Protective effect of Rumenic acid rich cow's milk against colitis is associated with the activation of Nrf2 pathway in a murine model.

Dietary supplementation with pure cis9, trans11 isomer of Conjugated Linoleic Acid -known as Rumenic Acid (RA)- improves cytoprotective defenses downstream through the activation of nuclear factor-E2-related factor-2(Nrf2). This capability, when Rumenic Acid is consumed in the form of foods, is still unknown. The ability of standard (St) or cow milk naturally-enriched in RA (En) to activate Nrf2 pathway and its impact on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis was comparatively evaluated. Activity of Nrf2 pathway was investigated in colonic tissue of BALB/c mice, receiving 4-week supplement with skimmed milk (SK), St or St reinforced with pure RA (RSt) providing increasing RA dose (0, 124 or 404mg RA/kg-1 b.w, respectively). Next, the anti-oxidant/ anti-inflammatory effect produced by St or En treatment (383mg RA/kg-1 b.w.) was explored. Finally, macroscopic and histomorphologic features of colitis were evaluated in animals challenged with 5% (w/v) DSS, at the end of St or En treatment. Significant activation of Nrf2 pathway is associated with RSt and En intake (P<0.05), but not with SK or En treatment. En pre-treatment offers better protection, in comparison with St, against pro-oxidant, pro-inflammatory signs (P<0.01) and macroscopic signs triggered by DSS. It can be concluded that Nrf2 activation by higher RA amount contained in En is, at least in part, responsible for the improved protection associated with En intake against DSS-induced colitis.

Volatile compounds and bacterial community dynamics of chestnut-flour-based sourdoughs.

The aims of this study were the monitoring of the microbial dynamics by means of a polyphasic approach based on conventional isolation techniques and PCR-DGGE-based methods in different chestnut-based sourdoughs and the evaluation of the impact of fermentation on volatile organic compounds formation during sourdoughs ripening. Members of the Lactobacillus plantarum group and Pediococcus pentosaceous dominated the sourdough ecosystems. Nevertheless, RAPD-PCR allowed recording a relevant genotypic biodiversity among strains coming from gluten-free flour combinations. Volatile compounds were characterised by GC/MS. A total of 59 volatile compounds were identified, mainly alcohols, esters, acids, aldehydes and ketones. Principal component analysis of samples at the beginning and at the end of ripening offered a good separation of the samples and highlighted the effect of fermentation on the sensorial profile.

[6 classes of Burstone: typodont evaluation]. / Le sei classi di Burstone: valutazione al typodont.

The knowledge of force systems which are produced by orthodontic appliance is one of precondition for a rationale Orthodontic pretreatment. This article describes the force system developing when a straight wire is placed in two nonalligned brackets, to examine to typodont what is analysed by Burstone and Koenig in their study on six Classes.

[Super-elastic wire used in orthodontics]. / Considerazioni sui fili super-elastici utilizzati in ortognatodonzia.

The Authors describe the unusual super-elastic property of the Japanese NiTi alloy wire. They examine the clinical applications in relation to the relatively constant force delivered during the deactivation and in relation to the new possibility to shape wire which are offered by the Archmate Wire Bender.

[Craniofacial dysmorphosis: orthodontic and surgical-orthodontic treatment of borderline cases]. / Le dismorfosi cranio-facciali: il trattamento ortodontico e chirurgico-ortodontico dei casi border line.

The authors, described the typical cranio-facial anomalies in the border-line cases, consider the possibilities of the orthodontic therapy or else of the alternative orthodontic-surgical therapy. The advantages and disadvantages are commented.

[Differential anchorage in orthodontics: problems and clinical implications]. / L'ancoraggio differenziato in ortognatodonzia: problematiche ed implicazioni cliniche.

The authors carry out an examination of the principles that lead the "passive" anchorage of the teeth. Furthermore it's considered the possibility to have an different anchorage between two teeth or arch segment with force systems developing different Moment/Force ratio between active and reactive segment. At last, they consider advantages and disadvantages of these systems.