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This review critically assesses scientific literature in order to determine whether alcoholic beverages can positively or negatively affect the incidence and severity of immune-mediated disorders, including autoimmune diseases. Few scientific studies explore the association between alcoholic beverages and the immune system, in contrast to the extensive literature dedicated to the cardiovascular system. Because wine is the most investigated product in this review, it does not take into account studies that evaluate the role of alcohol itself without specifying the beverages included (e.g., wine, spirits and beer). The analysis of the data regarding the diseases reviewed here (allergies, celiac disease, the common cold and COVID-19, chronic inflammation bowel diseases, type 1 diabetes, dermatitis herpetiformis, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and thyroid disorders) revealed that, in principle (although with differences between the various pathologies), moderate consumption of wine does not negatively affect the risk of development or the progression of immune-mediated diseases. In some cases, the effect is mainly attributable to the alcohol itself, in others the wine is responsible for a more favourable trend compared to other alcoholic beverages. This review was limited by the scarcity of available papers, so that new prospective studies on the association between wine consumption and immune-mediated diseases should also be specifically designed to draw more solid conclusions.

There is a global demand for mathematics teachers to learn how to facilitate discussions where students make sense of mathematics via problem-solving and reasoning activities. Despite this call for meaningful discussions, they are rarely found in secondary instruction, especially in low-socioeconomic communities. A practitioner research approach was used to document the types of agency students and teacher employed during whole class discussions in a racially and socioeconomically diverse classroom in the United States. Cobb, Gresalfi and Hodge's (2009) interpretive scheme was used to analyse the ways students chose to identify with the normative expectations of the classroom, documented in the daily field notes and audio recordings. In this paper, two transcripts were used to illustrate examples of student and teacher participation in a 9th--11th grade mathematics classroom. Findings from this research demonstrate the small shifts that occurred allude to the structural constraints of traditional school systems.

Many researchers have illustrated the multi-faceted nature of classroom mathematics discussions, but few have demonstrated the effect of discussion on students’ assessment performance. We developed and employed a discussion observation instrument in 20 third and fourth grade classrooms in an economically disadvantaged, linguistically diverse school district and used hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) to determine whether between-class variation in word-problem-test scores can be explained by levels of class discussion. Results suggest overall class discussion scores, as well as two specific discussion features, variety of approaches and opportunities to speak, are significantly related to test performance. These results suggest classroom instruction including high-level math discussion may improve students’ performance on written measures of achievement.

The global production of plastics continues to increase, and most of our knowledge about the negative effects of plastics pollution comes from marine environments. The presence of plastics in nests of terrestrial birds has increased the last century, which can cause adult and nestling mortality through entanglement. Volunteers and I surveyed 600 km of the Yellowstone River, Montana, USA for breeding ospreys and we recorded the presence and amount of polypropylene baling twine in nests, and the number and outcome of nestling and adult entanglements from 2014 to 2022. Each year a mean 44.2 % of nests contained twine and a mean 3.4 % of nestlings became entangled. Entanglement mortality appeared compensatory rather than additive because the local breeding population increased each year and because annual reproductive success exceeded estimates to maintain a stable population. The amount of twine in 35 nests that were either destroyed by weather or removed by electric companies from energized power poles varied substantially (0–227 m). Entanglements occurred at 19 different nests, of which seven (36.8 %) were responsible for multiple entanglements (61.3% of all entanglements). Reducing osprey mortalities and baling twine litter in the environment will take short-term (intensive nest monitoring, bird rescues) and long-term actions (community education, cleanup, recycling).

Abstract Background Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) are often caused by inadequate use of the musculoskeletal system during work. Evidence suggests that multimodal intervention through exercises, massage, education, and ergonomic guidelines reduces pain and symptoms in the neck and upper extremities and help to prevent musculoskeletal disorders. The purpose of this study will be to assess the additive effectiveness of a specific and individualized workplace strengthening exercise program to an ergonomic guidance in reducing fatigue, pain and discomfort in the upper extremities and neck perceived by workers. Methods This trial was designed according to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials - CONSORT guidelines. Participants will be employees of a tertiary hospital, with any complaints of pain or discomfort in the upper extremities during the past 12 months, without clinical musculoskeletal diagnosis. 166 participants will be randomized into parallels groups as control and workplace exercises. The primary outcomes will be Numerical Pain Scale, isokinetic muscle strength of abduction and isometric handgrip strength. Secondary outcomes on discomfort, fatigue, work capacity and dysfunction will be assessed by QuickDASH, Patient Specific Functional Scale, Neck Disability Index, Need for recovery, Work Ability Index self-report questionnaires and FIT-HANSA performance test. The Ergonomic Work Analysis will be done by Quick Expose Check, RULA, REBA, RARME, ROSA and HARM risk assessment ergonomic tools. We will analyze the difference between baseline and 12 weeks of intervention by T test of independent samples (95% confidence interval, p

This mixed-method study examines the relationship between classroom discussion and student performance in twenty 3rd and 4th grade classrooms in northern California with 50% English language learners (ELLs). Discussions were scored on features including use of multiple approaches for solving problems, students’ opportunities to speak, equitable participation, explanations, and connections between ideas. A linguistically-modified math assessment measured student performance. Quantitative analysis using hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) showed that the discussion features variety of approaches and equitable participation significantly contributed to the explanation of between-class variation in assessment scores, above and beyond that explained by prior mathematics performance and English proficiency. Importantly, mathematical discussion was equally beneficial for students classified as ELLs and those not classified as ELLs. Two classroom vignettes illustrate the different features of discussion and offer insight into ways ELLs contributed to the discussion in different contexts.

Considering the increasing incidence of hyperuricemia and oxidative stress-related diseases, quantification of uric acid has become essential. Therefore, the evolution on sensing devices being favorable, these questions are more often addressed to the field of medical researchers. As for many metabolites, (bio)sensors provide a reliable method for screening and evaluation of uric acid status. Due to the numerous categories of (bio)sensors available, choosing the appropriate one is a challenge. This study reviews the scientific information concerning the most suitable (bio)sensors for quantification of uric acid, presenting a list of sensors from the last decade, categorized by configurations and materials. In addition, this review includes a comparison of sensors according to their interference behavior and sensitivity, offering an objective perspective for identifying devices that are suitable for clinical applications.

Os objetivos desse estudo foram avaliar o conhecimento dos cirurgiões-dentistas sobre traumatismo dentário e o impacto da campanha de esclarecimento. Trata-se de um estudo longitudinal e descritivo, onde foi avaliado o conhecimento de cirurgiões-dentistas através da aplicação de um questionário que continha informações profissionais e diferentes situações de traumatismo dentário para que eles respondessem. Os dados foram coletados em duas etapas, sendo antes da realização da palestra e após a mesma. Para análise estatística foi empregado o teste G, com nível de significância de 5%. A maioria dos profissionais eram clínicos gerais, sendo que a maior parte já havia tido experiência com traumatismo dentário, no entanto, quando realizada a análise estatística apenas três situações demonstraram diferenças estatísticas significantes. Visto isso, concluímos que os profissionais possuíam conhecimento satisfatório, com ressalvas, no entanto, a palestra não demonstrou ser o melhor método para esclarecimento nesses casos.

In the last years, the importance of food waste management and recovery is emphasized by the international guidelines to promote a circular economy approach. Wine industry is one of the sectors with the highest waste production, with a potential negative environmental impact. Winemaking by-products are mainly used to produce distillates, fertilizers and livestock feed, but alternative approaches for their management could be the formulation of healthy products. The aim of this study was the application of in vitro methods for a preliminary evaluation of the phenolic pattern and the associated biological properties of winemaking by-products from different red grape varieties. The methods were: 1) Folin-Cocalteau's assay for the assessment of total polyphenol content; 2) the vanillin assay for the quantification of total procyanidin content; 3) the pH differential method for the determination of total anthocyanin content; 4) DPPH and FRAP assays for the measurement of total antioxidant activity; 4) High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography for separation of phenolic substances and assessment of their antioxidant capacity; 5) dipeptidyl peptidase (DPPIV) inhibition assay to evaluate possible effects on glucose homeostasis. The results showed that grape pomace, particularly when including seeds, was a valuable source of polyphenols with significant antioxidant potential and promising activity on DPPIV, supporting its use in formulating healthy foods/food supplements.

In the last years, the international guidelines encourage the reduction of food waste or processing by-products to promote a circular economy approach. Winemaking represents one of the sectors with the highest by-products generation, with several potential negative impact on the environment. Winemaking by-products are mainly used to produce distillates or fertilizers, but the interest in grape pomaceas a potential source of phenolic compounds has considerably increased. The aim of this study was the application of in vitro methods for the characterization of the phenolic fraction of winemaking by-products from different red grape varieties, and, in parallel, the evaluation of their antioxidant activity. The methods were: 1) Folin-Cocalteau's assay for the quantification of total polyphenol content; 2) the vanillin assay for the assessment of total flavan-3-ols (proanthocyanidins) content; 3) the pH differential method for the quantification of total anthocyanin content; 4) DPPH assay for the measurement of total antioxidant activity; 5) High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography for separation of phenolic substances and assessment of their antioxidant activity. Although a significant differences among varieties, grape pomace, particularly when containing seeds, are generally a good source of polyphenols with a significant antioxidant activity supporting itsuse in formulating healthy products.

Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disease. To date, the only universally recognized treatment for CD is the gluten-free diet (GFD). Despite the GFD, a state of inflammation and oxidative stress could remain at the intestinal level of celiac patients. Several components of the diet, such as phenolic compounds with known antioxidant properties, could play a protective role in the inflammatory state of patients with CD. The objective of this study was the characterization of the phenolic profile and the antioxidant capacity of pigmented cereals (rice and corn) from the Italian market and farms. Different in vitro methods were applied: Folin–Ciocalteu assay, pH differential method, DPPH assay, TEAC assay, and High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography technique. According to the results, pigmented varieties are possible valuable sources of phenolic compounds and anthocyanins with high antioxidant activity. They could be used as alternative ingredients for the formulation of gluten-free products.

Inflammation and oxidative stress are two mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of celiac disease (CD). Since the direct effect of gliadin on the intestinal epithelia is less studied, the aims of this study were the development of a specific cellular model based on the use of gliadin as a pro-inflammatory stimulus and the evaluation of the potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of extracts from different black rice in the framework of CD. The rice extracts were in vitro digested, characterized in terms of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity, and tested on Caco-2 cells to investigate their inhibitory effect on Reactive Oxygen Species, the NF-κB transcription and the CXC chemokines (sICAM-1, IL-8, and CXCL-10). In addition, the role of the extracts in modulating the activation of epithelial cells in CD was confirmed by applying the K562(S) agglutination test. The black rice extracts showed inhibitory effects on the production of the oxidative and the inflammatory mediators considered, with particular reference to lymphocyte-attracting CXCL-10 both before and after digestion. The presence of anthocyanins and their digestion metabolites may account for the observed anti-inflammatory activity after in vitro digestion. This work provided preliminary data supporting the use of black rice as a healthy food or ingredient of food supplements for celiacs.

Although the detrimental effects of heavy drinking in terms of health are well-documented in the literature, there are inconsistent findings regarding the safety of light-to-moderate alcohol consumption. In particular, little is still known about the consumption of specific alcoholic beverages in combination with dietary habits and lifestyle, which in turn could influence health status. Thus, the aim of this review is to summarise and critically evaluate the evidence of a relationship between preference for alcoholic beverages and consumer dietary and lifestyle habits. A literature search retrieved 3,887 articles. By removing duplicates and articles which were not relevant, the final number of articles was 26. The adherence to a healthier diet and lifestyle was generally observed in light-to-moderate alcohol consumers, especially when wine was the preferred beverage. Considering the potentially strong impact of drinking patterns on health and the risk of developing chronic diseases, the data summarised in this review highlight that alcoholic beverage preferences, drinking patterns, dietary patterns and lifestyle should be studied together. Any future epidemiological studies should analyse the relationship between alcohol consumption and the abovementioned correlations with respect to impact on health.

Although diet has contributed significantly to the evolution of human beings, the composition of the diet that has most affected this phenomenon is still an open issue. Diet has undoubtedly participated in the acquisition of the skills that underlie the differentiation of humans from other animal species and in this context the development of the nervous system has played a primary role. This paper aimed to: (1) outline the relationship between diet and human evolution; (2) evaluate how a variation in food consumption may have contributed to the enhancement of cognitive and adaptive capacities. The most widespread diet among the ancient populations that showed the highest levels of civilization (that is well-organized societies, using advanced technical tools, and promoting art and science) was very close to what is now defined as the Mediterranean diet. This suggests that a dietary approach typical of the Mediterranean basin (little meat and some fish; abundant cereals, legumes, fruit, vegetables and wine) significantly increased the intake of antioxidant molecules, including polyphenols, which along with other factors may have modulated the cognitive evolution of humans.

Resumo A indústria alimentícia busca cada vez mais a segurança dos alimentos e a melhoria da qualidade dos produtos de interesse, como a produção da cachaça artesanal. Pela definição, cachaça é a denominação típica e exclusiva da aguardente de cana-de-açúcar produzida no Brasil, com graduação alcoólica de 38% a 48% em volume, a 20 °C. Diante da importância desse produto para o mercado interno, um estudo referente a padronização e qualidade da bebida foi realizado. Foram coletadas seis amostras aleatórias de cachaças artesanais na região Sul de Minas Gerais para determinação da concentração de cobre por titulometria, nas quais os resultados variaram na faixa de 1,0 a 1,8 mg L-1 e uma amostra com 404,8 mg L-1, o que corresponde a 80 vezes acima do permitido pela legislação brasileira. Como garantia da qualidade, o método executado atendeu aos critérios de recuperação, coeficiente de variação e padrão de concentração conhecida, e caracterizou-se por uma técnica simples e de baixo custo, que pode ser realizada em alambiques. Adicionalmente aos ensaios de laboratório, apresenta-se brevemente as corretas técnicas de processo para os produtores e a necessidade crescente das instituições fiscalizadoras em criarem medidas para proteção ao consumidor.

Neuronal hyperexcitability often results from an unbalance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission, but the synaptic alterations leading to enhanced seizure propensity are only partly understood. Taking advantage of a mouse model of neocortical epilepsy, we used a combination of photoconversion and electron microscopy to assess changes in synaptic vesicles pools in vivo. Our analyses reveal that epileptic networks show an early onset lengthening of active zones at inhibitory synapses, together with a delayed spatial reorganization of recycled vesicles at excitatory synapses. Proteomics of synaptic content indicate that specific proteins were increased in epileptic mice. Altogether, our data reveal a complex landscape of nanoscale changes affecting the epileptic synaptic release machinery. In particular, our findings show that an altered positioning of release-competent vesicles represent a novel signature of epileptic networks.

The use of Plant Food Supplements (PFS) has increased significantly in the last decades. The wide diffusion of these products has raised concerns about their safety and to solve at least some critical points the EU Project PlantLIBRA was financed. The project included among its goals the collection of adverse effects due to PFS; using different sources: 1) the scientific literature; 2) European Poison Centers; 3) the PlantLIBRA consumer survey. New data from the Pavia Poison Centre, ANSES and FDA were elaborated after the end of EU Project. Adverse effects were analysed according to the WHO causal relationship criteria. Valeriana officinalis and Camellia sinensis were the plants most frequently involved in adverse effects in European countries. Although mild/moderate symptomatology were generally described, some severe outcomes occurred, including fatal cases. Nervous and gastrointestinal systems were the main targets; the intestinal disorders were associated with fibres and polyphenols present in some plants.

Neurological diseases constitute a quarter of global disease burden and are expected to rise worldwide with the ageing of human populations. There is an increasing need to develop new molecular systems which can deliver drugs specifically into neurons, non-dividing cells meant to last a human lifetime. Neuronal drug delivery must rely on agents which can recognise neurons with high specificity and affinity. Here we used a recently introduced ‘stapling’ system to prepare macromolecules carrying duplicated binding domains from the clostridial family of neurotoxins. We engineered individual parts of clostridial neurotoxins separately and combined them using a strong alpha-helical bundle. We show that combining two identical binding domains of tetanus and botulinum type D neurotoxins, in a sterically defined way by protein stapling, allows enhanced intracellular delivery of molecules into neurons. We also engineered a botulinum neurotoxin type C variant with a duplicated binding domain which increased enzymatic delivery compared to the native type C toxin. We conclude that duplication of the binding parts of tetanus or botulinum neurotoxins will allow production of high avidity agents which could deliver imaging reagents and large therapeutic enzymes into neurons with superior efficiency. Keywords: Botulinum, Tetanus, Duplicated, Double, Multivalent, Neuronal delivery

Speciation reversal is known mainly from recently diverged lineages that have come into secondary contact following anthropogenic disturbance. Here, Kearns et al. use genomic and phylogenomic analyses to show that the Common Raven (Corvus corax) was formed by the ancient fusion of two non-sister lineages of ravens.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the marginal fit of zirconia and lithium disilicate ceramic restorations processed by computer-aided design (CAD)/computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) system. Materials and Methods: Ten models were prepared from a metal die, on which scanning was carried out to obtain the virtual model for the processing of zirconia and lithium disilicate ceramics using the CAD/CAM technique. Gypsum models were fabricated and used for scanning the restorations. The infrastructures were designed using software, and CAD/CAM was used to fabricate the restorations (n = 10). The analysis of the marginal discrepancy was measured at 12 points of the margin using the original metallic die. For each crown, an arithmetic average of the discrepancy values was obtained. Results: The marginal fit of the copings of lithium disilicate was 133.10 ± 26.87 μm and zirconia was 127.34 ± 47.97 μm. There was no statistically significant difference (P = 0.7709) between the materials. Conclusion: The marginal fit is similar between lithium disilicate and zirconia ceramics milled in the CAD/CAM system used.

Oxidative stress, one among the several factors responsible for the gluten toxicity in celiac disease, together with inflammation and duodenal mucosal injury, are only partially reduced by the gluten-free diet. Thanks to their phenolic profile, the pigmented varieties of corn could be an interesting source of dietary antioxidants for the formulation of new gluten-free ingredients. The aim of this research was: (1) to characterize the phenolic profile and the associated antioxidant properties of corn samples with different pigmentation, using spectrophotometric and chromatographic techniques and (2) to assess the stability of anthocyanins during the gastro-intestinal digestion. The pigmented varieties showed a significantly higher content of polyphenols compared to the common yellow varieties and, as a consequence, a higher antioxidant activity. Although corn is among the cereals most frequently used in gluten-free products, it can produce an inflammatory response in some celiac patients. Therefore, after the chemical characterization, the safety of the pigmented varieties for celiac patients was confirmed using different in vitro models (cell agglutination test and the measure of transepithelial electrical resistance). Although in vivo studies are necessary, the data collected in this study underline that the pigmented corn could have a role in reducing the oxidative stress at the intestinal level in celiac subjects.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that occurs in genetically predisposed individuals after consuming prolamins from some cereals. Although the products available for celiac subjects have increased significantly in quality and quantity over the last few decades, research still focuses on identifying new ingredients to improve the nutritional, sensorial and functional qualities of gluten-free products. In terms of toxicity for people with celiac disease, there is a wide variability between ancient and modern grains. The most contradictory results are related to the role of oats in the gluten-free diet. In order to clarify the role of minor cereals (such as oat) and ancient grains in the diets of celiac patients, this review discusses recent in vitro and in vivo studies performed on those cereals for which the toxicity for celiac subjects is still controversial. According to in vivo studies, selected oat varieties could be tolerated by celiac patients. On the other hands, although some wheat-ancient grains (Triticum monococcum, Triticum aestivum ssp. spelta and Kamut®) showed a reduced in vitro toxicity, to date, these grains are still considered toxic for celiac patients. Contradictory results underline the importance of studying the safety of “unusual” cereals in more detail.

In recent decades, the interest in products containing botanicals and claiming “functional” properties has increased exponentially. Functional foods, novel foods and food supplements have a special impact on the consumers, who show significant expectation for their well-being. Food supplements with botanical ingredients are the food area that has witnessed the greatest development, in terms of the number of available products, budget, and consumer acceptability. This review refers to and discusses some open points, such as: (1) the definitions and regulation of products containing botanicals; (2) the difficulty in obtaining nutritional and functional claims (botanical ingredients obtaining claims in the EU are listed and summarized); (3) the safety aspects of these products; and (4) the poor harmonization between international legislations. The availability of these “new” products can positively influence the well-being of the population, but it is essential to provide the consumers with the necessary recommendations to guide them in their purchase and use.

Abstract The Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety of monacolins in red yeast rice (RYR) and to provide advice on a dietary intake of monacolins that does not give rise to concerns about harmful effects to health. The Panel reviewed the scientific evidences available as well as the information provided by interested parties in response of a public ‘Call for data’ launched by EFSA. The Panel considered that monacolin K in lactone form is identical to lovastatin, the active ingredient of several medicinal products authorised for the treatment of hypercholesterolaemia in the EU. On the basis of the information available, the Panel concluded that intake of monacolins from RYR via food supplements, could lead to estimated exposure to monacolin K within the range of the therapeutic doses of lovastatin. The Panel considered that the available information on the adverse effects reported in humans were judged to be sufficient to conclude that monacolins from RYR when used as food supplements were of significant safety concern at the use level of 10 mg/day. The Panel further considered that individual cases of severe adverse reactions have been reported for monacolins from RYR at intake levels as low as 3 mg/day. The Panel concluded that exposure to monacolin K from RYR could lead to severe adverse effects on musculoskeletal system, including rhabdomyolysis, and on the liver. In the reported cases, the product contained other ingredients in addition to RYR. However, these reported effects in particular musculoskeletal effects, have both occurred after ingestion of monacolin K and lovastatin independently. On the basis of the information available and several uncertainties highlighted in this opinion, the Panel was unable to identify a dietary intake of monacolins from RYR that does not give rise to concerns about harmful effects to health, for the general population, and as appropriate, for vulnerable subgroups of the population.

Objective: Amblyopia is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by visual acuity and contrast sensitivity loss, refractory to pharmacological and optical treatments in adulthood. In animals, the corpus callosum (CC) contributes to suppression of visual responses of the amblyopic eye. To investigate the role of interhemispheric pathways in amblyopic patients, we studied the response of the visual cortex to transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) applied over the primary visual area (V1) contralateral to the “lazy eye.”Methods: Visual acuity (logMAR) was assessed before (T0), immediately after (T1) and 60’ following the application of cathodal tDCS (2.0 mA, 20’) in 12 amblyopic patients. At each time point, Visual Evoked Potentials (VEPs) triggered by grating stimuli of different contrasts (K90%, K20%) were recorded in both hemispheres and compared to those obtained in healthy volunteers.Results: Cathodal tDCS improved visual acuity respect to baseline (p < 0.0001), whereas sham polarization had no significant effect. At T1, tDCS induced an inhibitory effect on VEPs amplitudes at all contrasts in the targeted side and a facilitation of responses in the hemisphere ipsilateral to the amblyopic eye; compared with controls, the facilitation persisted at T2 for high contrasts (K90%; Holm–Sidak post hoc method, p < 0.001), while the stimulated hemisphere recovered more quickly from inhibition (Holm–Sidak post hoc method, p < 0.001).Conclusions: tDCS is a promising treatment for amblyopia in adults. The rapid recovery of excitability and the concurrent transcallosal disinhibition following perturbation of cortical activity may support a critical role of interhemispheric balance in the pathophysiology of amblyopia.

Abstract The EFSA ANS Panel was asked to provide a scientific opinion on the safety of green tea catechins from dietary sources including preparations such as food supplements and infusions. Green tea is produced from the leaves of Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze, without fermentation, which prevents the oxidation of polyphenolic components. Most of the polyphenols in green tea are catechins. The Panel considered the possible association between the consumption of (‐)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG), the most relevant catechin in green tea, and hepatotoxicity. This scientific opinion is based on published scientific literature, including interventional studies, monographs and reports by national and international authorities and data received following a public ‘Call for data’. The mean daily intake of EGCG resulting from the consumption of green tea infusions ranges from 90 to 300 mg/day while exposure by high‐level consumers is estimated to be up to 866 mg EGCG/day, in the adult population in the EU. Food supplements containing green tea catechins provide a daily dose of EGCG in the range of 5–1,000 mg/day, for adult population. The Panel concluded that catechins from green tea infusion, prepared in a traditional way, and reconstituted drinks with an equivalent composition to traditional green tea infusions, are in general considered to be safe according to the presumption of safety approach provided the intake corresponds to reported intakes in European Member States. However, rare cases of liver injury have been reported after consumption of green tea infusions, most probably due to an idiosyncratic reaction. Based on the available data on the potential adverse effects of green tea catechins on the liver, the Panel concluded that there is evidence from interventional clinical trials that intake of doses equal or above 800 mg EGCG/day taken as a food supplement has been shown to induce a statistically significant increase of serum transaminases in treated subjects compared to control.

Abstract The Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety of hydroxyanthracene derivatives and to provide advice on a daily intake that does not give rise to concerns about harmful effects to health. Hydroxyanthracene derivatives are a class of chemical substances naturally occurring in different botanical species and used in food to improve bowel function. The ANS Panel reviewed the available scientific data on a possible relationship between hydroxyanthracene derivatives exposure and genotoxic and carcinogenic effects. On the basis of the data currently available, the Panel noted that emodin, aloe‐emodin and the structurally related substance danthron have shown evidence of in vitro genotoxicity. Aloe extracts have also been shown to be genotoxic in vitro possibly due to the presence of hydroxyanthracene derivatives in the extract. Furthermore, aloe‐emodin was shown to be genotoxic in vivo and the whole‐leaf aloe extract and the structural analogue danthron were shown to be carcinogenic. Epidemiological data suggested an increased risk for colorectal cancer associated with the general use of laxatives, several of which contain hydroxyanthracene derivatives. Considering the possible presence of aloe‐emodin and emodin in extracts, the Panel concluded that hydroxyanthracene derivatives should be considered as genotoxic and carcinogenic unless there are specific data to the contrary, such as for rhein, and that there is a safety concern for extracts containing hydroxyanthracene derivatives although uncertainty persists. The Panel was unable to provide advice on a daily intake of hydroxyanthracene derivatives that does not give rise to concerns about harmful effects to health.

Food supplements, and in particular those containing botanicals (plant food supplements, PFS), have in recent decades been of great interest both to consumers and to food/pharmaceutical industries.The aim of this paper is to examine replies by Italian consumers to the PlantLIBRA consumers' survey in order to: 1) assess the behaviour of an Italian population with respect to the use of PFS, and to compare it with that of other 5 countries involved in the whole survey; 2) identify different habits in the 4 Italian cities selected according to their geographical distribution; 3) collect independent information on the actual intake of PFS and consumers' behaviour.397 Italian consumers enrolled, 187 males (49.5%) and 191 female (50.5%). The distribution of subjects among the 4 cities included was: Milan 99; Venice 90; Rome 96 and Catania 96.The interest in PFS in Italy is high, the prevalence of "regular" consumers being 22.7%. Some differences were observed between the 4 cities involved: the pattern of use during the year was specific to each city; consumers in Milan reported reasons to use PFS significantly different from those in the whole Italian sample and did not indicate supermarkets as an important place of purchase; respondents from Rome and Catania more frequently used family doctors and pharmacists as a source of recommendation. Some significant difference among cities, sex and age groups were observed when the most frequently used botanicals were ranked.The results provide new insights on the socio-economic characteristics and lifestyle of Italian PFS consumers, on their reasons for and pattern of use, and on their behaviour and expectations. The value of this information is not restricted to the specific country (Italy) but allows for a more general evaluation of the pattern of use, according to habits and geographical area.

Proteinaceous products are widely used as fining agents during winemaking to remove unwanted insoluble particles and undissolved microscopic particles (colloidal material) from the must or wine to improve stability. Some of them (egg white, caseinates, and fish gelatine) have allergenic potential and the presence of their residues in the final product could represent a risk for allergic individuals. Moreover, lysozyme (an egg allergen) is included among wine additives to control the fermentation processes and avoid spoiling during winemaking. The aim of this paper is to review the experimental/clinical data on the use of allergenic products in enology and the measurement of relative risk for sensitized subjects. In addition, methods developed specifically for the quantification of allergenic residues in must and wine are described.

Psoriasis is a chronic cutaneous condition characterized by the release of pro-inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress. The reduction of these factors is currently the most effective strategy to inhibit the symptoms of pathology. Antioxidants from natural sources are increasingly used to improve skin conditions. Dried red leaves from grapevine (Vitis vinifera L., cv Teinturiers) showed anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial activities, but their possible effects on keratinocytes have not been previously investigated. In this study we tested the ability of a water extract from grapevine leaves (VVWE) to inhibit inflammatory conditions in human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells), challenged with proinflammatory (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)) or prooxidant (ultraviolet B radiation (UVB) or H2O2) mediators. VVWE inhibited interleukin-8 (IL-8) secretion induced by proinflammatory stimuli, acting on the IL-8 promoter activity, but the effect was lower when prooxidant mediators were used. The effect was partly explained by the reduction of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)-driven transcription and nuclear translocation. Furthermore, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion, a regulator of angiogenesis, was inhibited by VVWE, but not matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), a protease involved in matrix remodeling. VVWE, assayed on Franz diffusion cell system, showed a marked reduction of High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)-identified compounds. Pure molecules individually failed to reduce TNF-α-induced IL-8 release, suggesting synergistic effects or the presence of other bioactive compounds still unknown.

Table grapes are largely produced and consumed in the Mediterranean area. Furthermore, in the last years, the commercial interest in table grapes and other non-alcoholic grape products has notably increased worldwide. In addition to the nutritional aspects, polyphenol compounds in fresh grapes could exert positive effects on human health. The aim of this study was the characterization of the phenolic pattern of sixteen grape varieties and the evaluation of the associated antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory activity at gastric level. The methods used were: 1) Folin-Cocalteau's assay for the quantification of total polyphenol content; 2) High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) coupled with Diode-Array Detector (DAD) to perform the quantitative analysis of grapes phenolic fraction 3) DPPH (1,1,-diphenil-2-picrylhydrazyl) spectrophotometric assay for the assessment of radical scavenging activity; 4) assessment of IL-8 release from human gastric epithelial cells to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of grape extracts. Some grapes, including seedless varieties, showed that the phenolic pattern was highly correlated with the biological activities, and, in particular, with peel and seeds portion. These results suggest that selected grape varieties could represent, also for consumers who do not drink wine, a source of healthy compounds potentially able to counteract oxidative stress and gastric inflammation.

Potassium polyaspartate (KPPA) is a food additive used for wine stabilization. KPAA was included in the list of additives allowed in EU, with the Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1399, having received a positive opinion by EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) in 2016. KPAA is rich in negative charges, which are essential for its enological function consisting in binding positive ions in order to reduce wine instability. Concerns were raised on the fact that the same binding properties could be responsible for a reduction of microelement bioavailability in humans. For this reason and for the protection of consumers' health, the binding properties of potassium polyaspartate versus three minerals (calcium, iron, magnesium) was assayed using the Size-Exclusion Chromatography (SEC). Aliquots obtained by SEC were analysed for their content in polyaspartate (by microbiuret method) and bound minerals (by ICP-OES method). The results obtained by this research shows that, when potassium polyaspartate is added to wine, the negative charges of the additive are saturated, as expected by the specific role of KPAA in tartaric stabilization. In conclusions, the effect on mineral bioavailability must be considered negligible.

In the last years, the interest in non-alcoholic grape products has considerably increased. Table grapes are largely produced in the Mediterranean area and their consumption has raised worldwide. Beside the positive pattern of nutrients, table grapes could provide benefits on human health. Among the health-promoting substances contained in table grapes, flavonoids (mainly anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols and flavonols) seem to be the most interesting. The aim of this study was the characterization of the phenolic pattern of sixteen grape varieties, and the evaluation of the associated antioxidant activity. The methods were: 1) Folin-Cocalteau's assay for the quantification of total polyphenol content; 2) DPPH (1,1,-diphenil-2—picrylhydrazyl) assay and 3) ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) spectrophotometric assays for the assessment of radical scavenging activity; 4) High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method, coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometer (ESI-MS) and DAD detector was developed in order to obtain the phenolic pattern of grape samples. Data obtained in this study underline that some table grape varieties can show interesting phenolic pattern independently from the presence or not of seeds. This observation suggests that selected varieties of seedless grapes could represent an interesting source of healthy compounds, satisfying consumers' preferences and reducing concerns versus alcoholic beverages.

Plant food supplements (PFS) have become increasingly popular with respect to their consumption for improving human immune function. Despite this popularity, critical review is lacking regarding the analytical methods used to assess PFS outcome. The suitability of such methods for clinical-based studies remains particularly unclear. We undertook a literature-based review of the methods used to assess PFS outcome in immune function, to identify and assess the relevance of different technologies. Most methods described in this review adequately measured the functions of innate and adaptive immunity, were applicable to both healthy and diseased subjects, and were appropriate for assessing the benefit claims of PFS on immune function. However, the design and reporting quality of studies varied widely across trials, in some cases potentially impacting negatively on the outcomes and interpretations. Several strategies to enhance study robustness and quality were outlined, to improve the validity of the data generated in the field.

Human-Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) conflicts are increasing as the species rebounds from the negative effects of DDT. Ospreys forage at aquaculture facilities in North America, South America, and Europe, where nonlethal and lethal control are used to reduce depredations. Under the authority of a federal depredation permit, personnel at a state-owned fish hatchery in Montana shot eight Ospreys from 2018–2020 to reduce loss of brood stock largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Independent long-term data (2012–2022) of Osprey breeding ecology along the Yellowstone River, which included the hatchery, afforded a rare opportunity to examine nest occupancy and reproductive success of the local population before, during, and following lethal control. The local breeding population of Ospreys collapsed by 2021 and the breeding range contracted 48–67 km during and after shooting. Shooting at the hatchery was the greatest source of Osprey mortality on the 950-km linear study area. In 2021, an informal working group of diverse stakeholders began meeting to develop nonlethal methods to reduce Osprey depredations at the hatchery. Los conflictos entre humanos y Pandion haliaetus aumentan a medida que la especie se recupera de los efectos negativos del DDT. P. haliaetus se alimenta en instalaciones acuícolas en América del Norte, América del Sur y Europa, donde se utilizan controles no letales y letales para reducir las depredaciones. Bajo la autoridad de un permiso federal de control, el personal de una piscifactoría de propiedad estatal en Montana disparó contra ocho individuos de P. haliaetus entre 2018 y 2020 para reducir la pérdida de reproductores de Micropterus salmoides. Los datos independientes a largo plazo (2012–2022) de la ecología reproductiva de P. haliaetus a lo largo del Río Yellowstone, que incluía la piscifactoría, proporcionaron una rara oportunidad para examinar la ocupación del nido y el éxito reproductivo de la población local antes, durante y después del control letal. La población reproductora local de P. haliaetus colapsó en 2021 y el área de reproducción se contrajo de 48 a 67 km durante y después de los disparos. Los disparos en la piscifactoría fueron la mayor fuente de mortalidad de P. haliaetus en el área de estudio lineal de 950 km. En 2021, un grupo de trabajo informal de diversas partes interesadas comenzó a reunirse para desarrollar métodos no letales para reducir las depredaciones de P. haliaetus en la piscifactoría. [Traducción del equipo editorial] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion related to a notification from DuPont Nutrition Biosciences Aps on behenic acid from mustard seeds to be used in the manufacturing of certain emulsifiers pursuant to Article 21(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 – for permanent exemption from labelling. Behenic acid is produced from rapeseed–mustard seed variants prevalent in India, namely Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. (oriental mustard), Brassica rapa (L.) (brown/yellow Sarson or Toria), Brassica napus (L.) (rapeseed) and Brassica nigra (L.) W.D.J.Koch (black mustard). No human or animal allergenicity data were provided by the applicant for either behenic acid or the emulsifiers manufactured from behenic acid. Based on enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) data, the Panel considers that proteins and peptides may not be carried over into behenic acid after the two distillation steps reported in the manufacturing process in amounts beyond 1 mg/kg. The Panel notes that the maximum amount of mustard protein that could be consumed from emulsifiers manufactured from behenic acid (E 470a, E 471 and E 477) on a single occasion by an adult under the proposed conditions of use would be around 0.00119 mg, which is about 1,000 times lower than the protein doses reported to trigger allergic reactions in mustard‐allergic individuals (around 1 mg). On the basis of the data presented, the Panel concludes that oral consumption of emulsifiers manufactured using behenic acid from mustard seeds (E 470a, E 471 and E 477) are unlikely to trigger an allergic reaction in susceptible individuals (i.e. mustard‐allergic individuals) under the proposed conditions of use.

Vision is a very important sensory modality in humans. Visual disorders are numerous and arising from diverse and complex causes. Deficits in visual function are highly disabling from a social point of view and in addition cause a considerable economic burden. For all these reasons there is an intense effort by the scientific community to gather knowledge on visual deficit mechanisms and to find possible new strategies for recovery and treatment. In this review we focus on an important and sometimes neglected player of the visual function, the corpus callosum (CC). The CC is the major white matter structure in the brain and is involved in information processing between the two hemispheres. In particular, visual callosal connections interconnect homologous areas of visual cortices, binding together the two halves of the visual field. This interhemispheric communication plays a significant role in visual cortical output. Here, we will first review essential literature on the physiology of the callosal connections in normal vision. The available data support the view that the callosum contributes to both excitation and inhibition to the target hemisphere, with a dynamic adaptation to the strength of the incoming visual input. Next, we will focus on data showing how callosal connections may sense visual alterations and respond to the classical paradigm for the study of visual plasticity, i.e. monocular deprivation. This is a prototypical example of a model for the study of callosal plasticity in pathological conditions (e.g. strabismus and amblyopia) characterized by unbalanced input from the two eyes. We will also discuss findings of callosal alterations in blind subjects. Noteworthy, we will discuss data showing that inter-hemispheric transfer mediates recovery of visual responsiveness following cortical damage. Finally, we will provide an overview of how callosal projections dysfunction could contribute to pathologies such as neglect and occipital epilepsy. A particular focus will be on reviewing noninvasive brain stimulation techniques and optogenetic approaches that allow to selectively manipulate callosal function and to probe its involvement in cortical processing and plasticity. Overall, the data indicate that experience can potently impact on transcallosal connectivity, and that the callosum itself is crucial for plasticity

BACKGROUND:The use of food supplements containing botanicals is increasing in European markets. Although intended to maintain the health status, several cases of adverse effects to Plant Food Supplements (PFS) have been described. OBJECTIVES:To describe the self-reported adverse effects collected during the European PlantLIBRA PFS Consumer Survey 2011-2012, with a critical evaluation of the plausibility of the symptomatology reported using data from the literature and from the PlantLIBRA Poisons Centers' survey. SUBJECTS/SETTING:From the total sample of 2359 consumers involved in the consumers' survey, 82 subjects reported adverse effects due to a total of 87 PFS. RESULTS:Cases were self-reported, therefore causality was not classified on the basis of clinical evidence, but by using the frequency/strength of adverse effects described in scientific papers: 52 out of 87 cases were defined as possible (59.8%) and 4 as probable (4.6%). Considering the most frequently cited botanicals, eight cases were due to Valeriana officinalis (garden valerian); seven to Camellia sinensis (tea); six to Ginkgo biloba (Maidenhair tree) and Paullinia cupana (guarana). Most adverse events related to the gastrointestinal tract, nervous and cardiovascular systems. CONCLUSIONS:Comparing the data from this study with those published in scientific papers and obtained by the PlantLIBRA Poisons Centers' survey, some important conclusions can be drawn: severe adverse effects to PFS are quite rare, although mild or moderate adverse symptoms can be present. Data reported in this paper can help health professionals (and in particular family doctors) to become aware of possible new problems associated with the increasing use of food supplements containing botanicals.