Multi-Analytical Approach for the Acid-Base, Thermal and Surface Properties Assessment of Waste Biomasses.

A multi-analytical approach was used to comprehensively characterize the acid-base, thermal, and surface properties of agri-food processing wastes (i.e., original and pre-treated bergamot, grape and olive pomaces).

Antioxidant activity of two Mill. species fruit extracts on human sperm quality after a freeze-thaw cycle.

This study investigated the phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity of fruit extracts of (Ker Gawl.) Haw.(OD) and (L.

Nutraceutical Content and Genetic Diversity Share a Common Pattern in New Pomegranate Genotypes.

The nutraceutical value of pomegranate in the treatment of many diseases is well-documented and is linked to its richness in phenolic compounds. This study aims to evaluate the nutraceutical and genetic diversity of novel pomegranate genotypes (G1-G5) in comparison to leading commercial pomegranate varieties, i.e.

Cardoon ( L. var. ) seeds presscake: a natural by-product for pigs feeding.

The cardoon seeds presscake is a natural by-product resulting from the mechanical treatment of the cardoon plant seeds. The chemical composition suggests its possible use in animal nutrition due to the content of proteins, fibre, lipids and biologically active substances. The presscake studied contained 7.

Evaluation of cadmium and arsenic effects on wild and cultivated cardoon genotypes selected for metal phytoremediation and bioenergy purposes.

Cynara cardunculus L. is a multipurpose crop, characterized by high production of biomass suitable for energy purposes and green chemistry. Taking advantage of its already demonstrated ability to grow in polluted environments that characterize many world marginal lands, the aim of this work was to investigate the response of different cardoon genotypes to exposure to cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) pollution, in order to use this crop for rehabilitation of contaminated sites and its biomass for energy production.

Seagrass Cymodocea nodosa and seaweed Ulva lactuca as tools for trace element biomonitoring. A comparative study.

This study compared the capacity of the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa and the green alga Ulva lactuca to sequester the trace elements Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn, in seawater and benthic sediments, under the same environmental conditions. Samples of C. nodosa leaves and U.

Seed Transcriptome Annotation Reveals Enhanced Expression of Genes Related to ROS Homeostasis and Ethylene Metabolism at Alternating Temperatures in Wild Cardoon.

The association among environmental cues, ethylene response, ABA signaling, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis in the process of seed dormancy release is nowadays well-established in many species. Alternating temperatures are recognized as one of the main environmental signals determining dormancy release, but their underlying mechanisms are scarcely known. Dry after-ripened wild cardoon achenes germinated poorly at a constant temperature of 20, 15, or 10 °C, whereas germination was stimulated by 80% at alternating temperatures of 20/10 °C.

Hybrid transcriptome sequencing approach improved assembly and gene annotation in Cynara cardunculus (L.).

Background: The investigation of transcriptome profiles using short reads in non-model organisms, which lack of well-annotated genomes, is limited by partial gene reconstruction and isoform detection. In contrast, long-reads sequencing techniques revealed their potential to generate complete transcript assemblies even when a reference genome is lacking. Cynara cardunculus var.

MYB5-like and bHLH influence flavonoid composition in pomegranate.

The fruit of the pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is an important nutraceutical food rich in polyphenolic compounds, including hydrolysable tannins, anthocyanins and flavonols. Their composition varies according to cultivar, tissue and fruit development stage and is probably regulated by a combination of MYB and bHLH type transcription factors (TFs).

L. as a Multipurpose Crop for Plant Secondary Metabolites Production in Marginal Stressed Lands.

Cardoon ( L.) is a Mediterranean crop, member of the Asteraceae family, characterized by high production of biomass and secondary metabolites and by a good adaptation to climate change, usable in green chemistry, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical sectors. Recent studies demonstrated the ability of cardoon to grow up in a stressful environment, which is associated with enhanced biosynthesis of biologically active compounds in these plants, and this effect is increased by abiotic stresses (salt, heat, pollution, and drought stress) that characterize many world marginal areas, affected by the climate changes.

Biological properties of Cakile maritima Scop. (Brassicaceae) extracts.

Objective: Cakile maritima scop. (CKM) is a herbaceous plant (Brassicaceae) growing also in high salinity environment. It is an annual plant growing in clumps or mounds in the sand on beaches and bluffs.

Seed dormancy and control of germination in Sisymbrella dentata (L.) O.E. Schulz (Brassicaceae).

Seed germination responsiveness to environmental cues is crucial for plant species living in changeable habitats and can vary among populations within the same species as a result of adaptation or modulation to local climates. Here, we investigate the germination response to environmental cues of Sisymbrella dentata (L.) O.

Comparative assessment of trace element accumulation and bioindication in seagrasses Posidonia oceanica, Cymodocea nodosa and Halophila stipulacea.

Accumulation and bioindication of trace elements were compared in three seagrasses growing in the Mediterranean Sea: Posidonia oceanica, Cymodocea nodosa and Halophila stipulacea. The levels of the elements As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn were investigated in water, sediments, and roots, rhizomes and leaves of seagrasses. Results showed that seagrasses can accumulate comparable levels of trace elements, but P.

Seagrass Halophila stipulacea: Capacity of accumulation and biomonitoring of trace elements.

This study aimed to shed further light on the capacity of the seagrass Halophila stipulacea to accumulate and biomonitor the elements As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn, present in water and sediments. Results showed that the organs of H. stipulacea accumulate different levels of trace elements, whose concentrations decrease mainly in the order of roots>rhizomes>leaves.

The quality of functional whole-meal durum wheat spaghetti as affected by inulin polymerization degree.

The use of inulin in pasta improves the nutritional value decreasing the glycemic index in the blood after pasta ingestion but it compromises the sensory characteristics in terms of elasticity, firmness, bulkiness and adhesiveness. Thus, in this work, the impact of substituting whole-meal durum wheat flour with inulin on cooking quality, sensory and textural properties, digested starch and chemical composition of spaghetti was investigated. Two types of inulin at two different concentrations (2% and 4%) were adopted: inulin extracted from cardoon roots (CRI) (high polymerization degree) and commercial inulin (CHI) (low polymerization degree) produced from chicory.

Antiproliferative and Antiangiogenic Effects of Punica granatum Juice (PGJ) in Multiple Myeloma (MM).

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a clonal B-cell malignancy characterized by an accumulation of clonal plasma cells (PC) in the bone marrow (BM) leading to bone destruction and BM failure. Despite recent advances in pharmacological therapy, MM remains a largely incurable pathology. Therefore, novel effective and less toxic agents are urgently necessary.

Clinical Impact of the Immunome in Lymphoid Malignancies: The Role of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells.

The better definition of the mutual sustainment between neoplastic cells and immune system has been translated from the bench to the bedside acquiring value as prognostic factor. Additionally, it represents a promising tool for improving therapeutic strategies. In this context, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have gained a central role in tumor developing with consequent therapeutic implications.

Myeloid derived suppressor cells in chronic myeloid leukemia.

The suppression of the immune system creates a permissive environment for development and progression of cancer. One population of immunosuppressive cells that have become the focus of intense study is myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), immature myeloid cells able to induce immune-escape, angiogenesis, and tumor progression. Two different subpopulations have been identified and studied: granulocytic and monocytic MDSCs, with a different immunophenotype and immunosuppressive properties.

Physico-chemical characteristics, water absorption, soaking and cooking properties of some Sicilian populations of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.).

The physical and physico-chemical properties of several Kabuli chickpeas originating from Sicily (South Italy) were determined. Twelve genotypes in all, including two controls (ILC484, of the ICARDA genebank, and 'Calia', a traditional Italian cultivar), were analysed. A large variability among genotypes was ascertained for swelling capacity (coefficient of variation [CV] = 27.

Clinical application of ultrasonography in liver surgery.

Modern liver surgery is based upon deep knowledge of the surgical anatomy of the liver and improvements with ultrasounds imaging techniques have provided multidimensional interpretations of the liver anatomy intraoperatively. The technical advances with real-time scanning combined with the pioneering efforts of the Japanese liver surgeons have permitted the dynamic adaptation of the functional liver anatomy to the real anatomy, thus intimately aiding in segment oriented anatomical resection. Intraoperative ultrasound afford several advantages such as viewing the internal anatomy in direct relationship to the surface landmarks under the probe, enabling higher frequencies resulting in greater image resolution.

Comparative efficacy of topical hemostatic agents in a rat kidney model.

The efficacies of four topical hemostatic agents were compared in a rat model employing a standardized renal injury. The materials used to effect hemostasis were oxidized cellulose, microfibrillar collagen powder, positively charged modified collagen, and single donor heterologous fibrin glue. Animals that were treated only with surgical gauze served as controls.

Epidural anesthesia as an adjunct to retroperitoneal aortic surgery.

Recent developments in vascular surgery suggest that the retroperitoneal approach to the aorta and the use of epidural anesthesia for lower limb revascularization are associated with decreased morbidity and shorter hospital stays. By combining these principles, we sought to determine if retroperitoneal aortic surgery could be performed under epidural anesthesia and if this might be advantageous. Over a 16-month period, 57 patients underwent aortic surgery via the retroperitoneal (n = 33) or transperitoneal (n = 24) approach.