NUTRITIONAL AND SENSORY SURVEY OF CITRUS SINENSIS (L.) CULTIVARS GROWN AT THE MOST NORTHERN LIMIT OF THE MEDITERRANEAN LATITUDE

ABSTRACT

This report describes Citrus sinensis fruit grown in the Lake Maggiore area (Italy), the upmost Northern distribution range of the genus Citrus in Europe. Total ascorbic acid (TAA), bioflavonoids, total polyphenol content (TPC), antioxidant activity, total soluble solid, total acidity and sensory characteristics were evaluated on oranges harvested during the 2009–2010 season. The range of values detected was as follows: TAA from 36.89 to 67.34 mg/100 mL, hesperidin from 18.97 to 31.87 mg/100 mL, narirutin from 17.30 to 29.28 mg/100 mL and rutin from 4.39 to 5.36 mg/100 mL; antioxidant activity (ferric reducing antioxidant power assay) from 8.62 to 17.00 mmol Fe²⁺/kg, fresh fruit weight; TPC (Folin–Ciocalteu method) from 87.16 to 135.16 mg GAE/100 g. This first attempt to characterize cultivars grown in the Piedmont region showed that these oranges had acceptable nutritional components and sensory quality, if compared with bibliographic data about cultivars grown in the subtropical and Mediterranean area.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The identification, characterization and valorization of old cultivars are essential to avoid loss of potentially useful germplasm. The reduction of biodiversity of cultivars found in agriculture could lead to problems such as higher susceptibility to widespread outbreaks of plant diseases and pests, and at the same time, the loss of precious source of nutrients. This survey was carried out to characterize a germplasm that could also be used in breeding programs to obtain new cold‐tolerant varieties.     

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy on postnatal brain development: The potential role of glial cells

Glial cells are crucial for maintaining central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis. They actively participate in immune responses, as well as form functional barriers, such as blood-brain barrier (BBB), which restrict the entry of pathogens and inflammatory mediators into the CNS. In general, viral infections during the gestational period can alter the embryonic and fetal environment, and the related inflammatory response may affect neurodevelopment and lead to behavioral dysfunction during later stage of life, as highlighted by our group for Zika virus infection. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) induces a cytokine storm and, during pregnancy, may be related to a more severe form of the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) and also to higher preterm birth rates. SARS-CoV-2 can also affect the CNS by inducing neurochemical remodeling in neural cells, which can compromise neuronal plasticity and synaptic function. However, the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy on postnatal CNS, including brain development during childhood and adulthood, remains undetermined. Our group has recently highlighted the impact of COVID-19 on the expression of molecular markers associated with neuropsychiatric disorders, which are strongly related to the inflammatory response. Thus, based on these relationships, we discussed the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection either during pregnancy or in critical periods of neurodevelopment as a risk factor for neurological consequences in the offspring later in life, focusing on the potential role of glial cells. Thus, it is important to consider future and long-term public health concerns associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy.     

APPLICATION OF SENSORY,NUTRACEUTICAL AND GENETIC TECHNIQUES TO CREATE A QUALITY PROFILE OF ANCIENT APPLE CULTIVARS

ABSTRACT

With the diffusion of commercial apple varieties since the second half of the last century, hundreds of different local cultivars rapidly disappeared from orchards in Italy, and the particular quality attributes of these fruits are still at risk of being lost today. The aim of this research was to use sensory, nutritional and genetic techniques in order to define the overall quality of fruits from ancient apple cultivars grown in Northern Italy. Cluster analysis arranged the 10 genotypes into five groups; in most cases, the analyzed cultivars demonstrated higher sensory and nutritional qualities than the control (Golden Delicious cv). The cultivars showed higher values of total polyphenolic compounds and a stronger antioxidant activity. The vitamin C content also differed from the control. The sensory analysis, performed by the Fruit Tasters Italian Organization, was an effective characterization tool and genetic analysis further helped to characterize the identity of these interesting cultivars.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The characterization and valorization of old apple cultivars are essential to avoid loss of potentially useful germplasm. The reduction of biodiversity of cultivars found in agriculture could lead to problems such as higher susceptibility to widespread outbreaks of plant diseases and pests, and at the same time, the loss of precious source of nutrients. The conservation of apple biodiversity is valuable in order to maintain the gene pool of the species and to introduce superior quality traits into apple‐breeding programs.     

The PAH and Nitro-PAH Concentration Profiles in Size-Segregated Urban Particulate Matter and Soil in Traffic-Related Sites in Catania,Italy

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (nitro-PAHs) were identified from both air particulate matter and soils. For air sampling, a six-stage cascade impactor was situated in an urban area (Catania, Italy) that is recognized for its high traffic volume. The soil samples were collected every 1.5 km from under the grass by the side of the median of a Catania road along its full length (8.2 km). HPLC in electrochemical-fluorescence detection mode was used for selective separation, identification and quantification of analytes in air and soil samples, providing both good selectivity and sensitivity. The seasonal trends, effects of urban traffic, and source profiles are discussed herein. Higher PM₁₀ concentrations were observed for summer (43 μg m^?3) in comparison to winter (24 μg m^?3). Conversely, the PAHs contained in PM₁₀ were higher in winter (0.48 ng m^?3 for fluoranthene) than in summer (0.14 ng m^?3 for fluoranthene). Analysis of the size-segregated urban particulate matter showed that the amount of PM_0.5 (stage 6) was always higher than the amount of other particles (stages 1–5). Furthermore, the PM_0.5 was always higher in summer (about 40%, m/m) than in winter (about 30%, m/m). Finally, the amounts of PAH and nitro-PAH in PM_0.5 (stage 6) were always higher, by a maximum of one order of magnitude, than that of other particles (stages 1–5). This result is crucial because ultrafine particles have a tendency to move into the blood through the alveolar epithelial barrier. Moreover, the air and soil pollution levels agree with those found in other cities with similar levels of pollution. Supplemental materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds to view the supplemental file.     

An assessment of factors characterising the microbiology of Grana Trentino cheese,a Grana‐type cheese

In this study, microbiological aspects of Grana Trentino, a variant of Grana Padano cheese, were defined by plate counts, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) PCR genotying, 16S rRNA gene sequencing of bacterial isolates and PCR–denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR–DGGE). Results showed variability in monthly fluctuations of whey culture counts, differences in the diffusion of bacterial genotypes among producers and dairy plant‐specific microbial associations. Moreover, the presence of bacteria not previously reported in this cheese type was highlighted, including coagulase‐negative staphylococci and Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis‐like micro‐organisms.