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Case series summary Twenty-nine cats from different institutions with confirmed or highly suspected primary hyperaldosteronism treated by unilateral adrenalectomy were retrospectively included in this study. The most frequent clinical signs were lethargy (n = 20; 69%) and neck ventroflexion (n = 17; 59%). Hypokalaemia was present in all cats, creatinine kinase was elevated in 15 and hyperaldosteronism was documented in 24. Hypertension was frequently encountered (n = 24; 89%). Preoperative treatment included potassium supplementation (n = 19; 66%), spironolactone (n = 16; 55%) and amlodipine (n = 11; 38%). There were 13 adrenal masses on the right side, 15 on the left and, in one cat, no side was reported. The median adrenal mass size was 2 × 1.5 cm (range 1–4.6 × 0.4–3.8); vascular invasion was present in five cats, involving the caudal vena cava in four cats and the renal vein in one. Median duration of surgery was 57 mins. One major intraoperative complication (3%) was reported and consisted of haemorrhage during the removal of a neoplastic thrombus from the caudal vena cava. In 4/29 cats (14%), minor postoperative complications occurred and were treated medically. One fatal complication (3%) was observed, likely due to disseminated intravascular coagulation. The median duration of hospitalisation was 4 days; 97% of cats survived to discharge. The potassium level normalised in 24 cats within 3 months of surgery; hypertension resolved in 21/23 cats. Follow-up was available for 25 cats with a median survival of 1082 days. Death in the long-term follow-up was mainly related to worsening of comorbidities. Relevance and novel information Adrenalectomy appears to be a safe and effective treatment with a high rate of survival and a low rate of major complications. Long-term medical treatment was not required.

Retroperitoneal paragangliomas are rare tumors of the neuroendocrine system. Only a few canine case reports are available with rare descriptions of their imaging features. The objectives of this multi-center, retrospective case series study were to describe the diagnostic imaging features of confirmed retroperitoneal paragangliomas and specify their location. Medical records and imaging studies of 10 affected dogs with cytological or histopathologic results concordant with retroperitoneal paragangliomas were evaluated. Dogs had a median age of 9 years. Four of them had clinical signs and laboratory reports compatible with excessive production of catecholamines. Six ultrasound, four CT, four radiographic, and one MRI studies were included. The paragangliomas did not have a specific location along the aorta. They were of various sizes (median 33mm, range: 9–85mm of length). Masses had heterogeneous parenchyma in six of 10 dogs, regardless of the imaging modality. Strong contrast enhancement was found in all CT studies. Encircling of at least one vessel was detected in six of 10 masses, clear invasion of a vessel was identified in one of 10 masses. In five of 10 cases, the masses were initially misconstrued as lymph nodes by the on-site radiologist. Retroperitoneal paragangliomas appear along the abdominal aorta, often presenting heterogeneous parenchyma, possibly affecting the local vasculature, and displaying strong contrast enhancement on CT. Clinical signs can be secondary to mass effects or excessive catecholamine production. Underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis of this tumor are suspected as they can be silent, of small size, or confused with other structures.

The effect of light intensity (LI) and water availability (WA) on rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) plant growth, essential oil (EO) production and composition was investigated by a two-factorial field experiment, where the first factor was LI (100%, 50% or 25% of natural sunlight) and the second factor was WA (irrigation set at 85%, 70% or 55% of field capacity during plant growing). The EO obtained by steam distillation of the dried aerial part of the plant was analysed by GC/MS. Reduction of LI from 100 to 25% of natural sunlight markedly lowered plant biomass production, whereas reduction of WA from 85 to 55% had a smaller lowering effect on plant growth. High shading (25% of LI) markedly reduced EO yield on a plant basis (− 43%), whereas intermediate shading (50% of LI) increased EO yield as % content of the fresh biomass (+ 29%) when compared to full solar radiation. WA markedly influenced EO yield, as expressed on a plant basis, but only in plants exposed to 100% LI. Moreover, changes in LI and WA seemed to have an opposite effect on the relative abundance of EO constituents that are formed through the activity of two groups of enzymes, pinene synthases (α- and β-pinene, camphene and myrcene) and, respectively, bornyl diphosphate synthases (borneol, camphor and bornyl acetate). Accurate management of light conditions and water availability, in greenhouse as well as open field conditions, may allow to optimize rosemary EO yield and modulate EO profile in view of different potential uses.

Pheochromocytoma is frequent in dogs and carries a guarded prognosis. Current histological criteria may not predict malignant behavior in dogs, similar to humans. In humans, characterization of tumors has been refined using the pheochromocytoma of the adrenal gland scaled score (PASS) and by immunohistochemistry. The study aim was to investigate PASS and immunohistochemical markers used in humans in 24 dogs with pheochromocytoma that underwent adrenalectomy. Dogs with pheochromocytomas were reviewed and tumors collected. Histological sections were evaluated to apply the PASS and were single-labeled for chromogranin A, Ki-67, COX-2, p53, BCL-2, c-erbB-2, vascular endothelial growth factor, and S100. Survival, age, and vascular and capsular invasion were compared for PASS and immunohistochemical markers; results of PASS were also compared for each marker. Associations between markers were tested. PASS and immunohistochemical markers did not differ for survival, age, and vascular and capsular invasion. Tumors showing BCL-2 expression in >50% cells had lower PASS than those with lower expression (PASS: 7 ± 2 vs 9 ± 2; P = .011). Tumors positive for S100 had higher PASS than those that were negative (PASS: 10 ± 2 vs 7 ± 2; P = .001). Results of the different markers were not associated. In conclusion, in the context of canine pheochromocytoma, PASS and the selected immunohistochemical markers are not associated with survival, age, or vascular or capsular invasion. The higher PASS in S100-positive tumors may indicate that pheochromocytomas developing morphologic changes acquire S100 expression. The significance of lower PASS in tumors with elevated BCL-2 expression is uncertain. Overall, the use of PASS and the present immunohistochemical markers may not be useful in dogs with pheochromocytoma.

Case summary A 5-year-old neutered female domestic shorthair cat was referred for acute onset of dyspnoea. Thoracic radiographs performed by the referring veterinarian revealed the presence of pleural effusion. Upon presentation, the cat was dyspnoeic, and cardiopulmonary auscultation revealed muffled heart sounds and bilaterally increased bronchovesicular sounds. Radiographic study of the thorax revealed bilateral pleural effusion and a soft tissue opacity in the dorsocaudal region of the left hemithorax. A whole-body contrast-enhanced CT scan identified a soft tissue mass arising from the left diaphragmatic crus. Transthoracic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of the mass was performed and the result was consistent with a malignant mesenchymal neoplasia, showing giant cells. Cytoreductive surgery was performed and the histopathology diagnosis of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma was made. Adjuvant chemotherapy was then offered. Ten days after surgery pleural effusion recurred. Thoracic echography revealed the presence of a diaphragmatic thickening in the area of surgical resection. FNA of the thickening was consistent with mesenchymal neoplasia. Even when chemotherapy and supportive treatment with pain relief was instituted, the clinical condition of the cat worsened within a few days and it was euthanased 1 month after surgery. Relevance and novel information Primary diaphragmatic tumours (PDTs) have been rarely reported in human and in veterinary medicine, where only three cases have been described in the dog. To our knowledge, this is the first report to describe a PDT, specifically an undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, in a cat.

First-generation biofuel biorefineries may be a starting point for the development of new value chains, as their by-products and side streams retain nutrients and valuable molecules that may be recovered and valorized for high-value applications. This study provides a chemical characterization of post-fermentation corn oil and thin stillage, side streams of dry-grind corn bioethanol production, in view of their valorization. An overall long-term study was conducted on the two co-products collected over 1 year from a bioethanol plant. Water content, acid value, sedimentation, mineral composition, and fatty acid profiles were analyzed on post-fermentation corn oil. Results highlighted that its acid value was high (19.72&ndash, 24.29 mg KOH/g), indicating high levels of free fatty acids, but stable over the year due to standardized operating conditions. The fatty acid profile was that typical of corn oil, with a prevalence of linoleic (54&ndash, 59% of total fatty acids) over oleic (23&ndash, 27%) and palmitic (12&ndash, 17%) acids. Macronutrients, fatty acid, and mineral profiles were investigated in thin stillage. Results revealed the acidic pH (4.05&ndash, 4.68) and high dilution (90&ndash, 93% water) of this side stream. The dry mass was composed of fats (19&ndash, 30%), proteins (8.8&ndash, 12.8%), ash (8.7&ndash, 9.5%), and fiber (7.3&ndash, 9.8%). The concomitant presence of a variegate complex of molecules of nutritional interest in corn bioethanol co-products, with several potential high-value market applications, make the perspective of their recovery a promising strategy to create new cross-sector interconnections according to circular economy principles.

This paper reports data from a characterization study conducted on the unsaponifiable lipid fraction of dry-grind corn bioethanol side streams. Phytosterols, squalene, tocopherols, tocotrienols, and carotenoids were quantified by High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Diode-Array Detector (HPLC-DAD) and Liquid Chromatography-tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in different lots of post-fermentation corn oil and thin stillage collected from a bioethanol plant over a time-span of one year. Fat-soluble bioactives were present at high levels in corn oil, with a prevalence of plant sterols over tocols and squalene. Beta-sitosterol and sitostanol accounted altogether for more than 60% of total sterols. The carotenoid profile was that typical of corn, with lutein and zeaxanthin as the prevalent molecules. The unsaponifiable lipid fraction profile of thin stillage was qualitatively similar to that of post-fermentation corn oil but, in quantitative terms, the amounts of valuable biomolecules were much lower because of the very high dilution of this side stream. Results indicate that post-fermentation corn oil is a promising and sustainable source of health-promoting bioactive molecules. The concomitant presence of a variegate complex of bioactive molecules with high antioxidant potentialities and their potential multifaceted market applications as functional ingredients for food, nutraceutical, and cosmeceutical formulations, make the perspective of their recovery a promising strategy to create new bio-based value chains and maximize the sustainability of corn dry-grind bioethanol biorefineries.

This chapter gives an updated shot on cold pressed argan (Argania spinose) oil. In addition to the description of extraction and processing technique, the main components of nutritional and nutraceutical interest of cold pressed argan (Argania spinose) seed oil are discussed. The presence of aromatic compounds and their contribution to the organoleptic properties, as well as the beneficial properties, are discussed. Applications, with particular attention to the cosmetic field, are identified, and example of innovative green analytical techniques for adulteration detection, i.e., spectroscopy combined with advanced chemometrics is presented.

The volatile profile of crushed rocket leaves (Eruca sativa and Diplotaxis tenuifolia) was investigated by applying Headspace Solid-Phase MicroExtraction (HS-SPME), combined with GC-MS, to an aqueous extract obtained by homogenization of rocket leaves, and stabilized by addition of CaCl2. A detailed picture of volatile products of the lipoxygenase pathway (mainly C6-aldehydes) and of glucosinolate hydrolysis (mainly isothiocyanates), and their dynamics of formation after tissue disruption was given. Odor-active compounds of leaves were characterized by GC-Olfactometry (GC-O) and Aroma Extract Dilution Analysis (AEDA): volatile isolates obtained by HS-SPME from an aqueous extract and by Stir-Bar Sorptive Extraction (SBSE) from an ethanolic extract were analyzed. The most potent odor-active compounds fully or tentatively identified were (Z)- and (E)-3-hexenal, (Z)-1,5-octadien-3-one, responsible for green olfactory notes, along with 4-mercaptobutyl and 4-(methylthio)butyl isothiocyanate, associated with typical rocket and radish aroma. Relatively high odor potency was observed for 1-octen-3-one, (E)-2-octenal and 1-penten-3-one.

The influence of sodium chloride or of the reduced-sodium salt substitute Pansalt® (NaCl 57%, KCl 28%, MgSO4 12%, lysine hydrochloride 2%, silica 1%, iodine 0.0036%) at two addition levels, 1.5% and 3% (on flour weight), on volatiles formation and sensory profile of yeasted wheat bread was investigated. Volatiles were determined by HS-SPME/GC-MS. An increased level of NaCl was associated to a reduced formation of 2-phenylethanol, a key odorant contributing to a yeast-like note. In contrast, at the 3% NaCl level the formation of most of Maillard reaction volatile products was promoted. Accordingly, sensory analysis highlighted a less intense yeasty note in the crumb, as well as more intense toasted aroma and flavour in the crust of bread with 3% NaCl with respect to the 1.5% counterpart. Bread with 3% NaCl was also characterized by more bitter crust and more even crumb structure. Increasing the addition level of Pansalt® from 1.5 to 3% produced similar effects on bread sensory attributes than NaCl. However, the substitution by Pansalt® was not able to maintain the same level of perceived saltiness as NaCl at both addition levels. In particular, Pansalt® at 3% produced a perceptible increase in bitter taste and aftertaste in the crust.

Rapeseed meal (RSM), a by-product of oilseed extraction connected to the agri-food andbiofuel sectors, is currently used as animal feed and for other low-value purposes. With a biorefineryapproach, RSM could be valorized as a source of bio-based molecules for high-value applications. This study provides a chemical characterization of RSM in the perspective of its valorization. Aqualitative study of main functional groups by fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy wasintegrated with a chemical characterization of macronutrients, minerals by inductively coupledplasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), phenolic acids and lipid components by highperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS), HPLC-diode arraydetector (HPLC-DAD) and gaschromatography-mass spectrometry/flame ionization detector(GC-MS/FID). The study, conducted on different lots of RSM collected over a one-year periodfrom an oil pressing factory serving a biofuel biorefinery, highlighted a constant quality over timeof RSM, characterized by high protein (31–34%), fiber (33–40%) and mineral (5.5–6.8%) contents. Polyphenol extracts showed a significant antioxidant activity and a prevalence of sinapic acid,accounting for more than 85% of total phenolic acids (395–437 mg kg􀀀1 RSM). Results highlightthe potentialities of RSM for further valorization strategies that may lead to the creation of newcross-sector interconnections and bio-based value chains with improvement of the economicsandsustainability of the bioeconomy sectors involved.

During the last decades there has been a progressive increase in proportion of incidence of oral cancer not related to a known etiologic factor, such as the so-called "oral cancer in young", a relevant tumor in non-smoker non-drinker (NSND) patients. The topic is matter of long standing debate, and adequate study models to analyze this entity are lacking. Spontaneous oral cancer in companion animals such as dogs and cats, presents more clinical and biological similarities with the human oral cancer than any other animal model. In our review we analyze how the study of spontaneous oral cancer in common pets can prospectively prove to be of double usefulness in unraveling the question about the origin of oral cancer in NSND patients, allowing both the analysis of environmental and behavioral risk factors, and the study of how carcinogenic viruses, chronic inflammation, and changes in immunity can influence pre-tumoral and tumoral microenvironment.

Tomato fruits of cv. Caramba harvested at the pink ripening stage were cold stored for 4 and 7 days at 6 °C, then allowed to fully ripen at ambient temperature, and finally evaluated for eating quality, and compared with fruit fully ripened on the vine. In addition, fruits harvested at full ripeness were subjected to cold storage at 6 °C by a conventional or the innovative passive refrigeration PRS™ system for 2, 4, and 7 days, and then evaluated. Tomato quality evaluation included sensory, chemical (volatile compounds, sugars, and organic acids), and physical (flesh texture and skin colour) attributes. Fruit harvested at the pink stage, and then subjected to cold storage, when attained full external red colour showed less intense tomato odour, red ripe tomato odour, and flavour when compared to fruit fully ripened on the vine, and, at the same time, developed a perceptible mould off-odour. These differences were consistent with those observed in the levels of aroma compounds and fermentation metabolites. Main effects associated with cold storage of red ripe fruits by both conventional and passive refrigeration were increased skin toughness and decreased sourness. Passive refrigeration caused a more pronounced toughening of the skin, but no development off-odours were detected. Analysis of alteration of volatile synthesis confirmed recent findings on the molecular mechanism underlying chilling-induced loss of flavour in tomatoes.

The primary product of the oenological sector is wine. Nonetheless, the grape processing produces large amounts of by-products and wastes, e.g., the grape seeds. In the context of a sustainable production, there is a strong push towards reutilizing these by-products and waste for making useful derivatives since they are rich of bioactive substances with high additional value. As it is true for the wine itself, bringing these by-products derivatives to the market calls for quality measures and analytical tools to assess quality itself. One of the main objectives is to collect analytical data regarding bioactive compounds using potentially green techniques. In the present work, the profile of fatty acids and the main phenolic compounds were investigated by conventional methods. The qualitative analysis of the main functional groups was carried out by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Moreover, the successful use of FTIR technique in combination with chemometric data analysis is shown to be a suitable analytical tool for discriminating the grape seeds. Grape seeds of different origin have different content of bioactive substances, making this technique useful when planning to recover a certain substance with specific potential application in health area as food supplement or nutraceutical. For example, Cesanese d’Affile seeds were found to have a rather high fat content with a significant fraction of unsaturated fatty acids. On the other hand, the seeds of Nero d’Avola exhibit the highest amount of phenolic compounds., This research received funding from Italcol SpA, Consulente Enologica Srl and the support of the Project NATUR-BAKERY-INNOV” Innovative production of a bakery line, for well-being and sport, based on functional natural extracts”—POR FESR 2014–2020—CUP 7429.31052017.113000254. Authors thank the support of the project: Nutraceutica come supporto nutrizionale nel paziente oncologico; CUP: B83D18000140007, info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Passion fruit oil is a high-value product with applications in the food and cosmetic sectors. It is frequently diluted with sunflower oil. Sunflower oil is also a potential adulterant as its addition does not notably alter the appearance of the passion fruit oil. In this paper, we show that this is also true for the FTIR spectrum. However, the chemometric analysis of the data changes this situation. Principal component analysis (PCA) enables not only the straightforward discrimination of pure passion fruit oil and adulterated samples but also the unambiguous classification of passion fruit oil products from five different manufacturers. Even small amounts&mdash, significantly below 1%&mdash, of the adulterant can be detected. Furthermore, partial least-squares regression (PLSR) facilitates the quantification of the amount of sunflower oil added to the passion fruit oil. The results demonstrate that the combination of FTIR spectroscopy and chemometric data analysis is a very powerful tool to analyze passion fruit oil.

A 2‐year‐old American Pit Bull dog was presented for surgical evaluation of imperforate cor triatriatum dexter (CTD) and patent foramen ovale (PFO). Echocardiography identified an imperforate CTD associated with a right‐to‐left shunting PFO and valvular pulmonary stenosis. A 2‐step interventional and surgical approach was used. Initially, a pulmonary balloon valvuloplasty was performed, and subsequently the dog underwent a surgical correction of the atrial anomaly under cardiopulmonary bypass.

A non-destructive analytical method based on HeadSpace-Solid Phase MicroExtraction/GC-Olfactometry-MS (HS-SPME/GC-O-MS) for characterisation of odour-active compounds released within packages of rocket leaves was developed. Then it was applied, along with sensory olfactory evaluation, to ten commercial products, close to the expiration date, to identify the volatiles responsible for the off-odour perception upon the opening of the bag. Twenty-nine volatiles were detected by GC-MS within the packages, whereas only eleven odour-active regions were detected by GC-O in at least three of the commercial products. Besides dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl disulfide, also methanethiol was identified as major odour-active compound associated to off-odour notes, such as rotten leaves and faecal. Acetic acid and 2,4-dithiapentane were also tentatively identified as major off-odorants. Four structurally related volatile compounds, characterised by a solvent-like note and still unidentified, were clearly detected as odour-active but their role in off-odour perception remained to be elucidated. Among the different classes of volatiles detected in the headspace of rocket stored under modified atmosphere packaging, in the present and in previous studies, only the group of sulfur compounds consistently appeared to be related to off-odour perception and thus may be considered the best candidate as indicator of off-odour formation.

The efficacy of two sodium reduction strategies in preserving sensory profile and consumer liking of yeasted wheat bread was tested, by combining sensory data, aroma compounds and consumer investigations. The use of (i) a reduced-sodium salt substitute, Pansalt® (NaCl 57%, other salts and minor ingredients) at 1.5%, and (ii) the heterogeneous NaCl distribution (average level of 1%) leading to enhanced saltiness by taste contrast, were compared with standard (1.5%) and reduced (1.0%) addition of NaCl. The heterogeneous NaCl distribution was effective in preserving saltiness. Salt substitution with Pansalt® was less effective but preserved the overall flavour. Higher amount of Maillard reaction volatile products, associated with more intense toasted odour of the crust, was found in breads with higher NaCl content. The consumer survey highlighted satisfactory results of Pansalt® use for 58% of the respondents (equal or higher liking and purchase intention). Heterogeneous salt distribution was effective for 31% of consumers.

Objective—To evaluate predictors of survival time in dogs undergoing adrenalectomy and identify risk factors associated with adrenal gland tumor metastasis and vein thrombosis. Design—Retrospective case series. Animals—52 dogs with primary adrenal gland tumors. Procedures—Medical records were reviewed. Signalment, tumor features, and information from surgical procedures were evaluated to identify factors predictive of overall survival time, which was defined as the time from surgery until death. The association between metastasis or vein thrombosis and tumor type, size, and site (right or left adrenal gland) was investigated. Results—On the basis of results of univariate analysis, survival time was significantly shorter for dogs with adenocarcinoma, tumor major axis length ≥ 5 cm, metastasis, and vein thrombosis and when adrenalectomy was combined with an additional abdominal surgical intervention. On multivariate analysis, survival time was significantly shorter for dogs with an adrenal gland tumor with major axis length ≥ 5 cm and for dogs with metastasis or vein thrombosis. Significant associations were found between metastasis and adenocarcinoma and between vein thrombosis and tumors with major axis length ≥ 5 cm. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Dogs with an adrenal gland tumor with major axis length ≥ 5 cm, documented metastasis, or vein thrombosis had a poorer prognosis. Metastasis was more frequent in dogs with adenocarcinoma and vein thrombosis when tumors were ≥ 5 cm in length.

Quantification of estragole content in commercial fennel herbal teas was carried out in order to allow for a more accurate estimate of the dietary exposure to estragole. A simple and rapid analytical method, based on Stir Bar Sorptive Extraction and GC-MS, was developed for this purpose. Fennel teas obtained from different types of commercial products were analysed. Concentration levels ranged from 241 to 2058 μg L(-1) in teas from teabags, from 9 to 912 μg L(-1) in diluted instant teas, from 251 to 1718 μg L(-1) in teas from not packaged seeds. Based on these data and considering the daily consumption of three portions of herbal tea, a maximum exposure to estragole for adults of 10 μg/kg bw/day was calculated. The relatively high level observed in diluted instant teas of some brands deserves attention since these products are designed for infant consumption. Estimated exposure in infants was up to 51 μg/kg bw/day for teas from teabags, and up to 23 μg/kg bw/day for instant teas. A generalization of the use of suitable technologies in production processes of instant teas could substantially reduce the exposure to estragole in the vulnerable population groups (infants, young children, pregnant and breastfeeding women) who consume these products.

OBJECTIVES To describe a modified technique of semitendinosus muscle transposition for the repair of ventral perineal hernia. MATERIALS AND METHODS Retrospective review of case records of dogs with ventral perineal hernia that were treated by transposing the medial half of the longitudinally split semitendinosus muscle of one limb. The transposition of the internal obturator muscle was used when uni- or bilateral rectal sacculation was also present in addition to ventral perineal hernia; colopexy and vas deferens pexy were also performed. RESULTS Fourteen dogs were included. In addition to ventral perineal hernia, unilateral and bilateral perineal hernia was also present in five and six of the dogs, respectively. The mean follow-up time was 890 days. Ventral perineal hernia was successfully managed by the modified semitendinosus muscle transposition with minor complications in all the dogs included in the study. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Despite the small number of dogs included, the unilateral transposition of the medial half of the longitudinally split semitendinosus muscle consistently supported the ventral rectal enlargement in perineal hernia without obvious adverse effects.

A 2-month-old, female cat was presented for abdomen dilation. The patient was undernourished, and severe left hydronephrosis was diagnosed after clinical, ultrasonographical and radiographical examination. Although pyelography was performed in order to visualise the ureteral course, surgery was necessary to reach a final aetiological diagnosis and treatment. At gross examination, the left ureter crossed the renal capsula at the level of the caudal renal pole, and the subcapsular ureteral segment was markedly dilated. Distal to the renal capsula, the left ureter was very thin when compared to the right. The parenchyma of the left kidney, as suggested by ultrasonographical evaluation, was extremely reduced in thickness. An ureteronephrectomy was performed. Histopathological evaluation revealed glomerular sclerosis and diffuse parenchymal fibrosis. Severe hydronephrosis derived from an altered renal pelvic anatomy and abnormal ureteral course determining functional stenosis. Diagnosis of congenital anomaly before development of complications such as hydronephrosis could have allowed a surgical renal capsulectomy and obstruction relief. To the author's knowledge, this is the first report of severe hydronephrosis associated to altered renal pelvic anatomy and proximal ureteral ectopia in cat.

A postharvest experiment was designed and carried out in order to evaluate the effects of distribution chain conditions and length on flavor-related quality attributes of fresh tomatoes. Three tomato cultivars characterized by intermediate susceptibility to postharvest handling were evaluated for their response to the conditions of distribution chains of different length. For two of them, these conditions and times produced significant effects on the formation of flavor compounds, suggesting that fruits coming from a medium or long distribution chain did not develop the same flavor profile as those exposed to a short chain.

Protein solubility of raw and cooked faba bean, lentil, chickpea, and dry bean was tested in water and in NaCl in the pH range 1.0-13.0. The solubility of all legume proteins in water typically increased on both sides of pH 4.0. In NaCl, only solubility of raw dry bean proteins was improved. A marked reduction in protein solubility was observed after cooking of all legumes up to pH 10.0, where solubilization occurred, suggesting that it was dependent on deprotonation of lysine and arginine. Amino acid analysis showed that the protein fraction that retained solubility in water (pH 6.5) after cooking had a high amount of arginine and glutamic acid, low levels of hydrophobic amino acids, and, therefore, a much higher charge density than proteins in the whole flour. The SE-HPLC profiles indicated that water-soluble raw faba bean and lentil had main protein peaks of a higher molecular weight than those of dry bean or chickpea, thus suggesting a higher trend toward association. In vitro protein digestibility of faba bean and lentil, unlike that of chickpea and dry bean, was not improved upon cooking. The results indicate that, in addition to hydrophobic forces, basic residues are involved in the stabilization of heat-induced aggregates of legume proteins, possibly contributing to their low digestibility.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruits of three cultivars picked at different ripening stages were subjected to conditions in the laboratory simulating both short and long distribution chains as occurring in commercial practice and to recommended storage conditions. At the end of the postharvest experiments, a flavor quality profile of fruits was obtained by chemical determination of volatile compounds, sugars, and organic acids, and physical measurement of texture properties. In two of the three cultivars, the overall profile and many of the individual quality attributes was significantly affected by the distribution chain conditions, the effect being more pronounced in tomatoes marketed at full ripeness than in those marketed at an intermediate ripening stage. In these cultivars, tomatoes harvested at the Breaker stage, subjected to long chain conditions and then allowed to achieve full ripeness at room temperature, did not develop the same overall profile observed on fruits fully ripened on the vine and exposed to a simulated short chain. Fruits subjected to recommended commercial storage conditions, cold stored above the chilling range (10 or 13 °C) and at high relative humidity (95%), developed a different profile when compared to fruit exposed to the simulated long distribution chain (6 °C and 55-80% RH), suggesting that these changes in temperature and relative humidity may remarkably affect flavor formation in tomato fruits. Major drivers of profile differentiation between tomatoes subjected to different postharvest scenarios were the levels of some aroma compounds derived from aminoacids (1-nitro-2-phenylethane, 2-isobutylthiazole, phenylacetaldehyde, 2-phenylethanol, and 2- and 3-methylbutanal) and lipids ((E,E)- and (E,Z)-2,4-decadienal), and, among nonvolatile flavor compounds, of organic acids (citric and malic).

Ureteral stenting is a common practice in human medicine and has recently been reported in dogs and cats to provide urinary diversion for ureteral obstructions caused by ureteroliths, strictures, neoplasia, and in an attempt to prevent postoperative complications following ureteral anastomosis. The aim of this report is to describe a surgical technique of ureteral stenting and the follow-up and complications in nine cats. Number 3 French double-J catheters were used during open surgery for ureterotomy/ureterolith removal in eight cats and for segmental ureterectomy/end-to-end anastomosis in one cat for a localized benign stricture. Neoureterocystostomy was necessary in eight of the cats. Uroperitoneum did not occur. Stents were still in place in 7/9 animals after 357-1,565 days (median 1,277 days). A minor complication (stent migration) occurred in one cat, but stent removal was not required. Major complications were encrustation and persistent stranguria (in one cat each), requiring stent removal at 90 and 123 days, respectively. The first cat had a new stent inserted but was euthanased 3 months later for progressive renal failure. Despite the small number of cats, both the outcome and long-term stent tolerance observed in most cases suggest that ureteral stenting is a safe, adjunctive measure to ureteral surgery, mainly for concomitant ureteral and renal pelvic stones to prevent further obstruction and avoid pyelotomy/nephrotomy. However, smaller stents should be used to decrease the need for ureteral surgery.

The objective of this study was to investigate the potential role of rosemary compounds in inhibiting the plant sterol oxidation in extra virgin olive oil during heating. The stability of plant sterols was measured by quantification of plant sterol and sterol oxide formation upon 6 h of heating in both the extra virgin olive oil and its respective oil at 10% rosemary concentration (ROE). The total sterol and sitosterol oxide contents were determined by GC-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and GC-MS techniques, respectively. Heating experiments were carried out at 180 degrees C for 0, 1, 3 and 6 h. The total sterol content in the extra virgin olive oil was 255 mg/100 g and that in the ROE 270 mg/100 g. Sitosterol was the most abundant sterol in both samples (50% of total sterol). The ROE showed a lower content of sitosterol oxides with respect to the extra virgin olive oil during heating: after 6 h of heating only 6.1% of sitosterol oxides were formed, while up to 11.5% of sitosterol oxidized in the extra virgin olive oil. Our findings suggested that rosemary compounds were able to counteract the oxidation of plant sterols in the extra virgin olive oil during heating, preventing formation of potentially harmful compounds to human health.

Despite the increasing interest in organic products, knowledge about how different levels of fertilization affect nutritionally relevant components is still limited. The concentration of polyphenols and the activity of polyphenoloxidase (PPO), together with the content in ascorbic acid, citric acid, and alpha- and gamma-tocopherol, were assayed in conventional and organic peach (Prunus persica L., cv. Regina bianca) and pear (Pyrus communis L., cv. Williams). 2-Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and the tocopherolquinone/alpha-tocopherol ratio were used as markers of oxidative damage in fruits. A parallel increase in polyphenol content and PPO activity of organic peach and pear as compared with the corresponding conventional samples was found. Ascorbic and citric acids were higher in organic than conventional peaches, whereas alpha-tocopherol was increased in organic pear. The concentration of oxidation products in organic samples of both fruits was comparable to that of the corresponding conventional ones. These data provide evidence that an improvement in the antioxidant defense system of the plant occurred as a consequence of the organic cultivation practice. This is likely to exert protection against damage of fruit when grown in the absence of pesticides.

The mechanism of heat-induced aggregation of Phaseolus vulgaris L. proteins and of subunit interactions of importance for susceptibility of proteins to proteolysis was studied by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. The mobility of a spin label bound to lysine residues was monitored at two different pH-induced (neutral and alkaline) association states of proteins extracted from raw and cooked common bean. The molecular weight of the protein complexes was assessed by size exclusion-high performance liquid chromatography (SE-HPLC) of labeled proteins. Upon alkaline dissociation, both native and denatured protein subunits underwent a reassociation process to form soluble complexes of molecular weight higher than the species originally present at neutral pH. However, unlike native proteins, impaired mobility of the spin label was observed in the aggregates that are formed after dissociation of subunits of denatured proteins, indicating a reduced accessibility of lysine residues. Trapping of lysine residues inside protein aggregates may explain limited digestibility in the small intestine of proteins in cooked legumes.

Aqueous extracts of uncooked and cooked samples of squid and shrimp, characterized by their high amine content, were exposed to nitrate. The samples were cooked following traditional Italian recipes: stewing, grilling and deep-frying for squid; boiling, grilling and deep-frying for shrimp. Incubation of the aqueous extracts with nitrite in acidic medium yielded appreciable amounts of N-nitrosodimethylamine. Ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol were effective in preventing nitrosation of seafood amines only in the presence of molar excesses of these vitamins. An attempt at modulating nitrosation through the use of food ingredients naturally rich in vitamin C was unsuccessful.

Non presente