In the present study, we have characterized for the first time the volatile fraction of 20 pomegranate juices from fruits harvested in Northern Italy and southern Montenegro, by means of headspace ...solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry technique (GC–MS). The volatile profile accounted for 57 compounds belonging mainly to three chemical classes: alcohols, aldehydes and terpenes. Thanks to advance chemometric analysis, the samples were clusterized according to the geographical origin, and the volatiles responsible for differentiation were identified, indicating that the use of volatile profile for discriminating between pomegranate ecotypes grown in different geographical areas is a promising approach.
Overall, the chemical information acquired represents a very relevant tool for the retrieval and exploitation of minor varieties and in support of biodiversity of these promising geographical areas for pomegranate cultivation.
Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous inflammatory disease whose causes are still unknown and for which epidemiological data are often discordant. The aim of our study is to investigate prevalence ...and spatial distribution of cases, and identify environmental exposures associated with sarcoidosis in an Italian province.
After georeferentiation of cases, the area under study was subdivided with respect to Municipality and Health Districts and to the altitude in order to identify zonal differences in prevalence. The bioaccumulation levels of 12 metals in lichen tissues were analyzed, in order to determine sources of air pollution. Finally, the analysis of the correlation between metals and between pickup stations was performed.
223 patients were identified (58.3% female and 41.7% male of total) and the mean age was 50.6±15.4 years (53.5±15.5 years for the females and 46.5±14.4 for the males). The mean prevalence was 49 per 100.000 individuals. However, we observed very heterogeneous prevalence in the area under study. The correlations among metals revealed different deposition patterns in lowland area respect to hilly and mountain areas.
The study highlights a high prevalence of sarcoidosis cases, characterized by a very inhomogeneous and patchy distribution with phenomena of local aggregation. Moreover, the bioaccumulation analysis was an effective method to identify the mineral particles that mostly contribute to air pollution in the different areas, but it was not sufficient to establish a clear correlation between the onset of sarcoidosis and environmental risk factors.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
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•Adventitious shoot regeneration was induced from petioles and internodes of hop, genotype Gianni.•1.1% of the obtained regenerants was tetraploid.•For the first time, encapsulation ...technology, resorting to unipolar explants, was used as hop propagation method.•Artificial endosperm with 6.66 μM BAP induced a very high conversion (82%) of hop, Gianni, encapsulated microcuttings.
Due to the increasing interest of growers in hop cultivation, there is a rising demand for hop plants that is not fully satisfied by nursery activity. Biotechnological methods and, specifically, in vitro propagation, could offer new opportunities to overcome these limitations, allowing the production of a great number of plantlets, in reduced space and independently of the season. In this research, organogenesis from two types of explant, petioles and internodes, and, for the first time to our knowledge, unipolar explants encapsulation have been studied to evaluate alternative methods for hop propagation and to try to satisfy hop nursery need. Our results confirmed the possibility of resorting to organogenesis as a propagation method, only if a precise and continuous check of somaclonal variation is carried out, due to the occurrence of a small percentage of tetraploids. Moreover, hop microcuttings were demonstrated to be a suitable starting material for encapsulation; indeed, in less than one month, it was possible to obtain a very high regrowth (up to 100%) and conversion (up to 82%). These results represent a first step towards the application of this technology to hop, also for other purposes, such as short and long term preservation.
The olive is a long-lived evergreen tree, capable of regenerating itself from any part of the plant (pollard tree). This characteristic has allowed the olive trees to survive across the centuries ...until they become real natural monuments. The aim of this work has been to study the monumental “Olivo della Strega” (“Witch’s Olive tree”) olive tree, located in the olive orchard of Santissima Annunziata church, in Magliano (Grosseto, Italy), a tree with a special place in local history and folklore and with estimated age over 700 years. The morphometric data of leaf, fruit, stone and pollen were used to characterize the phenotype, while genetic diversity was assessed on the basis of microsatellite markers. The morphological and genetic analysis pointed to two clearly distinguishable parts in the “Olivo della Strega” tree, called sample left (SL) and sample right (SR). This ancient plant consists of two different genotypes: one part (SL) was identified as cv Frantoio and the other (SR) as an unknown genotype. Moreover, traditional (in vivo conservation) and advanced techniques (cryopreservation) have made conservation achievable to preserve its genetic heritage. In particular “Olivo della Strega” pollen was stored for 1 year in liquid nitrogen. The morphology of pollen grains, viability and germinability of fresh and long term cryopreserved pollen were observed at different times during preservation, without revealing significant differences.
Exposing fruits and vegetables to UVB radiation post-harvest is a technique used to modify secondary metabolites and prolong their shelf life. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects ...of UVB irradiation on the chemical and physical characteristics of fig cv. Dottato fruits. The UVB irradiation was 2.26 Wm−2. Two exposure times were carried out: 10 and 60 min resulting in a UVB dose of 1.4 and 8.1 kJm−2, respectively. In the control, the UVB was eliminated by a polyester film (control −UVB). After treatment, the fig fruits were stored and analyzed at different times until decay. Quality parameters (decay, weight loss, color, chlorophyll, and firmness) and physicochemical parameters (soluble solids content, pH parameters, and titratable acidity) were positively influenced by irradiation. Total and individual sugars increased gradually during the storage period in both the skin and the flesh, with glucose being higher after 10 days in the UVB treated samples. Total carotenoid content increased gradually during the storage period, with a marked increase in the +UVB fruit. The content of total and individual polyphenols was positively influenced by UVB treatment, with the UVB treated samples showing the highest values at both 7 and 10 days. The study showed an increase in by-products in both the skin and the flesh. This research confirms the effectiveness of UVB radiation in improving the nutritional qualities and shelf life of Ficus carica fruits.
► Olive tree genetic profiles and quality of monovarietal olive oils data are compared. ► Some fatty acids are highly correlated with the genetic matrix. ► Organoleptic profiles evidenced differences ...for the “pleasant flavours”. ► Fatty acids selected seems to represent a possible tool for monovarietal traceability.
The relationship between genetic diversity and phenotype in olive, instrumental to improve the efficacy of olive clonal selection, is still far from being fully understood. This work reports on a comparison made between plant SSR genetic data and quality of monovarietal olive oils. Nine monovarietal oils produced by selected genotypes were characterised under chemical and sensory profiles. Fatty acid compositions were determined to evaluate quantitative differences among oils; some fatty acids are actually highly correlated with the genetic matrix, and PCA of fatty acids composition explains 85.53% variability. Moreover some oils characterised by high levels of oleic acid appeared interesting from a nutritional standpoint. Organoleptic profiles evidenced differences especially for the attributes defined as “pleasant flavours”; oils obtained by different genetic matrices were characterised by different flavour intensities of tomato or artichoke, almond or aromatic herbs, correspondence analysis among sensory pleasant attributes and olive oil samples explaining 91.68% variability.
•Olive accessions widespread in Boyacá (Colombia) were characterized by SSR markers.•Picual and Azapa genotypes were identified thanks to comparison with two SSR databases.•Five unknown genotypes of ...horticultural relevance were singled out.•Several homonymy and synonymy cases were revealed.
The olive tree has been present in Colombia for several centuries, however we still do not know the identity of old olive trees present in this territory.
This study aimed at characterizing and identifying the Colombian germplasm for the first time through molecular analysis. Thirty-nine olive accessions were subjected to genotyping with ten SSR (ssrOeUA-DCA, UDO099, GAPU, EMO series) markers. The set of chosen markers resulted as a whole highly polymorphic, and made possible the characterization of all studied accessions. Data were analysed by cluster analysis, and results revealed a good genetic variability within the olive germplasm. Nineteen genetic profiles were discriminated and among these different cases of intra-varietal clones. Only some accessions (about 28% of the studied germplasm) have shown genetic identity with known cultivars (Picual and Azapa). The remaining accessions were distinguished and assembled in 5 different genotypes of unknown origin. In addition, the majority of genotypes found does not correspond to the names given in the region, and several cases of homonymy and synonymy were revealed. The data obtained suggest that confusion on naming of the accessions as well as propagation errors might have occurred either in the countries of origin of the samples and/or in the Colombian region.
Pomegranate produces fruit with high nutritional value. Of particular interest is the woody part of the seed, which influences consumer acceptability and is rich in bioactive components. The aim of ...this study was to morphoanatomically and biochemically characterize the tegmen of local and commercial pomegranates grown in Italy. SEM and a texturometer were used for morphoanatomical and hardness analysis, respectively, and gravimetric and Soxhlet extraction, as well as a GS-MS instrument, were used for chemical analysis. In addition to the classic morphometric parameters, we described, for the first time, the bundles on pomegranate tegmen, identifying four forms (FAN, TREE, COMB and RAMIFIED); local cultivars showed a higher variability compared to the commercial cultivars. Lignin content showed no correlation with seed strength. We developed a new hierarchical model in which geometric parameters and the resistant volume of the lignified tissue can explain the variability in hardness observed in the tests. Quantitative differences were observed in total lipids and unsaponifiable fractions; in particular, all oils were rich in unsaturated fatty acids. We propose that bundles form as a novel trait for characterization and a new hierarchical model to evaluate the hardness of seeds. The content of fatty acids and other biocompounds in pomegranate seeds can promote their valorization as a resource rather than a waste product.
•The chestnut flours proximate composition from nine cultivars were fully characterized.•The overall fat content in the considered flours were higher than that commonly reported in the ...literature.•Total MUFA vary greatly among cultivars, while PUFA were constant among the cultivars over two years.•A good total antioxidant capacity was confirmed for all the considered cultivars.•Chemometric analysis allowed for a good clusterization of flours according to the most relevant technological variables.
Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) is an important fruit crop, representing a fundamental economic resource in rural areas. The consumption of chestnut fruit has increased in recent years, after decades of neglect due to high prices and loss of food traditions. Nevertheless, chestnut is a precious food, since it is a source of starch, essential fatty acids, essential amino acids, antioxidants and vitamins. Moreover, chestnut flour can be used in gluten free formulations. The aim of this work was to evaluate by proximate analysis the fatty acids and amino acids profile and the antioxidant capacity of nine native cultivars from Emilia Romagna region, for two consecutive years. By using 2-way ANOVA analysis considering the factors “C. sativa cultivar” and “harvesting year” it was possible to state the non-dependence of carbohydrates on these two factors. On the contrary, the variability of crude fat, crude proteins, free amino acids profile and total antioxidant capacity depend both on cultivar and harvesting year. Chestnut flours are a good source of oleic and linoleic acids: their levels, together with that of palmitic acid, are affected by the cultivar; stearic and linolenic acid variability is instead due to the harvest year. The nutritional data from this research can provide useful information for the bakery industry, in view of the new trend of functional products able to merge tradition and innovation.
•We characterize by nSSR markers ancient chestnut widespread in Northern Italy.•The use of only three markers allowed to identify 28 distinct genetic profiles.•The results demonstrated a vast genetic ...variability within the population.•This variability will represent the starting point for a cultivar agronomical evaluation.
The presence of the chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) in all Italian regions, within altitude limits depending on latitude, and in very different exposure and soil conditions, favored the formation of a rich patrimony of cultivars. In the course of several centuries of cultivation a number of genotypes appeared and were selected, also by virtue of a widespread habit of propagating the tree by seed; these genotypes differ for numerous traits, particularly for those relating to the fruit, but plant resistance to biotic and abiotic factors has been important in the selection process. However, the large existing genetic patrimony is increasingly at risk of genetic erosion and it is extremely important to study and valorize local germplasm in order to preserve the existing biodiversity and to identify potentially useful characters for a revival of the Italian chestnut industry. The purpose of this study was to characterize genetically, with eight nSSR (di- and trinucleotide, CsCAT and EMCs series respectively) markers, 54 ancient chestnut accessions widespread in a small area of Northern Italy.
The set of chosen markers resulted as a whole highly polymorphic, and made possible the characterization of all studied accessions. The use of only three markers allowed the identification of 28 distinct genetic profiles. Data were analyzed by cluster analysis, and results demonstrated a vast genetic variability within the population. The nSSR used, moreover, allowed us to identify most unknown accessions and possible homonyms and synonyms, and cases of intravarietal clones within the local germplasm.
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