Cystoseira compressa and Ericaria mediterranea: Effective Bioindicators for Heavy- and Semi-Metal Monitoring in Marine Environments with Rocky Substrates.

Marine environmental monitoring is essential to ensure that heavy-metal (HM) concentrations remain within safe limits. Most seawater analyses currently consider sediment or water samples, but this approach does not apply to rocky substrates, where water samples can only indicate immediate contamination. We used two common Mediterranean algae species, Cystoseira compressa and Ericaria mediterranea, as bioindicators living in the intertidal zone on rocky substrates along the seacoast. HM concentrations were assessed over a one-year period in the perennial base crust and in the seasonal frond, considering marine sites characterised by different contamination risks. Both algae showed that HMs accumulate mainly in the perennial base rather than in the seasonal frond. Furthermore, the algae species always showed a different order of bioaccumulation factors: Cd > Ni > Pb > Cr > Cu > Mn > Zn for the frond and Pb > Cr > Ni > Cd > Mn > Cu > Zn for the base. Our study shows that C. compressa and E. mediterranea accumulate HM consistently with the types of sites analysed and differentially with respect to the part of the thallus. These results demonstrate that these algae can be effectively used as reliable bioindicators to assess the presence of HM in marine environments with rocky substrates, providing both short- and long-term monitoring.

Heavy Metals Bioaccumulation in Mytilus galloprovincialis and Tapes decussatus from Faro Lake (Messina), Italy.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential bioaccumulation of arsenic (As), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) in the haemolymph and corpus of Mytilus galloprovincialis and Tapes decussatus from Lake Faro. The lake is particularly prone to the accumulation of substances that are potentially toxic to aquatic organisms, due to the input of pollutants from urban and agricultural sources and the low rate of water exchange. The combination of saltwater from the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Strait of Messina and freshwater from hilly aquifers has created brackish conditions in the lake, resulting in an area of high commercial shellfish productivity. As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn were determined using a single quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer; Hg was determined using a direct mercury analyser (DMA-80). Physicochemical parameters of the water from Lake Faro were also performed. Statistical analysis was carried out using GraphPad Prism 9.0 (GraphPad Software, Inc., Boston, MA, USA) and Shapiro-Wilk normality was applied. Concentrations of Cd, Hg and Pb below the permitted MRLs in Mytilus galloprovincialis and Tapes decussatus used as ''biological indicators'' show that Lake Faro is not at risk of contamination by these pollutants and, moreover, is free of health problems for the consumer based on regulatory limits.

Blood and hoof biodistibution of some trace element (Lithium, Copper, Zinc, Strontium and, Lead) in horse from two different areas of Sicily.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Biological monitoring of trace element horses is a well-known tool for investigating potential bioaccumulation in urbanized and industrialized geographical areas. Some biomaterials such as hoof are considered as an important indicator of environmental pollution. Hooves can store trace elements for a long time compared to blood and this represents a scientific key to long-term monitoring of exposure to environmental pollutants. In the present study, samples of equine hoof and blood were taken from an experimental group of horses living in an industrialized area of Sicily (Italy) and from a control group of horses housed in a non-industrialized area of Sicily to evaluate the bioaccumulation of different trace elements in different substrates. METHODS: Hoof and blood mineral concentration of Li- Lithium, Cu- Copper, Zn- Zinc, Sr- Strontium and, Pb- Lead was processed by means of Thermo Scientific iCAP-Q ICP-MS spectrometer. Student T-test was applied to evaluate the differences between groups and substrates. Correlation analysis between substrates and hematological parameters was performed. RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed a significant statistical difference for Li (p < 0.0001) and Pb (p < 0.0001) between blood and hoof in both groups. A statistically significant difference was observed for Li (p < 0.0001), Cu(p < 0.01), Zn (p < 0.0001) and Pb (p < 0.0001) between substrates in the experimental group. The statistical analysis showed a significant difference of blood Zn (p < 0.01) and hoof Pb (p < 0.01) concentration between groups. Our results revealed a statistically higher concentration of minerals in the blood substrate than in the hoof in both groups. Li (p < 0.0001) and Zn (p < 0.001) were positively correlated between control and experimental group in blood substrate. No correlations were found (P > .05) in hoof between groups for other elements. A positive correlation with WBC was observed in Cu concentration for hoof substrate (p < 0.02) in control group and for Zn in experimental group (p < 0.02). A positive correlation with HGB and HCT was observed for Cu hoof concentration (p < 0.02) in experimental group and PLT resulted positively correlated (p < 0.02) with Pb blood substrate in control group. CONCLUSIONS: Horses were not overexposed to these elements in the analyzed groups. The study highlights the role of a new bioaccumulation substrate such as the horse hoof identified as an analytical matrix for the monitoring of heavy metal concentrations in domestic animals.

Chlorpromazine's impact on Mytilus galloprovincialis: a multi-faceted investigation.

The antipsychotic chlorpromazine (Cpz) has raised concern as a pharmaceutical effluent due to its wide medical applications. Moreover, its potent pro-oxidant properties and impact on the cell viability of the marine mollusc Mytilus galloprovincialis, even at low concentrations (ng/L), have been noted. Based on this evidence, in this study, we investigated the physiological effects of Cpz on M. galloprovincialis, to elucidate its fate within the organism, in terms of bioaccumulation, biotransformation, byssus changes and stress responses of the cellular thiolome. Histological and indicators of vitality analyses were also performed to better evaluate the influence of the drug on the morphology and cell viability of the digestive gland. To this end, two different concentrations of Cpz (Cpz I (12 ng/L or 37 pM) and Cpz II (12 µg/L or 37 nM)) were administered to mussels over 14 days. Cpz accumulation in the digestive gland significantly increased with water concentration (BCF of Cpz I and Cpz II). Biochemical analyses indicated lysosomal dysfunction, reflected in elevated total Cathepsin D activity and compromised lysosomal membrane stability. Stress-related and metal-buffering proteins (GST and metallothionein) responded to both Cpz concentrations. Cpz I induced phase I biotransformation activity (CYP450-dependent EROD), while Cpz II triggered caspase-3 activation, indicative of detoxification overload. Histological analysis revealed digestive gland atrophy, epithelial thinning, haemocyte infiltration, and brown cell presence. Byssus analysis showed significant alterations. In conclusion, our study underscores Cpz-induced physiological and histological changes in M. galloprovincialis, posing potential implications for mussel health and confirming the utilisation of this mussel as an indication of Cpz ecotoxicity.

Opuntia ficus indica cladode as fermentation feedstock for lactic acid production by Lactobacillus acidophilus LA 5.

Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes are by-products which contain high amounts of fibres, bioactive and functional compounds. Given their high annual productivity per hectare, cladodes represent a cheap and suitable substrate, usable for fermentation processes. We investigated their potential as a substrate for the growth and production of lactic acid from Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5. A separate hydrolysis and fermentation was performed. The concentration of reducing sugars obtained after the dilute acid and enzymatic hydrolysis was 28.45 g/L. The lactobacillus count ranged from 6.03 to 8.1 log CFU/mL, whereas lactic acid yield and productivity were 0.63 g/g and 0.73 g/L h, respectively. The maximum lactic acid concentration was found to be 17.5 g/L. This study reports the possibility of using the O. ficus indica cladode for lactic acid production by LA-5 aiming to reduce costs for sustainable industrial production.

Horse Whole Blood Trace Elements from Different Sicily Areas: Biomonitoring of Environmental Risk.

Horses are excellent bioindicators for the assessment of environmental pollution. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels and potential bioaccumulation of 28 mineral elements in 75 horse whole blood samples collected from five pollution-prone areas of Sicily, Italy. A direct mercury analyzer (DMA-80) was used for Hg determination, and an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) for all other elements. A one-way ANOVA test, followed by Bonferroni's multiple comparison for post hoc comparison, was applied to assess statistically significant differences between mineral elements and the five experimental groups. The levels of mineral elements in hay and concentrate were below the limits set by Regulation No. 744/2012. The mineral content of whole blood samples was slightly influenced by the region of origin of the horse. p values < 0.05 were statistically meaningful. However, the concentrations of mineral elements in horses' whole blood remained within reference ranges. In conclusion, the present study shows that the mineral content does not represent a toxicological risk for the analyzed horses. In addition, the study areas did not appear to show a high mineral element contamination.

Assessment of the Accuracy of Nutrition Label and Chemical Composition of Plant-Based Milks Available on the Italian Market.

Growing health, environmental, and ethical concerns have encouraged interest in plant-based milks (PBMs), but it remains questionable whether the nutrition labeling of these products is adequately reliable for consumers, and whether nutritional standards can be defined for a given PBM type. On this basis, cereal, pseudocereal, nut, and legume PBMs available on the Italian market were analyzed in order to check the accuracy of nutritional labels on packages and generate new or updated compositional data. Most labels provided inaccurate information, especially with respect to the declared energy, fat, and saturated fat. Cereal- and pseudocereal-based PBMs were generally characterized by high MUFA (34.04-59.35%) and PUFA (21.61-52.27%). Almond, soy, rice, and hazelnut beverages displayed the highest levels of total tocopherols (11.29-13.68 mg/L), while buckwheat and spelt PBMs had the highest total polyphenol content (34.25-52.27 mg GAE/100 mL). Major and trace elements greatly varied among samples, being more abundant in buckwheat and coconut-based drinks. A PCA confirmed that nutritional standards cannot be unequivocally established for a given PBM, and indicated that, among the investigated variables, inorganic elements had more weight in the sample differentiation. Overall, to reliably guide consumers in their dietary choices, there is a need for greater accuracy in the development of nutrition labels for PBMs, as well as greater effort in assessing the nutritional quality of the ever-increasing variety of products available on the market.

Tramadol vs. Lidocaine Administered Intraperitoneally and in Incisional Lines for the Intraoperative and Postoperative Pain Management of Romifidine-Telazol-Anesthetized Swine Undergoing Umbilical Hernia Repair.

The aim of the study was to compare the analgesic efficacy of tramadol and lidocaine for local anesthesia during umbilical hernia repair in swine. The study was performed on 66 large white crossbred swine. The swine received a mixture of tiletamine/zolazepam at 5 mg/kg and romifidine at 80 µg/kg, administered intramuscularly. Then, they were divided into three groups (n = 22) that received different treatments with lidocaine at 4 mg/kg and tramadol at 4 mg/kg. The LL group received lidocaine both by infiltration of the surgical planes and intraperitoneally. The LT group received lidocaine by infiltration of the surgical planes and tramadol intraperitoneally. The TT group received tramadol both by infiltration of the surgical planes and intraperitoneally. In all groups, the infiltration of the surgical planes into the umbilical region involved both the skin and muscle planes. Heart rate, noninvasive arterial blood pressure, and respiratory frequency were recorded during surgery. The response to the surgical stimulus was evaluated using a cumulative pain scale (the cut-off point for rescue analgesia was set to 10). Postoperative pain was assessed using the UNESP-Botucatu pig composite acute pain scale (the cut-off point was set to 4). The trend of physiological variables was adequate for patients under anesthesia. No subject required intraoperative and postoperative rescue analgesia. Tramadol could therefore be used for pain management in livestock.

Gourmet Table Salts: The Mineral Composition Showdown.

Table salts with their specialty flake size, textures, flavors, and colors can be considered a gastronomy niche food already increasing in demand worldwide. Being unrefined, they can contain trace elements potentially both healthy and toxic. In this study, 12 mineral elements (Al, Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn) in 10 different salts commercially available in southern Italy namely, Atlantic grey, Baule volante, Guerande, Hawaiian pink, Hawaiian black, Himalayan pink, Maldon, Mozia, Persian blue, and smoked salts were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and thermal decomposition amalgamation-atomic absorption spectrophotometry (TDA-AAS). The concentration of mineral elements was variable according to the type of salt and its geographical origin. Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Se levels were tolerable and Al, Ca, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Zn ranged significantly among the samples. Persian Blue and Atlantic Grey salts showed elevated levels of Fe and Zn; their intake can be helpful in some specific conditions. Nevertheless, Ni levels were high in Persian Blue and Smoked salts. Pb exceeded the maximum level in all samples. Additional monitoring analyses of mineral contents in table salts are recommended for human health.

Determination of Fatty Acid Profile in Processed Fish and Shellfish Foods.

Seafood products are a crucial dietary source of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA), which are essential for human health. However, the presence of these n-3 PUFA may be subject to changes related to different processing methods. The aim of this study was to determine the fatty acid composition, focusing on n-3 PUFA, in different processed fish and shellfish products of both EU and non-EU origin. The products were purchased from supermarkets and ethnic food shops in Messina (Italy). Gas chromatography with a flame-ionization detector (GC-FID) was used for analysis. Based on the fatty acid profile, the atherogenicity index (AI), thrombogenicity index (TI), and flesh lipid quality index (FLQ) were determined: 0.13-1.04 (AI), 0.19-0.89 (TI), and 0.41-29.90 (FLQ). The percentages of saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA), and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids fell within the following ranges: 13.55-50.48%, 18.91-65.58%, and 13.84-52.73%, respectively. Considering that all samples showed low AI and TI indices and that all processed fish products proved to be a good source of beneficial PUFAs, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), their consumption is recommended for humans.

Effect of Filtration Process on Oxidative Stability and Minor Compounds of the Cold-Pressed Hempseed Oil during Storage.

Cold-pressed hempseed oil (HO) has been increasingly exploited in the human diet for its excellent nutritional and healthy properties. However, it has a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and chlorophylls, which inevitably accelerate its oxidative deterioration, especially in the presence of light. In this scenario, the filtration technology may ameliorate the oxidative stability of the oil, with positive effects on its nutritional quality and shelf life. Therefore, in this study, the oxidative stability and minor compounds of non-filtered and filtered HO (NF-HO and F-HO) were monitored over 12 weeks of storage in transparent glass bottles. F-HO showed a better hydrolytic and oxidative status than NF-HO during storage. As a result, F-HO also displayed better preservation of total MUFAs and PUFAs in the autoxidation process. Filtration consistently reduced chlorophylls, thus causing a variation in the natural color of HO. Accordingly, F-HO not only revealed an increased resistance to photooxidation but it was also suitable for storage in clear bottles within 12 weeks. F-HO predictably showed lower carotenoids, tocopherols, polyphenols, and squalene compared to NF-HO. However, filtration appeared to play a "protective role" toward these antioxidants, which had lower degradation rates in F-HO than NF-HO for 12 weeks. Interestingly, the element profile of HO was not affected by filtration and remained stable during the study period. Overall, this study may be of practical use to both producers and marketers of cold-pressed HO.

Toxic and Potentially Toxic Mineral Elements of Edible Gastropods Land Snails (Mediterranean Escargot).

The meat of snails can be considered a high-quality food for the human diet and demand is already increasing across Europe. Due to the bioaccumulation of trace elements in their tissues, land snails can be a significant tool also for environmental pollution evaluation. In this study, 28 mineral elements (Ag, Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Li, Na, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sr, Ti, Tl, V, Zn) in both the edible part and the shell of edible land snails commercially available in Southern Italy belonging to Cernuella virgata, Helix aperta, Theba pisana species were investigated by ICP-MS and direct mercury analyser. The concentration of trace elements was variable among the samples. The variability demonstrates the close connection among the type of snail, the geographical origin, and the habitat in which the species grows. The edible part of the snails analysed in this study was found to be a good source of macro-nutrients. Toxic elements were detected in some samples, especially in shells; nevertheless, the values fell within the safety limits. Further investigations and monitoring of mineral contents in edible land snails are suggested both for human health and environmental pollution evaluation.

Monitoring Moroccan Honeys: Physicochemical Properties and Contamination Pattern.

The physicochemical traits and an array of organic and inorganic contaminants were monitored in monofloral honeys (i.e., jujube [Ziziphus lotus], sweet orange [Citrus sinensis], PGI Euphorbia [Euphorbia resinifera] and Globularia alyphum) from the Moroccan Béni Mellal-Khénifra region (i.e., Khénifra, Beni Méllal, Azlal and Fquih Ben Salah provinces). Moroccan honeys were in line with the physicochemical standards set by the European Union. However, a critical contamination pattern has been outlined. In fact, jujube, sweet orange, and PGI Euphorbia honeys contained pesticides, such as acephate, dimethoate, diazinon, alachlor, carbofuran and fenthion sulfoxide, higher than the relative EU Maximum Residue Levels. The banned 2,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB118) and 2,2',3,4,4',5,5'-heptachlorobiphenyl (PCB180) were detected in all samples and quantified in jujube, sweet orange and PGI Euphorbia honeys; while polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), such as chrysene and fluorene, stood out for their higher contents in jujube and sweet orange honeys. Considering plasticizers, all honeys showed an excessive amount of dibutyl phthalate (DBP), when (improperly) considering the relative EU Specific Migration Limit. Furthermore, sweet orange, PGI Euphorbia and G. alypum honeys were characterized by Pb exceeding the EU Maximum Level. Overall, data from this study may encourage Moroccan governmental bodies to strengthen their monitoring activity in beekeeping and to find suitable solutions for implementing more sustainable agricultural practices.

Withania coagulans fruit extract: a possible useful additive in ameliorating growth and immunity of Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822).

This study aimed to assess the Withania coagulans fruit extract's effects on growth and haematological parameters of Labeo rohita. Healthy fish (n = 120) were divided in four groups. Experimental diet was prepared with different extraction of W. coagulans (0%, 1%, 1.5% and 2%). Diet was provided for eight weeks to all groups except the control group which fed on basal diet. The 1.5% and 2% W. coagulans extracts lead improvement in feed conversion ratio and specific fish growth rate; haematological parameters in fish group fed with 2% of W. coagulans showed increased in WBC, RBC, Hb, MCHC, PCV. The values of plasma proteins and lysozyme activity were higher in the experimental group compared control group. Fish fed with W. coagulans extracts showed increased of immunity and less mortality respect to others. It suggested that W. coagulans could be considered valuable support for the improve growth and immunity in Labeo rohita.

Monitoring Cannabinoids and the Safety of the Trace Element Profile of Light Cannabis sativa L. from Different Varieties and Geographical Origin.

Non-intoxicating Cannabis sativa L. (i.e., hemp) is increasingly used for industrial, cosmetic and food applications. Despite the fact that the EU has not yet established a regulatory framework on hazardous compounds (i.e., toxic inorganic elements), the monitoring of cannabis products is of paramount importance to safeguard consumers, also in view of the species propensity to accumulate toxic metals from the environment. The aim of this work was to assess the compliance with Law n. 242/2016 and the safety of hemp inflorescences from different varieties and Italian regions by monitoring the main cannabinoids and trace elements. All samples complied with the Italian law due to a THC content <0.6% counterbalanced by high CBD levels. However, inflorescences grown in Apulia and Lombardy, and from Finola and Tiborzallasi varieties accumulated higher Cu, Co, Cr, Ni and Pb contents than products from other producing areas (i.e., Sicily and Latium) and varieties (i.e., Antal, Futura75, Kompolti and Carmagnola), being moreover above the limits set by the US Pharmacopeia. A principal component analysis confirmed that trace elements, including toxic metals, were mainly affected by the geographical origin more than the botanical variety. Overall, this study highlights the need to continuously monitor hemp products and establish the earliest related regulatory frameworks.

Evaluation of Chemical Contaminants in Conventional and Unconventional Ragusana Provola Cheese.

Organic contaminants belonging to various classes (plasticizers, bisphenols, pesticides, PCBs, and PAHs,) were analyzed in samples of provola cheese produced from Friesian dairy cows fed with a conventional diet (group CTR), and an unconventional diet (group BIO) enriched with olive cake (OC). The results show that for most determined contaminants, the differences between the two diets were very slight, indicating that the contamination does not depend on the olive cake integrated in the unconventional diet. The results also indicate that the minimal contamination could result from environmental contamination or the production process. It can be concluded that unconventional provola is as safe for the consumer as conventional provola.

Risk Assessment of Essential and Toxic Elements in Freshwater Fish Species from Lakes near Black Sea, Bulgaria.

The aims of this study were to measure the concentrations of selected toxic and essential elements in the muscle tissue of five common freshwater fish species ((roach (Rutilus rutilus), freshwater bream (Abramis brama), prussian carp (Carassius gibelio), crucian carp (Carassius carassius) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio)) from Lake Burgas and Lake Mandra (Bulgaria). In all samples the levels of Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Fe and Zn were under the maximum allowed concentrations for safe human consumption in Bulgaria and ranged as follows: Cd 0.02-0.05; Cr 0.03-0.06; Cu 0.11-0.20; Mn 0.05-0.71; Ni 0.06-0.11; Pb 0.15-0.27, Fe 1.68-5.86 and Zn 1.94-9.06 mg/kg wet weight. The concentration of As was under detection limit. An assessment of the human risk by calculation of the target hazard quotients (THQ), hazard index (HI) and target risk (TR) was performed. The target hazard quotient (THQ) for individual elements and HI for combined metals were lower than 1, indicating no health risk for consumers due to the intake of either individual or combined metals. The target risk for iAs, Pb and Ni was below 10-6, indicating no carcinogenic risk. According to these results, the consumption of these freshwater fish species is safe for human health.

Valorization of Traditional Alcoholic Beverages: The Study of the Sicilian Amarena Wine during Bottle Aging.

Traditional alcoholic beverages have always been part of the Mediterranean culture and, lately, they have been re-evaluated to valorize both the territory and local customs. In this study, the Amarena wine, a fortified wine included in the national list of the traditional agri-food products, was characterized during bottle aging for oenological parameters, chromaticity, volatiles, and inorganic elements. Then, experimental data were visually interpreted by a principal component analysis (PCA). PCA revealed that most of oenological parameters (i.e., alcoholic grade, total dry extract, sugars, organic acids, and phenolic compounds) had a scarce discriminating power. Additionally, ethyl esters were only present in younger products, while remaining at quite constant levels. Conversely, certain metals (i.e., Mg, Na, Mn, Zn, and Cu), chromatic properties, and pH differentiated older Amarena bottles from the younger counterpart. Particularly, acetaldehyde and furanic compounds proved to be valid aging markers. A sensorial analysis highlighted that fruity and floral odors and flavors characterized younger beverages, while dried fruity, nutty, and spicy notes were displayed by older products, along with the valuable attribute of "oxidized" typically observed in aged Sherry wines. Overall, this study may encourage the production and commercialization of the Amarena wine, thus preserving the cultural heritage of the Mediterranean area.

Histological and Chemical Analysis of Heavy Metals in Kidney and Gills of Boops boops: Melanomacrophages Centers and Rodlet Cells as Environmental Biomarkers.

Industrialization has resulted in a massive increase in garbage output, which is frequently discharged or stored in waterways like rivers and seas. Due to their toxicity, durability, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification, heavy metals (such as mercury, cadmium, and lead) have been identified as strong biological poisons. Their presence in the aquatic environment has the potential to affect water quality parameters and aquatic life in general. Teleosts' histopathology provides a sensitive indicator of pollutant-induced stress, because their organs have a central role in the transformation of different active chemical compounds in the aquatic environment. In particular, the gills, kidneys, and liver are placed at the center of toxicological studies. The purpose of this study is to examine the morphological changes caused by heavy metals in the kidney and gills of Boops boops, with a focus on melanomacrophages centers (MMCs) and rodlet cells (RCs) as environmental biomarkers, using histological and histochemical stainings (hematoxylin/eosin, Van Gieson trichrome, Periodic Acid Schiff reaction, and Alcian Blue/PAS 2.5), and immunoperoxidase methods. Our findings show an increase of MMCs and RCs linked to higher exposure to heavy metals, confirming the role of these aggregates and cells as reliable biomarkers of potential aquatic environmental changes reflected in fish fauna. The cytological study of RCs and MMCs could be important in gaining a better understanding of the complicated immune systems of teleosts.

Exploring Lignans, a Class of Health Promoting Compounds, in a Variety of Edible Oils from Brazil.

Lignans, a group of polyphenols, have been identified in eight cold pressed oils from fruits, nuts, and seeds, retrieved from the Brazilian market. The oils under investigation were avocado, Brazilian nut, canola, coconut, grapeseed, macadamia, palm, and pequi. Olive oil was selected as a reference oil, since numerous data on its lignan content are available in literature. The qualitative and quantitative profiles were obtained, after extraction, by means of UFLC-ESI-MS/MS analyses. The total lignan content showed a high variability, ranging from 0.69 mg·Kg-1 (pequi) to 7.12 mg·Kg-1 (grapeseed), with the highest content registered for olive oil. Seven lignans were quantified, matairesinol and pinoresinol being the most abundant. The LC-MS/MS method was validated, showing linearity in the range of 12.5-212.5 mg·Kg-1, LOD in the range of 0.18-11.37 mg·Kg-1, and LOQ in the range of 0.53-34.45 mg·Kg-1. Additionally, part of the study was focused on the evaluation of the flavor profile, this being a key element in consumers' evaluations, by means of HS-SPME-GC. In total, 150 volatile compounds were determined in the eight oils, with identified fractions ranging from 91.85% (avocado) to 96.31% (canola), with an average value of 94.1%. Groups of components contributed characteristically to the flavour of each oil.