Multidisciplinary Decision-Making-ITAlian Consensus After Two Years of Real Practice on the Management of Severe Uncontrolled CRSwNP by Biologics (ITACA Study).

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We aimed to reach an Italian multidisciplinary consensus on some crucial aspects of treatment decision making in CRSwNP, following 2 years of clinical experience in order to support specialists in the management of CRSwNP in clinical practice. We addressed issues relating to therapeutic decision-making and shared criteria for the treatment choice, as well as appropriate timing and criteria for evaluating treatment response, and highlighted the need for repeated multidisciplinary assessments. RECENT FINDINGS: A national survey has been conducted recently to understand how rhinology practice has changed in Italy with the advent of biologics and how this affects patients with uncontrolled, severe CRSwNP. Despite the many published consensus documents, practical recommendations, and protocols on the use of biologics in CRSwNP, heterogenous behaviors in practice are still observed mainly conditioned by the novelty of the topic. The consensus procedure followed a modified Delphi approach. The scientific board included 18 otorhinolaryngologists and 8 allergists, who selected the 4 main topics to be addressed and developed overall 20 statements. Consensus on these statements was sought by a larger group of 48 additional experts, through two rounds of voting, the first web-based, the second in presence with discussion and possible refinement of the statements. The statements reaching an average score ≥ 7 at the second voting round were approved. Five statements were proposed for each of the following topics: baseline evaluation of patients eligible for biologic therapy; choice between different therapeutic options; assessment of the response to biologic treatment; multidisciplinary management. At the first voting round, 19 out of the 20 statements reached a mean score ≥ 7. Following the discussion and a few consequent amendments, at the second round of voting all the 20 statements were approved.

Can a Fraction of Flour and Sugar Be Replaced with Fruit By-Product Extracts in a Gluten-Free and Vegan Cookie Recipe?

Certain food by-products, including not-good-for-sale apples and pomegranate peels, are rich in bioactive molecules that can be collected and reused in food formulations. Their extracts, rich in pectin and antioxidant compounds, were obtained using hydrodynamic cavitation (HC), a green, efficient, and scalable extraction technique. The extracts were chemically and physically characterized and used in gluten-free and vegan cookie formulations to replace part of the flour and sugar to study whether they can mimic the role of these ingredients. The amount of flour + sugar removed and replaced with extracts was 5% and 10% of the total. Physical (dimensions, color, hardness, moisture content, water activity), chemical (total phenolic content, DPPH radical-scavenging activity), and sensory characteristics of cookie samples were studied. Cookies supplemented with the apple extract were endowed with similar or better characteristics compared to control cookies: high spread ratio, similar color, and similar sensory characteristics. In contrast, the pomegranate peel extract enriched the cookies in antioxidant molecules but significantly changed their physical and sensory characteristics: high hardness value, different color, and a bitter and astringent taste. HC emerged as a feasible technique to enable the biofortification of consumer products at a real scale with extracts from agri-food by-products.

Virgin Olive Oil By-Products: Biological Activity of Phenolic Extract of Pâté on AGS Gastric Cells.

Pâté is a by-product of olive oil production which represents an abundant source of phenolic compounds and can be used for food formulation, reducing its environmental impact and promoting a circular economy. In this context, the effects of a hydroalcoholic extract of pâté were evaluated for the first time in an AGS human cell line commonly used as model of gastric mucosa. Pâté was obtained from Tuscan olives; the total phenolic content was 16.6 mg/g dried extract, with verbascoside and secoiridoid derivatives as the most abundant phenols. The phenolic pâté extract did not alter viability, distribution of cell cycle phases or proliferation and migration of AGS cells at the tested concentrations. Seven enzymes were chosen to investigate the metabolic effect of the pâté extract in the context of oxidative stress. Pâté produced a statistically significant increase in the activity of key enzymes of some metabolic pathways: Lactate dehydrogenase, Enolase, Pyruvate kinase, Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, Citrate synthase, 3-Hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase and Hexokinase. Pre-treatments with the extract of pâté at 100 µg/mL or 200 µg/mL, as observed through PCA analysis, appeared able to counteract the enzymatic activity alterations due to oxidative stress induced by H2O2 1 mM and 2 mM. The results indicate that dried pâté, due to its phenolic components, can be proposed as a new functional food ingredient.

Virgin Olive Oil By-Product Valorization: An Insight into the Phenolic Composition of Olive Seed Extracts from Three Cultivars as Sources of Bioactive Molecules.

Olives are very rich in phenolic compounds with important health-promoting properties. The profile and content of phenols in olive pulp and virgin olive oil are strongly influenced by the fruit ripening degree, but little is known concerning the evolution of phenolic compounds in the seed. In this work, the phenolic composition of seed from Tuscan cultivars (Frantoio, Moraiolo, Leccino) was studied over maturation. Starting from each seed sample, a phenolic extract was prepared and analyzed by HPLC-DAD-MS. Nüzhenide and nüzhenide 11-methyl oleoside were by far the most abundant phenolic compounds; their content reached up to 46 g/kg in dry seeds, although this diminished in the final stage of fruit maturation. At the same time, the phenolic composition of the pulp was also characterized over the course of maturation, showing that oleuropein was by far the most abundant compound, with concentrations comparable to those of nüzhenide and nüzhenide 11-methyl oleoside in the seeds. Overall, the total amount of phenols in seed dry extracts was significant, reaching approx. 100 g/kg. The chemically characterized dry phenolic extracts from seeds could be used for future biological assays aimed at evaluating the potential bioactivities of these phytocomplexes.

Is exposure to pollen a risk factor for moderate and severe asthma exacerbations?

Limited number of studies have focused on the impact of pollen exposure on asthma. As a part of the EAACI Guidelines on Environment Science, this first systematic review on the relationship of pollen exposure to asthma exacerbations aimed to bridge this knowledge gap in view of implementing recommendations of prevention. We searched electronic iPubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases using a set of MeSH terms and related synonyms and identified 73 eligible studies that were included for systemic review. When possible, meta-analyses were conducted. Overall meta-analysis suggests that outdoor pollen exposure may have an effect on asthma exacerbation, but caution is needed due to the low number of studies and their heterogeneity. The strongest associations were found between asthma attacks, asthma-related ED admissions or hospitalizations, and an increase in grass pollen concentration in the previous 2-day overall in children aged less than 18 years of age. Tree pollen may increase asthma-related ED visits or admissions lagged up to 7-day overall in individuals younger than 18 years. Rare data show that among subjects under 18 years of age, an exposure to grass pollen lagged up to 3 days may lower lung function. Further research considering effect modifiers of pollen sensitization, hay fever, asthma, air pollution, green spaces, and pre-existing medications is urgently warranted to better evaluate the impacts of pollen on asthma exacerbation. Preventive measures in relation to pollen exposure should be integrated in asthma control as pollen increase continues due to climate change.

Valorization of the Antioxidant Effect of Mantua PGI Pear By-Product Extracts: Preparation, Analysis and Biological Investigation.

For improving the management of the production chain of PGI Mantua pears (which comprises many varieties, including Abate Fetel), applying the cardinal principles of circular economy and sustainability, the fruits with diseases or defects were recovered for producing dried rounds of pears from the Abate Fetel cultivar, a new product with high nutritional value that extends the remaining life. This process led to the production of secondary and residual by-products, which are mainly composed of the highest and lowest part of the fruits, comprising seeds, pulps, peels and petioles. Hence, this study was focused on the valorization of these secondary by-products of Abate Fetel pears through the production of pear extracts using traditional and "green" extraction methods that involve the use of supercritical CO2 fluid extraction. The produced extracts, together with a reference solvent-derived extract, were analyzed by HPLC-ESI-MS, and in parallel, their direct and cellular antioxidant activity were assessed. Evidence has indicated that all the tested extracts reduced the H2O2-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide (NO) levels, respectively, in human intestinal Caco-2 cells. Hence, this study clearly suggests that extracts obtained from Mantuan PGI pear by-products may be used as valuable sources of bioactive upcycled phytocomplex for the development of dietary supplements and/or functional foods.

Pomegranate peel as a promising source of pectic polysaccharides: A multi-methodological analytical investigation.

Polysaccharides from pomegranate peel (Wonderful and Purple Queen® varieties) were extracted by hot water and fractionated using ethanol. Three fractions (F1-F2-F3) were obtained for each sample. Polysaccharides' yield was higher for Purple Queen®: 13% dw. Polysaccharides of the three fractions were characterized by size exclusion chromatography (SEC), dynamic light scattering (DLS), 1H NMR, methylation, and acylation degree. Differently from SEC, DLS highlighted some differences between the polysaccharides's molecular sizes of the fractions. The highest methylation and acylation degree was observed for F3 of Purple Queen®: 74.0% and 18.6%, respectively. The percentage of galacturonic acid confirmed the presence of pectin in almost all the fractions recognized as homogalacturonan. Arabinan and arabinogalactan were also found in all the collected F3 samples, although in different proportions. The stepwise fractionation process followed by a multi-methodological analytical investigation was helpful to improve the knowledge of the pectic polysaccharides of pomegranate.

1H NMR and HPLC-DAD-MS for the characterization of ellagitannins and triterpenoids of less investigated Anogeissus leiocarpus DC (Combretaceae) stem bark.

Anogeissus leiocarpus DC is an evergreen tree, widely distributed in Asia and Africa. The stem bark is used in traditional medicine, and as chewing sticks and infusion. Nowadays, it is becoming increasingly important to define the phytochemical profile of less studied edible plants. Aim of this research was a first complete characterization of ellagitannins and triterpenoids profiles by HPLC-DAD-MS and 1H NMR and analyses. A total of 59 compounds were identified including 43 ellagitannins and 16 triterpenoids, mainly oleane derivatives and glycosylated forms. Among ellagitannins, roburin, vescalin and castalin were found for the first time. Tannins accounted for 38.9% whereas triterpenoids were 4.8%, both estimated on dry decoction. The decoction was preliminary tested against osteoarthritis in rats. The characterization of the main phytochemicals of Anogeissus leiocarpus DC stem bark decoction is a necessary step to evaluate nutraceutical properties, paving the way for possible food applications of this plant.

Allergenicity at component level of sub-pollen particles from different sources obtained by osmolar shock: A molecular approach to thunderstorm-related asthma outbreaks.

BACKGROUND: The so-called "thunderstorm asthma" (TA) is an uncommon but dramatic outbreak of asthma attacks occurring during a thunderstorm in the pollen and moulds season. Mechanisms which make the pollen able to enter the deeper airways and provoke severe asthma symptoms are still unclear. OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that sub-pollen particles (SPPs) originated from the rupture by an osmotic shock of pollen associated with TA contain allergens. METHODS: After hydration, SPPs released from pollen grains of grass, pellitory, olive, cypress, ragweed and birch were isolated and determined by microscopy. Allergens were determined by in vitro ELISA inhibition tests indirectly using the sera from 10 polyreactive patients. An inhibition <50% was considered as negative, 50%-75% moderate and > 75% complete. RESULTS: The inhibition experiments showed that the SPPs from birch and cypress were unable to inhibit serum IgE reactivity to Bet v 1 and Cup a 1, respectively. Ragweed SPPs inhibited ragweed pollen extract and Amb a 1 by 75.8 ± 0.11% and 81.2 ± 0.15%, respectively. Olive and pellitory SPPs retained almost the whole IgE-binding capability in all cases tested. Grass SPPs inhibited 32 ± 0.06% of Lolium perenne Lol p 1 and 65% of Phleum pratense extracts, but results were highly variable for individual allergens (97.5%-0.03% for Phl p 2, 45.3 ± 0.12% for Phl p 5, 24.7 ± 0.22% for Phl p 6, and 38.3 ± 0.2% for Phl p 1). CONCLUSIONS: Inhibition experiments confirm the hypothesis that SSPs obtained after the osmotic shock of pollen involved in TA, namely grass, pellitory and olive tree pollen, contain allergens and therefore they can induce severe asthma attacks during thunderstorms.

Effects of an Olive By-Product Called Pâté on Cardiovascular Risk Factors.

BACKGROUND: The nutraceutical effects of Olea europaea L. products are mainly due to phenolic compounds. During olive milling, most of the total phenols remain in the process by-products. AIM: We aimed to evaluate the effects of a specific by-product of olive oil called "pâté" (OlP) administered as tablets, on cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors. METHODS: The study was a crossover trial with 2 intervention periods. Nineteen participants (mean age: 38 years) took 4 tablets/day of either olive pâté (corresponding to 30 mg/day of hydroxytyrosol) or placebo for 2 months followed by a 2-month washout and another 2 months of crossed over treatment. RESULTS: After the intervention with pâté, participants showed a statistically significant reduction in plasma levels of total cholesterol (-10.8 mg/dL), LDL cholesterol (-10.8 mg/dL) and urea (-4.1 mg/dL), and a significant increase in calcium levels (+0.3 mg/dL). Leukocyte response to exogenous oxidative stress was significantly reduced (-12.8%) and levels of the antioxidant transcription factor Nrf-2 increased by 88.9%. Plasma levels of the pro-inflammatory protein MCP-1 were significantly reduced (-9.0 pg/mL). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the intake of OlP showed positive effects on several cardiovascular risk factors, demonstrating the nutraceutical potential of a widely available but, to date, underestimated olive oil by-product.

Extra virgin olive oil and related by-products (Olea europaea L.) as natural sources of phenolic compounds for abdominal pain relief in gastrointestinal disorders in rats.

Management of abdominal pain, a common symptom of IBDs and IBS, is still a clinical problem. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), a main component of the Mediterranean diet, shows positive effects on chronic inflammation in IBDs. In this study, the effect of the oral administration of EVOO (3 mL) and two olive milling by-products, DPA (300 mg kg-1) and DRF (300 mg kg-1), on preventing the development of abdominal pain in a DNBS-induced colitis model in rats was evaluated. The doses were chosen with the aim of simulating a plausible daily intake in humans. DPA and EVOO treatments significantly reduced the abdominal viscero-motor response to colon-rectal distension at 2 and 3 mL of balloon distension volume, both 7 and 14 days after the DNBS-injection. DRF showed efficacy in the reduction of visceral hypersensitivity only with 3 mL balloon inflation. In awake animals, DPA and DRF reduced pain perception (evaluated as abdominal withdrawal reflex) with all balloon distension volumes, while EVOO was effective only with higher distension volumes. Fourteen days after the DNBS-injection, all samples reduced the macroscopic intestinal damage (quantified as the macroscopic damage score) also showing, at the microscopic level, a reduction of the inflammatory infiltrate (quantified by hematoxylin and eosin analysis), fibrosis (highlighted by picrosirius red staining), the increase in mast cells and their degranulation (analyzed by triptase immunohistochemistry). This is the first report on the promotion of abdominal pain relief in a rat model obtained administering EVOO and two derived by-products. Our results suggest a protective role of phenol-rich EVOO and milling by-products, which may be proposed as food ingredients for novel functional foods.

A New Extract from Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) By-Products as a Potential Oenological Tannin: Preliminary Characterization and Comparison with Existing Commercial Products.

Oenotannins are nowadays widely used as co-adjuvant in the winemaking process. The increasing cultivation and consumption of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) leads to high amounts of by-products, mainly peels. Aim of this study was to propose a dried tannin-rich extract from pomegranate by-products as a new oenotannin. A decoction was prepared from mesocarp of the Wonderful pomegranate variety only using hot water as extracting solvent. The dried decoction was physical-chemically characterized and compared to 7 existing commercial oenotannins from different botanical origin (grape seed, oak, gallnut), according to UV-Vis Spectroscopy, Colorimetric analysis (CIELab), gelatin index, reactivity to proteins, HPLC-DAD, DPPH, and Total Polyphenols content by both Folin-Ciocalteu and the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) methods. Data showed the lowest antiradical (AR) and total polyphenolic content (TPC) for the pomegranate tannin but also the highest AR/TPC ratio suggesting a good radical scavenging potential of this new tannin. Pomegranate tannin showed high reactivity with proteins, a unique chromatographic profile, and a low color impact. The new pomegranate tannin showed an interesting potential for oenological applications in particular for reducing the use of sulfites during vinification and for the white wine stabilization.

A Study on the Biodiversity of Pigmented Andean Potatoes: Nutritional Profile and Phenolic Composition.

The characterization of six varieties of native Andean potatoes with a wide biodiversity in tuber shape, flesh, and skin color was performed, through the determination of their proximate composition, mineral content, and phenolic profile. Minerals concentration revealed significant genotypic variation. Potassium was the most abundant element in all varieties, ranging from 7272.9 to 13,059.9 µg/g and from 12,418 to 17,388.6 µg/g dried weight for the flesh and skin samples, respectively. Iron content was relevant, ranging from 20.5 to 39.9 µg/g and from 112.2 to 288.8 µg/g dried weight in flesh and skin samples, respectively. Phenolic compounds were consistently higher in the skin than in the flesh. The total content varied greatly from 19.5 to 2015.3 µg/g and from 1592.3 to 14807.3 µg/g dried weight for flesh and skin tissues, respectively. 5-caffeoylquinic acid was 74% of the total phenolic acids. Different pattern of anthocyanins was found, depending on the color of the variety; the red genotypes contained predominantly pelargonidin derivatives, while the purple samples had petunidin as a major anthocyanidin. This study increases the knowledge of the composition of the local Andean varieties (which are only scarcely studied so far), helping to enhance these genotypes and the conservation of biodiversity.

Formulation of a Phenol-Rich Extract from Unripe Olives (Olea europaea L.) in Microemulsion to Improve Its Solubility and Intestinal Permeability.

The beneficial properties of phenolic compounds from Olea europaea L. are well-known. An olive extract (OE) was prepared from unripe olives (Moraiolo cultivar). The study aimed to formulate OE into a microemulsion (ME) in oral dosage form. OE was extracted from olives with EtOH:H2O (80:20) and characterized by HPLC-DAD. ME composition was stated by a solubility and pseudo-ternary diagram. The ME was chemically and physically characterized, and its stability at 4 °C was analyzed for three months. The ability of the formulation to ameliorate the solubility and the intestinal permeability of OE was evaluated by a Parallel Artificial Membrane Permeability Assay (PAMPA) assay and Caco-2 cells. The total phenolic content of the extract was 39% w/w. The main constituent was oleuropein (31.0%), together with ligstroside (3.1%) and verbascoside (2.4%). The ME was prepared using Capryol 90 as the oily phase, and Cremophor EL and Transcutol (2:1) as surfactant and co-surfactant, respectively. ME droplet size was 14.03 ± 1.36 nm, PdI 0.20 ± 0.08, ζ-potential -1.16 ± 0.48. Stability of ME was confirmed for at least three months. The formulation was loaded with 35 mg/mL of OE, increasing the solubility of the extract by about four times. The enhanced permeability of OE was evaluated by PAMPA, as demonstrated by the Pe value (1.44 ± 0.83 × 10-6 cm/s for OE hydroalcoholic solution, 3.74 ± 0.34 × 10-6 cm/s for OE-ME). Caco-2 cell transport studies confirmed the same results: Papp was 16.14 ± 0.05 × 10-6 cm/s for OE solution and 26.99 ± 0.45 × 10-6 cm/s for OE-ME. ME proved to be a suitable formulation for oral delivery.

The effects of climate change on respiratory allergy and asthma induced by pollen and mold allergens.

The impact of climate change on the environment, biosphere, and biodiversity has become more evident in the recent years. Human activities have increased atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) and other greenhouse gases. Change in climate and the correlated global warming affects the quantity, intensity, and frequency of precipitation type as well as the frequency of extreme events such as heat waves, droughts, thunderstorms, floods, and hurricanes. Respiratory health can be particularly affected by climate change, which contributes to the development of allergic respiratory diseases and asthma. Pollen and mold allergens are able to trigger the release of pro-inflammatory and immunomodulatory mediators that accelerate the onset the IgE-mediated sensitization and of allergy. Allergy to pollen and pollen season at its beginning, in duration and intensity are altered by climate change. Studies showed that plants exhibit enhanced photosynthesis and reproductive effects and produce more pollen as a response to high atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide (CO2 ). Mold proliferation is increased by floods and rainy storms are responsible for severe asthma. Pollen and mold allergy is generally used to evaluate the interrelation between air pollution and allergic respiratory diseases, such as rhinitis and asthma. Thunderstorms during pollen seasons can cause exacerbation of respiratory allergy and asthma in patients with hay fever. A similar phenomenon is observed for molds. Measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions can have positive health benefits.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Phenol Extracts Exert Hypocholesterolemic Effects through the Modulation of the LDLR Pathway: In Vitro and Cellular Mechanism of Action Elucidation.

This study was aimed at investigating the hypocholesterolemic effects of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) phenols and the mechanisms behind the effect. Two phenolic extracts were prepared from EVOO of different cultivars and analyzed using the International Olive Council (IOC) official method for total phenols, a recently validated hydrolytic procedure for total hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol, and 1H-NMR analysis in order to assess their secoiridoid profiles. Both of the extracts inhibited in vitro the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl co-enzyme A reductase (HMGCoAR) activity in a dose-dependent manner. After the treatment of human hepatic HepG2 cells (25 µg/mL), they increased the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor protein levels through the activation of the sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBP)-2 transcription factor, leading to a better ability of HepG2 cells to uptake extracellular LDL molecules with a final hypocholesterolemic effect. Moreover, both of the extracts regulated the intracellular HMGCoAR activity through the increase of its phosphorylation by the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-pathways. Unlike pravastatin, they did not produce any unfavorable effect on proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) protein level. Finally, the fact that extracts with different secoiridoid profiles induce practically the same biological effects suggests that the hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol derivatives may have similar roles in hypocholesterolemic activity.

Characterization of Volatile and Flavonoid Composition of Different Cuts of Dried Onion (Allium cepa L.) by HS-SPME-GC-MS, HS-SPME-GC×GC-TOF and HPLC-DAD.

Onion is widely used worldwide in various forms for both food and medicinal applications, thanks to its high content of phytonutrients, such as flavonoids and volatile sulfur compounds. Fresh onion is very perishable and drying is widely applied for extending shelf-life, thus obtaining a very easy-to-use functional food ingredient. The flavonoid and volatile fractions of different onion cuts (flakes, rings) prepared through different drying cycles in a static oven, were characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode-array detector HPLC-DAD, Head Space-Solid Phase Micro Extraction followed by Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) and Head-Space Solid Phase Micro Extraction followed by comprehensive two-dimensional Gas-Chromatography (HS-SPME-GC×GC-TOF). Onion flakes showed a significantly higher flavonoid content (3.56 mg g-1) than onion rings (2.04 mg g-1). Onion flakes showed greater amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (127.26 mg g-1) than onion rings (42.79 mg g-1), with different relative amounts of di- and trisulfides-disulfides largely predominate the volatile fraction (amounts over 60% on the total volatile content), followed by trisulfides and dipropyl disulfide and dipropyl trisulfide were the most abundant VOCs. HS-SPME-GC×GC-TOF allowed for the detection of the presence of allylthiol, diethanol sulfide, 4,6-diethyl1,2,3,5-tetrathiolane, not detected by HS-SPME-GC-MS, and provided a fast and direct visualization and comparison of different samples. These results highlight different nutraceutical properties of dried onion samples processed otherwise, only differing in shape and size, thus pointing out potentially different uses as functional ingredients.

Lipid Transfer Protein allergy in the United Kingdom: Characterization and comparison with a matched Italian cohort.

BACKGROUND: Although pollen-related food allergy occurs in all European populations, lipid transfer protein (LTP) allergy is considered to manifest mainly in Mediterranean countries. We aimed to characterize adults presenting with LTP allergy in a northern European country. METHOD: The clinical history and sensitization patterns of subjects born and residing in the United Kingdom (UK), with a prior diagnosis of LTP allergy and sensitization to the peach LTP allergen Pru p 3, were compared to UK subjects with pollen food syndrome (PFS). The sensitization patterns were also evaluated against a matched cohort of Italian subjects diagnosed with LTP allergy. RESULTS: None of the 15 UK PFS subjects had a positive SPT to LTP-enriched peach reagent, compared to 91% of the 35 UK LTP subjects. The UK LTP cohort were also more likely to have positive skin prick tests to cabbage, lettuce and mustard and sensitization to the LTP allergens in peach, walnut, mugwort and plane tree These sensitization patterns to individual allergens were not significantly different to those obtained from the Italian LTP subjects, with significant correlations between Pru p 3 and the LTP allergens in peanuts, walnuts, plane tree and mugwort in both groups. CONCLUSION: Native UK subjects with LTP allergy are not dissimilar to those with LTP allergy in southern Europe. Testing to LTP-enriched peach SPT reagent and/or LTP allergens in peach, walnut, mugwort and plane tree may enhance diagnostic accuracy.

GC-MS and HS-SPME-GC×GC-TOFMS Determination of the Volatile Composition of Essential Oils and Hydrosols (By-Products) from Four Eucalyptus Species Cultivated in Tuscany.

Essential oils are widely used as functional ingredients for potential multi-purpose functional uses. Hydrosols, co-products of the distillation of plant material, are used in food and cosmetic industries and in biological agriculture, but their volatile composition is poorly investigated. The volatile fractions of essential oils and hydrosols from four less-studied 1,8-cineol-rich Eucalyptus species (E. parvula L.A.S. Johnson & K.D. Hill, E. cinerea F. Muell, E. pulverulenta Sims and E. pulverulenta baby blue Sims), cultivated in Tuscany in a system of organic farming, were characterized by solvent dilution (essential oils) or extraction (hydrosols) followed by GC-MS and by HS-SPME-GC×GC-TOFMS analysis. GC-MS analysis showed that essential oils were mainly constituted by oxygenated monoterpenes, particularly 1,8-cineole, with monoterpenes hydrocarbons up to 10.8%. Relative differences in the abundance of minor terpenes as limonene, α-pinene, γ-terpinene, p-cymene, terpinen-4-ol, α-terpineol, and alloaromandrene were pointed out and seem to be suitable for differentiation among EOs of the four different Eucalyptus species. Hydrosols of these species were characterized for the first time: they were mainly constituted by oxygenated monoterpenes (97.6⁻98.9%), with 1,8-cineole up to 1.6 g/L, while monoterpene and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons were detected only in traces. HS-SPME-GC×GC-TOFMS analysis also allowed providing metabolic profiling of hydrosols for the direct comparison and visualization of volatile components, pointing out the potentially different uses of these products as functional ingredients in food, beverage, and cosmetic industries.

In depth study of phenolic profile and PTP-1B inhibitory power of cold-pressed grape seed oils of different varieties.

This paper investigates the phenolic composition of 17 monocultivar commercial cold-pressed grape seed oils. Chromatographic profiles showed the presence of more than 28 molecules, 11 of which were successfully identified by HPLC-DAD-MS-TOF and HPLC-FLD analysis. Pinoresinol, ethyl caffeate and ethyl gallate were detected for the first time in these oils. The total phenolic content ranged between 0.83 mg/kg for Viognier sample to 15.16 mg/kg for Merlot org sample. The detected ethyl esters can be suggested as markers to evaluate the intensity of fermentation in grape seeds before oil extraction, and to control the sensorial quality of the produced oils. In addition, the inhibitory power of these phenolic extracts against Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B enzyme (PTP-1B), overexpressed in type-two diabetes, was investigated for the first time. Data highlighted a good correlation between total phenolic content and inhibitory power, with pinoresinol, p-coumaric acid and quercetin making the greater contributions.