WG2 Introduction In order to address these specific aims, various applications are selected and WG4 is divided in subgroups accordingly: 1.Air quality 2. Hydrology (& Climatological mapping) 3. Forest fires 4. Climate change and variability 5. Risks and hazards Simultaneously, the special attention is paid to the several wide topics concerning some other COST Actions such as: phenology (COST725), biometeorology (COST730), agriculture (COST 734) and mesoscale modelling and air pollution (COST728). Sub-groups are established to find advantages and disadvantages of different classification methods for different applications. Focus is given to data requirements, spatial and temporal scale, domain area, specifi

Componentes lipofílicos y evaluación de las actividades citotóxicas y antioxidantes de Impatiens glandulifera Royle e Impantiet noli-tangere L. (Balsaminaceae)

The chemical composition of the lipophilic fractions of Impatiens glandulifera Royle and I. noli-tangere L. were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)., The study focused on the fatty acids, triterpenoids and sterols in the leaves, roots and seeds. Most of the identified compounds are new for these species. a-linolenic, oleic and palmitic acids were the most abundant in the fatty acid fractions, β-amyrin and 5a-lup-20(29)-en-3β-ol in the triterpenoid fractions, and β-sitosterol, spinasterol and chondrillasterol in the sterol fractions. The fatty acid and triterpenoid fractions showed strong antioxidant activity, similar to positive controls. Moreover, the triterpenoid fraction from I. noli-tangere seeds significantly inhibited HL-60 human leukemia cells. Other fractions showed moderate cytotoxicity. The present study suggests that I. glandulifera and I. noli-tangere are good source of omega-3 fatty acids, and they might be considered as antioxidant and chemopreventive agents.La composición química de las fracciones lipofílicas, centrada en los ácidos grasos, triterpenoides y esteroles de las partes aéreas, raíces y semillas de Impatiens glandulifera Royle e Impatient. noli-tangere L. se analizaron por cromatografía de gases-espectrometría de masas (GC-MS). La mayoría de los compuestos identificados son nuevos para estas especies. Los ácidos a-linolénico, oleico y palmítico fueron los más abundantes en las fracciones de ácidos grasos, β-amirina y 5a-lup-20 (29)-en-3β-ol en las fracciones triterpenoides, y β-sitosterol, espinasterol y condriplasterol en las fracciones de esteroles. Las fracciones de ácidos grasos y triterpenos mostraron una fuerte actividad antioxidante, similar a los controles positivos. Además, la fracción triterpenoidea de las semillas de I. noli-tangere inhibió significativamente las células de leucemia humana HL-60. Otras fracciones mostraron citotoxicidad moderada. El presente estudio sugiere que I. glandulifera e I. noli-tangere son la buena fuente de ácidos grasos omega-3, y podrían considerarse antioxidantes y agentes quimiopreventivos

COST 733 – WG4: Applications of weather type classifications

Presentación realizada para: European Geosciences Union General Assembly celebrado del 19-24 de abril de 2009 en Viena

Newly Developed Mg2+–Selective Fluorescent Probe Enables Visualization of Mg2+ Dynamics in Mitochondria

Mg2+ plays important roles in numerous cellular functions. Mitochondria take part in intracellular Mg2+ regulation and the Mg2+ concentration in mitochondria affects the synthesis of ATP. However, there are few methods to observe Mg2+ in mitochondria in intact cells. Here, we have developed a novel Mg2+–selective fluorescent probe, KMG-301, that is functional in mitochondria. This probe changes its fluorescence properties solely depending on the Mg2+ concentration in mitochondria under physiologically normal conditions. Simultaneous measurements using this probe together with a probe for cytosolic Mg2+, KMG-104, enabled us to compare the dynamics of Mg2+ in the cytosol and in mitochondria. With this method, carbonyl cyanide p-(trifluoromethoxy) phenylhydrazone (FCCP)–induced Mg2+ mobilization from mitochondria to the cytosol was visualized. Although a FCCP–induced decrease in the Mg2+ concentration in mitochondria and an increase in the cytosol were observed both in differentiated PC12 cells and in hippocampal neurons, the time-courses of concentration changes varied with cell type. Moreover, the relationship between mitochondrial Mg2+ and Parkinson's disease was analyzed in a cellular model of Parkinson's disease by using the 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+). A gradual decrease in the Mg2+ concentration in mitochondria was observed in response to MPP+ in differentiated PC12 cells. These results indicate that KMG-301 is useful for investigating Mg2+ dynamics in mitochondria. All animal procedures to obtain neurons from Wistar rats were approved by the ethical committee of Keio University (permit number is 09106-(1))

Use of cartography and remote sensing in heritage landscape change detection on the example of the Royal Castle gardens in Warsaw

Historical maps, photoplans as well as modern satellite images and ortophotomaps are effective sources of geographical information for heritage landscape research. The presented study aims at characterizing landscape changes and focuses on the example of the Royal Castle gardens in Warsaw, Poland. Fundamental elements of the garden structure were examined from the period between 1700-2015 using historical maps, photoplans, and ortophotomaps. The methodology included multitemporal data harmonization, which was performed on the basis of visual interpretation keys for photoplans and cartographic symbols. The datasets were subsequently stored, analyzed and visualized using a historical GIS. A major transformation resulting from the regulation of the Vistula river banks was identified as the creation of the Lower Garden at the end of 18th century, which covers three quarters of the total study area in 1829. After World War II, restoration of the garden commenced. The derived geohistorical knowledge can be applied in future landscape planning in order to implement better informed reconstruction strategies

Towards development of a prototype high-temperature latent heat storage unit as an element of a RES-based energy system (part 1)

This paper presents briefly the state of the art literature review with respect to research in the field of latent heat storage systems as elements of heat only, power only or combined heat and power (CHP) plants utilizing renewable energy sources (RES) for residential applications. Next, a paper introduces initial research carried out in IMP PAN in Gdańsk, Poland, aimed at development of a prototype latent heat storage unit. Identification of the suggested application for the storage unit in a given system is presented. The first stage of development of a prototype heat storage unit, namely a process of PCM pre-selection is discussed