Authentication and Geographical Characterisation of Italian Grape Musts through Glucose and Fructose Carbon Isotopic Ratios Determined by LC-IRMS.

The authenticity of grape musts is normally checked through a time-consuming stable isotopic analysis of carbon (δ13C) after fermentation and distillation by following the official OIV MA AS-312-06 method. In this study, the alternative use of a technique based on δ13C isotopic analysis of the major sugars of the grape must by liquid chromatography coupled with isotope ratio mass spectrometry (LC-IRMS) is provided. It allows not only the detection of the fraudulent addition to grape must of exogenous glucose and fructose deriving from C4 plants but also the characterisation of it based on its geographical origin. In order to discriminate between musts from different areas of Italy, a preliminary dataset was considered; the δ13C isotopic ratios of glucose and fructose of around 100 authentic samples were analysed. The two analysed parameters, ranging from -29.8‱ to -21.9‱, are well correlated (R2 = 0.7802) and the northern regions showed significantly more negative δ13C values for both sugars than the rest of the dataset.

Myo-Inositol, Scyllo-Inositol, and Other Minor Carbohydrates as Authenticity Markers for the Control of Italian Bulk, Concentrate, and Rectified Grape Must.

Myo-inositol polyalcohol is a characteristic component of natural and concentrated grape musts (CMs), and Regulation (EU) no. 1308/2013 prescribes its presence as a marker of the authenticity of rectified concentrated must (RCM). Other polyalcohols besides myo-inositol, such as scyllo-inositol or minor sugars, could be considered authenticity markers, but an extensive search in the literature yielded no exhaustively investigated study of their concentration variability in genuine products. The aim of this study was to create an extensive national data bank of minor carbohydrates profiles and investigate the impact of the geographical origin and the different vintages on the concentration of these compounds; to this end, 450 authentic Italian grape musts of different varieties were sampled and analyzed during the harvest season in 2019, 2020, and 2021. The grape musts from the Italian wine-growing areas CII and CIIIb had myo- and scyllo-inositol contents always higher than 756 and 39 mg/kg of sugar, respectively. Conversely, also considering other mono- and disaccharides, sucrose, sorbitol, lactose, maltose, and isomaltose showed contents always lower than 534, 1207, 390, 2222, and 1639 mg/kg of sugar, respectively. The general applicability to the CM and RCM of the proposed authenticity thresholds, established in the must, was demonstrated by studying the influence of must concentration on the myo- and scyllo-inositol content. Inter-laboratory comparison experiments were also conducted to harmonize and characterize laboratory methods and validate the analytical dataset. Based on the obtained results, the text of the EU legislation (Reg. (EU) 1308/2013), which defines the characteristics of the must and the CRM product, should be revised.

Multiple Technology Approach Based on Stable Isotope Ratio Analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry and Thermogravimetric Analysis to Ensure the Fungal Origin of the Chitosan.

Chitosan is a natural polysaccharide which has been authorized for oenological practices for the treatment of musts and wines. This authorization is limited to chitosan of fungal origin while that of crustacean origin is prohibited. To guarantee its origin, a method based on the measurement of the stable isotope ratios (SIR) of carbon δ13C, nitrogen δ15N, oxygen δ18O and hydrogen δ2H of chitosan has been recently proposed without indicating the threshold authenticity limits of these parameters which, for the first time, were estimated in this paper. In addition, on part of the samples analysed through SIR, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were performed as simple and rapid discrimination methods due to limited technological resources. Samples having δ13C values above -14.2‱ and below -125.1‱ can be considered as authentic fungal chitosan without needing to analyse other parameters. If the δ13C value falls between -25.1‱ and -24.9‱, it is necessary to proceed further with the evaluation of the parameter δ15N, which must be above +2.7‱. Samples having δ18O values lower than +25.3‱ can be considered as authentic fungal chitosan. The combination of maximum degradation temperatures (obtained using TGA) and peak areas of Amide I and NH2/Amide II (obtained using FTIR) also allows the discrimination between the two origins of the polysaccharide. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) based on TGA, FTIR and SIR data successfully distributed the tested samples into informative clusters. Therefore, we present the technologies described as part of a robust analytical strategy for the correct identification of chitosan samples from crustaceans or fungi.

Characterization of Beef Coming from Different European Countries through Stable Isotope (H, C, N, and S) Ratio Analysis.

The need to guarantee the geographical origin of food samples has become imperative in recent years due to the increasing amount of food fraud. Stable isotope ratio analysis permits the characterization and origin control of foodstuffs, thanks to its capability to discriminate between products having different geographical origins and derived from different production systems. The Framework 6 EU-project "TRACE" generated hydrogen (2H/1H), carbon (13C/12C), nitrogen (15N/14N), and sulphur (34S/32S) isotope ratio data from 227 authentic beef samples. These samples were collected from a total of 13 sites in eight countries. The stable isotope analysis was completed by combining IRMS with a thermal conversion elemental analyzer (TC/EA) for the analysis of δ(2H) and an elemental analyzer (EA) for the determination of δ(13C), δ(15N), and δ(34S). The results show the potential of this technique to detect clustering of samples due to specific environmental conditions in the areas where the beef cattle were reared. Stable isotope measurements highlighted statistical differences between coastal and inland regions, production sites at different latitudes, regions with different geology, and different farming systems related to the diet the animals were consuming (primarily C3- or C4-based or a mixed one).

Insights into the stable isotope ratio variability of hybrid grape varieties: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Official stable isotope databases, based on the analysis of (D/H)I ethanol , (D/H)II ethanol , δ13 Cethanol and δ18 Owater of wine, are an indispensable tool for establishing the limits beyond which the mislabeling or the addition of sugar and/or water in wine production can be detected. The present study investigates, for the first time, whether the use of hybrid varieties instead of European Vitis vinifera for wine production can have an impact on the stable isotope ratios. RESULTS: The analyses were performed by isotope ratio mass spectrometry and site-specific natural isotope fractionation by nuclear magnetic resonance, in accordance with the official methods of the International Organization of Grapes and Wine. The comparison shows the tendency of some stable isotope ratios of hybrid varieties, in particular (D/H)I , to deviate from the regional averages of the V. vinifera samples. Notably, Baron, Monarch and Regent showed significantly different values at one of the two sampling sites. Particularly high δ13 C values characterize Helios compared to other hybrid varieties. CONCLUSION: For the first time, and from an isotopic point of view, the present study investigates the wine obtained from hybrid varieties, showing that further attention should be paid to their interpretation, on the basis of the database established according to the European Regulation 2018/273. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Gas Chromatography Combustion Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry to Detect Differences in Four Compartments of Simmental Cows Fed on C3 and C4 Diets.

Fatty acids (FAs) metabolism in animals represents an important field of study since they influence the quality and the properties of the meat. The aim of this study is to assess the possibility to discriminate the diets of cows in different animal compartments and to study the fate of dietary FAs in the bovine organism, using carbon isotopic ratios. Five FAs, both essential (linoleic and linolenic) and non-essential (palmitic, stearic, and oleic) in four compartments (feed, rumen, liver, meat) of animals fed two different diets (based on either C3 or C4 plants) were considered. For all compartments, the carbon isotopic ratio (δ13C) of all FAs (with few exceptions) resulted significantly lower in cows fed on C3 than C4 plants, figuring as a powerful tool to discriminate between different diets. Moreover, chemical reactions taking place in each animal compartment result in fraction processes affecting the δ13C values. The δ13CFAs tendentially increase from feed to meat in group C3. On the other hand, the δ13CFAs generally increase from rumen to liver in group C4, while δ13CFAs of rumen and meat are mostly not statistically different. Different trends in the δ13CFAs of the two groups suggested different FAs fates depending on the diet.

MeltingPlot, a user-friendly online tool for epidemiological investigation using High Resolution Melting data.

BACKGROUND: The rapid identification of pathogen clones is pivotal for effective epidemiological control strategies in hospital settings. High Resolution Melting (HRM) is a molecular biology technique suitable for fast and inexpensive pathogen typing protocols. Unfortunately, the mathematical/informatics skills required to analyse HRM data for pathogen typing likely limit the application of this promising technique in hospital settings. RESULTS: MeltingPlot is the first tool specifically designed for epidemiological investigations using HRM data, easing the application of HRM typing to large real-time surveillance and rapid outbreak reconstructions. MeltingPlot implements a graph-based algorithm designed to discriminate pathogen clones on the basis of HRM data, producing portable typing results. The tool also merges typing information with isolates and patients metadata to create graphical and tabular outputs useful in epidemiological investigations and it runs in a few seconds even with hundreds of isolates. AVAILABILITY: https://skynet.unimi.it/index.php/tools/meltingplot/ . CONCLUSIONS: The analysis and result interpretation of HRM typing protocols can be not trivial and this likely limited its application in hospital settings. MeltingPlot is a web tool designed to help the user to reconstruct epidemiological events by combining HRM-based clustering methods and the isolate/patient metadata. The tool can be used for the implementation of HRM based real time large scale surveillance programs in hospital settings.

Geographical reconstruction of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in Lombardy (Italy) during the early phase.

The first identification of autochthonous transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in Italy was documented by the Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Virology and Bioemergencies of L. Sacco Hospital (Milano, Italy) on 20th February 2020 in a 38 years old male patient, who was found positive for pneumonia at the Codogno Hospital. Thereafter Lombardy has reported the highest prevalence of COVID-19 cases in the country, especially in Milano, Brescia and Bergamo provinces. The aim of this study was to assess the potential presence of different viral clusters belonging to the six main provinces involved in Lombardy COVID-19 cases in order to highlight peculiar province-dependent viral characteristics. A phylogenetic analysis was conducted on 20 full length genomes obtained from patients addressing to several Lombard hospitals from February 20th to April 4th, 2020, aligned with 41 Italian viral genome assemblies available on GISAID database as of 30th March, 2020: two main monophyletic clades, containing 8 and 53 isolates, respectively, were identified. Noteworthy, Bergamo isolates mapped inside the small clade harbouring M gene D3G mutation. The molecular clock analysis estimated a cluster divergence approximately one month before the first patient identification, supporting the hypothesis that different SARS-CoV-2 strains had spread worldwide at different times, but their presence became evident only in late February along with Italian epidemic emergence. Therefore, this epidemiological reconstruction suggests that virus initial circulation in Lombardy was ascribable to multiple introduction. The phylogenetic reconstruction robustness, however, will be improved when more genomic sequences are available, in order to guarantee a complete epidemiological surveillance.

Rice flour fermented with Lactobacillus paracasei CBA L74 in the treatment of atopic dermatitis in infants: A randomized, double- blind, placebo- controlled trial.

To assess the effect of a fermented rice-flour obtained from Lactobacillus paracasei CBA L74 in managing infants with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. Infants with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, aged 6-36 months, were randomly assigned to receive once-daily consumption of rice flour containing heat-killed probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei CBA L74 or placebo for 12 weeks as supplementary approach to topical treatment. Primary outcome was SCORAD index change from baseline to 12 weeks; secondary outcomes were gut microbiota composition, as evaluated by the analysis of fecal samples, and serum cytokines at baseline and at the end of the intervention period in both groups, and steroid usage over the treatment period and one month after stopping it. V3-V4 region of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene was sequenced to evaluate changes in the gut microbiota. SCORAD index decreased over the treatment period in both groups. The difference in the SCORAD change was -2.1 (-5.5 to 1.3; p = 0.223) for the experimental vs. the placebo group, not reaching the minimal clinical difference of 8.7 units. The use of topical steroids, measured as finger tips units, decreased from 4 to 16 weeks, in both groups; the reduction was significantly higher in experimental than in placebo group (p value from Wilcoxon rank sum test = 0.031). No significant differences were observed for cytokines levels between groups. The composition of gut microbiota at the phylum and class taxonomic levels resulted very similar, at baseline and after intervention, in both groups. Similarly, no significant differences were observed in the relative abundance of bacterial genera between groups. In conclusion, though the heat-killed Lactobacillus paracaseiwas not proved to be effective in reducing the severity of atopic dermatitis, it showed a steroid sparing effect the value of which needs to be further investigated.

Using Bioelements Isotope Ratios and Fatty Acid Composition to Deduce Beef Origin and Zebu Feeding Regime in Cameroon.

The purpose of this study was to address the lack of knowledge regarding the stable isotopic composition of beef from zebu cattle reared in tropical Africa. Sixty beef carcasses belonging to the most common zebu breeds (Goudali, white Fulani, and red Mbororo) were selected and classified according to their subcutaneous fat color (white, cream or yellow). The stable isotope ratios of five bioelements-H, O, C, N, and S-in muscle fractions and the fatty acids composition were analyzed. Zebu meat from Cameroon shows peculiar δ13C values, related to the almost exclusive intake of grazed tropical grasses with photosynthetic cycle C4. It also shows δ2H and δ18O values higher than those reported in other areas of the world and correlated with the isotopic composition of animal drinking water. The white subcutaneous fat ("white type") zebu showed higher δ2H and lower δ13C than the "yellow type", that is correlated with a higher content of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and a lower amount of saturated fatty acid (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA). Multielement analysis seems to provide promising results for tracing the regional origin of Cameroon beef and some aspects of the livestock system, such as the nutritional status of the animals.

Inflammatory bowel diseases, the hygiene hypothesis and the other side of the microbiota: Parasites and fungi.

This review tackles the concept of the evolutionary mismatch, in relation with the reduction of the prevalence of the so-called "dirty old friends". These formed the variegated community of parasites and microorganisms, either prokaryotic or eukaryotic, that, over long evolutionary times, co-evolved with humans and their ancestors, inhabiting their digestive tracts, and other body districts. This community of microbial symbionts and metazoan parasites is thought to have evolved a complex network of inter-independence with the host, in particular in relation with their immune stimulating capacity, and with the consequent adaptation of the host immune response to this chronic stimulation. Strictly related to this evolutionary mismatch, the hygiene hypothesis, proposed by David Strachan in 1989, foresees that the increase in the incidence of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders during the twentieth century has been caused by the reduced exposure to parasites and microorganisms, especially in industrialized countries. Among these pathologies, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) occupy a prominent role. From these premises, this review summarizes current knowledge on how variations in the composition of the gut bacterial microbiota, as well as its interactions with fungal communities, influence the overall immune balance, favouring or counteracting gut inflammation in IBDs. Additionally, the effect of worm parasites, either directly on the immune balance, or indirectly, through the modulation of bacterial and fungal microbiota, will be addressed. Finally, we will review a series of studies related to the use of molecules derived from parasitic worms and fungi, which hold the potential to be developed as postbiotics for the treatment of IBDs.

Influence of Fermentation Water on Stable Isotopic D/H Ratios of Alcohol Obtained from Concentrated Grape Must.

According to Organisation Internationale de la vigne et du vin (OIV) standards, when analysing the stable isotope ratio of deuterium to hydrogen D/H at the methyl (I) and methylene (II) site of ethanol from concentrated must, a dilution with tap water is needed in order to carry out the alcoholic fermentation. This dilution causes a partial transfer of water hydrogens to the sugar, and this affects the (D/H)I and (D/H)II isotopic values of ethanol, which need to be normalised through specific equations based on the analysis of water δ18O or δ2H. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and correctness of these equations experimentally. Grape, cane, and beet sugar, as well as grape must were diluted with water with increasing H and O stable isotope ratios, fermented, and analysed. SNIF-NMR and IRMS techniques were applied following the respective OIV methods. The equations based on the δ2H analysis of the diluted sugar/must solutions proved to be reliable in all the cases, although it is not an OIV standard. When using the equations based on the values of δ18O of the diluted solution, data normalisation was reliable only in cases where the water used for dilution had not undergone isotopic fractionation due, for example, to evaporation. In these cases, δ2H should be analysed.

Validation of the 2H-SNIF NMR and IRMS Methods for Vinegar and Vinegar Analysis: An International Collaborative Study.

This paper presents the results of a collaborative study involving seven laboratories and concerning two samples of wine vinegar, one of apple vinegar and four of balsamic vinegar. The aim of the study was to define standard deviations of repeatability (sr) and reproducibility (sR) for vinegar and balsamic vinegar stable isotope ratios of H (D/H), C (δ13C) and O (δ18O), in order to establish them as fully recognized official standards. Acetic acid was extracted and subjected to (D/H)CH3 and δ13C analysis. δ18O analysis was performed on whole samples. The grape must solution remained after distillation of balsamic vinegar was fermented and the resulting ethanol was subjected to (D/H)I, (D/H)II, R and δ13C analysis. The sr and sR were 0.6 ppm and 1.1 ppm for (D/H)CH3, 0.14‱ and 0.25‱ for δ13C of acetic acid, 0.1‱ and 0.17‱ for δ18O of water, 0.19 ppm and 0.64 ppm for ethanol (D/H)I, 1.14 and 1.31 ppm for (D/H)II, 0.09 and 0.11‱ for δ13C of ethanol. These data are in line with those in the literature or reported in corresponding official methods, and sr and sR of balsamic vinegar are in line with those of vinegar and must.

Genomic Characterization of an ST1153 PVL-producing Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Clinical Isolate in Italy.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) clones are rapidly increasing beyond the hospital into the community, livestock farming and environmental settings. An Italian man, a professional diver working in Egypt, was admitted to Infectious Diseases Clinic-ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco for ulcerative skin lesions. An MRSA strain was isolated from the lesions' purulent exudate and the nasal colonization was also ascertained. The strain, characterized by whole genome sequencing, resulted to be Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL) positive, SCCmecI - spa-type t504, and belonging to the sequence type 1153, sporadically described worldwide.

Stable Isotope Ratio Analysis for Assessing the Authenticity of Food of Animal Origin.

The main elemental constituents (H, C, N, O, and S) of bio-organic material have different stable isotopes (2 H, 1 H; 13 C,12 C; 15 N,14 N; 18 O,17 O,16 O; 36 S, 34 S, 33 S, and 32 S). Isotopic ratios can be measured precisely and accurately using dedicated analytical techniques such as isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). Analysis of these ratios shows potential for assessing the authenticity of food of animal origin. In this review, IRMS analysis of food of animal origin and variability factors related to stable isotope ratios in animals are described. The study also lists examples of application of stable isotope ratio analysis to meat, dairy products, fish, and shellfish and emphasizes the strengths and weaknesses of the technique. Geographical, climatic, pedological, geological, botanical, and agricultural factors affect the stable isotope ratios (SIR) of bio-elements, and SIR variations are ultimately incorporated into animal tissue through eating, drinking, breathing, and exchange with the environment, being recorded in the resulting foods. SIR analysis was capable of determining geographical origin, animal diet, and the production system (such as organic/conventional or wild/farmed) for pork, beef, lamb, poultry, milk, butter, cheese, fish, and shellfish. In the case of the hard PDO (protected designations of origin) cheeses Grana Padano and Parmigiano Reggiano it is also used in real-life situations to assess the authenticity of grated and shredded cheese on the market.

Validation of methods for H, C, N and S stable isotopes and elemental analysis of cheese: results of an international collaborative study.

RATIONALE: PDO cheeses, such as Parmigiano Reggiano and Grana Padano, which cost more than double generic similar cheeses, must be protected against mislabelling. The aim of this study was to validate the methods for the isotopic and elemental analysis of cheese, in order to support official recognition of their use in authenticity assessment. METHODS: An international collaborative study based on blind duplicates of seven hard cheeses was performed according to the IUPAC protocol and ISO Standards 5725/2004 and 13528/2005. The H, C, N and S stable isotope ratios of defatted cheese determined using Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS) and the content of Li, Na, Mn, Fe, Cu, Se, Rb, Sr, Mo, Ba, Re, Bi, U in cheese after acid microwave digestion using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry or Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-MS or -OES) were measured in 13 different laboratories. RESULTS: The average standard deviations of repeatability (sr) and reproducibility (sR) were 0.1 and 0.2 ‰ for δ(13)C values, 0.1 and 0.3 ‰ for δ(15)N values, 2 and 3 ‰ for δ(2)H values, and 0.4 and 0.6 ‰ for δ(34)S values, thus comparable with results of official methods and the literature for other food matrices. For elemental data, the average RSDr and RSDR values ranged between 2 and 11% and between 9 and 28%, respectively, consistent with methods reported by the FDA and in the literature for cheese. CONCLUSIONS: The validation data obtained here can be submitted to the standardisation agencies to obtain official recognition for the methods, which is fundamental when they are used in commercial disputes and legal debates.

High-Density Balsamic Vinegar: Application of Stable Isotope Ratio Analysis to Determine Watering Down.

Balsamic vinegar of Modena (ABM) is a product obtained from concentrated grape must with the addition of wine vinegar. It can be adulterated with the addition of exogenous water. The official method EN16466-3, based on the analysis of the stable isotope ratio δ18O of the water, is not applicable to ABM with high density (above 1.20 at 20 °C). In this work, for the first time, the official method was modified, providing for a prior dilution of the sample and applying a correction of the data in order to eliminate the isotopic contribution of the diluent, whereupon the within- and between-day standard deviations of repeatability (Sr) were estimated. Considering the limit values of δ18O for vinegar and concentrated must, the threshold limit of δ18O, below which the ABM product can be considered adulterated, has been identified.

Gas chromatography-stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry prior solid phase microextraction and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry: development and optimization of analytical methods to analyse garlic (Allium sativum L.) volatile fraction.

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is not only appreciated for its flavour and taste, but it is also recognized for various health properties. The European Commission, through the attribution of the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) certification mark, has officially recognized some specific varieties of garlic. To protect not only the commercial value but also the reputation of this appreciated product, effective tools are therefore required. For the first time, a new compound specific isotope analysis method based on carbon stable isotopic ratio measurement of the three major volatile garlic compounds allyl alcohol (AA), diallyl disulphide (DD) and diallyl trisulphide (DT) through head-space solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) followed by gas chromatography-combustion-isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-C-IRMS) was developed. A within-day standard deviation (Srwithin-day) of 0.3 ‰, 0.4 ‰ and 0.2 ‰ for δ(13C) and a between-day standard deviation (Srbetween-day) of 0.8 ‰, 1.0 ‰ and 0.6 ‰ of AA, DT and DD was estimated. For the first time, the ranges of isotopic variability for the three volatile compounds of red garlic from two neighbouring Italian regions (Abruzzo and Lazio) were defined analysing 30 samples. The same dataset was also considered in analysing the percentage composition of the previously mentioned three volatile compounds through HS-SPME followed by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). The two analytical approaches were combined in this explorative study, aiming to provide potential parameters to discriminate garlic samples based on their geographical origin.

Discriminative power of DNA-based, volatilome, near infrared spectroscopy, elements and stable isotopes methods for the origin authentication of typical Italian mountain cheese using sPLS-DA modeling.

Origin authentication methods are pivotal in counteracting frauds and provide evidence for certification systems. For these reasons, geographical origin authentication methods are used to ensure product origin. This study focused on the origin authentication (i.e. at the producer level) of a typical mountain cheese origin using various approaches, including shotgun metagenomics, volatilome, near infrared spectroscopy, stable isotopes, and elemental analyses. DNA-based analysis revealed that viral communities achieved a higher classification accuracy rate (97.4 ± 2.6 %) than bacterial communities (96.1 ± 4.0 %). Non-starter lactic acid bacteria and phages specific to each origin were identified. Volatile organic compounds exhibited potential clusters according to cheese origin, with a classification accuracy rate of 90.0 ± 11.1 %. Near-infrared spectroscopy showed lower discriminative power for cheese authentication, yielding only a 76.0 ± 31.6 % classification accuracy rate. Model performances were influenced by specific regions of the infrared spectrum, possibly associated with fat content, lipid profile and protein characteristics. Furthermore, we analyzed the elemental composition of mountain Caciotta cheese and identified significant differences in elements related to dairy equipment, macronutrients, and rare earth elements among different origins. The combination of elements and isotopes showed a decrease in authentication performance (97.0 ± 3.1 %) compared to the original element models, which were found to achieve the best classification accuracy rate (99.0 ± 0.01 %). Overall, our findings emphasize the potential of multi-omics techniques in cheese origin authentication and highlight the complexity of factors influencing cheese composition and hence typicity.

Traceability and authentication in agri-food production: A multivariate approach to the characterization ofthe Italian food excellence elephant garlic (Allium ampeloprasum L.), a vasoactive nutraceutical.

A research platform for food authentication was set up by combining stable isotope ratio analysis, metabolomics by gas and liquid mass-spectrometry and NMR investigations, chemometric analyses for food excellences. This multi-analytical approach was tested on samples of elephant garlic (Allium ampeloprasum L.), a species belonging to the same genus of common garlic (Allium ampeloprasum L.), mainly produced in southern Tuscany-(Allium ampeloprasum). The isotopic composition allowed the product to be geographically characterized. Flavonoids, like (+)-catechin, cinnamic acids, quercetin glycosides were identified. The samples showed also a significant amount of dipeptides, sulphur-containing metabolites and glutathione, the latter of which could be considered a molecular marker of the analyzed elephant garlic. For nutraceutical profiling to reach quality labels, extracts were investigated in specific biological assays, displaying interesting vasorelaxant properties in rat aorta by mediating nitric oxide release from the endothelium and exhibited positive inotropic and negative chronotropic effects in rat perfused heart.