Showing papers by "Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences published in 2008"

Simultaneous production of citric acid and erythritol from crude glycerol by Yarrowia lipolytica Wratislavia K1

Abstract: This study shows a possible microbial process for utilization of crude glycerol generated by the biodiesel industry for citric acid and erythritol production. Simultaneous production of citric acid and erythritol under nitrogen-limited conditions with glycerol as the carbon source was achieved with an acetate negative mutant of Y. lipolytica Wratislavia K1 in fed-batch cultivations. The effect of the initial glycerol concentration (from 30–180 g dm−3) on the citrate and erythritol production was investigated. As a result of the experiments, maximum citric acid production (110 g dm−3) and a very high amount of erythritol (81 g dm−3) were determined after 168 h of fed-batch cultivation with the initial glycerol concentration of 150 g dm−3 and the total glycerol concentration of 250 g dm−3. In addition, the citric acid to isocitric acid ratio of the products from this strain was 35.5:1.

Effect of Semen Extenders and Storage Time on Sperm Morphology of Four Chicken Breeds

Abstract: SUMMARY A wide range of extenders are available for storing fowl semen. Three of them (the Lakeextender, the EK extender described by Łukaszewicz, and an extender described by Tselutinet al.) were tested for their suitability to store semen of 4 fowl breeds: Green-Legged Partridge,Black Minorca, White Crested Black Polish, and Italian Partridge. Changes in spermatozoaviability and morphology were evaluated in fresh neat semen and in semen diluted 1:4 andstored for 3, 6, and 24 h at 4°C. During the time of semen storage, a decrease in thenumber of live, morphologically normal spermatozoa and an increase in dead spermatozoaand spermatozoa with bent necks were observed. The EK extender was found to be the mostsuitable regardless of the fowl breed because the number of live spermatozoa did not decreaseas much as in semen diluted with the other extenders. The Lake extender had the least beneficialeffect on stored sperm morphology in every breed. Key words: sperm quality, in vitro storage, semen extender, sperm morphology2008 J. Appl. Poult. Res. 17:101–108doi:10.3382/japr.2007-00048

Investigation of evolutionary optimization methods of TSK fuzzy model for real estate appraisal

Abstract: Takagi-Sugeno-Kang fuzzy model to assist with real estate appraisals is described and optimized using evolutionary algorithms. Two approaches were compared in the paper. The first one consisted in learning the rule base and the second one in combining learning the rule base and tuning the membership functions in one process. Moreover two model variants with three and five triangular and trapezoidal membership functions describing each input variable were tested. Several TSK fuzzy models comprising different number of input variables were evaluated using the MATLAB. The evolutionary algorithms were based on Pittsburgh approach with the real coded chromosomes of constant length comprising whole rule base or both the rule base and all parameters of all membership functions. The experiments were conducted using training and testing sets prepared on the basis of actual 150 sales transactions made in one of Polish cities and located in a residential section. The results obtained were not decisive and further research in this area is needed.

Enantiospecific effect of pulegone and pulegone-derived lactones on Myzus persicae (Sulz.) settling and feeding.

Abstract: The effect of pulegone chiral center configuration on its antifeedant activity to Myzus persicae was examined. Biological consequences of structural modifications of (R)-(+)- and (S)-(−)-pulegone, the lactonization, iodolactonization, and incorporation of hydroxyl and carbonyl groups were studied, as well. The most active compounds were (R)-(+)-pulegone (1a) and δ-hydroxy-γ-spirolactones (5S,6R,8S)-(−)-6-hydroxy-4,4,8-trimethyl-1-oxaspiro[4.5]decan-2-one (5b) and (5R,6S,8S)-6-hydroxy-4,4,8-trimethyl-1-oxaspiro[4.5]decan-2-one (6b) derived from (S)-(−)-pulegone (1b). The compounds deterred aphid probing and feeding at preingestional, ingestional, and postingestional phases of feeding. The preingestional effect of (R)-(+)-pulegone (1a) was manifested as difficulty in finding and reaching the phloem (i.e., prolonged time preceding the first contact with phloem vessels), a high proportion of probes not reaching beyond the mesophyll layer before first phloem phase, and/or failure to find sieve elements by 20% of aphids during the 8-hr experiment. The ingestional activity of (R)-(+)-pulegone (1a) and hydroxylactones 5b and 6b resulted in a decrease in duration of phloem sap ingestion, a decrease in the proportion of aphids with sustained sap ingestion, and an increase in the proportion of aphid salivation in phloem. δ-Keto-γ-spirolactone (5R,8S)-(−)-4,4,8-trimethyl-1-oxaspiro[4.5]decan-2,6-dione (8b) produced a weak ingestional effect (shortened phloem phase). The postingestional deterrence of (R)-(+)-pulegone (1a) and δ-hydroxy-γ-spirolactones (5R,6S,8R)-(+)-6-hydroxy-4,4,8-trimethyl-1-oxaspiro[4.5]-decan-2-one (5a), 5b, (5S,6R,8R)-6-hydroxy-4,4,8-trimethyl-1-oxaspiro[4.5]decan-2-one (6a), 6b, and δ-keto-γ-spirolactone 8b prevented aphids from settling on treated leaves. The trans position of methyl group CH3–8 and the bond C5–O1 in lactone 6b appeared to weaken the deterrent activity in relation to the cis diastereoisomer (5b).

Drying kinetics and antioxidant activity of oregano

Abstract: A b s t r a c t . Oregano was dehydrated by three methods: freeze drying, convective drying and vacuum-microwave drying (VM). Freeze drying was conducted at temperature of -60 °C and under pressure of 65 Pa. The temperature of heating plate was 30 °C. Convective drying was performed at three temperatures: 50, 60 and 70 °C. Hot air velocity was 1 m s -1 . In VM dehydration the pressure in drying chamber was changing from 4 to 6 kPa and three microwave power levels were applied: 240, 360 and 480W. The decrease in moisture content of oregano dehydrated in convection was described by an exponential function, while in VM method by a linear function in th e first drying period and by an exponential functio n in the second period. Moisture content at the critical point which divides drying curves into two periods was about 1.4 kg kg -1 dm regardless of the drying temperature used. The s tudy revealed that the increase in drying temperature (convective dehydration) and in microwave power (VM) resulted in decreasing of drying time. Freeze drying was the least destructiv e method of drying because of the antioxidant activ ity. The most harmful method was convective drying at temperatures of 60 and 70 °C. It was observed that higher phenolic content in dried oregano may be reached by reduction of temperature in convective method or by increasing the microwave power in V-M method. K e y w o r d s : oregano, drying kinetics, antioxidant act ivity, polyphenols

Influence of organic forms of copper, manganese and iron on bioaccumulation of these metals and zinc in laying hens

Abstract: The paper presents results of research concerning an assessment of bioaccumulation of copper, manganese and zinc in Lohmann Brown layer hens (5 groups of 12 hens in each). Using ICP-MS method the concentration of these elements was determined in the content and shell of eggs, whole blood and in feathers of hens. Feeding was based on all-mash feed mixture J-297 type with a content of Cu – 21.8, Fe – 200.8, Mn 140.5 mg⋅kg-1, but in particular groups the contribution of organic and inorganic forms of these 3 microelements was different. Content of Zn in the mixture was 86 mg⋅kg-1 (zinc oxide). Microelements in the amounts of: Cu – 10, Fe – 40 and Mn – 80 mg⋅kg-1 were separately introduced to the control and to the test mixtures by using special premixes. In the control version, inorganic forms of these elements were used in a premix (copper sulfate, iron sulfate and manganese oxide), while in the experimental version they appeared in the organic form, i.e. Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeasts enriched with the three elements. In the experimental mixtures the contribution of organic forms of microelements was for Cu – 47, Fe – 20 and Mn – 58%. Content of the premix in a mixture was 0.5%. Yeasts contained: Fe – 33.9, Mn – 35.4, and Cu – 22.7 mg⋅kg-1 d.m. Content of yeasts in the mixtures did not exceed 0.4%. Application of organic forms of copper caused a significant increase in copper concentration in the egg content and shell, in blood and in feathers in the group receiving organic-Cu, which proves better availability of copper from organic forms compared to copper sulfate.

Waste products from fruit and vegetable processing as potential sources for food enrichment in dietary fibre

Abstract: The objective of our study was to determine and compare the neutral dietary fi- bre (NDF) and acid dietary fibre (ADF) contents in the pomace from the processing of two apple varieties (Idared and Champion), two strawberry varieties (Ducat and Kent), chokeberry, black currant, red cabbage, and two carrot varieties (Black carrot and Dola- nka). Chokeberry pomace was found to contain the largest, and Dolanka carrot pomace the smallest amounts of NDF and ADF. The results imply that chokeberry pomace, black currant pomace and strawberry (both Ducat and Kent) pomace should be recommended as best suited for the production of high DF food components.

Microbial transformations of flavanone by Aspergillus niger and Penicillium chermesinum cultures

Abstract: As a result of biotransformation of flavanone ( 1 ) by the strain Aspergillus niger MB (being the UV mutant) and by the wild strain Penicillium chermesinum 113 the products of hydroxylation at C-6 ( 2 ) and C-4′ ( 5 ) were obtained. Additionally, three dihydrochalcones with hydroxyl groups at C-2′ ( 4 ), C-2′ and C-5′ ( 3 ) and C-2′ and C-4 ( 6 ) were formed.

Effects of potato strip size and pre-drying method on french fries quality

Abstract: Potato strips of 8 mm × 8 mm and 10 mm × 10 mm after blanching were pre-dried using two methods: convective and vacuum-microwave (VM). A two-stage frying in rapeseed oil was applied to prepare French fries from pre-dried potato strips. The quality of French fries in terms of texture, oil content and color was analyzed based on the results from instrumental tests and sensory evaluation. Using vacuum-microwave instead of hot air resulted in substantial shortening of the potato strips’ pre-drying time and decreasing the fat content in French fries. Pre-drying of potato strips, particularly by VM method, improved color and increased maximum cutting force as well as maximum cutting work estimated for French fries. French fries prepared from potato strips of 10 mm × 10 mm exhibited lower lightness, higher fat content and higher cutting strength compared with those made from potato strips of 8 mm × 8 mm. Based on the sensory results, it was found that the best French fries were those from pre-dried potato strips of 8 mm × 8 mm, independently of the pre-drying method used, and the worse were those from potato strips of 10 mm × 10 mm pre-dried with the convective method. SEM images confirmed structural changes occurred in potato tissue during pre-drying and frying.

Coprological Study on Helminth Fauna in Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx) From the Białowieża Primeval Forest in Eastern Poland

Abstract: One hundred fecal samples were collected during research on Eurasian lynx ecology and food habits in the Polish part of the Bialowieza Primeval Forest (BPF) from 2001 to 2006. Seventy-three percent of samples contained eggs or larvae of helminths. A total of 10 species of helminths was identified, including 3 Cestoda (Diphyllobothrium latum, Spirometra janickii, and unidentified species of Taeniidae), 1 Trematoda (Alaria alata), and 6 Nematoda (Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, Ancylostoma tubaeforme, Eucoleus aerophilus, Metastrongylus sp., Nematodirus sp., and Toxocara cati). Alaria alata has not been reported previously in lynx. A statistical comparison of the 2 techniques used to isolate eggs, i.e., flotation and sedimentation, indicates that sedimentation was more effective.

Use of Microarray Technology to Profile Gene Expression Patterns Important for Reproduction in Cattle

Abstract: Contents Fertility in cattle is a major component of many agricultural enterprises and there is pressure to devise methods to improve this. A number of approaches are ongoing, one of which is to better understand the cellular and molecular events of the development of reproductive tissues and to use these as targets for developing new strategies. Microarray technologies now allow us the potential to determine the transcriptional profile of expressed genes in a given tissue. This review focuses on the types of microarrays available for studies in cattle and concludes that genes associated with one or more of the cellular processes of cell survival/death, intracellular signalling, transcription and translation, cell division and proliferation and cellular metabolism are the main transcriptional pathways that control the development of ovarian follicles, oocytes, early embryos and the uterine endometrium about the time of the establishment of pregnancy.

New species and records of mites (Acari: Prostigmata: Erythraeidae, Johnstonianidae, Microtrombidiidae, Trombidiidae) from Moldova and Ukraine

Abstract: Abrolophus crimensis sp. n., Valgothrombium melindae sp. n. from Ukraine, Moldoustium baltiensis gen. n., sp. n. from Moldova and Ukraine and Podothrombium dbrenitum sp. n. from Moldova are described. Rudaemannia rudaensis (Haitlinger), Trombidium dacicum (Feider) are new for the fauna of Moldova, Grandjeanella multisetosa Zhang et Goldarazena, Leptus (Leptus) trimaculatus (Hermann), Erythraeus (Zaracarus) preciosus Goldarazena et Zhang, E. (E.) kuyperi (Oudemans), Balaustium nikae Haitlinger, Johnstoniana eximia (Berlese) are new to the fauna of Ukraine, Hauptmannia brevicollis Oudemans, H. wratislaviensis Haitlinger, Abrolophus pseudolongicollis kiejstuti Haitlinger, Charletonia krendowskyi (Feider), Allothrombium fuliginosum (Hermann), A. triticium Zhang, Trombidium holosericeum (L.) and Podothrombium proti Haitlinger are new to the fauna of Moldova and Ukraine. The following new synonyms and new combination are proposed: Canpicatrombium Haitlinger, 2003 syn. n. = Valgothrombium Willmann, 1940, Leptus (Leptus) echinopus Beron, 1975 syn. n. = L. (L.) trimaculatus (Hermann, 1804), Valgothrombium mallorcensis (Haitlinger, 2003) comb. n., Podothrombium proti Haitlinger, 1994 is not synonym of P. filipes (C.-L. Koch, 1837).

Effect of flat covers and plant density on yielding and quality of kohlrabi

Abstract: Kohlrabi is a fast growing, cool season vegetable cultivated primarily for its enlarged stem, which is rich in nutritional components, especially vitamin C and potassium. In two factorial experiment conducted in 2004-2006 there was estimated the effect of plastic covers (perforated plastic film, non woven agrotextile) and plant density (20x15, 25x20 cm) on yield and nutritional value of kohlrabi cultivated in spring season. The significant highest early and marketable yields were obtained from plots covered with agrotextile. The higher density of plants resulted in increased kohlrabi yield. Kohlrabi cultivated under covers had lower level of dry matter, reducing and total sugars. There was not observed the effect of covers on vitamin C concentration. Kohlrabi grown in spacing 20x15 cm contained higher amount of nitrates, vitamin C and reducing sugars in comparison to spacing 25x20 cm.

The effect of nitrogen fertilization on yielding and antioxidant activity of lavender ( Lavandula angustifolia Mill.)

Abstract: The aim of the experiment conducted in 2003-2006 was to estimate the effect of dose of nitrogen on yielding and antioxidant activity of lavender. The experiment was established in one factorial design in four replications and plot area 3.0 m 2 . Nitrogen was supplied in three different rates: as a preplant dose 50 kg N·ha -1 , or split application 100 (50 + 50) and 200 kg N·ha -1 (100 + 100) with one top dressing provided on first week of May. Results obtained from two years of the study indicate that the most suitable for lavender yielding appeared to be nitrogen fertilization at the rate of 100 kg N·ha -1 . The re- sults of the study also demonstrated that heavy nitrogen fertilization decreased concentra- tion of phenolic compounds and have negligible effect on chlorophyll and carotenoids concentration in lavender flowers and increased content of phenolics, total carotenoids and chlorophyll a + b in leaves. The antioxidant activity of lavender flowers was higher in treatment fertilized with nitrogen in dose of 50 kg N·ha -1 and decreased at the rates of 100 and 200 kg N·ha -1 .

Flow Cytometric Evaluation of Intracellular Cytokine Synthesis in Peripheral Mononuclear Cells of Women with Endometriosis

Abstract: Systemic changes related to cytokine expression levels in women with endometriosis remain a subject of controversy. There are many studies concerning this topic showing differential serum cytokine levels; however, there are limited data presenting cytokine expression at the single-cell level. This study focused on this question by measuring intracellular cytokine staining of activated peripheral CD3+ and CD14+ cells from women with endometriosis (investigative group) compared with those with uterine leiomyoma (control group). Isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells from women with endometriosis and uterine leiomyoma were stimulated with PMA and ionomycin or with LPS to induce intracellular synthesis of TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, and IL-8 in subpopulations of CD3+ cells and TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-10, MCP-1, and IL-8 in CD14+ cells. Comparison of the total groups of patients showed no significant differences in any of the intracellular cytokines investigated in the T cells and monocytes of women with endometriosis compared with controls. When the group of women with endometriosis was divided with regard to severity of disease, a significantly lower percentage of CD3+CD8- lymphocytes stained for IFN-gamma and a significantly higher percentage of CD14+ cells stained for MCP-1 in advanced endometriosis patients compared with the control group were observed. We conclude that peripheral mononuclear cells in women with advanced endometriosis may have differential cytokine synthesis in vitro. These results support the idea that differing immune cell activity measured by intracellular cytokine profiles in women with advanced endometriosis may be more a consequence of the disease than a cause.

Correlations between body measurements and tissue composition of oat-fattened White Kołuda geese at 17 weeks of age.

Abstract: 1. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the yield and tissue composition of carcases from White Koluda® ganders (males) and geese (females), and to determine the relationships between body measurements and carcase tissue composition. 2. The experiment was carried out on 200 geese (100 males and 100 females) reared to 14 weeks of age and then fed with oats for the next 3 weeks. Live body weight and body dimensions, slaughter yield, weight and percentage of muscles and skin with fat in carcase were measured and correlation coefficients were calculated between body measurements and slaughter values and carcase tissue composition. 3. White Koluda® geese reared to 17 weeks of age were characterised by high body weight (6705 g) and good muscle yield (29·9%). Males had greater body weight, musculature and fatness than females. Sternum length and breast circumference, width and depth were good indicators of carcase muscle weight in 17-week-old geese. 4. Negative coefficients of correlation between sternum...

Expression of Extracellular Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP-9), E-Cadherin and Proliferation-associated Antigen Ki-67 and their Reciprocal Correlation in Canine Mammary Adenocarcinomas

Abstract: Background:Thepurposeofthepresentstudywasto determine the expression of the proteins related to tumour metastatic potential, including matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9andE-cadherin,incorrelationwiththeexpressionof proliferation-associated antigen (Ki-67) in canine mammary adenocarcinomas. Materials and Methods: Material for the studieswasobtainedduringsurgeryfrom35dogsofvarious breeds,aged7to16years.Neoplastictumourswereverifiedby a pathologist. The studied proteins were detected by immunohistochemicalreactions.Themicrophotographsofthe studied tumours were subjected to computer-assisted image analysis using MultiScaneBase V 14.02 software. Results: ExpressionofMMP-9wasnotedinalmost83%ofthetumours, expressionofE-cadherinin77%oftumours,whileexpression of Ki-67 antigen was detected in fewer than 26% of studied tumours. Conclusion: The positive correlation (r=0.375) between expressions of MMP-9 and Ki-67 and negative correlationsbetweenE-cadherinandKi-67(r=-0.383)aswell asbetweenMMP-9andE-cadherin(r=-0.45)couldsuggest that expression and biological significance of the studied markersinmammmaryadenocarcinomasindogsresemblesthe pattern noted in ductal carcinoma, i.e. in the most frequent histological type of malignant tumour in humans. This may pointtosuitabilityoftheanimalmodelinstudiesonmechanism ofneoplasiaandmetastasesinhumans. Throughout the world, mammary carcinoma represents the most frequent malignant tumour both in humans and in dogs. It represents one of the principal causes of tumour-related deaths. Despite the enormous progress in diagnosis and therapy of the tumour, its incidence and mortality remain very high. It should be stressed that at the contemporary level of early diagnosis and with the development of oncological surgery, the primary tumour no longer requires such an extensive therapeutic process as it did just a few years ago. The problem and medical challenge involves the fact that despite extensive efforts and multiple studies, formation of metastases still cannot be controlled and, as a rule, lead s to patient deaths. The prerequisite condition for initiation of the complex process of metastasis involves acquisition by the neoplastic cell of the so-called invasive phenotype. This allows a certain group of tumour cells, selected by cumulation of mutations, to acquire the ability to be transported, infiltrate surrounding tissues and to home in on sites distant from the primary tumour (2).

Harmful substances in legume seeds--their negative and beneficial properties.

Abstract: The leguminous seeds constitute a valuable source of feed and dietary protein, however, they contain also many different substances that are recognised as antinutritive factors. This review deals with harmful substances and composition of leguminous seeds, their profitable and negative activity considering also the effect on physiology of digestion, intestinal functions and health of animals.

The level of selected blood indicators of laying hens fed with addition of amaranth grain

Abstract: weeks old laying hens were used in this study. The birds were divided into 4 groups: the control group (group I) fed with basal diet and experimental groups II, III and IV fed with basal diet supplemented by appropriately 2, 5 and 10% addition of amaranth grain. No statistically relevant changes in the haemoglobin level and the haematocrit volume in the birds' blood were noted during the study. The erythrocyte count was diversified and ranged between 2.7 (group III) and 3.1 x 10 12 l ­1 (group IV). As compared to the control group, a statistically significant difference in the total cholesterol level was noted for hens in group II. Falling tendency was observed for groups fed with diet supplemented by a larger share of amaranth grain, i.e. 5 and 10 % share. The largest fall of the LDL fraction of cholesterol, by appropriately 45.6 and 52.3 %, was shown for groups fed with 5 and 10% addition of amaranth grain (group III and IV). The level of HDL fraction of cholesterol was higher in the experimental groups, fluctuating around the level of 0.24­0.36 mmol l ­1 , as compared to the control group with the level of 0.22 mmol l ­1 The triglycerides content in respective groups of birds fed with addition of amaranth grain was significantly different (p≤0.05) as compared to the control group. The largest fall of triglycerides content was noted for group IV. The ALT activity in groups fed with 2 and 10% addition of amaranthus grain was higher in comparison to the control group, reaching respectively 44.8 and 36.9 IU l ­1 , (p≤0.05) for experimental groups and 27.5 IU l ­1 for the control group. The ALT activity in the group fed with 5% addition of grain was comparable to the one noted for the control group, i.e. 20.5 IU l ­1 . The highest level of aminotransferase (AST) activity, i.e. 466.14IU l ­1 , was observed for the group fed with the largest (10%) addition of amaranth grain and constituted difference that was statistically significant in comparison to the control group level, i.e. 373.71 IU l ­1 , p ≤ 0.05. Elevated levels of glucose and protein were observed in experimental groups as compared to the control group.