Search

Despite the economic and ecological importance of the carob tree, few studies are available on the morphological characterization and chemical composition of carob in Algeria. This has resulted in the lack of selection of commercial cultivars of high seed and sugar content. The present study aims to assess the diversity of 11 wild and 1 cultivated carob populations in various regions of Algeria, characterized by diverse geographical and climatic conditions. The final objective is to assess the diversity of neglected carob plants that exhibit superior fruit quality traits and/or are well adapted to different pedoclimatic conditions. The current study focuses on analyzing pod and seed diversity by investigating 12 morphological and 5 physiochemical traits. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences between populations (p < 0.001) for all traits studied, indicating high morphological and chemical variability among these carob populations. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to study the relationship between these traits and the geographical origin. High seed yields characterized wild populations, whereas cultivated populations were rich in sugar. Based on morphological traits of pods, seeds and chemical compositions, a hierarchical clustering grouped the carob populations into four groups. The findings of this study represent a significant advancement towards establishing effective cultivar breeding programs in Algeria. They demonstrate that the germplasm examined in this research exhibits an optimal level of morphological and chemical diversity, which is instrumental in the identification of specific traits of both commercial and environmental significance.

Mediterranean countries are a cauldron of cultural exchange, with a strong emphasis on wild plants in cuisine traditions. Many of these plants belong to the family Apiaceae. The common climate determines the common range of distribution. While many plants have wide distribution, the range of distribution of others is restricted to Western Mediterranean or North Africa. This review investigates wild plants from the family Apiaceae traditionally used as food in 13 study sites—11 countries in the Mediterranean and adjacent territories—the mainland and 3 islands. The aim is to trace patterns of native distribution versus consumption. As a result, 81 wild umbellifers are listed, traditionally used as food. Their consumption and distribution patterns are described and discussed. Interestingly in 8 of the 13 study sites (61.5%) are recorded 50 plant taxa (66.7% of all wild umbellifers, traditionally used as food) which are consumed in only one particular country. These are as follows: 8 taxa in Morocco, 9 taxa in Spain, 2 taxa in Sicily, 3 taxa in Bulgaria 3 taxa in Crete, 8 taxa in Armenia, 14 taxa in Turkey, and 3 taxa in Jordan. However, these 50 restrictedly consumed plants are distributed in more than one country (except 15 taxa, which are endemics). Many of the plants that are used in certain countries are not consumed by the neighboring people. The results of the two statistical tests, namely Jaccard index and heatmap clustering (double dendrogram), are discussed. The presence of an outlier, such as Bulgaria, which shares borders, history, and culture with Greece and Turkey, emphasizes the importance of local climate for plant distribution and consumption over cultural interactions. The same was observed for some pairs of countries, such as Spain and Morrocco and Turkey and Armenia, although they had the highest number of common plants that are both distributed and consumed as food.

Agriculture is facing several challenges related to its sustainability. In this regard, the need to reduce its environmental impact related to the use of synthetic inputs and its potential role in mitigating global warming and climate change call for a review of crop management. In this context, and in the framework of achieving sustainable development goals, the use of organic fertilizers and bio-waste represents a valuable contribution to the agricultural transition towards a bioeconomy model by reducing the negative impacts of waste disposal. Farmyard manure, composts, digestate from agrifood processes, and biochar are, among organic fertilizers, commonly used to manage soils and support crop growth. These fertilizers can provide essential nutrients, improve structure, and enhance microbial activity, thus increasing soil fertility and agriculture sustainability. While organic fertilizers offer the benefits of soil fertility and plant nutrition, their impact on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is complex and varies depending on factors such as fertilizer type, soil conditions, and management practices. Although organic fertilizers may initially increase GHG emissions, they often lead to carbon sequestration in soils highlighting a negative C balance. Additionally, organic fertilizers promote a reduction in fossil fuel consumption used for synthetic fertilizer production, further contributing to GHG emissions’ reduction. Therefore, while organic fertilizers pose challenges in managing GHG emissions, their various benefits warrant careful consideration and strategic implementation in agricultural systems.

Environmental benefits can be achieved by organic farming systems; however, weed pressure and timely crop nutrition remain important drawbacks for many field crops. Agroecological practices, such as double cropping (e.g., intercropping and relay cropping), using forage legume species can provide nitrogen (N) to the companion crop through biological N fixation and tackle weed issues by competing for light, water and land. The present study investigated the effect of intercropping (IC) and relay-cropping (RC) systems of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum subsp. durum (Desf.) Husn) and forage legumes (Trifolium subterraneum L., Medicago polymorpha L., and Lotus corniculatus L.) by varying organic N fertilization with the aim to reduce N-requirement and weed pressure and increase wheat grain yield and grain protein content in Mediterranean organic farming systems. N fertilizer significantly improved wheat grain yield and grain protein, while a null effect on legume and weed biomass yields was found. Double cropping (T. durum-M. polymorpha, and T. durum-L. corniculatus) enhanced wheat grain yield as compared to the control and the T. durum-T. subterraneum. IC significantly improved legume yield, grain protein and the land equivalent ratio (LER) and reduced weed dry biomass as compared with the RC and the control. Among legume species, T. subterraneum outperformed the others and was less affected by the wheat’s competitive performance. Nonetheless, M. polymorpha was as effective as T. subterraneum in controlling weeds. Weed dry biomass was linearly reduced by increasing legume yield; the relationship improved by cumulating wheat grain yield to legume yield. Overall, this study indicated that double cropping, especially IC, can be a suitable agroecological practice to tackle weed issues and reduce N-requirement in Mediterranean organic cereal-based systems.

The microbiota in the oral cavity has a strict connection to its host. Its imbalance may determine oral diseases and can also have an impact on the systemic health. Probiotic strains may help in the restoration of a balanced condition. For this purpose, we screened the antibacterial and antiadhesive activities of many viable probiotic strains (Lactobacillus acidophilus PBS066, Lactobacillus crispatus LCR030, Lactobacillus gasseri LG050, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PBS067, Limosilactobacillus reuteri PBS072, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LRH020, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BL050, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei LPC 1101, L. paracasei LPC 1082, and L. paracasei LPC 1114) against two main oral pathogens, Streptococcus mutans and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, involved in dental caries and periodontal disease development and progression. Considering both the agar overlay preventive and treatment models, seven probiotics determined greater inhibition zones against the tested pathogens. This behavior was further analyzed by the plate count method and scanning electron microscope imaging. L. plantarum PBS067, L. rhamnosus LRH020, L. paracasei LPC 1101, L. paracasei LPC 1082, and L. paracasei LPC 1114 prevent the growth and adhesion of oral pathogens in a strain-specific manner (p < 0.0001). These probiotics might be considered as an alternative effective adjuvant to improve oral and systemic well-being for future personalized treatments.

The EU steel industry accounts for a crude steel production of 140 Mt/y, provided by the integrated (57%) and electric (43%) routes, which respectively require up to 6.0 and 0.6 MWh/tCrudeSteel of energy input, and emits on average 1.85 and 0.4 tCO2/tCrudeSteel. The mitigation of such CO2 emissions is crucial, and would involve the direct avoidance of carbon, improvement of energy efficiency, and carbon capture. However, the environmental burden of the steel industry cannot be limited to this, given the very large amount (approximately 5 Mt) of residues landfilled every year in the EU. This practice cannot be sustained anymore, since it represents a detrimental waste of resources and burden to the environment. These aspects require prompt action to meet the Green Deal goals envisioned for 2030. This review paper aims to provide an overview of the main state-of-the-art technologies commercially (and not) available for the effective treatment of a wide variety of residues. To enrich this overview with further potential candidates towards a more sustainable steel manufacturing process, the combined application of two technologies (a plasma reactor and a RecoDust unit for the recovery of metals and minerals, respectively) at TRL 5-6 is also investigated here.

The menopausal transition marks a significant physiological shift in women. Menopause-related symptoms can significantly affect a woman’s quality of life and probiotics have emerged as a promising avenue. This study aims to investigate the benefits of probiotics in improving vaginal well-being and microbiota composition in post-menopausal women. A prospective observational clinical trial was carried out enrolling 50 post-menopausal healthy women, aged between 45 and 65 years old, taking a supplement containing Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PBS067, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BL050, and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LRH020 (3B CFU/day) for 28 days. Vaginal swabs were collected to evaluate microbiota fluctuation and the inflammatory pattern was recorded. A Vaginal Health Index was provided to evaluate vaginal well-being throughout the trial. Clinical outcomes revealed a decrease in menopausal symptoms. Significant improvements were observed across various parameters: a 50% enhancement in the VHI score (p < 0.0001), alongside substantial reductions in inflammatory cytokine levels. An 87.8% decrease in IL-6, 57.6% in IL-1β, and 40.8% in TNF-α was observed (p < 0.05). Moreover, the probiotic intervention facilitated the restoration of vaginal microbiota, evidenced by an increase in lactobacilli abundance. In conclusion, the combination of these specific probiotic strains, previously clinically tested in childbearing-age women, showed to be effective also for post-menopausal women.

The food products derived from Olea europaea are a fundamental part of the Mediterranean diet, and their health-promoting effects are well known. In this study, we analyzed the phytochemical characteristics, the redox state modulatory activity, and the cytotoxic effect of an olive leaf aqueous extract enriched by macroporous resin on different tumor and normal cell lines (LNCaP, PC3, HFF-1). HPLC-DAD analysis, the Folin–Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride methods confirmed the qualitatively and quantitatively high content of phenolic compounds (130.02 ± 2.3 mg GAE/g extract), and a DPPH assay (IC50 = 100.00 ± 1.8 μg/mL), the related antioxidant activity. The biological investigation showed a significant cytotoxic effect, highlighted by an MTT test and the evident cellular morphological changes, on two prostate cancer cell lines. Remarkably, the extract was practically non-toxic on HFF-1 at the concentrations (100, 150, 300 µg/mL) and exposure times tested. Hence, the results are selective for tumor cells. The underlying cytotoxicity was associated with the decrease in ROS production (55% PC3, 42% LNCaP) and the increase in RSH levels (>50% PC3) and an LDH release assay (50% PC3, 40% LNCaP, established necrosis as the main cell death mechanism.

Together with lime, lemon is recognized as the third most extensively cultivated citrus species worldwide, trailing only behind orange and mandarin. The enhancement in the economic value of lemons as a valuable resource in Southern Italy depends by the competitiveness of local lemon production in both domestic and international markets. This necessitates conducting a comprehensive study that thoroughly explores the available indigenous germplasm at the local and national levels. This study aims to identify the most promising Sicilian and Campanian cultivars that are well suited for both fresh fruit consumption and the production of processed goods. This re-study assumes even greater importance considering the ongoing climate changes, as environmental stresses significantly impact the ripening process and the timing of fruit development. Our study has highlighted a notable diversity among the 18 investigated lemon cultivars, particularly highlighting specific cultivars that possess desirable attributes for fresh consumption. The cultivars that showed the greatest cumulative production over the 10 years of the study were Erice with 467.89 kg/tree and Femminello Siracusano 2KR with 408.44 kg. Notably, cultivars like Segesta, Erice, and Kamarina have exhibited higher percentages of juice content ranging from 27.30% to 31.08%. These cultivars show great potential for abundant juice content and optimal acidity levels for direct consumption. On the other hand, cultivars characterized by enhanced yield, such as Femminello Siracusano 2KR, Femminello Fior d’Arancio m79, and Erice, may prove to be particularly well suited to produce processed goods. Overall, our findings provide valuable insights into some qualitative parameters of lemon cultivars, important either for fresh consumption or for transformed products.

Since ancient times, table grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) have been one of the most important fruit crops from the standpoint both of the producer (regional economics) and the consumer (healthy eating). In recent decades, much effort has been devoted to the development of this crop in order to improve fruit quality and yield; however, these advances have also entailed considerable increases in the use of agrochemicals. Unfortunately, as is now coming to light, the increased agrochemical use has had deleterious effects on the environment and has also had significant negative effects on human health and wellbeing. Our research investigates the effects of pre-harvest fruit bagging on key fruit quality traits and also on the accumulation of agrochemical residues in the fruit. Two prevalent white table grape cultivars were used, ‘Italia’ (late ripening) and ‘Vittoria’ (early ripening). They were bagged with three different materials: (1) paper, (2) parchment (a cellulose-based material), and (3) a non-woven fabric (felted polypropylene fibers). The bags were placed on grape clusters at phenological state BBCH 75 until harvest, and the bagged clusters were then compared with the unbagged control clusters. Qualitative traits and agrochemical residuals were assessed at harvest for two consecutive years, 2021 and 2022). The results show that the parchment protection bags positively affected some key fruit quality traits, with bigger and better-colored berries than the unbagged controls. Compared with the unbagged controls, all bagging treatments greatly reduced the levels of agrochemical residues, analyzed using GC-MS/MS and HPLC-MS/MS. For cv. ‘Italia’, in 2021 residues fell from 0.733 mg/kg (unbagged control) to 0.006 mg/kg (bagged), and in 2022 from 0.201 mg/kg (unbagged control) to 0.008 mg/kg (bagged); for cv. ‘Vittoria’, in 2021 residues fell from 0.201 mg/kg (unbagged control) to 0.008 mg/kg (bagged), and in 2022 from 0.077 mg/kg (unbagged control) to 0.046 mg/kg (bagged). The study shows the benefits of pre-harvest fruit bagging on grape berry quality and underscores the pivotal role bags can play in minimizing agrochemical residue accumulations on the fruit. The study marks the taking of a crucial step towards more sustainable and safer practices in the table grape production industry.

Currently available data suggest that the union of a balanced diet and an overall healthy lifestyle may determine an amelioration in several clinical parameters and in the quality of life for patients with MS (pwMS). The study objective was to investigate the possible difference in MS severity in a group of Italian patients with MS based on their adherence to Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet). Eating habits were collected through a validated 110-items Food Frequency Questionnaire, the Medi-Lite score was used for adherence to MedDiet evaluation. MS severity was graded according to Herbert’s severity scale, based on the MSSS. 106 patients were classified in 3 groups according to their MedDiet adherence (low/medium/high). Higher adherence was associated with a 6.18 (95% CI: 1.44, 26.59) higher probability of having a mild-to-moderate MS. When studying the single constituents of the Medi-Lite score, none of them was individually associated with MS severity. It remains unclear whether effects of specific dietary components included in the MedDiet may impact the health status at disease onset or can slow down the symptoms due course of disease. Future studies are needed to reproduce our findings and should focus on answering the latter raised question.

Background: The post-delivery period could be characterized by psychological distress (e.g., anxiety, sadness, and irritability), leading to postpartum depression (PPD). Objective: The present clinical study assesses the effect of probiotic supplementation containing Limosilactobacillus reuteri PBS072 and Bifidobacterium breve BB077 (4 × 109 CFU/day) on the mother’s mood and breastfeeding quality during the first trimester after delivery. Methods: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled (RDBPC) trial was carried out on 200 healthy new mothers divided into an active group taking a supplement containing Limosilactobacillus reuteri PBS072 and Bifidobacterium breve BB077 (4 × 109 CFU/day) plus multivitamins and a control group (multivitamin complex only) for 90 days. Symptoms related to maternal depression and breastfeeding quality were evaluated at days 45 and 90 using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale—Short Form (BSES-SF). Results: At days 45 and 90, the probiotic treatment significantly ameliorated the mothers’ mood compared to the control treatment (p < 0.001). Likewise, the breastfeeding quality and the baby’s cries significantly improved in the probiotic group (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Microbiota alterations could influence a post-delivery woman’s mental state. According to our results, L. reuteri PBS072 and B. breve BB077 are potential candidates that are able to improve stress resilience in the postpartum period.

The tripeptide glutathione plays important roles in many cell processes, including differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis; in fact, disorders in glutathione homeostasis are involved both in the etiology and in the progression of several human diseases, including cancer. Natural compounds have been found to modulate glutathione levels and function beyond their role as mere antioxidants. For example, certain compounds can upregulate the expression of glutathione-related enzymes, increase the availability of cysteine, the limiting amino acid for glutathione synthesis, or directly interact with glutathione and modulate its function. These compounds may have therapeutic potential in a variety of disease states where glutathione dysregulation is a contributing factor. On the other hand, flavonoids’ potential to deplete glutathione levels could be significant for cancer treatment. Overall, while natural compounds may have potential therapeutic and/or preventive properties and may be able to increase glutathione levels, more research is needed to fully understand their mechanisms of action and their potential benefits for the prevention and treatment of several diseases. In this review, particular emphasis will be placed on phytochemical compounds belonging to the class of polyphenols, terpenoids, and glucosinolates that have an impact on glutathione-related processes, both in physiological and pathological conditions. These classes of secondary metabolites represent the most food-derived bioactive compounds that have been intensively explored and studied in the last few decades.

Recently, our research team has started a study on Brassica fruticulosa subsp. fruticulosa, an edible plant traditionally used to treat various ailments, little investigated to date. Good in vitro antioxidant properties were highlighted for the leaf hydroalcoholic extract, with the secondary higher than the primary ones. In continuation of the ongoing research, this work was designed to elucidate the antioxidant properties of the phenolic compounds contained in the extract. For this purpose, a phenolic-rich ethyl acetate fraction (Bff-EAF) was obtained from the crude extract by liquid–liquid extraction. The phenolic composition was characterized by HPLC-PDA/ESI-MS analysis and the antioxidant potential was investigated by different in vitro methods. Furthermore, the cytotoxic properties were evaluated by MTT, LDH and ROS determinations on human colorectal epithelial adenocarcinoma cells (CaCo-2) and human normal fibroblasts (HFF-1). Twenty phenolic compounds (flavonoid and phenolic acid derivatives) were identified in Bff-EAF. The fraction exhibited good radical scavenging activity in the DPPH test (IC50 = 0.81 ± 0.02 mg/mL), and moderate reducing power (ASE/mL = 13.10 ± 0.94) and chelating properties (IC50 = 2.27 ± 0.18 mg/mL), contrary to what previously observed for the crude extract. Bff-EAF reduced in a dose-dependent manner CaCo-2 cell proliferation after 72 h of treatment. This effect was accompanied by the destabilization of the cellular redox state due to the antioxidant and pro-oxidant activities displayed by the fraction at lower and higher concentrations. No cytotoxic effect was observed on HFF-1 fibroblasts, used as control cell line.

Cynara cardunculus subsp. sylvestris (wild artichoke) is widespread in Sicily, where it has been used for food and medicinal purposes since ancient times; decoctions of the aerial parts of this plant have been traditionally employed as a remedy for different hepatic diseases. In this study, the phenolic profile and cell-free antioxidant properties of the leaf aqueous extract of wild artichokes grown in Sicily (Italy) were investigated. The crude extract was also tested in cells for its antioxidant characteristics and potential oxidative stress inhibitory effects. To resemble the features of the early stage of mild steatosis in humans, human HepG2 cells treated with free fatty acids at the concentration of 1.5 mM were used. HPLC-DAD analysis revealed the presence of several phenolic acids (caffeoylquinic acids) and flavonoids (luteolin and apigenin derivatives). At the same time, DPPH assay showed a promising antioxidant power (IC50 = 20.04 ± 2.52 µg/mL). Biological investigations showed the safety of the crude extract and its capacity to counteract the injury induced by FFA exposure by restoring cell viability and counteracting oxidative stress through inhibiting reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation and increasing thiol-group levels. In addition, the extract increased mRNA expression of some proteins implicated in the antioxidant defense (Nrf2, Gpx, and SOD1) and decreased mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β), which were modified by FFA treatment. Results suggest that the total phytocomplex contained in wild artichoke leaves effectively modulates FFA-induced hepatic oxidative stress.

Among Citrus species, the sweet orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) is the most important in terms of production volumes and cultivated areas. Oranges are particularly appreciated for the organoleptic characteristics and the high nutraceutical value of the fruits (thanks especially to their high content of antioxidants). Recent advances in citrus genetic and genomic resources, such as the release of the reference genomes of several sweet orange cultivars, have contributed to (i) understanding the diversification of C. sinensis and its relation with other citrus species, (ii) assessing the molecular mechanisms underlying traits of interest, (iii) identifying and characterizing the candidate genes responsible for important phenotypic traits, and (iv) developing biotechnological methods to incorporate these traits into different citrus genotypes. It has been clarified that all the genetic diversity within the sweet orange species was derived from subsequent mutations starting from a single ancestor and was derived from complex cycles of hybridization and backcrossing between the mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) and the pummelo (Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr.). This paper provides an overview of the varietal panorama together with a description of the main driving forces in present and future sweet orange breeding. In fact, for the sweet orange, as well as for other citrus species, the release of novel varieties with improved characteristics is being pursued thanks to the employment of conventional and/or innovative (molecular-based) methods. The state of the art methods together with the innovations in genomics and biotechnological tools leading to the so-called new plant breeding technologies were also reviewed and discussed.

Brassica incana subsp. raimondoi is an endemic taxon present in a restricted area located on steep limestone cliffs at an altitude of about 500 m a.s.l. in eastern Sicily. In this research, for the first time, studies on the phytochemical profile, the antioxidant properties in cell-free and cell-based systems, the cytotoxicity on normal and cancer cells by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT) assay, and on Artemia salina Leach, were performed. The total phenolic, flavonoid, and condensed tannin contents of the leaf hydroalcoholic extract were spectrophotometrically determined. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography—tandem mass spectrometer (UPLC-MS/MS) analysis highlighted the presence of several phenolic acids, flavonoids, and carotenoids, while High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Diode-Array Detection (HPLC-DAD) identified various kaempferol and isorhamnetin derivatives. The extract exhibited different antioxidant properties according to the five in vitro methods used. Cytotoxicity by MTT assay evidenced no impact on normal human fibroblasts (HFF-1) and prostate cancer cells (DU145), and cytotoxicity accompanied by necrotic cell death for colon cancer cells (CaCo-2) and hepatoma cells (HepG2), starting from 100 μg/mL and 500 μg/mL, respectively. No cytotoxic effects were detected by the A. salina lethality bioassay. In the H2O2-induced oxidative stress cell model, the extract counteracted cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and preserved non-protein thiol groups (RSH) affected by H2O2 exposure in HepG2 cells. Results suggest the potential of B. incana subsp. raimondoi as a source of bioactive molecules.

Climate change is deeply impacting the food chain production, lowering quality and yield. In this context, the international scientific community has dedicated many efforts to enhancing resilience and sustainability in agriculture. Italy is among the main European producers of several fruit trees; therefore, national research centers and universities undertook several initiatives to maintain the specificity of the ‘Made in Italy’ label. Despite their importance, fruit crops are suffering from difficulties associated with the conventional breeding approaches, especially in terms of financial commitment, land resources availability, and long generation times. The ‘new genomic techniques’ (NGTs), renamed in Italy as ‘technologies for assisted evolution’ (TEAs), reduce the time required to obtain genetically improved cultivars while precisely targeting specific DNA sequences. This review aims to illustrate the role of the Italian scientific community in the use of NGTs, with a specific focus on Citrus, grapevine, apple, pear, chestnut, strawberry, peach, and kiwifruit. For each crop, the key genes and traits on which the scientific community is working, as well as the technological improvements and advancements on the regeneration of local varieties, are presented. Lastly, a focus is placed on the legal aspects in the European and in Italian contexts.

The urogenital microbiota is dominated by Lactobacillus that, together with Bifidobacterium, creates a physiological barrier counteracting pathogen infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a multi-strain probiotic formulation (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PBS067, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LRH020, and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BL050) to inhibit adhesion and growth of urogenital pathogens. The antimicrobial and antiadhesive properties of the probiotic strains and their mixture were evaluated on human vaginal epithelium infected with Candida glabrata, Neisseria gonorrheae, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Escherichia coli-infected human bladder epithelium. The epithelial tissue permeability and integrity were assessed by transepithelial/transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER). Co-aggregation between probiotics and vaginal pathogens was also investigated to elucidate a possible mechanism of action. The multi-strain formulation showed a full inhibition of T. vaginalis, and a reduction in C. glabrata and N. gonorrheae growth. A relevant antimicrobial activity was observed for each single strain against E. coli. TEER results demonstrated that none of the strains have negatively impaired the integrity of the 3D tissues. All the probiotics and their mixture were able to form aggregates with the tested pathogens. The study demonstrated that the three strains and their mixture are effective to prevent urogenital infections.

Brassica villosa subsp. drepanensis (Caruel) Raimondo & Mazzola, belonging to the Brassica oleracea complex, is a wild edible plant endemic to western Sicily and a relative of modern cultivated Brassica crops. In this study, the antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory activities, enzymatic inhibition, and cytotoxicity in cancer cells of B. villosa subsp. drepanensis leaf ethanolic extract were analysed for the first time. In addition, its chemical profile was investigated partitioning the total 70% ethanol extract among ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and water to obtain three residues that were subjected to chromatographic separation. Two flavonol glycosides, a phenol glucoside, two amino acids, and purine/pyrimidine bases were obtained. The presence of the glucosinolate glucoiberin was detected in the water extract by UHPLC-MS analysis. The total polyphenol and flavonoid content of the 70% ethanol extract showed good antioxidant capacities and anti-inflammatory properties by reducing nitric oxide release and reactive oxygen species levels and increasing glutathione in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The extract inhibited the enzymatic activity of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and, significantly, of lipase. The MTT assay showed that the extract did not affect the viability of normal HFF-1 and RAW 264.7 cells. Among the cancer cell lines tested, an antiproliferative action was only observed in CaCo-2. The cytotoxicity of the extract was further confirmed by LDH release assay and by the destabilization of the oxidative balance. Results confirmed the antioxidant properties of the crude extract responsible for the anti-inflammatory effect on healthy cells and cytotoxicity in cancer cells.

Background: Floral sterility and nucellar embryony are peculiar traits of several Citrus species and represent an obstacle to traditional breeding. Morphological sterility mainly results in pistil abortion and anther atrophy, while polyembryony is due to a mechanism known as sporophytic apomixis, which consists of the presence of embryos in the seed generated from the nucellar (maternal) tissue alongside the zygotic embryo (sexual origin). Considering the growing interest in lemon [Citrus limon (L.) Burm. f.] breeding, and the lack of information on floral sterility and the polyembryony trait among different lemon cultivars, a morphological and molecular characterization of these traits of interest was performed on forty Sicilian and international lemon cultivars available in the citrus germplasm collection of Catania University (Italy). Methods: Eight traits related to the reproductive biology were assessed on the selected lemon cultivars, namely: pistil abortion and anther atrophy, number of seeds per fruit, number of embryos per seed, percentage of seeds showing polyembryony, germination, percentage of seeds resulting in more than one plantlet, and average seed weight. Moreover, seedlings recovered after the germination assay were genotyped with SNP and SSR markers for ascertaining their nucellar or zygotic origin. In addition, PCR analysis were performed to assess the allele combination of the miniature inverted-repeat transposable element (MITE) insertion in CitRKD1, a gene associated with the occurrence of apomixis in citrus. Results: All traits showed high variability among the accessions analyzed. As for polyembryony, lemon ‘Adamopoulos’ scored the highest percentage of polyembryonic seeds (67.6%), whilst lemon ‘Lunario’ showed the lowest value (8.7%). Conclusions: Insights on the level of polyembryony within lemon varieties will represent a valuable tool for breeders for the set-up of novel mating schemes. In fact, when a polyembryonic female parent is used in cross breeding, the selection of the zygotic individual is hampered by the presence of a nucellar one.

Vitamin E, a nutrient found in several foods, comprises eight lipophilic vitamers, the α-, β-, γ- and δ-tocopherols and the α-, β-, γ- and δ-tocotrienols. This vitamin is capable of exerting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, and acting as immunomodulators. Despite these well-known biological activities, the findings regarding the ability of vitamin E and its serum metabolites to prevent and/or control chronic disease are often conflicting and inconsistent. In this review, we have described the metabolism of vitamin E and its interaction with the gut microbiota, considering that these factors may be partially responsible for the divergent results obtained. In addition, we focused on the correlations between vitamin E serum levels, dietary intake and/or supplementation, and the main non-communicable diseases, including diabetes mellitus, asthma, cardiovascular diseases, and the four most common cancers (breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and prostate cancer) with the intention of providing an overview of its health effects in the non-communicable-diseases prevention.

The world population is rapidly aging. This should cause us to reflect on the need to develop a new nutritional approach to mitigate the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced damage. A randomized, double blind, controlled study was carried out on 60 elderly male and female subjects. Product efficacy was measured before and after 2 and 8 weeks of product intake. The reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione concentrations in the erythrocytes and the reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) hematic concentration were measured to assess the antioxidant efficacy. The tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels in the serum were measured to assess the anti-inflammatory effectiveness. The wellbeing was assessed by Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire (male) and by Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) (female). Blood, urine analysis and electrocardiography (ECG) were carried out to assess the product’s safety. The results showed that GSH/GSSG ratio increased by 22.4% and 89.0% after 2 and 8 weeks of product intake. Serum TNF-α levels decreased by 2.5% after 8 weeks of product intake. The SF-36 QoL and the MRS questionnaire outputs indicate, preliminarily, a positive effect of the extract intake in ameliorating the wellbeing of both male and female subjects. The product was well-tolerated. Our findings suggest that the test product has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory efficacy and has a positive effect on the wellbeing of elderly female and male subjects.

Extensive research over the past decades has identified numerous phytochemicals that could represent an important source of anti-cancer compounds. There is an immediate need for less toxic and more effective preventive and therapeutic strategies for the treatment of cancer. Natural compounds are considered suitable candidates for the development of new anti-cancer drugs due to their pleiotropic actions on target events with multiple manners. This comprehensive review highlighted the most relevant findings achieved in the screening of phytochemicals for anticancer drug development, particularly focused on a promising class of phytochemicals such as diterpenes with abietane, clerodane, and labdane skeleton. The chemical structure of these compounds, their main natural sources, and mechanisms of action were critically discussed.

The development of new seedless cultivar represents one of the most important goals in table grape breeding programmes worldwide. The most common technique to obtain new seedless cultivars is embryo rescue, an approach that allows the isolation of immature embryos and their cultivation in vitro. In this study, a total of 23 crosses (developed employing one seeded and one seedless parent) were performed during two seasons (2017 and 2018) for a total of 1140 seedlings. For each cross, the principal parameters related to the efficiency of the pollination were measured (harvested bunches, collected berries, recovered embryos/seeds and plants obtained). Based on these traits, statistical analyses were performed to calculate the female and male parental efficiency and to compare the two techniques of propagation employed: embryo rescue (7.8% of plants obtained) and gamic propagation (8.4%). Finally, the segregation of the SSR marker p3_VvAGL11 was evaluated on the progeny of four crosses in which the same cultivar was used alternately as female or male parent (SugxIta/ItaxSug and CrixIta/ItaxCri). The parameters measured showed a positive correlation between berries, seeds and plants obtained, exclusively in combination with a seeded female parent. The crossing combinations investigated indicate that some genotypes outperformed others when used as female parent in terms of embryos/seeds produced. Therefore, the efficiency in terms of seedlings obtained for the seedless female parents is actually balanced with those obtained for the seeded ones. The proposed research aims to provide useful information to guide the choice of genotypes used in the genetic improvement programs of seedless grapes, to increase their efficiency.

This paper presents a detailed analysis of a micromachined thermopile detector featuring high responsivity and a versatile mosaic structure, based on 128 60 µm × 60 µm pixels connected in series and/or in parallel. The mosaic structure is based on the one employed for the thermal sensor known as TMOS, which consists of a CMOS-SOI transistor embedded in a suspended and thermally isolated absorbing membrane, released through microelectro mechanical system (MEMS) post-processing. Two versions of the thermopile detector, featuring different series/parallel connections, are presented and were experimentally characterized. The most performant of the two achieved 2.7 × 104 V/W responsivity. The thermopile sensors’ performances are compared to that of the TMOS sensor, adopting different configurations, and their application as proximity detectors was verified through measurements.

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of death worldwide. The severity of BC strictly depends on the molecular subtype. The less aggressive hormone-positive subtype is treated with adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET), which causes both physical and psychological side effects. This condition strongly impacts the adherence and persistence of AET among oncologic patients. Moreover, viral infections also constitute a serious problem for public health. Despite their efficacy, antiviral agents present several therapeutic limits. Accordingly, in the present work, we investigated the antitumor and antiviral activities of Orobanche crenata Forssk. (O. crenata), a parasitic plant, endemic to the Mediterranean basin, traditionally known for its beneficial properties for human health. Methods: The MTT assay was carried out to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of O. crenata leaf extract (OCLE) on human breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and the primary HFF-1 cell line. The lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) assay was performed on MCF-7 cells to analyze necrotic cell death. The antioxidant effect of OCLE was evaluated by intracellular determination of the reactive oxygen species and thiol groups, by DPPH and ABTS assays. The antiviral activity of OCLE was determined against Poliovirus 1, Echovirus 9, Human respiratory syncytial virus, Adenovirus type 2 and type 5, Coxsackievirus B1 (CoxB1) and B3 (CoxB3), Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2), and β-Coronavirus by the plaque reduction assay. Results: The extract, after 24 h of incubation, did not affect MDA-MB-231 and HFF-1 cell viability. However, at the same time point, it showed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on MCF-7 cells, with an increase in LDH release. OCLE exhibited free radical scavenging activity and significantly increased non-protein thiol levels in MCF-7 cells. OCLE effectively inhibited HSV-1, HSV-2, CoxB1, and CoxB3 replication. Conclusions: The overall results showed an interesting inhibitory effect of OCLE on both MCF-7 cell survival and viral replication.

The increase in solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) that reaches the Earth’s surface should make us reflect on the need to develop new approaches in protecting the skin from UVR exposure. The present study aims to evaluate the photoprotective and antiaging efficacy of a red orange extract (100 mg/day) in both Asian and Caucasian subjects. A randomized, double-blind, controlled study was carried out in 110 Asian and Caucasian subjects. Product efficacy was measured as follows: (1) the photoprotective effect was measured by the minimal erythema dose (MED) assessment; (2) the efficacy in decreasing the UVA+B-induced skin redness was measured by colorimetry; (3) the antioxidant efficacy was measured by the ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and the malondialdehyde (MDA) assay; and (4) skin moisturization, skin elasticity, skin radiance, the intensity of melanin staining, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and wrinkles were measured to assess the antiaging efficacy. The intake of the product for 56 days was effective in improving the skin reaction to UV exposure; in increasing the skin antioxidant capacity as well as in decreasing UVA-induced lipid peroxidation; in increasing the skin moisturization, skin elasticity, and skin radiance; and in decreasing TEWL, the intensity of melanin staining inside dark spots, and wrinkle depth. Our results suggest that the test product is effective in counteracting both the harmful effects of UVR exposure and aging signs.

Excessive exposure to solar radiation is associated with several deleterious effects on human skin. These effects vary from the occasional simple sunburn to conditions resulting from chronic exposure such as skin aging and cancers. Secondary metabolites from the plant kingdom, including phenolic compounds, show relevant photoprotective activities. In this study, we evaluated the potential photoprotective activity of a phytocomplex derived from three varieties of red orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck). We used an in vitro model of skin photoaging on two human cell lines, evaluating the protective effects of the phytocomplex in the pathways involved in the response to damage induced by UVA-B. The antioxidant capacity of the extract was determined at the same time as evaluating its influence on the cellular redox state (ROS levels and total thiol groups). In addition, the potential protective action against DNA damage induced by UVA-B and the effects on mRNA and protein expression of collagen, elastin, MMP1, and MMP9 were investigated, including some inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6, and total and phospho NFkB) by ELISA. The obtained results highlight the capacity of the extract to protect cells both from oxidative stress—preserving RSH (p < 0.05) content and reducing ROS (p < 0.01) levels—and from UVA-B-induced DNA damage. Furthermore, the phytocomplex is able to counteract harmful effects through the significant downregulation of proinflammatory markers (p < 0.05) and MMPs (p < 0.05) and by promoting the remodeling of the extracellular matrix through collagen and elastin expression. This allows the conclusion that red orange extract, with its strong antioxidant and photoprotective properties, represents a safe and effective option to prevent photoaging caused by UVA-B exposure.

The interactions of drugs with cell membranes are of primary importance for several processes involved in drugs activity. However, these interactions are very difficult to study due to the complexity of biological membranes. Lipid model membranes have been developed and used to gain insight into drug–membrane interactions. In this study, the interaction of protocatechuic acid ethyl ester, showing radical-scavenging activity, antimicrobial, antitumor and anti-inflammatory effects, with model membranes constituted by multilamellar vesicles and monolayers made of DMPC and DSPC, has been studied. Differential scanning calorimetry and Langmuir–Blodgett techniques have been used. Protocatechuic acid ethyl ester interacted both with MLV and monolayers. However, a stronger interaction of the drug with DMPC-based model membranes has been obtained. The finding of this study could help to understand the protocatechuic acid ethyl ester action mechanism.

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a blood orange Citrus sinensis standardized extract from “Moro” cultivar, on weight loss in overweight but otherwise healthy individuals. Anthocyanins and particularly cyanidin 3-glucoside, found in a large variety of fruits including Sicilian blood oranges, can help to counteract weight gain and to reduce body fat accumulation through the modulation of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and metabolic pathways. In this randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study, all participants (overweight adults aged 20–65 years old) were randomized to receive either Moro blood orange standardized extract or a placebo daily for 6-months. The primary outcome measure was change in body mass and body composition at the end of the study. After 6-months, body mass (4.2% vs. 2.2%, p = 0.015), body mass index (p = 0.019), hip (3.4 cm vs. 2.0 cm, p = 0.049) and waist (3.9 cm vs. 1.7 cm, p = 0.017) circumferences, fat mass (p = 0.012) and fat distribution (visceral and subcutaneous fat p = 0.018 and 0.006, respectively) were all significantly better in the extract supplemented group compared to the placebo (p < 0.05). In addition, all safety markers of liver toxicity were within the normal range throughout the study for both analyzed groups. Concluding, the present study demonstrates that Moro blood orange standardized extract may be a safe and effective option for helping with weight loss when used in conjunction with diet and exercise.

Rootstock choice has important effects on the horticultural and pathological traits of the citrus cultivars. Thus, the scion/rootstock combination can affect tree vigour, nutrition, and stress resistance; it can also have positive influences on the fruit quality traits. Although the study of rootstock effects has been a relevant research topic in citrus for many years, the main body of such study has been conducted at the biochemical level, while little effort has been directed to the determination of the rootstock influences at the molecular level. A comparative study of three combinations of scion and rootstock shows a positive correlation between the regulation of the fruit quality-related genes and the accumulations of bioactive compounds, as well as with acid degradation. Monitoring the anthocyanin accumulation during ripening shows the scion/rootstock combination can increase anthocyanin synthesis in the fruit, as well as vitamin C accumulation and acid degradation. Our results show that the rootstock genotype can exert important influences on citrus fruit quality by affecting gene expression in the scion. New insights into the molecular interactions between scion and rootstock may help unravel the systems through which rootstocks exert their influences on the regulatory networks in the scion, so as to influence relevant agronomic traits. This information should result in an improved rootstock breeding selection and definition of scion/rootstock combinations to enhance fruit quality traits.

Essential oils from different plant species were found to contain different compounds exhibiting anti-inflammatory effects with the potential to be a valid alternative to conventional chemotherapy that is limited in long-term use due to its serious side effects. Generally, the first mechanism by which an organism counteracts injurious stimuli is inflammation, which is considered a part of the innate immune system. Periodontitis is an infectious and inflammatory disease caused by a dysbiosis in the subgingival microbiome that triggers an exacerbated immune response of the host. The immune–inflammatory component leads to the destruction of gingival and alveolar bone tissue. The main anti-inflammation strategies negatively modulate the inflammatory pathways and the involvement of inflammatory mediators by interfering with the gene’s expression or on the activity of some enzymes and so affecting the release of proinflammatory cytokines. These effects are a possible target from an effective and safe approach, suing plant-derived anti-inflammatory agents. The aim of the present review is to summarize the current evidence about the effects of essentials oils from derived from plants of the Lamiaceae family as complementary agents for the treatment of subjects with periodontitis and their possible effect on the cardiovascular risk of these patients.

Gastrointestinal cancers, particularly colorectal cancer, are mainly influenced by the dietary factor. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help to reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer thanks to the phenolic compounds, which possess antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic properties. Polyphenols, alongside their well-known antioxidant properties, also show a pro-oxidative potential, which makes it possible to sensitize tumor cells to oxidative stress. HO-1 combined with antioxidant activity, when overexpressed in cancer cells, is involved in tumor progression, and its inhibition is considered a feasible therapeutic strategy in cancer treatment. In this study, the effects of protocatechuic acid (PCA) on the viability of colon cancer cells (CaCo-2), annexin V, LDH release, reactive oxygen species levels, total thiol content, HO-1, γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase, and p21 expression were evaluated. PCA induced, in a dose-dependent manner, a significantly reduced cell viability of CaCo-2 by oxidative/antioxidant imbalance. The phenolic acid induced modifications in levels of HO-1, non-proteic thiol groups, γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase, reactive oxygen species, and p21. PCA induced a pro-oxidant effect in cancer cells, and the in vitro pro-apoptotic effect on CaCo-2 cells is mediated by the modulation of redox balance and the inhibition of the HO-1 system that led to the activation of p21. Our results suggest that PCA may represent a useful tool in prevention and/or therapy of colon cancer.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex disease, source of pain and disability that affects millions of people worldwide. OA etiology is complex, multifactorial and joint-specific, with genetic, biological and biomechanical components. Recently, several studies have suggested a potential adjuvant role for natural extracts on OA progression, in terms of moderating chondrocyte inflammation and following cartilage injury, thus resulting in an overall improvement of joint pain. In this study, we first analyzed the phenylethanoid glycosides profile and the total amount of polyphenols present in a leaf aqueous extract of Verbascum thapsus L. We then investigated the anti-inflammatory and anti-osteoarthritic bioactive potential of the extract in murine monocyte/macrophage-like cells (RAW 264.7) and in human chondrocyte cells (HC), by gene expression analysis of specifics inflammatory cytokines, pro-inflammatory enzymes and metalloproteases. Six phenylethanoid glycosides were identified and the total phenolic content was 124.0 ± 0.7 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g of extract. The biological investigation showed that the extract is able to significantly decrease most of the cellular inflammatory markers, compared to both control cells and cells treated with Harpagophytum procumbens (Burch.) DC. ex Meisn, used as a positive control. Verbascum thapsus leaf aqueous extract has the potential to moderate the inflammatory response, representing an innovative possible approach for the inflammatory joint disease treatment.

Metabolic disorders such as the highly prevalent disease diabetes require constant monitoring. The health status of patients is linked to glucose levels in blood, which are typically measured invasively, but can also be correlated to other body fluids such as sweat. Aiming at a reliable glucose biosensor, an enzymatic sensing layer was fabricated on flexible polystyrene foil, for which a versatile nanoimprinting process for microfluidics was presented. For the sensing layer, a gold electrode was modified with a cysteine layer and glutaraldehyde cross-linker for enzyme conformal immobilization. Chronoamperometric measurements were conducted in PBS buffered glucose solution at two potentials (0.65 V and 0.7 V) and demonstrated a linear range between 0.025 mM to 2mM and an operational range of 0.025 mM to 25 mM. The sensitivity was calculated as 1.76µA/mM/cm2 and the limit of detection (LOD) was calculated as 0.055 mM at 0.7 V. An apparent Michaelis–Menten constant of 3.34 mM (0.7 V) and 0.445 mM (0.65 V) was computed. The wide operational range allows the application for point-of-care testing for a variety of body fluids. Yet, the linear range and low LOD make this biosensor especially suitable for non-invasive sweat sensing wearables.

The steel industry is an important engine for sustainable growth, added value, and high-quality employment within the European Union. It is committed to reducing its CO2 emissions due to production by up to 50% by 2030 compared to 1990′s level by developing and upscaling the technologies required to contribute to European initiatives, such as the Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP) and the European Green Deal (EGD). The Clean Steel Partnership (CSP, a public–private partnership), which is led by the European Steel Association (EUROFER) and the European Steel Technology Platform (ESTEP), defined technological CO2 mitigation pathways comprising carbon direct avoidance (CDA), smart carbon usage SCU), and a circular economy (CE). CE approaches ensure competitiveness through increased resource efficiency and sustainability and consist of different issues, such as the valorization of steelmaking residues (dusts, slags, sludge) for internal recycling in the steelmaking process, enhanced steel recycling (scrap use), the use of secondary carbon carriers from non-steel sectors as a reducing agent and energy source in the steelmaking process chain, and CE business models (supply chain analyses). The current paper gives an overview of different technological CE approaches as obtained in a dedicated workshop called “Resi4Future—Residue valorization in iron and steel industry: sustainable solutions for a cleaner and more competitive future Europe” that was organized by ESTEP to focus on future challenges toward the final goal of industrial deployment.

The aim of this study was to analyze the mid-term influence of minimum tillage (MT) combined with early leaf removal (ELR) on the performance of the black grapevine variety Nerello Mascalese (Vitis vinifera L.). The research was carried out from 2015 to 2018 in a vineyard located in the Mount Etna area, East Sicily, Southern Italy. An average of about 8000 cm2 of leaves were removed from the ELR vines, corresponding to a canopy defoliation of 44% in 2017 and 30% in 2018. As for the stem water potential of both primary and lateral leaves, ELR-MT treatment showed the best performance (up to −0.4 MPa) among the four combinations. In 2017, no differences in yield/vine were found among treatments, whereas in 2018 the yield was significantly lower in ELR treatments. Among the different treatments performed, the ELR-MT showed the best results both in terms of physiological plant parameters (water status and photosynthetic activity) and fruit quality (higher concentration of sugars and total anthocyanins and polyphenols). ELR-MT treatment is also associated with a lower incidence of tillage operations from four to only one per year (−60–70 h/ha). In contrast to what was observed in the first 3 years of application (i.e., from 2015 to 2017), yield was heavily penalized during the fourth year of application (2018), probably due to the excessive depletion of nutritional reserves, the reduction of bud fertility and the unfavorable meteorological condition. For these reasons, the ELR-MT combination might require an interruption every 2–3 years of application.

Among Citrus species, lemon is one of the most susceptible to mal secco disease, a tracheomycosis caused by the mitosporic fungus Plenodomus tracheiphilus, which induces chlorosis followed by leaf drop and progressive desiccation of twigs and branches. Severe infection can cause the death of the plant. Since no effective control strategies are available to efficiently control the pathogen spread, host tolerance is the most desirable goal in the struggle against mal secco disease. To date, both traditional breeding programs and biotechnological techniques were not efficient in developing novel varieties coupling tolerance to mal secco with optimal fruit quality. Furthermore, the genetic basis of host resistance has not been fully deciphered yet, hampering the set-up of marker-assisted selection (MAS) schemes. This paper provides an overview of the biotechnological approaches adopted so far for the selection of mal secco tolerant lemon varieties and emphasizes the promising contribution of marker-trait association analysis techniques for both unraveling the genetic determinism of the resistance to mal secco and detecting molecular markers that can be readily used for MAS. Such an approach has already proved its efficiency in several crops and could represent a valuable tool to select novel lemon varieties coupling superior fruit quality traits and resistance to mal secco.

The aims of this observational “proof-of-concept” study were to analyze the clinical/psychological characteristics and gut microbiota/mycobiota composition of individuals with suspected non-celiac gluten/wheat sensitivity (NCGS/WS) according to responses to the double-blind-placebo-controlled (DBPC) crossover gluten challenge test. Fifty individuals with suspected NCGS/WS were subjected to the DBPC challenge test; anthropometric measurements, psychometric questionnaires, and fecal samples were collected. Twenty-seven (54%) participants were gluten responsive (NCGS), and 23 were placebo responsive, with an order effect. NCGS individuals displayed a significantly lower risk of eating disorders and a higher mental health score when compared to placebo-responsive participants, confirmed by multiple logistic regression analyses (OR = 0.87; 95% CI 0.76–0.98, p = 0.021, and OR = 1.30; 95% CI 1.06–1.59, p = 0.009, respectively). Principal coordinate analyses based on microbiota composition showed a separation by the DBPC response (p = 0.039). For Bacteroides (p = 0.05) and Parabacteroides (p = 0.007), the frequency of amplicon sequence variants was lower, and that for Blautia (p = 0.009) and Streptococcus (p = 0.004) was higher in NCGS individuals at multiple regression analyses. No difference in the mycobiota composition was detected between the groups. In conclusion, almost half of the individuals with suspected gluten sensitivity reported symptoms with placebo; they showed lower mental health scores, increased risk for eating disorders, and a different gut microbiota composition.

Valerianaceae, the sub-family of Caprifoliaceae, contains more than 300 species of annual and perennial herbs, worldwide distributed. Several species are used for their biological properties while some are used as food. Species from the genus Valeriana have been used for their antispasmodic, relaxing, and sedative properties, which have been mainly attributed to the presence of valepotriates, borneol derivatives, and isovalerenic acid. Among this genus, the most common and employed species is Valerianaofficinalis. Although valerian has been traditionally used as a mild sedative, research results are still controversial regarding the role of the different active compounds, the herbal preparations, and the dosage used. The present review is designed to summarize and critically describe the current knowledge on the different plant species belonging to Valerianaceae, their phytochemicals, their uses in the treatment of different diseases with particular emphasis on the effects on the central nervous system. The available information on this sub-family was collected from scientific databases up until year 2020. The following electronic databases were used: PubMed, Scopus, Sci Finder, Web of Science, Science Direct, NCBI, and Google Scholar. The search terms used for this review included Valerianaceae, Valeriana, Centranthus, Fedia, Patrinia, Nardostachys, Plectritis, and Valerianella, phytochemical composition, in vivo studies, Central Nervous System, neuroprotective, antidepressant, antinociceptive, anxiolytic, anxiety, preclinical and clinical studies.

In temperate climates, bud break and shoot and flower emission of deciduous fruit tree species are regulated by precise chilling and heating requirements. To investigate this aspect, sixty-one accessions of European pear (Pyrus communis L.) collected in Sicily were phenotyped for three consecutive years for harvest date, bud sprouting and blooming to determine both the chilling requirements and the threshold temperature using the Chill Days model. The whole germplasm collection was grown in two different experimental fields located at 10 and 850 m above sea level representing two Mediterranean-type climates in which pear is commonly cultivated. Results revealed a mean threshold temperature of 6.70 and 8.10 °C for the two experimental fields, respectively, with a mean chilling requirement ranging from −103 and −120 days. Through this approach, novel insights were gained on the differences in chilling requirement for early flowering cultivars to overcome dormancy. Furthermore, to better dissect differences in chilling requirement between accessions, the sprouting bud rate of six cultivars was assessed on excised twigs stored at 4 ± 0.1 °C from 300 to 900 h followed by a period at 25 ± 0.1 °C varying from seven to twenty-eight days. Results of both experiments highlighted that Sicilian pear germplasm is characterized by a low chilling requirement compared to other pear germplasm, making Sicilian local accessions valuable candidates to be used for selecting novel cultivars, coupling their low chilling requirements with other traits of agronomical interest.

The Special Issue, “Plant-Based Bioactive Molecules in Improving Health and Preventing Life-style Diseases”, includes original research papers and reviews, which aim to increase knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying multiple biological effects of natural compounds from plants, responsible for maintaining human health and improving many diseases caused by people’s daily lifestyles [...]

The difficulty to treat resistant strains-related hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) promoted the study of phytoextracts, known sources of bioactive molecules. Accordingly, in the present study, the pharmacological activities of Juglans regia (L.) pellicle extract (WPE) were investigated. The antiviral effect was tested against Herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2, Poliovirus 1, Adenovirus 2, Echovirus 9, Coxsackievirus B1 through the plaque reduction assay. The antibacterial and antifungal activities were evaluated against medically important strains, by the microdilution method. DPPH and superoxide dismutase (SOD)s-like activity assays were used to determine the antioxidant effect. Besides, the extract was screened for cytotoxicity on Caco-2, MCF-7, and HFF1 cell lines by the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were also evaluated. Interestingly, WPE inhibited Herpes simplex viruses (HSVs) replication, bacterial and fungal growth. WPE showed free radical scavenging capacity and inhibited superoxide anion formation in a dose-dependent manner. These effects could be attributed to the high content of phenols and flavonoids, which were 0.377 ± 0.01 mg GE/g and 0.292 ± 0.08 mg CE/g, respectively. Moreover, WPE was able to reduce Caco-2 cell viability, at both 48 h and 72 h. The promising results encourage further studies aimed to better elucidate the role of WPE in the prevention of human infectious diseases.

In Citrus, flower induction represents the transition from vegetative to reproductive growth. The regulation of flower induction is mainly triggered by exposure to low temperatures and water-deficit stress, which activates the signaling cascade leading to an increased expression of the citrus orthologs of the FLOWERING LOCUS T (CiFT). In this study, the relationship between rootstock and flower induction under Mediterranean field conditions was investigated by monitoring the expression levels of the floral promoter CiFT2 in leaves of the pigmented sweet orange “Tarocco Scirè” grafted onto “C35” citrange and “Swingle” citrumelo rootstocks. The latter two are known to confer, respectively, high and low yield efficiency to the scion. In both rootstock/scion combinations, CiFT2 showed a seasonal expression with a peak during the inductive period in January triggered by cold temperature. The “Tarocco Scirè”/”C35” citrange combination showed the highest expression levels for CiFT2; this increased expression was correlated with yield and a higher number of flowers in the following spring, suggesting a significant effect of rootstocks on flower induction mediated by the overexpression of the CiFT2 gene.

In critically ill patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a high incidence of thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events is reported. COVID-19 may lead to impairment of the coagulation cascade, with an imbalance in platelet function and the regulatory mechanisms of coagulation and fibrinolysis. Clinical manifestations vary from a rise in laboratory markers and subclinical microthrombi to thromboembolic events, bleeding, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. After an inflammatory trigger, the mechanism for activation of the coagulation cascade in COVID-19 is the tissue factor pathway, which causes endotoxin and tumor necrosis factor-mediated production of interleukins and platelet activation. The consequent massive infiltration of activated platelets may be responsible for inflammatory infiltrates in the endothelial space, as well as thrombocytopenia. The variety of clinical presentations of the coagulopathy confronts the clinician with the difficult questions of whether and how to provide optimal supportive care. In addition to coagulation tests, advanced laboratory tests such as protein C, protein S, antithrombin, tissue factor pathway inhibitors, D-dimers, activated factor Xa, and quantification of specific coagulation factors can be useful, as can thromboelastography or thromboelastometry. Treatment should be tailored, focusing on the estimated risk of bleeding and thrombosis. The aim of this review is to explore the pathophysiology and clinical evidence of coagulation disorders in severe ARDS-related COVID-19 patients.

Soft compliant strain gauges are key devices for wearable applications such as body health sensor systems, exoskeletons, or robotics. Other than traditional piezoresistive materials, such as metals and doped semiconductors placed on strain-sensitive microsystems, a class of soft porous materials with exotic mechanical properties, called auxetics, can be employed in strain gauges in order to boost their performance and add functionalities. For strain electronic read-outs, their polymeric structure needs to be made conductive. Herein, we present the fabrication process of an auxetic electrode based on a polymeric nanocomposite. A multiwalled carbon nanotube/polydimethylsiloxane (MWCNT/PDMS) is fabricated on an open-cell polyurethane (PU) auxetic foam and its effective usability as an electrode for strain-gauge sensors is assessed.

The genus Pyrus is characterized by an S-RNase-based gametophytic self-incompatibility (GSI) system, a mechanism that promotes outbreeding and prevents self-fertilization. While the S-genotype of the most widely known pear cultivars was already described, little is known on the S-allele variability within local accessions. The study was conducted on 86 accessions encompassing most of the local Sicilian varieties selected for their traits of agronomic interest and complemented with some accessions of related wild species (P. pyrifolia Nakai, P. amygdaliformis Vill.) and some national and international cultivars used as references. The employment of consensus and specific primers enabled the detection of 24 S-alleles combined in 48 S-genotypes. Results shed light on the distribution of the S-alleles among accessions, with wild species and international cultivars characterized by a high diversity and local accessions showing a more heterogeneous distribution of the S-alleles, likely reflecting a more complex history of hybridization. The S-allele distribution was largely in agreement with the genetic structure of the studied collection. In particular, the “wild” genetic background was often characterized by the same S-alleles detected in P. pyrifolia and P. amygdaliformis. The analysis of the S-allele distribution provided novel insight into the contribution of the wild and international cultivars to the genetic background of the local Sicilian or national accessions. Furthermore, these results provide information that can be readily employed by breeders for the set-up of novel mating schemes.

Pathophysiological mechanisms correlating diabetes mellitus with associated complications are still not completely clear, even though oxidative stress seems to play a pivotal role. Literature data suggest that cell damages induced by hyperglycemia, although multifactorial, have a common pathway in oxidative/nitrosative stress. The present study evaluated the effects of Betula etnensis Raf. bark extract, a plant belonging to the Betulaceae family endemic to Sicily, on oxidative stress and in preventing and/or retarding diabetes-associated complications in streptozotocin diabetic rats treated with the extract at dose of 0.5 g/kg body weight per day for 28 consecutive days. The extract administration significant decreased food and water intake, fasting blood glucose, weight loss and polyuria, compared with untreated diabetic animals. Furthermore, oxidative stress markers particularly, lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) and nitrite/nitrate levels, non-proteic thiol groups (RSH), γ-glutamyl-cysteine-synthetase (γ-GCS) activities and expression, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), endothelial and inducible nitric oxide synthases (i-NOS e-NOS) expression, significantly changed by streptozocin treatment, were markedly restored both in plasma and tissues together with nuclear sirtuins activity (Sirt1). Results suggested that B. etnensis bark alcoholic extract is able to counteract oxidative stress and to ameliorate some general parameters related to diabetes.

Citrus is one of the most important fruit crops in the world. This review will discuss the recent findings related to citrus transformation and regeneration protocols of juvenile and adult explants. Despite the many advances that have been made in the last years (including the use of inducible promoters and site-specific recombination systems), transformation efficiency, and regeneration potential still represent a bottleneck in the application of the new breeding techniques in commercial citrus varieties. The influence of genotype, explant type, and other factors affecting the regeneration and transformation of the most used citrus varieties will be described, as well as some examples of how these processes can be applied to improve fruit quality and resistance to various pathogens and pests, including the potential of using genome editing in citrus. The availability of efficient regeneration and transformation protocols, together with the availability of the source of resistance, is made even more important in light of the fast diffusion of emerging diseases, such as Huanglongbing (HLB), which is seriously challenging citriculture worldwide.