Microbial dynamics and quality characteristics of spontaneously fermented salamis produced by replacing pork fat with avocado pulp.

The aim of this study was to develop a novel and healthier fermented meat product by replacing pork fat with avocado pulp (AVP) during salami production. Experimental salamis were produced under laboratory conditions by substituting pork fat with AVP partially (10-AVP) and totally (20-AVP), while control salamis (CTR) remained AVP-free. The microbial composition of control and experimental salamis was assessed using a combined culture-dependent and -independent approach. Over a 20-days ripening period, lactic acid bacteria, coagulase-negative staphylococci, and yeasts dominated the microbial community, with approximate levels of 9.0, 7.0 and 6.0 log CFU/g, respectively. Illumina technology identified 26 taxonomic groups, with leuconostocs being the predominant group across all trials [constituting 31.26-59.12 % of relative abundance (RA)]. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed changes in fatty acid composition and volatile organic compounds due to the substitution of pork fat with AVP. Specifically, monounsaturated fatty acids and terpene compounds increased, while saturated fatty acids and lipid oxidation products decreased. Although AVP influenced the sensory characteristics of the salamis, the highest overall satisfaction ratings were observed for the 10-AVP salamis. Consequently, substituting pork fat with AVP emerges as a viable strategy for producing healthier salamis and diversifying the meat product portfolio.

Correlation between wing bone microstructure and different flight styles: The case of the griffon vulture (gyps fulvus) and greater flamingo (phoenicopterus roseus).

Flying is the main means of locomotion for most avian species, and it requires a series of adaptations of the skeleton and of feather distribution on the wing. Flight type is directly associated with the mechanical constraints during flight, which condition both the morphology and microscopic structure of the bones. Three primary flight styles are adopted by avian species: flapping, gliding, and soaring, with different loads among the main wing bones. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cross-sectional microstructure of the most important skeletal wing bones, humerus, radius, ulna, and carpometacarpus, in griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) and greater flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus). These two species show a flapping and soaring flight style, respectively. Densitometry, morphology, and laminarity index were assessed from the main bones of the wing of 10 griffon vultures and 10 flamingos. Regarding bone mineral content, griffon vultures generally displayed a higher mineral density than flamingos. Regarding the morphology of the crucial wing bones involved in flight, while a very slightly longer humerus was observed in the radius and ulna of flamingos, the ulna in griffons was clearly longer than other bones. The laminarity index was significantly higher in griffons. The results of the present study highlight how the mechanics of different types of flight may affect the biomechanical properties of the wing bones most engaged during flight.

Improvement in the Palladium-Catalyzed Miyaura Borylation Reaction by Optimization of the Base: Scope and Mechanistic Study.

Aryl boronic acids and esters are important building blocks in API synthesis. The palladium-catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura borylation is the most common method for their preparation. This paper describes an improvement of the current reaction conditions. By using lipophilic bases such as potassium 2-ethyl hexanoate, the borylation reaction could be achieved at 35 °C in less than 2 h with very low palladium loading (0.5 mol %). A preliminary mechanistic study shows a hitherto unrecognized inhibitory effect by the carboxylate anion on the catalytic cycle, whereas 2-ethyl hexanoate minimizes this inhibitory effect. This improved methodology enables borylation of a wide range of substrates under mild conditions.

Aesthetic outcomes of non-functional immediately restored single post-extraction implants with and without connective tissue graft: A multicentre randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the 1-year aesthetic results of flapless single implants, placed in fresh extraction sockets with bone replacement and immediate provisional restoration with or without a connective tissue graft (CTG). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The present study proposes a partially blinded multicentre parallel randomized controlled trial, where computer-generated tables were used for central randomization to allocate treatments. A total of 59 of the 60 patients screened by eight private practices in Northern Italy fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Immediate implants were placed in a fresh extraction socket with a non-functional immediate provisional restoration with (Test group) or without (Control group) a CTG. The primary outcome variable was the implant Crown Aesthetic Index (ICAI) at the 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: ICAI for the 59 randomized patients (Test group = 31, Control group = 28) at the 1-year follow-up was 4.69 (95% CI = 3.16-6.22) for the Test group and 3.45 (95% CI = 1.83-5.08) for the Control group, without statistically significant difference between the two groups (p = .086). One implant failure was recorded in each group, resulting in an implant survival rate of 96.8% [95% CI = 83.3-99.9] for the Test group and 96.4% [95% CI = 81.7-99.9] for the Control group. Other secondary outcome variables and complication rates were comparable across the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of the present clinical trial, the results suggested that the adjunct use of CTG is not mandatory to achieve successful aesthetic outcomes for a well-planned immediate implant placement with immediate non-functional provisional restoration in a fresh extraction socket.

Evolution of Carotenoids, Sensory Profiles and Volatile Compounds in Microwave-Dried Fruits of Three Different Loquat Cultivars (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.).

The consumption of loquat fruits is highly appreciated for their carotenoid content and valuable sensory notes, but it is limited due to the low shelf-life. An on-line temperature controlled microwave system based on infrared thermography was used to dry three different loquat cultivar at 60 °C. The time to reach the target value of 23% moisture content was about 105 min in Claudia fruits and 162 min in Virticchiara and Peluche. Seven carotenoids were identified in loquat fruits, among these the major were all-trans-ß-carotene in Virticchiara and Claudia. Virticchiara had the major total carotenoid content (206 µg/g dry basis), followed by Peluche (158 µg/g d.b.) and Claudia (41 µg/g d.b.). The loss of carotenoids after drying ranged between 24% (Peluche) and 41% (Claudia). Carotenoids that showed a higher loss were on average: lutein (70%) and zeaxhantin (51%). Thirty-five volatile compounds were identified in fresh and dried loquats: the aldehydes were the most abundant class. After drying, aldehydes declined slightly, with alcohols falling more sharply. The shortened times by using temperature-controlled microwave heating with infrared thermography have guaranteed a fair quality of the dried loquats from the nutritional and sensory point of view, variable among the three cultivars.

Preparation of 2'-Deoxy-2'-spirocyclopropylcytidine via an Alternative Cyclopropanation Reaction.

Herein we report the preparation of 2'-deoxy-2'-spirocyclopropylcytidine via an alternative cyclopropanation reaction starting from γ-silyl tertiary alcohols. Activation of the hydroxyl function with thionyl chloride in the presence of 4-DMAP allows the ring-closing step under mild conditions. Participation of the uracil moiety in the cyclization step is proposed.

Patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes in implant-supported overdentures retained by milled bars: Two-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVES: This observational clinical study evaluated the patient satisfaction and the clinical outcomes of edentulous arches rehabilitated with overdentures retained by CAD-CAM milled titanium bars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Edentulous patients were treated with a full-arch removable overdenture anchored on two milled bars based on a friction retention system. Patient satisfaction was tested using the validated Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire at the pre- and post-treatment visits, up to two years after prosthesis delivery (possible score range: 0-56. Best: 0). The prosthodontist satisfaction was also assessed through a designed questionnaire (best possible range 0-4. Best:0). Radiographic and clinical examinations were performed at baseline and after 2 years of function. Implant and prostheses complications were recorded. RESULTS: Forty (25 mandible) edentulous patients, mean age 69 ± 9.5 (SD) (52% males, 10% smokers), were treated with a total of 185 implants. The mean difference between pre- and post-treatment OHIP-14 score was 20.6 ± 8.0 (P < 0.0001) showing a high level of satisfaction for aesthetics, functional and psychological outcomes. This perception was not influenced by patient's age or gender. The clinicians' mean score was 3.4 ± 4.0. There was a marginal bone level (MBL) gain of 0.02 ± 0.22 mm between the two time points. Minor complications were reported in five patients. CONCLUSIONS: This procedure may lead to satisfaction regarding aesthetics and mastication function. One of the most relevant aspects is the versatility, which allows selection of the most suitable treatment option according to patient needs. The prosthodontist satisfaction questionnaire showed that this procedure met the clinical expectations.

Exploiting Synergistic Effects in Organozinc Chemistry for Direct Stereoselective C-Glycosylation Reactions at Room Temperature.

Pairing a range of bis(aryl) zinc reagents ZnAr2 with the stronger Lewis acidic [(ZnArF2 )] (ArF =C6 F5 ), enables highly stereoselective cross-coupling between glycosyl bromides and ZnAr2 without the use of a transition metal. Reactions occur at room temperature with excellent levels of stereoselectivity, where ZnArF2 acts as a non-coupling partner although its presence is crucial for the execution of the C(sp2 )-C(sp3 ) bond formation process. Mechanistic studies have uncovered a unique synergistic partnership between the two zinc reagents, which circumvents the need for transition-metal catalysis or forcing reaction conditions. Key to the success of the coupling is the avoidance of solvents that act as Lewis bases versus diarylzinc compounds (e.g. THF).

Cine Substitution with Arylzinc Reagents: Scope and Mechanistic Studies.

The unexpected ability of arylzinc reagents bearing electron-donating substituents to react in a Friedel-Crafts fashion (cine) with electrophiles like perpivaloylated glucoside bromide and benzhydryl bromides in competition with organometallic coupling (ipso) is shown. The stereoelectronic factors required to promote the cine reactivity versus the classical ipso, and the mechanism of this alternative pathway, have been investigated. The Wheland intermediate is deprotonated intramolecularly in a 1,2-shift but also in a longer-range shift, leaving in this case the C-Zn untouched. In the latter case, it is possible to take advantage of this result for further functionalization.

Root coverage with connective tissue graft associated with coronally advanced flap or tunnel technique: a randomized, double-blind, mono-centre clinical trial.

AIM: The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to compare the coronally advanced flap (CAF) with the modified microsurgical tunnel technique (MMTT) for treatment of Miller class I and II recessions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty patients with 71 gingival recessions were recruited and randomly assigned to either CAF or to MMTT. In both groups, a connective tissue graft was applied. Clinical evaluations were performed after 3, 6, and 12 months. Impressions were taken and digitally scanned three-dimensionally to evaluate the quantitative soft tissue changes in the operative region. Patient satisfaction was measured with the root coverage aesthetic score (RES). RESULTS: After a period of 12 months, significant differences were not found between the two groups. Root coverage was 98.3% for CAF and 97.2% for MMTT. The evaluation of the aesthetic outcome using RES showed good results in both groups. The RES score was in accordance with subjective patient satisfaction. There was no significant difference in the amount of volumetric changes. CONCLUSIONS: CAF and MMTT with the additional use of a graft are equally successful in covering gingival recessions of Miller class I and II, with high aesthetic results. All patients indicated their willingness for further periodontal surgery.

α-C-Glycosides via syn Opening of 1,2-Anhydro Sugars with Organozinc Compounds in Toluene/n-Dibutyl Ether.

The diastereoselective addition of organozinc species to 1,2-anhydro sugars in toluene/n-dibutyl ether solvent is reported. Compared to the existing methods, the reaction proceeds at 0 °C, and only a slight excess of nucleophile is required to achieve good yields. Scope was assessed with different O-protected glycals along with various nucleophiles (aryl, alkynyl). This methodology was applied to the synthesis of the α-anomer of canagliflozin.

Sheep primary astrocytes under starvation conditions express higher amount of LC3 II autophagy marker than neurons.

Autophagy is a general term for the degradation of cytoplasmic components within lysosomes. Recent studies have clearly demonstrated that autophagy has a greater variety of physiological and pathophysiological roles than expected, such as starvation adaptation, intracellular protein and organelle clearance, development, anti-aging, elimination of microorganisms, cell death, tumor suppression and antigen presentation. MAP-LC3 is one of the most common markers  to evaluate autophagic processes. In our study, the autophagic activity in neurons and astrocytes from sheep brain under starving conditions was evaluated. In order to detect LC3 immunoreactivity, confocal analysis by double immunofluorescence was performed together with the cell type markers: GFAP to identify astrocytes, ß-III tubulin to identify neurons. The results show that astrocytes are characterized by LC3-positive areas, which increase in a time-dependent manner. In contrast, LC3 immunoreactivity was very weak in neurons. Therefore, it can be assumed that astrocytes show a higher capability than neurons to cope with stress and exhibit a stronger autophagic response.

One-pot and regiospecific synthesis of 2,3-disubstituted indoles from 2-bromoanilides via consecutive palladium-catalyzed Sonogashira coupling, amidopalladation, and reductive elimination.

A practical one-pot and regiospecific three-component process for the synthesis of 2,3-disubstituted indoles from 2-bromoanilides was developed via consecutive palladium-catalyzed Sonogashira coupling, amidopalladation, and reductive elimination.

Brain aging and testosterone-induced neuroprotection: studies on cultured sheep cortical neurons.

OBJECTIVE: This research reports the expression of topoisomerase ßII in fetal sheep neuronal cells. The ß isoform of DNA topoisomerase II plays a role in DNA repair process in non proliferating cells as neurons and its expression tends to be downregulated with senescence. METHODS: Cortical neurons from 60-day-old sheep embryos underwent two protocols: the former based on rising time of culture (10, 20 and 30 days); the latter based on the 72hrs exposure to 3-nitro-L-tyrosine (oxidative/nitrosative stressor) and/or testosterone. RESULTS: Our results showed an increase in ß-galactosidase activity and, in contrast, a reduction in topoisomerase ßII expression with time (first protocol). The exposure of sheep primary neurons to 3-nitro-L-tyrosine led to an upregulation of ßII topoisomerase expression to be likely seen as a reaction to nitrosative stress. Testosterone addition to 3-nitro-L-tyrosine-exposed cells results in topoisomerase ßII decrease possibly due to the neuroprotective properties of testosterone (second protocol). No significant variations in the marker of aging ß-galactosidase were observed in the cells exposed to 3-nitro-L-tyrosine and testosterone. CONCLUSION: The protocol based on time could be of some interest as a model of neuronal senescence in vitro. Topoisomerase ßII decrease with aging likely indicates a reduced ability to repair DNA during neuronal senescence. In contrast, the second protocol may not be seen as a reliable model of aging since 3-nitro-L-tyrosine does not lead to a topoisomerase ßII decrease. Testosterone was able to cope with oxidative/nitrosative damage, allowing cells to reduce their needs in DNA repair which in turn leads to a downregulation of topoisomerase IIß expression.

A Functional End-Use of Avocado (cv. Hass) Waste through Traditional Semolina Sourdough Bread Production.

In recent years, a main goal of research has been to exploit waste from agribusiness industries as new sources of bioactive components, with a view to establishing a circular economy. Non-compliant avocado fruits, as well as avocado seeds and peels, are examples of promising raw materials due to their high nutritional yield and antioxidant profiles. This study aimed to recycle avocado food waste and by-products through dehydration to produce functional bread. For this purpose, dehydrated avocado was reduced to powder form, and bread was prepared with different percentages of the powder (5% and 10%) and compared with a control bread prepared with only semolina. The avocado pulp and by-products did not alter organoleptically after dehydration, and the milling did not affect the products' color and retained the avocado aroma. The firmness of the breads enriched with avocado powder increased due to the additional fat from the avocado, and alveolation decreased. The total phenolic content of the fortified breads was in the range of 2.408-2.656 mg GAE/g, and the antiradical activity was in the range of 35.75-38.235 mmol TEAC/100 g (p < 0.0001), depending on the percentage of fortification.

Use of selected autochthonous lactic acid bacteria for Spanish-style table olive fermentation.

The present work presents a successful attempt to achieve an enhanced and more predictable fermentation process in Spanish-style green olive technology by selection and use of autochthonous starter cultures. During the first phase of this work, two Spanish-like fermentations of green table olives of cultivar (cv) "Nocellara del Belice", coming from irrigated and not irrigated fields, were monitored, in order to highlight the best agricultural conditions for drupe production and to isolate lactic acid bacteria strains with relevant technological properties. Among 88 identified isolates, one Lactobacillus pentosus strain showed remarkable biochemical features and high acidification rate in synthetic brine. In the second phase, the selected strain was used as starter culture in three different trials to establish the best conditions for its use. Microbial counting, as well as starter tracking by M13 RAPD-PCR, reflected the optimal adaptation of the strain to the environment. Spontaneous fermentation needed a 14-day long lag phase to reach the same population as the inoculated trials. Moreover, sensory traits of table olives obtained with adjunct culture showed better characteristics compared to those processed in the other trials, in particular concerning the presence of off-odours.

Understanding Blood versus Blond Orange Consumption: A Cross-Cultural Study in Four Countries.

Understanding consumer perceptions and attitudes to specific fruit is key information for not only increasing fruit consumption, but also for marketing reasons. It may also give clues to breeders to set quality objectives. This study explores different aspects that help to explain blood vs. blond orange consumption: availability and consumption habit, satisfaction attributes, facilitators and consumption barriers, consumption contexts, expectations and purchase intention. The study was conducted in China, Mexico, Spain and Italy, where citrus fruit consumers were invited to respond an online questionnaire. Our results revealed Italy as the country with the highest availability and consumption of blood oranges, followed by China, Mexico and Spain. "Liking" and "healthy properties" were the most important reasons for consumption irrespectively of orange type, but certain differences among countries were detected in secondary reasons. In all the countries, "juicy" was the most relevant attribute for consumer satisfaction, followed by flavour/taste attributes. "Aromatic" and "unfibrous" were substantial requirements for Italians and Chinese, while Spaniards attached importance to the blood oranges colour. Regarding consumption contexts, "eat with salt or chilly powder" was specific for Mexico, while "to improve health", "as a gift" or "at a restaurant" were contexts mainly cited in China. Despite taste preferences for other fruit being the main consumption barrier in all the countries for both orange types, the relevance of other barriers depended on culture and orange type. Mexican participants seemed to take a more neophobic attitude to blood oranges, while "inconvenient" was reported as a barrier for consuming blond ones in Spain and China. We conclude that blond and blood oranges can co-exist on markets at a high consumption rate, as in Italy. Specific interventions are needed in other countries because consumer attitudes to oranges, mainly blood ones, depend on culture.

Shading Net and Partial Covering Plastic Film Do Not Affect Phenology, Photosynthetic Activity or Fruit Quality Traits of Kensington Pride Mango.

Mango cultivation in a protected environment is becoming widespread in the Mediterranean basin where the species has to face unfavorable weather conditions which do not occur in its native cultivation areas. Besides open-air cultivation, greenhouses-and other protection systems such as shading nets and partial covering of plastic films-have been tested recently. In this study, we focused on assessing the effect of a shading net, and a partially covering plastic film, on the development of "Kensington Pride" mango fruit skin-color, its final quality, and the plants' photosynthetic activity. A new method of measuring mango skin-color on different sides of the fruit is proposed. No difference was observed with regard to the observed parameters between the plants cultivated under the two different protection systems and those growing in the open air. It can, therefore, be stated that such cultivation techniques do not alter the development of the mango fruit and its appearance, nor the plant's photosynthetic activity.

Influence of indigenous Hanseniaspora uvarum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae from sugar-rich substrates on the aromatic composition of loquat beer.

The demand for unique and exclusive food products and beverages is constantly on the increase. One of the products that mostly evolved to encounter market dynamics in the last decade is craft beer. For a long time, craft breweries have included fruit in beer production to enrich flavour and aroma profile of different beer styles. In this study, for the first time, the use of Saccharomyces and non-Saccharomyces yeast strains isolated from high-sugar matrices (manna and fermented honey by-products) were investigated to diversify fruit craft beer production, in order to improve the fermentation process and highlight the complexity of aroma profiles generated during alcoholic fermentation. Two yeast strains, Hanseniaspora uvarum YGA34 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae MN113, were tested as co-starters and starters for their beer production capacity. Commercial yeast strain US-05 was used as control. Loquat juice was added at the end of primary alcoholic fermentation in all trials. Interestingly, S. cerevisiae MN113 consumed sugars faster than control strain S. cerevisiae US-05, including maltose, even in the case of sequential inoculation. This strain showed an excellent ability to consume rapidly sugars present. All strains showed their concentrations ranged between 5 and 8 Log cycles during fermentation. The absence of off-odours and the improvement of aromatic perception were observed in experimental trials involving the use of S. cerevisiae MN113 as a monoculture and in sequential combination with H. uvarum YGA34. Esters and alcohols were the most abundant compounds emitted from the beers. The beers produced with sequential inoculation of H. uvarum YGA34 and S. cerevisiae MN113 or US-05 are characterised by a higher ester and lower alcohol concentration. These two unconventional yeast strains from high sugar matrices showed great technological properties, representing promising co-starters and starter during craft fruit beer production.

Aromatase expression in cultured fetal sheep astrocytes after nitrosative/oxidative damage.

Aromatase, the enzyme converting androgens into estrogens, is involved in many brain processes such as neural differentiation and plasticity or the prevention of cell death. We have previously observed an increase in aromatase immunoreactivity in sheep neurons exposed in vitro to the oxidant 3-nitro-L: -tyrosine. However, little is known regarding the way that sheep astrocytes cope with nitrosative stress, a condition occurring in sheep in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders such as scrapie and Maedi-Visna. Our aim has been to evaluate the effects of 3-nitro-L-tyrosine on astrocyte primary cultures from 90-day-old fetal sheep brain. Living cells were observed and characterized by immunofluorescence with a GFAP antibody, which indicated that the majority of the cells were astrocytes. A viability assay was performed on both untreated and treated cells. Reverse transcription with the polymerase chain reaction was undertaken to monitor time- and dose-dependent variations in aromatase gene expression. Stressed astrocytes showed signs of deterioration, were reduced in number, and appeared round with few short processes; the cell death rate was ∼30%. Aromatase expression was detected starting from a 24-h exposure to 1 mM 3-nitro-L-tyrosine and reached the highest levels at 72 h. Thus, oxidative damage probably results in the local production of neuroprotective estradiol by reactive astrocytes via the aromatization of testosterone.