Coordination between water relations strategy and carbon investment in leaf and stem in six fruit tree species.

The water relation strategy is a key issue in climate change. Given the difficulty of determining water relations strategy, there is a need for simple traits with a solid theoretical basis to estimate it. Traits associated with resource allocation patterns along a 'fast-slow' plant economics spectrum are particularly compelling, reflecting trade-offs between growth rate and carbon allocation. Avocado (Persea americana ), fig tree (Ficus carica ), mandarin (Citrus reticulata ), olive (Olea europaea ), pomegranate (Punica granatum ), and grapevine (Vitis vinifera ) were characterised in terms of iso-anisohydric strategy through stomatal behaviour, water potential at the turgor loss point (TLP), and hydroscape area. Additionally, the association of these metrics with leaf mass per area (LMA) and wood density (WDen) was explored. We observed high coordination between LMA and WDen, and both traits were related to metrics of water relation strategy. More anisohydric species tended to invest more carbon per unit leaf area or unit stem volume, which has implications for hydraulic efficiency and water stress tolerance. WDen and TLP were the most powerful traits in estimating the water relation strategy for six fruit species. These traits are easy to measure, time-cost efficient, and appear central to coordinating multiple traits and behaviours along the water relations strategies.

Olive Leaves as a Source of Anticancer Compounds: In Vitro Evidence and Mechanisms.

Olive trees not only produce olives but also generate a substantial amount of waste and by-products, including leaves, pomace (the solid remains after pressing olives for oil), and wastewater from the olive oil-making process. The waste products, particularly the leaves, contain bioactive compounds, especially phenolic compounds, known for their health benefits, such as high antioxidant potential and the ability to reduce inflammation. These compounds have shown promise in preventing and treating cancer. This review, based on in vitro evidence, provides a detailed description and discussion of the mechanisms through which these compounds from olive leaves can prevent development, the ways they might act against cancer cells, and their potential to increase the sensitivity of tumor cells to conventional anticancer therapy. The possible synergistic effects of these compounds suggest that olive leaf extracts may offer a promising approach for cancer treatment, compared with isolated compounds, thus providing novel possibilities for cancer therapy.

Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the rhizosphere of two olive (Olea europaea) varieties Arbequina and Barnea under water deficit conditions.

One strategy to improve olive (Olea europaea ) tree drought tolerance is through the symbiosis of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), which helps alleviate water deficit through a combination of morphophysiological effects. Cuttings of olive varieties Arbequina (A) and Barnea (B) were grown with (+AMF) or without (-AMF) inoculum in the olive grove rhizosphere soil. One year after establishment, pots were exposed to four different water regimes: (1) control (100% of crop evapotranspiration); (2) short-period drought (20days); (3) long-period drought (25days); and (4) rewatering (R). To evaluate the influence of AMF on tolerance to water stress, stem water potential, stomatal conductance and the biomarkers for water deficit malondialdehyde, proline, soluble sugars, phenols, and flavonoids were evaluated at the end of the irrigation regimes. Stem water potential showed higher values in A(+) and B(+) in all water conditions, and the opposite was true for stomatal conductance. For proline and soluble sugars, the stem water potential trend is repeated with some exceptions. AMF inoculum spore communities from A(+ and -) and B(+ and -) were characterised at the morphospecies level in terms of richness and abundance. Certain morphospecies were identified as potential drought indicators. These results highlight that the benefits of symbiotic relationships between olive and native AMF can help to mitigate the effects of abiotic stress in soils affected by drought.

Characterisation and traceability of extra virgin olive oil and table olive of Azapa variety marketed in Chile using Microsatellite Molecular Markers / Caracterización y trazabilidad de aceite de oliva virgen extra y aceituna de mesa de la variedad Azapa comercializados en Chile mediante marcadores moleculares microsatélites

Chile has two certified origin olive products: Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) from Huasco valley and the Azapa variety table olive from the Azapa valley. However, efficient methodologies are needed to determine the varieties and raw materials involved in the end products. In this study, we assessed the size of alleles from ten microsatellites in 20 EVOOs and in leaves and fruits of 16 olive varieties cultivated in Chile to authenticate their origins. The identification of varieties relied on specific allele sizes derived from microsatellites markers UDO99-011 and DCA18-M found in leaves and fruit mesocarp. While most Chilean single-variety EVOOs matched the variety declared on the label, inconsistencies were observed in single-variety EVOOs containing multiple varieties. Our findings confirm that microsatellites serve as a valuable as diagnostic tools for ensuring the quality control of Geographical Indication certification for Azapa olives and EVOO with Designation of Origin from Huasco.

Chile cuenta con dos productos de oliva de origen certificado: El aceite de oliva virgen extra (AOVE) del valle del Huasco y la aceituna de mesa de la variedad Azapa del valle de Azapa. Sin embargo, se necesitan metodologías eficientes para determinar las variedades y materias primas involucradas en los productos finales. En este estudio, evaluamos el tamaño de los alelos de diez microsatélites en 20 AOVEs y en hojas y frutos de 16 variedades de aceituna cultivadas en Chile para autentificar sus orígenes. La identificación de las variedades se basó en los tamaños alélicos específicos derivados de los marcadores microsatélites UDO99-011 y DCA18-M encontrados en las hojas y el mesocarpio de los frutos. Aunque la mayoría de los AOVEs chilenos monovarietales coincidían con la variedad declarada en la etiqueta, se observaron incoherencias en los AOVEs monovarietales que contenían múltiples variedades. Nuestros hallazgos confirman que los microsatélites sirven como valiosas herramientas de diagnóstico para asegurar el control de calidad de la certificación de Indicación Geográfica para aceitunas de Azapa y AOVE con Denominación de Origen de Huasco.

Improving analytical performance for pesticides and mycotoxins determination in Brazilian table olives: one extraction and one analysis.

This paper describes an extensive study in which a multiclass QuEChERS based approach was optimized for determination of 150 pesticides and 7 mycotoxins in table olives. Three versions of QuEChERS were evaluated and compared (unbuffered, citrate and acetate buffering). A combination of EMR-Lipid cartridges and liquid nitrogen or freezer freezing out were tested for clean-up of the oily olive extracts. Analysis of the extracts were performed by LC-MS/MS triple quadrupole. The best results were achieved using acetate QuEChERS with liquid nitrogen for clean-up. For validation, organic olives were ground and spiked at 4 concentrations with pesticides and mycotoxins (n = 5). The linearity of the calibration curves was assessed by analyzing calibration standards of 7 concentrations which were prepared separately in acetonitrile and in blank olive extract (n = 5). The validation study demonstrated that the calculated r2 was ≥0.99 for 144 pesticides and 6 mycotoxins, when the calibration curves were prepared in matrix extract, showing satisfactory linearity. Matrix effects were within the range of ±20% for only 46 pesticides and one mycotoxin. Then, to ensure reliable quantification, calibration standards had to be matrix-matched. In accuracy experiments 138 pesticides and 6 mycotoxins presented recoveries from 70 to 120% and RSD ≤ 20% for at least 2 of the 4 spike concentrations evaluated, being successfully validated. The integrated QuEChERS and LC-MS/MS method meet MRL for 11 of the 21 pesticides regulated for olives in Brazil and for 132 pesticides which are regulated in the EU law. Eleven commercial table olive samples were analyzed and 4 of them tested positive for pesticides. All the positive samples violate the Brazilian law and one sample violates also the European law.

Insights into hydrothermal treatment of biomass blends: Assessing energy yield and ash content for biofuel enhancement.

This study explores the Hydrothermal Carbonization (HTC) treatment of lignocellulosic biomass blends, delving into the influence of several key parameters: temperature, additive nature and dosage, residence time, and biomass composition. Rapeseeds, Pinus radiata sawdust, oat husks, and pressed olive served as the studied biomasses. One hundred twenty-eight experiments were conducted to assess the effects on mass yield (MY), energy yield (EY), higher heating value (HHV), and final ash content (ASH) by a Factorial Experimental Design. The derived model equations demonstrated a robust fit to the experimental data, averaging an R2 exceeding 0.94, affirming their predictive accuracy. The observed energy yield ranged between 65% and 80%, notably with sawdust and olive blends securing EY levels surpassing 70%, while rapeseed blends exhibited the highest HHV at 25 MJ/kg. Temperature emerged as the most influential factor, resulting in an 11% decrease in MY and a substantial 2.20 MJ/kg increase in HHV. Contrastingly, blend composition and additive presence significantly impacted ASH and EY, with all blends exhibiting increased ASH in the presence of additives. Higher initial hemicellulose and aqueous extractive content in raw biomass correlated proportionally with heightened HHV.

Enhancing the quality and safety of Nocellara del Belice green table olives produced using the Castelvetrano method.

The Castelvetrano method is the most widely used among the various table olive processing styles in Sicily. After debittering, the product is stored at low temperatures to prevent the growth of undesirable microorganisms. In an effort to enhance the production process, yeast isolates underwent genotypic characterization and technological screening. The screening process identified two yeast strains Candida norvegica OC10 and Candida boidinii LC1, which can grow at low temperatures and tolerate high pH values (up to 10) and salinity [10% (w/v)]. During the monitoring period, the inoculated trials showed limited presence of spoilage/pathogenic microorganisms. Additionally, the yeasts limited oxidative phenomena and softening of the drupes. The organic compounds detected were higher in the inoculated trials than in the control, and cold storage induced aromatic decay, which was less pronounced in the trial inoculated with C. norvegica. Sensory analysis revealed that the inoculated trials scored higher in sweetness, hardness and crispness.

Evaluation of Cr(VI) Removal from Tanning Effluents Using Magnetic Nanoparticles of Fe3O4 Synthesized with Olea europaea Bone Extract.

The tanning industry generates effluents with high chromium content, which require treatment prior to discharge into the sewage system. This article explores the use of magnetic magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) to remove Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions, such as tanning effluents. The MNPs were synthesized by coprecipitation reaction using the Olea europaea extract as a reducing agent. Subsequently, they were characterized by dynamic light scattering spectroscopy (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). MNPs with irregular morphology and diameters ranging from 73.28 to 162.90 nm were obtained. Cr(VI) removal was performed using jar test methodology, and its efficiency was evaluated in the laboratory for different initial Cr(VI) (mg/L) concentration and nanoparticle (g/L) concentration. A kinetic study was developed and indicated that the equilibrium adsorption mechanism corresponds to a pseudo-second-order model. Furthermore, the isotherm analysis revealed that chromium adsorption best fits the Langmuir isotherm. Finally, Cr(VI) removal rates from 85% to 100% were achieved in tanning and retanning effluents.

Nutraceutical potential of olive pomace: insights from cell-based and clinical studies.

Olive oil production yields a substantial volume of by-products, constituting up to 80% of the processed fruits. The olive pomace by-product represents a residue of significant interest due to the diverse bioactive compounds identified in it. However, a thorough characterization and elucidation of the biological activities of olive pomace are imperative to redirect its application for functional food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical purposes both for animals and humans. In this review, we examine data from experimental models, including immortalized human vascular endothelial cells, human corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells, human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells, non-tumorigenic human hepatoma cells, and murine macrophages alongside clinical trials. These studies aim to validate the safety, nutritional value, and pharmacological effects of olive pomace. In vitro studies suggest that biophenols extracted from olive pomace possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative properties that could be beneficial in mitigating cardiovascular disorders, particularly atherosclerosis, hepatosteatosis, and dry-eye disease. Protective effects against dry-eye disease were confirmed in a mouse model assay. Olive pomace used in the feed for fish and poultry has demonstrated the ability to enhance animals' immunity and improve nutritional quality of meat and eggs. Human clinical trials are scarce and have revealed minimal biological changes following the consumption of olive pomace-enriched foods. However, alterations in certain biomarkers tentatively suggest cardioprotective properties. The review underscores the value of olive pomace while addressing potential drawbacks and future perspectives, with a specific focus on the need for further investigation into the animal feed and human nutritional properties of olive pomace. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Persistent organic pollutants in the olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) during the nesting stage in the "La Escobilla" Sanctuary, Oaxaca, Mexico.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are chemical substances widely distributed in the environment by the runoff from anthropic activities and can be distributed and bioaccumulated or biomagnified in the environment, affecting the health of organisms. The sea turtle, Lepidochelys olivacea, is a long-lived organism, with migratory habits and feeding behaviors that allow exposure to various pollutants. This work aimed to determine long-term exposure to POPs in adult olive ridley turtles (L. olivacea), sampled during the nesting season, in "La Escobilla" Sanctuary. Blood samples were collected and processed to obtain plasma. The quantification of POPs in blood was carried out with an extraction technique with a focused ultrasound probe. Twenty-seven POP analytes were determined. The concentrations of hexachlorocyclohexane, endosulfan isomers, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, total polychlorinated biphenyls, and the total sum of POPs found in plasma are higher than those reported in other studies, which reported effects such as hematological and biochemical changes in blood, changes in immune system cells and enzymatic activity related to oxidative stress. These results are important to demonstrate the chronic exposure to POPs in olive ridley turtles in marine ecosystems and to highlight the importance of assessing the associated health risks, considering that these contaminants could be transferred to the offspring and affect future generations of this reptile. It is important to carry out studies that develop conservation strategies for the olive ridley turtle. Also, it is necessary to control the emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere, as well as reduce urban, agricultural, and industrial waste in the environment and marine ecosystems.

Agroclimatic mapping for olive cultivation in Brazil: pinpointing optimal growing regions.

BACKGROUND: This research aimed to identify the agroclimatic zones in Brazil, excluding Rio Grande do Sul, that are suitable for olive (Olea europaea L.) cultivation, considering both climatic and topographical factors. Olives require specific conditions: moderate winter temperatures (7-15 °C), warmer summers (25-35 °C) and sufficient water during growth and fruit maturation. They can endure some drought, making them a viable option for agricultural diversification. Using daily meteorological data from 1989 to 2023 from NASA-POWER, this study analyzed variables like air temperature (minimum and maximum) and rainfall. Key climate variables were the mean air temperature in winter (T_w), spring (T_s), summer (T_su) and autumn (T_a) and total annual precipitation (Prec). Criteria for suitability included: T_w between 5 and 20 °C, T_s between 15 and 23 °C, T_su between 15 and 30 °C, T_a between 15 and 22 °C, annual precipitation over 900 mm and altitude below 900 m. Geographic information system software and Python 3.8 were employed for data analysis and zoning. RESULTS: Results indicated that only 1.92% of the analyzed area, mainly in Minas Gerais, was suitable for olive cultivation. High temperatures and low rainfall in Brazil, particularly in the North and Midwest, make 59.56% of the country unsuitable for olive farming. Additionally, 18.58% of the land, mainly in the Northeast, faces challenges due to extreme heat (T_w) and insufficient water supply. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

The anti-aging, anti-tuberculosis and antioxidant potential benefits of Saudi Arabia Olea-Europaea Leaves extracts / Potenciais benefícios antienvelhecimento, antituberculose e antioxidantes dos extratos de folhas de Olea-Europaea da Arábia Saudita

The olive leaf extract and olive leaf indicated a high potential for application in food additives and foodstuffs. It could be these bio-products useful and important in condition therapy related with oxidative stress and can use it to develop functional foods and to improve the food's shelf life. The olive leaf chemical composition of Oleaeuropaea L. grown from eljouf in Saudi Arabia, using solvents of increasing polarity cyclohexane, dichloromethane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol and ethanol was determined using by GC/MS. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity (diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH), anti-aging, and anti-tuberculosis of olive leaf extracts were evaluated. The results indicated that extract of Oleaeuropaea L. has a considerable contains in polyphenols (hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein and their derivatives) regarding its antioxidant effects, the major components were detected by GC/MS in Olea dichloromethane extract are Hexadecanoic acid (15.82%), 7(4Dimethylaminophenyl)3,3,12trimethyl3,12dihydro6 Hpyrano[2,3c]acridin 6 one (11.21%), and in Olea chloroform extract are Hexatriacontane (12.68%), nTetratr iacontane (10.95%). The results concluded that the plant extract of chloroform showed no anti-aging activities and the lower anti-aging activities for cyclohexane extract, while, the Olea dichloromethane extract was the most active extract. The obtained data confirmed that the most active extract of anti-tubercolisis was for chloroform and ethyl acetate extract, while, anti-tubercolisis activity of ethanolic extract was the lower. The extract amount as well as the solvent polarity influence the inhibitory activity. A favorable connection was demonstrated inter alia the leaf extracts antioxidant activity and the content of total phenol.

O extrato de folha de oliveira e a folha de oliveira indicaram alto potencial para aplicação em aditivos alimentares e alimentos. Esses bioprodutos podem ser úteis e importantes na terapia de condições relacionadas ao estresse oxidativo e podem ser utilizados para desenvolver alimentos funcionais e melhorar a vida útil dos alimentos. A composição química da folha de oliveira de Olea europaea L. cultivada em Eljouf na Arábia Saudita, usando solventes de polaridade crescente ciclohexano, diclorometano, acetato de etil clorofórmio, metanol e etanol foi determinada usando GC/MS. Além disso, foi avaliada a atividade antioxidante (difenilpicrilhidrazil - DPPH) antienvelhecimento e antituberculose de extratos de folha de oliveira. Os resultados indicaram que o extrato de Olea europaea L. que consideravelmente possui polifenois (hidroxitirosol, oleuropeína e seus derivados) quanto aos seus efeitos antioxidantes, os componentes majoritários detectados por GC/MS no extrato diclorometânico de Olea são o ácido hexadecanoico (15,82%), 7-(4-Dimetilaminofenil)-3,3,12-trimetil-3,12-dihidro-6H-pirano[2,3c]acridin-6-ona (11,21%) e no extrato de clorofórmio de Olea são Hexatriacontane (12,68%), nTetratr iacontane (10,95%). Os resultados concluíram que o extrato vegetal de clorofórmio não apresentou atividades antienvelhecimento e as atividades antienvelhecimento mais baixas para o extrato de cicloexanona, enquanto o extrato de Olea diclorometano foi o extrato mais ativo. Os dados obtidos confirmaram que o extrato mais ativo de antituberculose foi para clorofórmio e extrato de acetato de etila, enquanto a atividade antituberculose de extrato etanoico foi menor. A quantidade de extrato, bem como a polaridade do solvente influenciam a atividade inibitória, atividade e o teor de fenol total.

Health Outcomes Related to the Consumption of Olive Products: A Brief Review.

Olive oil, as well as by-products and waste that are left after production, particularly olive pomace and olive leaf, have been extensively researched as sources of phenolic compounds. These compounds are known for their biological properties and have been associated with the prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases. Metabolomics has been used as a methodological tool to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying these properties. The present review explores the health outcomes and changes in endogenous metabolite profiles induced by olive derivatives. A literature search was conducted using the scientific databases Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed, and the selected articles were published between the years 2012 and 2023. The reviewed studies have reported several health benefits of olive derivatives and their phenolic components, including appetite regulation, fewer cardiovascular disorders, and antiproliferative properties. This review also addressed the bioavailability of these compounds, their impact on the microbiota, and described biomarkers of their intake. Therefore, there should be further research using this methodology for a better understanding of the performance and therapeutic potential of olive derivatives.

In situ extraction/encapsulation of olive leaves antioxidants in zein for improved oxidative stability of edible oils.

This study presents a sustainable and cost-effective method for preserving the bioactivity of phenolic compounds in olive leaves (OLE) during their application. The extraction and nanoencapsulation of OLE were performed in a single-step process using a rotor-stator system with zein as the encapsulating agent. The nanoprecipitation step was carried out using an aqueous sodium caseinate solution, resulting in spherical particles with an average diameter of about 640 nm, as confirmed by Transmission Electron Microscopy. Thermal characterization showed that the produced nanoparticles were more thermally stable than free OLE until 250 °C, and FTIR spectra indicated effective interaction between the phenolic compounds and zein. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using TBARS, DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays, with results showing that encapsulated OLE had lower antioxidant activity than free OLE. The best antioxidant capacity results were determined by TBARS assay, with IC50 results equal to 43 and 103 µgOLE/mL for free and encapsulated OLE, respectively. No anti-inflammatory potential was detected for both samples using the RAW 264.7 model, and only free OLE showed cytotoxic activity against lung cancer and gastric carcinoma. Encapsulated and free OLE were used as antioxidants in soy, palm, and palm kernel oils and compared to BHT using Rancimat. The Schaal Oven Test was also performed, and the PARAFAC chemometric method analyzed the UV-Vis spectra, which revealed high stability of the oil when 300 mg or the nanoparticles were added per kg oil. Results suggested that zein-encapsulated olive leaf antioxidants can improve the oxidative stability of edible oils.

Using chitosan nanoparticles and N-acetyl thiazolidine 4-carboxylic acid for olive trees efficiency raising, improving fruits properties and oil quality.

Recently exposure of olive trees to many stresses particularly oil varieties led to decline in the olive yield. The target of the study is to improve vegetative growth and increase olive fruits quality as well as the fruit oil % and oil quality by applying chitosan nanoparticles (CHNPs) and N-acetyl thiazolidine 4-carboxylic acid (N-ATCA) under the conditions of Egypt. The experiment was carried out in the seasons of 2021 and 2022 on Arbosana olive trees 8 years old and 4×6 m apart the trees sprayed three times on 15th Sept., 1st Oct. and 15th Oct. with (CHNPs at 500, 1000 and 1500 ppm), (N-ATCA at 50, 100 and 150 ppm) and a combination between them and evaluate the vegetative growth of trees, fruit physiochemical characteristics, and oil properties during both study seasons. The application of CHNPs and N-ATCA and a combination of them led to increasing leaf area, total chlorophyll and proline content also increment fruit weight, flesh weight, oil color and oil % moreover improving the quality of produced oil. The improvement in growth, fruit quality, oil % and oil quality, were associated with increasing concentrations of CHNPs, N-ATCA and a combination of them especially (CHNPs at 1500 ppm + N-ATCA at 100 ppm and CHNPs at 1500 ppm + N-ATCA at 150 ppm). Spraying (CHNPs at 1500 ppm + N-ATCA at 150 ppm) is recommended to improve the tree growth, fruit quality, oil % and quality of Arbosana olive.

First report of environmental isolation of Cryptococcus and Cryptococcus-like yeasts from Boyacá, Colombia.

The Cryptococcus genus comprises more than 100 species, of which C. neoformans and C. gattii are the leading cause of cryptococcosis. The distribution of C. gattii and C. neoformans species complexes has been extensively studied and widely reported globally. Other species such as Naganishia albida, Papiliotrema laurentii, and Papiliotrema flavescens have been reported as pathogenic yeasts. Since there are no reports of environmental isolation in the Boyacá region (Colombia), this study aimed to isolate and characterize Cryptococcus and Cryptococcus-like yeasts from pigeon feces, Eucalyptus, and olive trees distributed in the municipalities of Tunja and Ricaute Alto. The environmental data was recovered, and the isolations obtained were identified by microscopy, biochemical test, MALDI-TOF MS, URA5-RFLP, and sequencing of the ITS and LSU loci. For the 93 pigeon dropping samples collected in Tunja, 23 yielded to C. neoformans, 3 to N. globosa, 2 N. albida and 1 to P. laurentii. Of the 1188 samples collected from olive trees, 17 (1.43%) positive samples were identified as C. gattii species complex (4), C. neoformans species complex (2), P. laurentii (3), N. albida (2), N. globosa (5) and P. flavescens (1). Likewise, specimens of C. neoformans presented molecular type VNI and molecular type VNII; for C. gattii the molecular types found were VGIII and one VGIV by URA5-RFLP but VGIII by MALDI-TOF and sequencing of the ITS and LSU. Therefore, it can be concluded that the species of Cryptococcus, Naganishia and Papiliotrema genera, are present in the environment of Boyacá, and show a predilection for climate conditions that are typical of this region.

Metabolic and molecular effects of dietary extra virgin olive oil in blood and placenta of women with GDM.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) increases the risks of maternal, placental, and neonatal complications. Previously, we found that a diet enriched in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) prevents increased maternal triglyceridemia and placental proinflammatory markers in a cohort of GDM patients. The aim of this work was to evaluate maternal circulating markers of insulin resistance, placental collagen, glycogen and lipid levels, and placental levels of proteins, mRNAs, and a microRNA involved in the endocytic pathway in the same cohort of control women and women with GDM who received or did not receive a diet enriched in EVOO (36 g/day) from weeks 24 to 28 of pregnancy until term. Results: At term, the TG/HDL cholesterol ratio, fatty acid binding protein 4 circulating levels, and maternal BMI were increased in the GDM patients, alterations prevented by the maternal diet enriched in EVOO. Although there were no changes in placental lipid levels and lipid profile, GDM placentas were thicker than controls and showed increased glycogen and collagen content, alterations prevented by the EVOO enriched diet. GDM placentas showed increases in megalin levels, in the expression of several genes involved in the endocytic pathway, and in miR-199, which targets these genes, alterations prevented by the maternal diet enriched in EVOO. Conclusions: We identified novel beneficial effects of an EVOO-enriched diet in GDM women, a diet capable of regulating maternal insulin resistance, the structure and metabolism of the placenta, and the placental endocytic pathway, suggesting effects that may be beneficial for fetal development.

Molecular Interplay between Non-Host Resistance, Pathogens and Basal Immunity as a Background for Fatal Yellowing in Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) Plants.

An oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) bud rod disorder of unknown etiology, named Fatal Yellowing (FY) disease, is regarded as one of the top constraints with respect to the growth of the palm oil industry in Brazil. FY etiology has been a challenge embraced by several research groups in plant pathology throughout the last 50 years in Brazil, with no success in completing Koch's postulates. Most recently, the hypothesis of having an abiotic stressor as the initial cause of FY has gained ground, and oxygen deficiency (hypoxia) damaging the root system has become a candidate for stress. Here, a comprehensive, large-scale, single- and multi-omics integration analysis of the metabolome and transcriptome profiles on the leaves of oil palm plants contrasting in terms of FY symptomatology-asymptomatic and symptomatic-and collected in two distinct seasons-dry and rainy-is reported. The changes observed in the physicochemical attributes of the soil and the chemical attributes and metabolome profiles of the leaves did not allow the discrimination of plants which were asymptomatic or symptomatic for this disease, not even in the rainy season, when the soil became waterlogged. However, the multi-omics integration analysis of enzymes and metabolites differentially expressed in asymptomatic and/or symptomatic plants in the rainy season compared to the dry season allowed the identification of the metabolic pathways most affected by the changes in the environment, opening an opportunity for additional characterization of the role of hypoxia in FY symptom intensification. Finally, the initial analysis of a set of 56 proteins/genes differentially expressed in symptomatic plants compared to the asymptomatic ones, independent of the season, has presented pieces of evidence suggesting that breaks in the non-host resistance to non-adapted pathogens and the basal immunity to adapted pathogens, caused by the anaerobic conditions experienced by the plants, might be linked to the onset of this disease. This set of genes might offer the opportunity to develop biomarkers for selecting oil palm plants resistant to this disease and to help pave the way to employing strategies to keep the safety barriers raised and strong.