Factors affecting the contents of iridoid oleuropein in olive leaves (Olea europaea L.)

In this study, for the first time, the impact of the genetic factor on the contents of oleuropein in olive leaves was not only evaluated but the influence exerted by the color/age of leaves (green, green-yellowish, and yellow) and the collecting period (spring or autumn) was also evaluated. A repetitive high-resolution gas chromatographic quantitation method and an accurate high-performance liquid chromatographic method were developed. These analytical methods gave results showing a highly linear relationship. Samples of olive leaves were taken from seven major Italian olive cultivars, such as Dritta, Leccino, Caroleo, Coratina, Castiglionese, Nebbio, and Grossa di Cassano. Such a vegetal raw material could actually be exploited for recovering oleuropein, considered to be a high-added value molecule. This could be converted into hydrxytyrosol, a compound known to possess strong bioactive properties. Olive leaves showed considerable contents of oleuropein, which with some cultivars were even higher with respect to those present in the corresponding olive fruits (reported in the literature). The amounts of oleuropein in the collected leaves were markedly modified by the color/age and genetic factors, whereas meaningless variations were ascribable to the quantitation method and the collecting period factors. Various chemometrics, applied to the obtained analytical data, appeared to be effective in discriminating the samples on the basis of the above-examined experimental factors, thus confirming how these should be taken into account in future industrial recovery of oleuropein from olive leaves.     

Attenuation of allergic contact dermatitis through the endocannabinoid system

Allergic contact dermatitis affects about 5% of men and 11% of women in industrialized countries and is one of the leading causes for occupational diseases. In an animal model for cutaneous contact hypersensitivity, we show that mice lacking both known cannabinoid receptors display exacerbated allergic inflammation. In contrast, fatty acid amide hydrolase-deficient mice, which have increased levels of the endocannabinoid anandamide, displayed reduced allergic responses in the skin. Cannabinoid receptor antagonists exacerbated allergic inflammation, whereas receptor agonists attenuated inflammation. These results demonstrate a protective role of the endocannabinoid system in contact allergy in the skin and suggest a target for therapeutic intervention.     

Accumulation and erosion of Mars' south polar layered deposits

Mars' polar regions are covered with ice-rich layered deposits that potentially contain a record of climate variations. The sounding radar SHARAD on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter mapped detailed subsurface stratigraphy in the Promethei Lingula region of the south polar plateau, Planum Australe. Radar reflections interpreted as layers are correlated across adjacent orbits and are continuous for up to 150 kilometers along spacecraft orbital tracks. The reflectors are often separated into discrete reflector sequences, and strong echoes are seen as deep as 1 kilometer. In some cases, the sequences are dipping with respect to each other, suggesting an interdepositional period of erosion. In Australe Sulci, layers are exhumed, indicating recent erosion.     

Protective effect of the phenolic fraction from virgin olive oils against oxidative stress in human cells

This paper reports the protective effect of the phenolic fraction extracted from extra virgin olive oils (OOPEs) against the cytotoxic effects of reactive oxygen species in human erythrocytes and Caco-2 cells, employed as model systems. Pretreatment of cells with various OOPEs, indeed, provides a remarkable protection against oxidative damages: this effect was strictly dependent on the o-diphenolic content of the extracts. Moreover, the protective effects observable in cellular systems were compared with in vitro antioxidant properties, measured by using the FRAP (ferric reducing/antioxidant power) assay; the reducing ability of OOPEs strictly parallels their o-phenolic content. The linear relationship demonstrated between biological effects and antioxidant capacity measured by the FRAP assay allows us to propose the use of this rapid colorimetric method in assessing and certifying the antioxidant power of extra virgin olive oil.     

Diversity in Allium ampeloprasum: from small and wild to large and cultivated

Allium ampeloprasum evolved as a complex of different cyto- and morpho-types widely distributed either in the wild or domesticated range of the Mediterranean regions. The assessment of genetic and phylogenetic relationships between Tunisian A. ampeloprasum and specimens from different origins and with variable degree of domestication can promote conservation and breeding. Minisatellite M13, microsatellite (GTG)₅ and nucleotide sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) were used to assess DNA polymorphism and genetic diversity. M13 and (GTG)₅ molecular markers efficiently discriminated A. ampeloprasum gene-pool from A. sativum. Geographic genetic patterns of variation of the wild gene-pool were not detected. However, domesticated A. ampeloprasum (great headed garlic, kurrat and leek) clustered consistently within the ampeloprasum group. A. sativum was found to be closer to A. ampeloprasum than A. fistulosum and A. schoenoprasum. A high number of single point mutations (SNPs) was recorded over the ITS1-2 spacer sequence. Most of these SNPs were heterozygous only in great headed garlic. It is inferred that heterozygosity played the major role in promoting great headed garlic domestication. Thus, great headed garlic adaptation to horticultural conditions along with its yield trait sizes are mainly associated to heterozygosity rather than to polyploidy.     

Effects of intertrochanteric varus osteotomy on Norberg angle and percent coverage of the femoral head in displastic dogs

This study was conducted to assess the effects of femoral varus osteotomy on joint congruency in dogs affected by early stage hip dysplasia. Preoperative planning to move the femoral head within the acetabulum was carried out. Varisation of the femoral inclination angle (fIA) was achieved by Intertrochanteric Osteotomy (ITO). Norberg angle (NA), percent coverage (PC) of the femoral head by the acetabulum and fIA was measured from preoperative, immediate postoperative and first and second recheck radiographs of seven dogs that underwent an ITO (joint n = 9). There was significant (p < 0.05) improvement of both NA and PC in all patients as indicated by a change in the mean ± standard deviation of 78.9° ± 7.5 and 36.9% ± 5.2 to 92.2° ± 6.7 and 50.6% ± 8.3, respectively. No significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed between the values of the planned femoral inclination angle (pfIA) of the femur and the effective femoral inclination angle (efIA) obtained after surgery (115.9° ± 2.5 and 111.3° ± 6.4, respectively). These findings could encourage the use of ITO in veterinary practice and indicate that intertrochanteric varus osteotomy should be re-considered for the treatment of early stage hip dysplasia in dogs with radiological signs of joint incongruency.     

Bioaccumulation of Trace and Non-trace Elements in Blood and Fibers of Alpacas (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Vicugna pacos</Emphasis>) that Graze in Italian Pastures

The concentrations of trace and non-trace elements were determined in blood and fibers of alpacas (Vicugna pacos) from a north Italian area, as well as in their pasture forages. This is the first investigation regarding this species in Italy, and the first considering alpaca’s fiber as bioindicator worldwide. Metal contents in blood were in the decreasing order: copper?>?zinc?>?aluminum?>?selenium?>?lead?>?nickel?>?manganese?>?chromium?>?arsenic and cadmium, while in fiber, metal levels were in the following order: aluminum?>?zinc?>?copper?>?manganese?>?chromium?>?nickel?>?selenium?>?lead?>?arsenic and cadmium. Antimony, beryllium, mercury, tin, and thallium were below the limit of quantification (0.010 mg kg^?1). The analysis of the alpacas’ forage confirmed the same trend found in fiber, suggesting that metal bioaccumulation was affected by diet. These preliminary results have shown that all the trace elements studied bioaccumulated to a greater extent in the fibers of the alpaca than in the blood. Accordingly, we may suggest that alpaca fibers could be used for monitoring exposure especially to non-essential metals like aluminum, cadmium, and lead, and could constitute a suitable non-invasive method for measuring trace and non-trace element exposure in camelids.     

Influence of the decrease in oxygen during malaxation of olive paste on the composition of volatiles and phenolic compounds in virgin olive oil

The sensory and health properties of virgin olive oil (VOO) are highly related to its volatile and phenolic composition. Oxygen control in the pastes during malaxation may be a new technological parameter to regulate enzymatic activities, such as polyphenoloxidase, peroxidase, and lipoxygenase, which affect the phenolic and volatile composition of VOO. In this work, we monitored CO2 and O2 concentrations during industrial-scale olive paste malaxation with various initial O2 concentrations within the malaxer headspace. Results show that the O2 concentration in the malaxer headspace did not affect CO2 production during processing, whereas a strong influence was observed on the changes of the phenolic composition of olive pastes and VOOs, with high correlation coefficient for the total phenols (R = 0.94), especially for oleuropein and demethyloleuropein derivatives (R = 0.81). In contrast, aroma production during malaxation was minimally affected by the O2 concentration in the malaxer headspace.     

Brachyspina syndrome in two Holstein calves

Brachyspina syndrome, a rare lethal skeletal malformation, is described in two Italian Holstein calves. Both calves were stillborn and had shortened trunks with long legs. Radiography demonstrated several abnormalities of the cervical and thoracolumbar vertebral column. Visceral malformations involving the heart, kidney, genital tract and gastrointestinal system were also found. Both calves were traced back to the same sire and an inherited basis was strongly suspected.