Search

Malolactic fermentation (MLF) is a key feature in the production of high-quality wines. Its evolution is not always guaranteed, especially in white wine, due to certain limiting factors (low pH, sulphur dioxide, low temperature) acting against malolactic bacteria. The inoculation of grape must with bacteria is an alternative approach to the management of oenological fermentation, favouring the survival of bacteria due to the absence of ethanol or sulphur dioxide - toxic compounds made by yeasts in the first stages of winemaking. We compared the activity of two strains of Oenococcus oeni during MLF in wines made from an emerging white grape variety, native to north-eastern Italy, namely Incrocio Manzoni. Different winemaking protocols were assayed, comparing sequential or simultaneous inoculation of microbial starters. The monitoring of bacterial viability through fermentations and a comprehensive characterisation of the volatile profile of the wines were achieved by advanced analytical approaches, flow cytometry and GC-MS respectively. According to the preliminary hypothesis, the chemical composition of the grape must was characterised by high acidity, which represented a serious barrier to bacterial development. Simultaneous inoculation of the two O. oeni strains ensured a regular evolution of MLF. Some differences were highlighted, both in terms of fermentation kinetics and the aromatic profile of the wines obtained, in relation to the strain of lactic bacteria. The work provides an exhaustive overview of the opportunities and risks related to different wine fermentation approaches in order to enhance the quality of white wines made from "new" or "local" wine grapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to characterise the aroma fraction of Italian distillates from apples typical of the Province of Sassari in the northern region of Sardinia (Malus pumila, L. cvs. Miali and Appio) in comparison to some international obtained in the northern region of Trentino–Alto Adige (M. pumila, L. cvs. Renetta del Canada (Reinette du Canada or Canadian Rennet), Golden Delicious, Royal Gala, Morgenduft and Gravenstein). The distillates producted in Sardinia were obtained from the same producer over four years, while those from Trentino–Alto Adige by two distilleries over one year, both following the same production process. Analyses of the aroma fraction were performed by HRGC–FID and HRGC–MS techniques, with direct injection in GC of full proof distillates. Evaluation of the data by statistical analysis (ANOVA and Principal Component Analysis) revealed that the variables ethyl octanoate, hexyl 2-methylbutyrate, 1-hexanol, benzaldehyde and furfural are able to distinguish between the varieties. In the case of the Sardinian varieties the variables 3-methyl-1-butanol, total aldehydes, ethyl acetate and 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-ol are dependent from the year of production. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Workplace violence and aggression are receiving increasing attention, especially when perpetrated in at-risk services such as psychiatric and emergency departments. Many healthcare providers have been victims of verbal aggressions (VAs) and physical aggressions (PAs), as well as injuries (INs), at the hands of patients. We conducted a 1-year retrospective questionnaire-based survey to assess workplace violence and aggression experienced by staff working at the Psychiatric Service of the Health District of Bolzano-Bozen (Italy). We performed parametric statistics. Logistic regression estimated the size of the association between PA occurrence and staff characteristics. Our psychiatric service's employees were frequent victims (91.5%) of 1 or more aggression/injury in the previous year. VAs and INs showed comparable frequencies among the three sites of our service, that is, the inpatient (INP), the outpatient (OUTP), and the rehabilitation (REHAB) units, differently from PAs, which were more common at INP (p < 0.001). The logistic regression model showed that female sex, working at INP, and a shorter psychiatry work experience predicted PAs occurrence. Most of the staff felt they could benefit from aggression management. Findings show that VAs, PAs, and INs are common among our psychiatric service's employees and point to the need to provide staff training on de-escalation.