Review: Applications of HPLC–MS for food analysis

HPLC–MS applications in the agrifood sector are among the fastest developing fields in science and industry. The present tutorial mini-review briefly describes this analytical methodology: HPLC, UHPLC, nano-HPLC on one hand, mass spectrometry (MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) on the other hand. Analytical results are grouped together based on the type of chemicals analyzed (lipids, carbohydrates, glycoproteins, vitamins, flavonoids, mycotoxins, pesticides, allergens and food additives). Results are also shown for various types of food (ham, cheese, milk, cereals, olive oil and wines). Although it is not an exhaustive list, it illustrates the main current directions of applications. …

Tectono-stratigraphic evolution of a basin generated by transpression: the case of the Early Pliocene Lascari Basin (northern Sicily)

Integrated stratigraphy and structural analysis carried out in the Madonie Mts. (Northern Sicily) is aimed to the description of a syn-sedimentary tectonic event, recorded in a small infra-pliocene basin restricted to the Lascari Syncline core. The onset and evolution of the basin was driven by transpressive tectonics, generating a lens-shaped, deep and narrow tectonic depression, bounded by steep and high, tectonically controlled slopes, also reflected in the present-day topography of the area. During the genesis of the basin, the tectonic control interferes with a dramatic sea level oscillation during the Messinian-Early Pliocene time interval. In this paper, the syn-tectonic deposits of …

PRELIMINARY STUDY OF “NERO D'AVOLA” CULTIVAR FROM MUST TO WINE BY SPME-GC/MS ANALYSIS

Preliminary results of a GC-MS analysis on some embalming materials from a female mummy from ptolemaic age.

Biological effects and photodegradation by TiO(2) of terpenes present in industrial wastewater.

Abstract The aim of this work was to study the biological effects of four monoterpenes, i.e. α-pinene, β-pinene, 3-carene and d -limonene present in the wastewater of a citrus transformation factory. The study was carried out by exposing V79 Chinese hamster cells to single terpene or to the mixture of four terpenes at concentrations corresponding to those in the wastewater evaluated by head space solid phase micro extraction and gas chromatography (HS-SPME-GC) analyses. Treatments with single or combined terpenes similarly affected cell vitality, but only the combined treatments induced the 6-thioguanine resistant mutants. Moreover the photocatalytic degradation of the four terpenes was suc…

Changes in quality parameters and volatile aroma compounds in 'fairtime' peach during fruit development and ripening

Qualità e profilo aromatico dei frutti di Annurca sottoposti ad arrossamento in melaio

Composition and volatile aromatic fraction of "fine amber" Marsala wines

Comparison of aroma compounds from six ancient sicilian apple cultivars

Ceremonial customs of Greek age (5th Century, bC) in Sicily: a study by GC-MS of some fictile unguentaria from two necropolises

Electron Ionization Induced Fragmentation of some 3-Aroylamino-5-Methyl-1,2,4- Oxadiazoles and 3-Acetylamino-5-Aryl-1,2,4-Oxadiazoles

: Background and objectives. 1,2,4-Oxadiazoles show a high reactivity and represent starting compounds for the synthesis of several other heterocycles. Some their derivatives can give the so called Boulton-Katritzky Reactions (BKR) which opens the way to the synthesis of several azoles. For this reason we have registered the mass spectra of several 3-aroylamino-5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles and 3-acetylamino-5-aryl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles. Methods and results. Thus, studying the mass spectra of the isomeric couple 3-benzoylamino-5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazole (1A) and 3-acetylamino-5-phenyl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles (1B) we have observed that MIKE and CID MIKE spectra of their molecular ions and of the [M – CH2C…

Fruit yield and quality responses of apple cvars Gala and Fuji to partial rootzone drying under Mediterranean conditions

SUMMARYIncreasing irrigation efficiency is a major goal for fruit production in dry Mediterranean environments. The present study was conducted in three consecutive years (2007–09) under typical Mediterranean conditions and tested the effect of partial rootzone drying (PRD) on yield and fruit quality of two apple cultivars: Gala, with fruit maturing in summer and Fuji, with fruit maturing in autumn. Three irrigation treatments were imposed: conventional irrigation (CI), PRD (0·50 of CI water on one side of the rootzone, which was alternated periodically) and continuous deficit irrigation (DI, 0·50 of CI water on both sides of the rootzone). During the 2008 and 2009 irrigation seasons, DI re…

Effetto del PRD (Partial Rootzone Drying)sulla composizione della frazione volatile di mele ‘Pink Lady’

Electrospray ion mobility mass spectrometry of positively and negatively charged (1R,2S)-dodecyl(2-hydroxy-1-methyl-2-phenylethyl)dimethylammonium bromide aggregates

Rationale Self-assembling processes of surfactants in the gas phase constitute a developing research field of interest since they allow information to be gained on the peculiar structural organization of these aggregates, on their ability to incorporate from small molecules up to proteins and on their possible use as carriers of drugs in the gas phase or as cleaning agents and exotic reaction media. Methods The mass spectra of charged aggregates of the chiral surfactant (1R,2S)-dodecyl(2-hydroxy-1-methyl-2-phenylethyl)dimethylammonium bromide (DMEB) in the gas phase have been recorded using a Synapt G2-Si mass spectrometer in the positive and negative ion mode. For comparison purposes, the …

Fruit quality and volatile fraction of ‘Pink Lady’ apple trees in response to rootstock vigor and partial rootzone drying

BACKGROUND: Partial rootzone drying (PRD) is a novel deficit irrigation technique consisting in the alternated wetting of only one side of the rootzone, which induces partial stomatal closure and increased water use efficiency. The effect of PRD and rootstock vigor on ‘Pink Lady’ apple fruit quality and aroma profile was studied using solid-phase micro-extraction in headspace and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. RESULTS: PRD irrigation generally did not affect quality attributes, whereas it influenced the aroma of the apple fruit. In particular, PRD improved the aroma of the fruit flesh, while it decreased the volatile fraction in the peel, where most of the compounds are concentrated.…

Molecular and physiological characterization of in vivo Sulfamethoxazole response in Procambarus clarkii

ACTIVE DEFORMATION IN SICILY FROM GPS VELOCITIES OF THE PERI-TYRRHENIAN GEODETIC ARRAY (PTGA)

Vitamin D3 in fish oil extracted with limonene from anchovy leftovers

Abstract Aiming to identify and assess the amount of fat-soluble vitamins in anchovy oil extracted with d-limonene from anchovy fillet leftovers via the UHPLC–HESI–MS advanced mass spectrometry analytical technique, this study shows that only vitamin D3 is present in anchovy by-product oil. The sum of the quantities of the three isomers of vitamin D3 amounts to 0.0815 μg vitamin D3 per g oil, namely a 81.5 μg/kg content, in good agreement with the typical amounts of vitamin D3 in fish oils (ranging from 18 to 350 μg/kg).

Study of green Sicilian table olive fermentations through microbiological, chemical and sensory analyses.

The production of five different green table olive cultivars was studied by a combined strategy consisting of chemical, microbiological and sensory analyses. Cultivable microflora of samples collected during processing was monitored by plate counts on seven synthetic culture media. In all samples Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonaceae, staphylococci, lactic acid bacteria and spore-forming bacteria were undetectable. Yeasts and moulds were countable from the day 42 (2 log CFU/ml) till the end of fermentation (6 log CFU/ml). The use of three different approaches for microorganism detection, including a culture-independent methodology, revealed the presence of barely three yeast species during the…

Green and Direct Synthesis of Benzaldehyde and Benzyl Benzoate in One Pot

High yields of valued benzaldehyde and benzyl benzoate are obtained in one pot starting from benzyl alcohol using oxygen as only oxidant under mild conditions (2 bar O2, 100 °C) along with an ultralow amount (0.02 mol %) of Au nanoparticles heterogenized over a spherical ORMOSIL mesoporous support. The process is remarkably selective and the catalyst is stable.

STUDY OF VOLATILE COMPONENTS OF TEN VARIETIES OF SALVIA BY SPME-GC/MS AND GENERAL DISCRIMINANT ANALYSIS

We-P13:336 Haemostatic and fibrinolytic abnormalities in obese patients and in patients with type 2 diabetes with metabolic syndrome

Integrated analyses of syn-tectonic basin fill to costrain the deformation evolution in a fold thrust belt: field examples from the sicilian chain

Syn-sedimentary tectonics during early Pliocene time in the northern Madonie Mountains (Sicily

Tettonica sinsedimentaria del Pliocene inferiore nei Monti delle Madonie settentrionali (Sicilia). L'analisi stratigrafico-strutturale condotta in un piccolo bacino infra-pliocenico nelle Madonie settentrionali (Lascari-Capo Plaja) permette di descrivere un evento tettonico sin-sedimentario. La sinclinale EW in cui si sviluppa il bacino sintettonico appartiene ad un sistema di pieghe nord vergenti che deformano un piano di sovrascorrimento più antico (Langhiano-Serravalliano). La geometria di crescita che caratterizza il pattern stratale dei depositi pliocenici e la discordanza angolare alla base suggeriscono che la nucleazione di queste strutture compressionali si possa essere realizzata a…

Seismic Characterization by Inversion of HVSR Data to Improve Geological Modelling

SUMMARY An application of HVSR inversion is presented in order to verify the effectiveness of this technique for purposes of geological reconstruction of the subsoil finalized to studies of seismic microzonation of heavily urbanized areas, where few stratigraphic and geophysical constraints are available and most of the information are derived from the geological maps. In such cases the uncertainty of the results is is enhanced by doubts on the nature of the H/V peaks, not always caused by stratigraphic discontinuities, and to the subjective choices done especially in the step of signal preprocessing. The investigated area (Altavilla Milicia, Sicily) includes the town center and the adjacen…

Field and seismic reflection information in Sicily and surrounding areas: constraints for the deep seismic (SIRIPRO) investigation.

INTERFERENCE BETWEEN SHALLOW AND DEEP-SEATED STRUCTURES IN THE APENNINES OF ITALY: THE WESTERN SICILY CASE-STUDY

Indagini analitiche su campioni di verdure esposti al traffico veicolare

Characterization of isomeric 1,2,4-oxadiazolyl-N-methylpyridinium salts by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.

The mass spectrometric behavior of 1,2,4-oxadiazolyl- N-methylpyridinium salts has been investigated. These substances are of current interest as perspective ionic liquids, compounds used as green solvents for synthesis, and for their catalytic properties. The studies have been developed through electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) experiments. The obtained results demonstrate a ready distinction between the two isomeric classes, 3- N-methylpyridinium- and 5- N-methylpyridinium-1,2,4-oxadiazoles, is possible through ESI-MS/MS experiments. A deeper investigation on the principal fragmentation pathways of characteristic ions has been also developed.

Il qanat di Villa Riso (Palermo, Sicilia)

Durante i lavori di ristrutturazione del complesso edilizio di Villa Riso, villa storica ubicata nell’area della Piana dei Colli (Palermo), sono state applicate tecniche di prospezione georadar e di ispezione diretta che hanno permesso di rinvenire un cunicolo drenante di tipo qanat nel sottosuolo della corte antistante la villa. La presenza di cunicoli drenanti al di sotto di antiche ville è frequente in questo settore della città di Palermo, ma la possibilità di accedervi diventa sempre più difficoltosa, a causa del loro cattivo stato di conservazione. Il qanat di Villa Riso presenta la classica struttura dei qanat della Piana dei Colli, dai quali, tuttavia, si differenzia per la presenza…

Characterization of isomeric organic cations by Esi/MS: 3-alkyl-5-(4-N-methylpyridinium)-1,2,4-oxadiazole cations, 5-alkyl-3-(4-N-methylpyridinium)-1,2,4-oxadiazole cations and 3-perfluoroakyl-5-(4-N-methylpyridinium)-1,2,4-oxadiazole cations, 5-perfluoroakyl-3-(4-N-methylpyridinium)-1,2,4-oxadiazole cations

Cross-over study on effects of Mediterranean diet in two randomly selected population samples

Abstract Two randomly selected population samples in Western Sicily, one rural (n = 40) and one urban (n = 40), were studied to evaluate the impact of dietary intervention on lipid, coagulative and fibrinolytic parameters. The two groups received the diets in a cross-over design with the following sequences: (a) baseline period; (b) 8-week dietary intervention period; (c) 8-week return to the original diet. During (a) and (c) all subjects consumed their usual diet. During the dietary intervention period (b), the rural sample consumed the urban sample's diet, while the urban sample consumed the rural sample's diet (the so-called “Mediterranean diet”). At baseline, after 8 weeks' dietary inte…

GC/SIM-MS per la determinazione quali-quantitativa di idrocarburi in gas naturali

Field mapping in Western Sicily in the frame of the CARG Project

Diuron environmental levels effects on marine nematodes: Assessment of ecological indices, taxonomic diversity, and functional traits

Abstract Coastal marine systems are the most sensitive zones to emerging pollutants. The present study aims to investigate the effect of Diuron on the meiofaunal assemblages, collected from the Bizerte channel (Tunisia). Microcosm experiments were set up using four increasing Diuron concentrations [D1 (10 ng g−1 dry weight (DW)), D2 (50 ng g−1 DW), D3 (250 ng g−1 DW) and (1250 ng g−1 DW)] compared to non-contaminated sediments (controls) and all plots were incubated for 30 days. Our results show that Diuron-supplemented sediments provoked the significant decrease of meiofaunal abundance as well as a change in nematodes' diversity and structure composition. All univariate indices, as well as…

VOCS DETERMINATION IN GROUND WATERS BY SPME/GC-MS

A Multidisciplinary approach to define the Plio-Quaternary tectonics in the Termini Imerese Mts. (Northern central Sicily)

Natural co-occurrence of ochratoxin A, ochratoxin B and aflatoxins in Sicilian red wines

The natural occurrence of ochratoxin A, ochratoxin B, aflatoxin B1, aflatoxin B2, aflatoxin G1 and aflatoxin G2 (OTA, OTB, AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2) in red wines was investigated by HPLC/FLD after immunoaffinity column clean-up in 57 market samples produced in Sicily (Italy). The results showed a very low incidence of these mycotoxins in analysed samples, confirming the high degree of quality and safety of Sicilian red wines. The results indicated 71.9% and 64.9% positive samples for OTA and OTB respectively, with an average level of 0.13 μg l(-1), well below the European maximum permitted levels (MLs). The aflatoxin most frequently detected in the samples was AFG1, present in 57.9% of sample…

Platelet Aggregation, Coagulation and Fibrinolysis at Rest and after Bicycle Ergometer Test in CHD

Several observers have suggested that a dysfunction of dynamic balance between platelet aggregation, coagulation and fibrinolysis may be a factor in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. This dysfunction, presumably, is correlated with the atherosclerotic vascular lesions, that could reduce the parietal synthesis of heparan-sulphase, prostacyclin and plas minogen activator.

Le pieghe minori nelle Unità Imeresi e Trapanesi dei Monti di Palermo ed il loro significato nell’evoluzione tettonica dell’area

In questo lavoro sono riassunte le osservazioni sulle pieghe minori che interessano i terreni delle Unità Imeresi e Trapanesi del settore orientale dei Monti di Palermo, con l'obbiettivo di: a) descri-vere la geometria e lo stile deformativo delle mesopieghe e stabilirne le relazioni spazio-temporali con le pieghe maggiori e le altre strut-ture minori (clivaggi, joints); b) ricavare, attraverso l'analisi stati-stica dei dati giaciturali, l'orientazione dei campi deformativi asso-ciati alle strutture plicative; c) ricostruire il significato delle pieghe minori nell'evoluzione tettonica dell'area. Nelle Unità Imeresi e Trapanesi, l'analisi statistica dei dati e le osservazioni di campagna han…

Influence of roasting and different brewing processes on ochratoxin A content in coffee determined by high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD)

A rapid and reliable procedure has been developed for the determination of ochratoxin A (OTA) in green and roasted coffee. The method consists of extraction of the sample with methanol-5% aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate/1% PEG8000 (20:80), followed by immunoaffinity column (IAC) clean-up and, finally, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) determination with fluorimetric detection. Mean recoveries for green and roasted coffee spiked at different levels ranging from 94 and 105% were obtained. The limit of determination (S/N = 3) was 0.032 ng g(-1) and the precision (within-laboratory relative standard deviation) was 6%. The method described has been used to assess the influence of r…

Determination of terpene alcohols in Sicilian Muscat wines by HS-SPME-GC-MS.

Muscat is a grape family used to obtain several sweet, aromatic white dessert wines common in the Mediterranean area. Currently, three Sicilian cultivars (all classified DOC) are known: 'Moscato di Siracusa' the oldest and very rare today; 'Moscato di Noto', a modern derivative of the first and finally 'Moscato di Pantelleria', now the most common. This study concerns the volatile profile of 15 different Sicilian Muscat wines produced in different years using HS-SPME-GC-MS. In particular, four fundamental terpene alcohols (linalool, geraniol, nerol and citronellol) were considered. The principal aim was to study the evolution of aromatic compounds in wine during aging, and the information o…

Geological modeling of Altavilla Milicia (Sicily) using HVSR data

At today the use of inversion of HVSR curves is mainly limited to derive average parameters of the shear wave velocity, although recently they have been used also for a detailed reconstruction of the roof of the seismic bedrock (Di Stefano et al. 2014). Since ambient vibrations may contain waves travelling in all directions, as body waves and Rayleigh and Love waves, a limit of this method lies in the uncertain composition of seismic noise, in the lack of knowledge about the microseismic field and in the subjective choices regarding the data processing. This work aims to verify the potential and limits of the HVSR inversion for the purposes of geological reconstruction of the subsoil in hea…

Caratterizzazione qualitativa e della frazione aromatica dei frutti in diverse cultivar di albicocco

Determination of Aflatoxins and Ochratoxins in Sicilian Sweet Wines by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Fluorometric Detection and Immunoaffinity Cleanup

Ochratoxin A is the only mycotoxins with legal limits in the European Union for wine, by contrast, there is no EU legislation imposed for Aflatoxins and Ochratoxin B. A reproducible and sensitive analytical method for six mycotoxins: Ochratoxin A, Ochratoxin B, Aflatoxins B1, Aflatoxin B2, Aflatoxin G1 and Aflatoxin G2 was developed by using immunoaffinity column cleanup and HPLC-FLD method in 30 sweet wines produced in Sicily. This typical type of wine is manufactured from grapes grown in warmer climates, which have a higher sugar content; also, the over-ripening and the drying process of the grapes before fermentation conditions are responsible for the particular susceptibility of these b…

Mapping of volatile organic compounds in Sicilian groundwater determined by HS-SPME/GC-MS

“Golden” Tomato Consumption Ameliorates Metabolic Syndrome: A Focus on the Redox Balance in the High-Fat-Diet-Fed Rat

Tomato fruits defined as “golden” refer to a food product harvested at an incomplete ripening stage with respect to red tomatoes at full maturation. The aim of this study is to explore the putative influence of “golden tomato” (GT) on Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), especially focusing on the effects on redox homeostasis. Firstly, the differential chemical properties of the GT food matrix were characterized in terms of phytonutrient composition and antioxidant capacities with respect to red tomato (RT). Later, we assessed the biochemical, nutraceutical and eventually disease-modifying potential of GT in vivo in the high-fat-diet rat model of MetS. Our data revealed that G…

Analisi ambientale: determinazione di IPA, pesticidi e acrilammide in bacini idrogeologici della regione sicilia

Identification of organic compounds in fictile unguentaria from two Sicilian necropolis of Greek age (5th century, b.c.) by GC-MS analysis.

A study to obtain more knowledge on funeral set in Greek age, (5th Century, b.C.) was carried out on thirteen ancient unguentaria, small vessels used as containers of balms or ointments, founded in two different Sicilian necropolis: Adranon and Hymera. Every find was subjected to three extractions by increasing polarity solvents. All crude extracts, unsaponifiables and methyl esters of saponifiable fraction were analysed by GC-MS. Analysis showed difference between two groups of finds: the unguentaria from Adranon show abundant traces of lipids used in balm making, while those from Hymera resulted empty and buried for ritual purpose. Even if in the two towns, flourished in the same period, …

Comparative study on volatile compounds and FAMEs profile from sicilian monovarietal virgin oils

Mountain building in NW Sicily from the superimposition of subsequent thrusting and folding events during Neogene: structural setting and tectonic evolution of the Kumeta and Pizzuta ridges

We present a 1:25.000 scale geological map of the Kumeta-Pizzuta ridge in north-western Sicily (Italy), achieved by integrating stratigraphic, structural and geophysical data. In this area, the tectonic edifice results from the piling-up of deep-water-, carbonate platform- and pelagic platform-derived tectonic units (Imerese and Sicilide, Panormide and Trapanese domains, respectively) resulting from deformations of the former southern Tethyan continental margin. The structural setting shows interference of tectonic events, different types of structural styles and different scales of deformational patterns. Early overthrust of the Imerese on the Trapanese units (since the late Serravallian) …

Relationship between transforming growth factor beta1 and progression of hypertensive renal disease.

In this study the role of circulating transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) on progression of renal hypertensive disease has been investigated. Fifty consecutive outpatients with essential hypertension were enrolled and divided into three groups, according to their urinary albumin excretion (UAE). Group A comprised 10 hypertensives with UAEor=20 mg/24 h (normoalbuminuric group); Group B included 21 hypertensives with UAE20300 mg/24 h (microalbuminuric group); Group C encompassed 19 hypertensives with UAEor= 300 mg/24 h (proteinuric group). In all patients UAE by immunonephelometric assay, circulating TGFbeta1 by a solid phase specific sandwich ELISA technique, BUN and creatinine by ro…

Aroma compounds in sicilian olive oils from three cultivars at different ripening stages

EFFECTS OF GAMMA IRRADIATION ON THE ALFA TOCOPHEROL AND FATTY ACIDS CONTENT IN RAW UNPEELED ALMOND KERNELS (PRUNUS DULCIS)

Some considerations on the results of the crustal SIRIPRO profile in central Sicily

Mo-P2:199 Indium-111 oxine platelets survival in patients suffering of cardiac and cerebral arteriosclerosis

Preliminary results of a crustal seismic profile across Sicily (Italy)

Electrospray Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry of positively and negatively charged (1R,2S)-Dodecyl(2-hydroxy-1-methyl-2-phenyl-ethyl)dimethylammonium bromide aggregates

RATIONALE: Self-assembling processes of surfactants in the gas phase constitute a developing research field of interest since they allow information to be gained on the peculiar structural organization of these aggregates, on their ability to incorporate from small molecules up to proteins and on their possible use as carriers of drugs in the gas phase or as cleaning agents and exotic reaction media. METHODS: The mass spectra of charged aggregates of the chiral surfactant (1R,2S)-dodecyl(2-hydroxy-1-methyl-2- phenylethyl)dimethylammonium bromide (DMEB) in the gas phase have been recorded using a Synapt G2-Si mass spectrometer in the positive and negative ion mode. For comparison purposes, t…

γ-irradiation as a methods for decontaminating food: reduction/elimination of mycotoxins in raw unpeeled almond kernels (Prunus dulcis)

Volatile Profile of two Strawberry variety, " S candonga and F. fortuna" by SPME-GC/MS

Background: The cultivated strawberry brings the the botanical name Fragaria X ananassa and is derived from the crossing of different species of Fragaria, brought to Europe from America in the sixteenth century. Strawberries are widely appreciated and consumed as a pleasant-tasting fruit either in fresh form or as processed product. Of the many factors than can affect the quality of fruit (sensorial and nutritional), the variety is especially important, but it is also affected by crop conditions. The main characteristics related to the fruit quality and nutritional attributes were assessed in several varieties of strawberry. Objective: The aim of this work was to study the aromatic componen…

Subsurface geometries in central sicily FTB as a premise for hydrocarbon exploration

The study concerns a sector of the Maghrebian Sicilian Fold and Thrust Belt (FTB), located in central Sicily between the southern edge of the Madonie Mts. and the Caltanissetta trough. Interpretation of recently acquired seismic profiles, constrained by joint detailed stratigraphy and field investigation, revealed the structure of the study area as formed by a thick pile of deep water carbonate (Imerese and Sicanian) thrusts lying on carbonate platform imbricates. In the forward migration of the FTB, two main tectonic events were envisaged; shallow and deep seated thrusts occurred during the Miocene-early Pleistocene time interval that deformed the former sedimentary cover of the continenta…

Food Contaminants

Chemical contaminants may occur in our food from various sources. Contaminants can be present in foods mainly as a result of the use of agrochemicals, such as residues of pesticides and veterinary drugs, contamination from environmental sources (water, air or soil pollution), cross-contamination or formation during food processing, migration from food packaging materials, presence or contamination by natural toxins or use of unapproved food additives and adulterants. They typically pose a health concern, resulting in strict regulations of their levels by national governments and internationally. Therefore, analysis of relevant chemical contaminants is an essential part of food safety testin…

Geological results of the crustal SIRIPRO transect in central Sicily

Assessment of a geological model by surface wave analyses

A set of horizontal to vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) and multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) measurements, carried out in the Altavilla Milicia (Sicily) area, is analyzed to test a geological model of the area. Statistical techniques have been used in different stages of the data analysis, to optimize the reliability of the information extracted from geophysical measurements. In particular, cluster analysis algorithms have been implemented to select the time windows of the microseismic signal to be used for calculating the spectral ratio H/V and to identify sets of spectral ratio peaks likely caused by the same underground structures. Using results of reflection seismic lines, ty…

Persistent Organic Pollutants and Fatty Acid Profile in a Typical Cheese from Extensive Farms: First Assessment of Human Exposure by Dietary Intake

Dairy products represent an important source of beneficial substances for humans. At the same time, they can expose the consumers to environmental contaminants ingested by animals through their diet, influencing their health negatively. This experiment aims to evaluate the risk and benefits related to the consumption of typical stretched cheeses, considering their fatty acid (FA) profile and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) content. Six representative farms, two of them organic, raising Cinisara cattle were selected, considering the typical extensive management systems, based on feeding of natural pasture integrated with concentrate and hay depending on the availability of forage on pas…

HPLC/HRMS and GC/MS for Triacylglycerols Characterization of Tuna Fish Oils Obtained from Green Extraction

Background: Fish oil is one of the most common lipidic substances that is consumed as a dietary supplement. The high omega-3 fatty acid content in fish oil is responsible for its numerous health benefits. Fish species such as mackerel, herring, tuna, and salmon are particularly rich in these lipids, which contain two essential omega-3 fatty acids, known as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Objectives: Due to the scarcity of information in the literature, this study aimed to conduct a qualitative and quantitative characterization of triglycerides (TAGs) in crude tuna fish oil using HPLC/HRMS. Fatty acid (FA) determination was also performed using GC/MS. The tuna fis…

Foglio 607 Corleone

Determination by solid-phase microextraction/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in bitumen fumes during road paving

Geology of the Kumeta-Pizzuta ridges (NW Sicily)

We present a 1:25.000 scale geological map of the Kumeta-Pizzuta ridge in north western Sicily (Italy), which was achieved by integrating stratigraphic, structural and geophysical data. In this area the tectonic edifice results from the piling-up of deep water-, carbonate platform- and pelagic platformderived tectonic units (Imerese and Sicilide, Panormide and Trapanese domains respectively) originated by deformations of former southern Tethyan continental margin. The structural setting shows interference of subsequent tectonic events, different type of structural styles, and different-scale deformational patterns. Early overthrust of the Imerese on the Trapanese units (since late Serravall…

The tectono-sedimentary evolution of the syntectonic basins growing on the Sicilian fold and thrust belt

Effetto di due vini rossi siciliani su alcuni fattori di rischio cardiovascolare

Background. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether Sicilian red wine consumption is associated with a lower cardiovascular risk. Methods. Forty-eight subjects of both sexes (age range 35-65 years) nondrinkers or rarely drinkers of moderate red wine intake were selected. Subjects were divided into two groups (group A and group B), assigned to receive with a crossover design 250 ml/die (during the meals) of one of two types of Sicilian red wines (Nero d’Avola and Etna Torrepalino respectively). At all visits (-15 days, basal, +4 and +8 weeks) the following parameters were measured: blood glucose, total cholesterol and triglycerides (by enzyme kit methods, Boehringer Mannheim, Milan, It…

Active deformation in southern italy from gnss velocities: updated redults of the PTGA network.

Interaction and location of melatonin in cellular membrane models constituted by lecithin and cholesterol anhidrous reversed micellar systems

Studies in organic mass spectrometry. Part 24† Electron ionization mass spectra of some aryl(2-nitrobenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)amines

The main fragmentation routes of eighteen title compounds and of three 5-chloro derivatives have been investigated with the aid of linked scan (B/E = constant) spectrometry, accurate mass measurements and deuterium labelling. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The crust in Western and Central Eastern Sicily

Studio comparativo quali-quantitativo sul profilo aromatico di vini D.O.C. Marsala “Fine”

GAS CHROMATOGRAPHIC/MASS SPECTROMETRIC AND MICROBIOLOGICAL ANALYSISES ON IRRADIATED CHICKEN

Profiling the physiological and molecular response to sulfonamidic drag in Procambarus clarkii

Sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) is one of the most widely employed sulfonamides. Because of the widespread use of SMZ, a considerable amount is indeed expected to be introduced into the environment. The cytotoxicity of SMZ relies mainly on arylhydroxylamine metabolites (S-NOH) of SMZ and it is associated with the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). There is limited information about the toxic potential of SMZ at the cellular and molecular levels, especially in aquatic and/or non-target organisms. In the present study, the red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), being tolerant to extreme environmental conditions and resistant to disease, was used as a model organism to profile the molecula…

Determination of terpenes alchols in Sicilian muscat wines by HS-SPME-GC-MS.

Fragrant bioethanol: A valued bioproduct from orange juice and essential oil extraction

Abstract We identify the composition of a less known, yet important bioproduct obtained in relatively high amount during orange fruit processing for juice and essential oil extraction comprised of bioethanol dissolving valued terpenes. Green cosmetic, perfume and biosolvent applications are anticipated.

Integral Extraction of Opuntia ficus-indica Peel Bioproducts via Microwave-Assisted Hydrodiffusion and Hydrodistillation

The microwave-assisted hydrodiffusion extraction process affords high quality pectin and betanin from the peel of red and green Opuntia ficus-indica fruits under mild conditions. An aqueous mixture of valued bioproducts is readily obtained from the fruit peel cell water itself, without any water addition. The integral extract can be used as such to formulate nutraceutical beverages and products or, upon straightforward separation, to isolate pectin and betanin devoid of chemical contaminants suitable as ingredients for products ranging from food and beverage to cosmetic and pharmaceutical sectors. Betanin shows exceptional stability thanks to the high amounts of antioxidant polyphenols in t…

Applicazioni di spettrometria di massa in campo alimentare: analisi di olii di oliva tramite HPLC-Ms e HS-SPME-GC-MS

Distribution of volatile organic compounds in Sicilian groundwaters analysed by head space-solid phase micro extraction coupled with gas chromatography mass spectrometry (SPME/GC/MS).

This work presents the results of an assessment of the existence and concentration of 13 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in groundwaters from 14 hydrological basins in Sicily (25,710km (2)). On the basis of hydrological, hydrogeochemical and geological studies, 324 sampling points were selected. All groundwater sampled were collected twice, from October to December 2004 and from February to May 2005, and were analysed to determine the concentration and spatial distribution of the VOCs in the aquifers. The need to analyze a large number of samples in a short space of time so as to obtain quantitative analyses in trace concentration levels spurred us to create a new analytical method, both …

Diurnal Regulation of Leaf Water Status in High- and Low-Mannitol Olive Cultivars

The role of mannitol and malic acid in the regulation of diurnal leaf water relations was investigated in ‘Biancolilla’ (high-mannitol) and ‘Cerasuola’ (low-mannitol) olive trees. Photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), vapor pressure deficit (VPD), stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration rate (T), relative water content (RWC), mannitol and malic acid were measured in ‘Biancolilla’ and ‘Cerasuola’ leaves during a dry and hot day of summer in Sicily. In general, leaves of ‘Biancolilla’ trees exhibited greater mannitol content, higher gs and T, but lower RWC than leaves of ‘Cerasuola’ trees. Differences in gs and T between the two cultivars were evident mainly in mid to late morning. ‘Bia…

Surface geometries in central Sicily FTB in the frame of the Siripro crustal profile

Distribution of Volatile Organic Compounds in Sicilian groundwaters analysed by Head Space Solid Phase Micro Extraction coupled with Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (SPME/GC/MS)

This work presents the results of an assessment of the existence and concentration of 13 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in groundwaters from 14 hydrological basins in Sicily (25,710 km2). On the basis of hydrological, hydrogeochemical and geological studies, 324 sampling points were selected. All groundwater sampled were collected twice, from October to December 2004 and from February to May 2005, and were analysed to determine the concentration and spatial distribution of the VOCs in the aquifers. The need to analyze a large number of samples in a short space of time so as to obtain quantitative analyses in trace concentration levels spurred us to create a new analytical method, both si…

Evoluzione geologica della Sicilia

Melatonin: Structural characterization of its non-enzymatic mono-oxygenate metabolite

Oxidation of melatonin by Fenton reagents as well as with hypochlorous acid or oxoferryl hemoglobin has been investigated. Analysis of products by low resolution/mass spectra (MS), high resolution/MS, 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), 13C-NMR, correlated spectroscopy (COSY) and heterocorrelated spectroscopy (HETCOR) 2D NMR reveals the formation of a single mono-oxygenated product under all conditions and unequivocally assigns the N-[2-(5-methoxy-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl)-ethyl]-acetamide structure, which had not been previously considered.

Evaluation of the aroma compounds of Sicilian Cactus pear (Opuntia Ficus-Indica) fermented juice

Studio tramite SPME-GC/MS sull'influenza della tecnologia di vinificazione e di affinamento sulla frazione volatile di vini rossi siciliani della cultivar Perricone.

The SI.RI.PRO. Project: field stratigraphical-structural data from the N-S central Sicily transect

Gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric and microbiological analyses on irradiated chiken

Ionizing radiation is widely used as treatment technique for food preservation. It involves among others reduction of microbial contamination, disinfestations, sprout inhibition and extension of shelf life of food. However, the commercialization of irradiated food requires the availability of reliable methods to identify irradiated foodstuffs. In this paper, we present results on the application to irradiated chicken of this method, based on the detection, in muscle and skin samples, of the peaks of ions 98 Da and 112 Da, in a ratio approximately 4:1, typical of radiation induced 2-dodecylcyclobutanones (2-DCB). Aim of the work was also to study the time stability of the measured parameters…

High Yields of Shrimp Oil Rich in Omega-3 and Natural Astaxanthin from Shrimp Waste

A valued marine oil rich in omega-3 lipids and natural astaxanthin is obtained with remarkably high yield (up to S wt %) extending to pink shrimp waste (head and carapace) using the approach to extract fish oil from fish processing byproducts using D-limonene. Biobased limonene is an excellent solvent for both unsaturated lipids and astaxanthin-based carotenoids preventing oxidative degradation during the extraction cycle including solvent separation at 85 degrees C. Explaining the deep red color of the shrimp oil obtained, computational simulation suggests that D-limonene is also a good solvent for natural astaxanthin abundant in shrimp.

Indagine tramite SPME/GC-MS su tracce d'inquinanti all'interno dell'Orto Botanico di Palermo.

IDENTIFICAZIONE CON GC/MS E INDAGINE MICROBIOLOGICA DI POLLO IRRADIATO

Interference between shallow and deep-seated structures in the Sicilian fold and thrust belt.

Abstract: The fold and thrust belt in western Sicily is characterized by the presence and interference of shallow and deep-seated compressional structures, which were generated and developed at different structural levels. The shallow structures consist of imbricated thrusts and asymmetric folds, with a typical wavelength of 2 km, involving relatively thin deep-water units. These units are superimposed on thick platform carbonate units, along a wide and originally almost flat floor thrust. The axial trend of the folds is variable, as multi-phase folding often occurred, producing a characteristic interference pattern, reflecting continuous variations of the apparent transport direction durin…

Studies by SPME-GC/MS on aroma compounds of sixteen different apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) cultivars

Spectrophotometric investigation of the binding of vitamin E to water-containing reversed micelles.

The distribution constants of vitamin E partitioned between apolar organic phase and water-containing reversed micelles of sodium bis (2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT), didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB), soybean phosphatidylcholine (lecithin) and tetraethylene glycol monododecyl ether (C12E4) have been evaluated by a spectrophotometric method. The results suggest that in the presence of domains from apolar organic solvent to surfactant and to water, vitamin E is partitioned between the micellar palisade layer and the organic solvent and also that its binding strength to reversed micelles depends mainly by specific interactions between the head group of vitamin E and that of the sur…

Groundwater of Sicily (Italy) Close to Landfill Sites: Quality and Human Health Risk Assessment

Groundwater close to three municipal solid waste landfill sites in Sicily (southern Italy) was sampled to determine the presence of contaminants and the risk associated with its possible use as drinking and sanitary water. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans, and metals were investigated. These target compounds are the most common pollutants present in leachates. Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund (RAGS, US EPA) was used to assess human health risk. Ingestion, dermal, and total exposure to these xenobiotic contaminants in groundwater were evaluated, and the cancer and non-cancer risk indexes were c…

Characterization of glyceridic components of Sicilian extra virgin olive oils using LC/MS and L.D.A.

Volatile profiles of Sicilian prickly pear (Opuntia ficus indica) by SPME-GC/MS analysis

The aroma compounds present in the headspace of homogenized slurries of fresh prickly pears (Opuntia ficus-indica) from Sicilian cultivars were determined. Solid Phase Microextraction (SPME) followed by Gas-chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis was used to characterize the volatile compounds. The volatile flavour profiles of the three cultivars investigated (red, white and yellow) showed significant differences. The aromatic profile of peeled prickly pears stored for one day was different from the one of the fresh samples, mainly due to the occurrence of some oxidative and hydrolytic reactions

Fogli 609-596, Termini Imerese-Capo Plaia

Il Servizio Geologico Nazionale ha unificato i Fogli 609 "Termini Imerese" e 596 "Capo Plaia" in un unico Foglio denominato 609/596 "Termini Imerese-Capo Plaia" allo scopo di uniformare i rilievi e raccoglierne la descrizione in un unico volume delle Note Illustrative. Il Foglio 609/596 "Termini Imerese-Capo Plaia" della Carta Geologica d’Italia in scala 1:50.000 è stato realizzato nell’ambito del Progetto CARG con i fondi della Legge 67/88 - Legge 226/99 con una convenzione tra Servizio Geologico Nazionale ora ISPRA) e Regione Siciliana. Le aree ricadono interamente nella Provincia di Palermo, comprendono la fascia marina del Golfo di Termini Imerese fino al promontorio di Capo Plaia, la r…

Natural co-occurrence of Ochratoxin A, Ochratoxin B and Aflatoxins in sicilian red wines

Mass spectrometry for cultural heritage knowledge: gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric analysis of organic remains in Neolithic potsherds

Understanding Paleomagnetic Rotations in Sicily: Thrust Versus Strike-Slip Tectonics

The paleomagnetic investigation of the western Sicily Maghrebian belt has revealed since the 1970s that large clockwise rotations up to 140° with respect to the Hyblean-African foreland occurred synchronous with Tertiary shortening of the chain. The observation that rotations decrease stepwise from internal to external tectono-stratigraphic units led in the 1990s to a widely accepted model postulating that rotational thrust-sheet emplaced during forward orogenic propagation. More recently, other authors suggested that clockwise rotations from Sicily are conversely the result of late orogenic dextral strike-slip tectonics. Here we report on a paleomagnetic investigation of 30 Jurassic-Eocene…

Comparative survey on nine Pistacchio curtivars grown in Sicily regarding their volatile fraction and fatty acids content

The Sicilian collisional boundary. An unconventional carbonate foreland and fold and thrust belt.

Interaction and location of melatonin in cellular membrane models constituted by lecithin and cholesterol anhydrous reversed micelles

Analysis of melatonin interaction with receptioral models of biological interest: alfa, beta and gamma-cyclodextrins

Analysis of furan in coffee of different provenance by head-space solid phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry: effect of brewing procedures.

A simple, sensitive and accurate method for the analysis of furan in roasted coffee has been used based on headspace-solid-phase micro-extraction (HS-SPME) coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The extraction was performed using 75-microm carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane fiber. Ionic strength, extraction time and temperature, and desorption time were assessed as the most important parameters affecting the HS-SPME procedure and d(4)-furan was used as the internal standard. The linearity range was in the range 0.0075-0.486 ng g(-1); the LOD and LOQ calculated using the signal-to-noise ratio approach were 0.002 and 0.006 ng g(-1), respectively. The inter- and intra-day precisio…

Halogenated Anesthetics Determination in Urine by SPME/GC/MS and Urine Levels Relationship Evaluation with Surgical Theatres Contamination

In this work, a new sensitive analytical method has been developed and evaluated for the determination of the most commonly used gaseous anesthetics, desflurane, sevoflurane, and this latter’s hepatic metabolite hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) in the urine. In addition, an evaluation of anesthetics exposition on the urine levels of a small population of surgical operators has been performed and results are briefly discussed.

High Performance Liquid Chromatografy-Mass Spectrometry based chemometric characterization of olive oils

In this study the effective discrimination of extra virgin olive oils is described using HPLC-MS, combined with chemometric evaluation. The presented method is simple since the diluted oil sample is directly injected into the system, without any preliminary chemical derivatization or purification step. Separation of diacylglycerols, triacylglycerols and sterols occurs within 20 min and is achieved using an octadecyl-silica column. Detection is performed by positive APCI mass spectrometry which provided sensitivity to detect over 50 compounds in the sample. After extraction of data, stepwise discriminant function analysis is used to select the variables with the highest discriminative power.…

Volatile Compounds of Lemon and Grapefruit IntegroPectin

An HS-SPME GC-MS analysis of the volatile compounds adsorbed at the outer surface of lemon and grapefruit pectins obtained via the hydrodynamic cavitation of industrial waste streams of lemon and grapefruit peels in water suggests important new findings en route to understanding the powerful and broad biological activity of these new pectic materials. In agreement with the ultralow degree of esterification of these pectins, the high amount of highly bioactive &alpha

Studio sulle caratteristiche aromatiche di mele “Pink Lady” su due diversi portainnesto e diverso regime idrico.

Genotoxicity of Terpenes Present in Wastewater of a Citrus Transformation Factory in Bacterial and Mammalian Cells and Effectiveness of Photocatalytic Degradation

The aim of this work was to compare the genotoxic responses of mixtures of terpenes present in wastewaters of a citrus transformation factory with the genotoxicity of the individual compounds. Samplings of wastewater collected before (untreated sample) and past water purification by biological method (treated sample) were analyzed using Solid Phase Micro-extraction (SPME) followed by GC analyses. The chromatograms showed in all effluents the presence of four terpenes: pinene, -pinene, 3-carene, D-limonene. The concentrations of terpenes in the untreated sample were 1–3 orders of magnitude higher than in the treated sample. Genotoxicity was evaluated in the Salmonella reversion assay (Ames t…

Tectono-sedimentary evolution of wedge-top basins in the north-western Sicilian Maghrebides (Italy)

Antioxidant activity and phenolic composition in pomegranate (Punica granatumL.) genotypes from south Italy by UHPLC-Orbitrap-MS approach

Background: Pomegranate fruits are a rich source of polyphenols with numerous health-promoting effects. Pomegranate juices of five genotypes ('Mollar', 'Kingdom', 'Dente di Cavallo', and two old populations 'Francofonte' and 'Santa Tecla') were evaluated regarding anthocyanin and non-anthocyanin phenolic contents using ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC)-Orbitrap-mass spectrometry (MS). Moreover, total antioxidant activity (TAA) was evaluated using a 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) assay.; Results: Twenty-three phenolic compounds were identified. Cyanidin-3,5-O-diglucoside and pelargonidin-3,5-O-diglucoside were the most represent…

Economic and Technical Feasibility of Betanin and Pectin Extraction from Opuntia ficus-indica Peel via Microwave-Assisted Hydrodiffusion

Investigating the feasibility of betanin and pectin extraction from Opuntia ficus-indica peel via microwave-assisted hydrodiffusion and gravity, this study identifies selected important economic and technical aspects associated with this innovative production route starting from prickly pear fruit discards. Which benefits would be derived from this process? Would production be limited to Opuntia-growing countries or, likewise to what happens with dried lemon peel chiefly imported from Argentina, would production take place abroad also? Can distributed manufacturing based on clean extraction technology compete with centralized production using conventional chemical processes?

Deep controls on foreland basin system evolution along the Sicilian fold and thrust belt

Abstract Neogene-Quaternary wedge-top-basins arose during the Sicilian fold and thrust belt (FTB) build-up. The infilling sedimentary successions are: i) middle-upper Miocene silicoclastics succession, accommodated on top of the accreted Sicilide and Numidian flysch nappes; ii) upper Miocene-lower Pliocene deepening-upwards sediments unconformably overlying the inner Meso-Cenozoic deep-water, Imerese and Sicanian thrust units; iii) Upper Pliocene-Quaternary coastal-open shelf deposits unconformably covering (in the outer sector of the FTB) a tectonic stack (Gela thrust system). These successions are characterized by a basal unconformity on the deformed substrate believed to be the depositio…

Effects of Antihypertensive Treatment on Peripheral Flow of the Lower Limbs

The clinical pattern determined in subjects that undergo a high and prolonged pressure regime is defined as “hypertensive disease”.

Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) determination in surfactant stabilized marine water emulsions

Bilge waters are wastewaters produced on boats during navigation and usually contain hydrocarbons and oils. They cannot be released into the sea if not below certain hydrocarbon concentration limits set by current legislation. Surfactants are often used to improve the solubility of petroleum hydrocarbons in water and in this work, the analytical approach proposed is suitable to determine accurately the concentration of hydrocarbons in surfactant-rich waters, as found in bilge water or similar wastewater. The method relies on the surfactant precipitation by addition of potassium and calcium salts, which also promote TPH extraction through a “salting out” effect. This allows for an accurate d…

Deep controls on Foreland Basin System evolution along the Sicily Thrust Belt

The palinspastic restoration of the Sicilian crustal geological cross section (Catalano et al., 2013) points out two subsequent main thrust (MT1 and MT2) active during the Neogene tectonic evolution as well as the decrease of slip and shortening rate estimated for MT2 with respect to MT1 early main thrust. During orogenic building, syn-tectonic deposits are accumulated inside wedge-top-basin that grow on top of thrust sheets. Sedimentary and stratigraphic features of wedge-top basin change trough time following fold and thrust belt evolution. Neogene-Quaternary syn- tectonic successions (terrigenous, evaporitic, hemipelagic and shallow water deposits) extensively crop-out, in more or less w…

DETECTION OF PLIO-QUATERNARY FAULTS IN MADONIE MOUNTAINS (SICILY) BY USING QUANTITATIVE GEOMORPHIC AND STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY ANALYSES

The Northern Madonie Mountains (Northern-Central Sicily), sector of the Sicilian Maghrebian chain, consist of a tectonic thrust system developed through two subsequent main contractional events: 1) a shallow-seated compressional event developed during the Middle-Upper Miocene; 2) a deep-seated transpressional event occuring since the Late Miocene. Lower Pliocene (Trubi) to Quaternary clastic deposits unconformably lie on the tectonic units and are partially involved by deformation. In the selected area, syntectonic sedimentary basins characters are able to define the timing of deformation only until the Lower Pliocene; to resolve this gap of information application of quantitative geomorphi…

INTERPLAY BETWEEN TECTONIC AND SEDIMENTATION IN THE "CAMPOREALE BASIN"( NW SICILY) SEDIMENTARY INFILLING. A NEW VISTA FROM FIELD AND SEISMIC DATA.

Omega-3 Extraction from Anchovy Fillet Leftovers with Limonene: Chemical, Economic, and Technical Aspects

International audience; We investigate selected chemical, technical, and economic aspects of the production of fish oil rich in polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids from anchovy filleting leftovers using d-limonene as the extraction solvent at ambient temperature and pressure. Entirely derived from the orange peel prior to orange squeezing for juice production, the bio-based solvent is easily recovered, affording a circular economy process with significant potential for practical applications.

Middle Miocene–Early Pliocene wedge-top basins of NW Sicily (Italy): constraints for the tectonic evolution of a ‘non-conventional’ thrust belt, affected by transpression

The study of geological evolution of a multiphase orogenic belt is complex, expecially when the tectonic events are superimposed in a coaxial fashion. The Sicilian fold-and-thrust belt represents an interest- ing case study, as a non-coaxial superimposition of structures is recognizable, owing to large synkinematic clockwise rotations during each of two subsequent compressional events. These rotations involved also the syntectonic basins that developed in the wedge-top depozone. This study aims to constrain the tectono-depo- sitional evolution of the NW Sicily fold-and-thrust belt and the associated wedge-top depozone between the middle Miocene and the early Pliocene. Integrated analyses of…

Beer produced via hydrodynamic cavitation retains higher amounts of xanthohumol and other hops prenylflavonoids

Abstract Some of the most valuable bioactive compounds in beer comes from hops polyphenols, mainly flavonoids, some of which are unique to inflorescences of that flowering plant. Although far from pharmacologically relevant concentrations, low doses of xanthohumol and related prenylflavonoids found in beer contribute to the overall antioxidant activity of the product, as well as to significant chemopreventive action about certain diseases, such as cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and some cancer types. Hence, the efforts to explore both ingredients and brewing methods aimed at enhancing the concentration of such bioactive compounds. In this study, a novel brewing method assisted by hydrod…

EXTENSIVE FIELD MAPPING IN SICILY (CARG PROJECT) IN THE FRAME OF THE CRUSTAL SEISMIC REFLECTION ACQUISITION (SI.RI.PRO PROJECT).

The buried Fold and Thrust Belt in Sicily: perspectives for future exploration.

The study region is a part of the Sicilian-Maghrebian Fold and Thrust Belt (FTB), a segment of the Alpine collisional belt, recently described as a result of both post-collisional convergence between Africa and Europe and roll-back of the subduction hinge of the Ionian lithosphere. The region (extending in central Sicily from the Madonie Mountains. to the eastern corner of the Iblean-Pelagian foreland through the impressive NE-SW trending Tertiary clastic and evaporitic range of the Caltanissetta trough) is located in an area where the main thrust system disappears beneath a wedge of deformed Neogene deposits. Earlier studies have neglected the importance of the potential target for hydroca…

A simple High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass spectrometry approach combined with Linear Discriminant Analysis for the characterization of top quality olive oils

Elevated levels of lipoprotein (a) in patients suffering from myocardial infarction with carotid atherosclerotic lesions.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate metabolic, coagulation and fibrinolytic parameters in 45 patients [31 men, 14 women, aged 56.5 +/- 3.5 years (mean +/- SD)] who had suffered myocardial infarction more than 6 months earlier, with or without carotid atherosclerotic lesions. After the extracranial carotid arteries had been evaluated using a B-mode Duplex scanning system, patients were subdivided into two groups: group 1 (n = 20) with carotid plaques or measurable intima-media thickness; and group 2 (n = 25) without carotid plaques or measurable intima-media thickness. Twenty-two age- and sex-matched subjects were recruited as controls (group 3). Groups 1 and 2 displayed significant…

Triacylglycerols in edible oils: Determination, characterization, quantitation, chemometric approach and evaluation of adulterations

Vegetable oils are a dietary source of lipids that constitute an essential component of a healthy diet. The commonly used vegetable oils differ significantly for their triacylglycerol (TAG) profile. TAGs represent the principal components of oils and may contain different fatty acids (FA) esterified with glycerol leading to several positional isomers. To differentiate individual TAGs species in edible oils, advanced analysis systems and innovative methods are therefore required. TAGs can be considered as good fingerprints for quality control and many studies have been performed to develop rapid and low cost analytical methods to determinate the authenticity, origin and eventually evidence f…

Oxidation of melatonin by oxoferryl hemoglobin: A mechanistic study

Reaction of melatonin with the hypervalent iron centre of oxoferryl hemoglobin, produced in aqueous solution from methemoglobin and H2O2, has been investigated at 37 degrees C and pH 7.4, by absorption spectroscopy. The reaction results in reduction of the oxoferryl moiety with formation of a heme-ferric containing hemoprotein. Stopped-flow spectrophotometric measurements provide evidence that the reduction of oxoferryl-Hb by melatonin is first-order in oxoferryl-Hb and first-order in melatonin. The bimolecular reaction constant at pH 7.4 and 37 degrees C is 112 +/- 1.0 M(-1) s(-1). Two major oxidation products from melatonin have been found by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy: the cycl…

Flavonoids in Lemon and Grapefruit IntegroPectin

Abstract Following the analysis of terpenes present in new lemon and grapefruit “IntegroPectin” pectins obtained via the hydrodynamic cavitation of industrial lemon and grapefruit processing waste, the HPLC‐MS analysis of flavonoid and other phenolic compounds reveals the presence of eriocitrin, naringin, hesperidin and kaempferol typical of the respective citrus fruits. The pectic fibers rich in rhamnogalacturonan‐I regions act as chemical sponges adsorbing and concentrating at their outer surface highly bioactive citrus flavonoids and terpenes. These findings, together with the unique molecular structure of these new whole citrus pectins, provide preliminary insight into the broad‐scope b…

Carta Geologica d'Italia alla scala 1:50.000 e note illustrative del foglio 594-585 PARTINICO-MONDELLO.

The 594-585 ”Partinico-Mondello” Map Sheet 1:50.000 includes marine and land areas of the topographic map sheet “Partinico” and “Mondello”. The map sheet “Partinico-Mondello” (Palermo Province) covers a part of the Sicily Fold and Thrust Belt (FTB) which has developed along the plate boundary between Africa and Europe in the central Mediterranean. The Sicily FTB links the African Maghrebides to the Calabrian arc and the Southern Apennines. The fTB and its submerged western and northern exten- sions are partly located between the Sardinia block and the Pelagian-Ionian sec- tor, and partly beneath the central southern Tyrrhenian Sea. In this sector of the Mediterranean area, the main compress…

Prove di sidrificazione da cv di mele autoctone siciliane

Aroma of green sicilian table olive under different irrigation treatments by SPME-GC/MS

Food quality and nutraceutical value of nine cultivars of mango (Mangifera indica L.) fruits grown in Mediterranean subtropical environment

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) quality is strongly influenced by genotype but individuating the most appropriate harvesting time is essential to obtain high quality fruits. In this trial we studied the influences of the ripening stage at harvest (mature-ripe or green-ripe) on quality of ready to eat mango fruits from nine cultivars (Carrie, Keitt, Glenn, Manzanillo, Maya, Rosa, Osteen, Tommy Atkins and Kensington Pride) grown in the Mediterranean subtropical climate through physicochemical, nutraceutical, and sensory analysis. Our results show a large variability among the different observed genotypes and in dependence of the ripening stage at harvest. With the exception of Rosa, mature-ripe f…

Effect of solid waste landfill organic pollutants on groundwater in three areas of Sicily (Italy) characterized by different vulnerability

The aim of this study was to obtain information on the presence and levels of hazardous organic pollutants in groundwater located close to solid waste landfills. Eighty-two environmental contaminants, including 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 20 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), 29 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 7 dioxins (polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, PCDDs) and 10 furans (polychlorinated dibenzofurans, PCDFs) were monitored in areas characterised by different geological environments surrounding three municipal solid waste landfills (Palermo, Siculiana and Ragusa) in Sicily (Italy) in three sampling campaigns. The total concentrations of the 16 PAHs were always below t…

Nile Red lifetime reveals microplastic identity

Microplastic pollution is recognized as a worldwide environmental problem. The increasing daily use and release of plastics into the environment have led to the accumulation of fragmented microplastics, with potentially awful consequences for the environment, and animal and human health. The detection and identification of microplastics are of utmost importance, but available methods are still limited. In this work, a new approach is presented for the analysis of microplastics based on hydrophobic fluorescence staining with Nile Red, using spectrally resolved confocal fluorescence microscopy and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM). Significant differences were observed in the em…

Effect of dual blockade of renin–angiotensin system on TGFβ1 and left ventricular structure and function in hypertensive patients

The effects of 24 weeks losartan and ramipril treatment, both alone and in combination, on left ventricular mass (LVM), circulating transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1), procollagen type I (PIP) and III (PIIIP), have been evaluated in hypertensive (HT) patients. A total of 57 HT with stage 1 and 2 essential hypertension were included. After 4 weeks run in, a randomized double-blind, three arms, double dummy, independent trial was used. All HT patients were randomly allocated to three treatment arms consisting of losartan (50 mg/daily), ramipril (5 mg/ daily) and combined (losartan 50 mg/daily + ramipril 5 mg/daily) for 24 weeks. TGFbeta1, PIP and PIIIP, LVM, LVM/h(2.7) and other echo…

Interactions of tryptophan and serotonin with biomembrane models: Binding to reversed micellar systems of ionic and non ionic surfactants

The interactions of Tryptophan (TRP) and Serotonin (5-HT), with water-containing sodium bis (2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT), didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB) and tetraethylene glycol monododecyl ether (C12E4) reversed micelles have been investigated by UV absorption spectroscopy. Our results suggest that independently of the nature of the surfactant and the amount of the water encapsulated into the micellar core, TRP and 5-HT are solubilized in the micellar phase, preferring to be located in a shallow region constituted by the hydrated surfactant head groups. This is due to the amphiphilic nature of TRP and 5-HT and the biological implications are discussed.

The Effect of Plant Water Status on the Chemical Composition of Pistachio Nuts (Pistacia vera L. Cultivar Bianca)

Pistachio nuts are worldwide appreciated for their chemical and organoleptic profiles. There are several studies on the influence of irrigation on pistachio productivity, whereas there are little available data on the influence on nut quality. In this study we characterized some qualitative traits of pistachio nuts cultivar Bianca in Mediterranean environment and how plant water status affected them. Water status had a positive and significant influence on the chlorophylls content, nuts from less stressed trees showed higher values of chlorophyll a (14.7 mg/100 g) and b (21.1 mg/100 g) compared than more stressed trees (9.3 and 11.5 mg/100 g for a and b, respectively). Solid phase microextr…

Quantitative evaluation of the phenolic profile in fruits of six avocado (Persea americana) cultivars by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-heated electrospray-mass spectrometry

The phenolic profiles of six varieties of avocado (Persea americana) grown in Sicily were investigated. The ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-heated electrospray-mass spectrometry method was developed to determine qualitative and quantitative changes in fruits at two different ripening stage. Nineteen individual phenolic compounds were detected in avocado pulp extracts. Gallic acid, sinapinic acid, vanillin, p-coumaric acid, and gentisic acid were present only in ripe fruits. On the contrary, epicatechin decreased with fruit ripening, whereas protocatechuic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, chlorogenic acid, and benzoic acid were relatively stable or exhibited erratic changes with fru…

Foglio 593, Castellammare del Golfo

Il Foglio 593 “Castellammare del Golfo” della Carta Geologica d’Italia in scala 1:50.000 è stato realizzato nell’ambito del Progetto CARG con i fondi della Legge 305/89, con una convenzione tra Servizio Geologico Nazionale (ora ISPRA) e la Regione Siciliana. Il Foglio “Castellammare del Golfo” ricopre un settore dell’ estremità nordoccidentale della Sicilia e comprende le aree marine del Golfo del Cofano, della Baia di San Vito e della porzione centro-occidentale del Golfo di Castellammare, e quelle emerse costituite dalla dorsale dei Monti di Capo San Vito, dall’ampio settore collinare di Monte Luziano e Monte Bosco, dal massiccio di Monte Inici e dai pianori della Piana di Castellammare, …

Bio-phenols determination in olive oils: Recent mass spectrometry approaches

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is largely used in Mediterranean diet, and it is also worldwide apprised not only for its organoleptic properties but also for its healthy effects mainly attributed to the presence of several naturally occurring phenolic and polyphenolic compounds (bio-phenols). These compounds are characterized by the presence of multiple phenolic groups in more or less complex structures. Their content is fundamental in defining the healthy qualities of EVOO and consequently the analytical methods for their characterization and quantification are of current interest. Traditionally their determination has been conducted using a colorimetric assay based on the reaction of Folin…

Analysis of furan in toasted coffee by HS/SPME-GC-MS

Carta geologica d'italia alla scala 1:50.000 e note illustrative del foglio 595_Palermo

The Map Sheet 1:50.000 595 ”Palermo” includes marine and land areas of the topographic map sheet “Palermo”. The map sheet “Palermo” (Palermo Province) covers a part of the Sicily Fold and Thrust Belt (FTB) which has developed along the plate boundary between Africa and Europe in the Central Mediterranean. The Sicily FTB links the African Maghrebide to the Calabrian arc and Southern Apennines. The FTB and its submerged western and northern extensions are part- ly located between the Sardinia block and the Pelagian-Ionian sector, and partly beneath the central southern Tyrrhenian Sea. In this sector of the Mediterranean area, the main compressional move- ments, after the Paleogene Alpine orog…

Sicilian Opuntia ficus‐indica Seed Oil: Fatty Acid Composition and Bio‐Economical Aspects

The fatty acid composition of the seed oil from the yellow fruit of Opuntia ficus-indica widely grown in Sicily shows several distinctive features. The oil obtained comprises significant amounts of vaccenic acid along with several other unsaturated fatty acids showing several health benefits, including linolenic, trans-13-octadecenoic, gondoic, 7Z,10Z-hexadecadienoic, and gadoleic acid. The economic analysis shows the significant advantage of carrying out the extraction from fruits considered unfit for consumption. Practical applications: The fatty acid composition of Sicilian Opuntia ficus-indica seed oil is similar to that of fruits grown in Tunisia, while it has a completely different pr…

N-Valproyl-L-Phenylalanine as new potential antiepileptic drug: Synthesis, characterization and in vitro studies on stability, toxicity and anticonvulsant efficacy

Valproic acid (VPA) is considered first-line drug in treatment of generalized idiopathic seizures such as absence, generalized tonic-clonic and myoclonic seizures. Among major antiepileptic drugs, VPA is also considered effective in childhood epilepsies and infantile spasms. Due to its broad activity, VPA acts as a mood stabilizer in bipolar disorder and it is useful in migraine prophylaxis. Despite its long-standing usage, severe reactions to VPA, such as liver toxicity and teratogenicity, are reported. To circumvent side effects due to structural characteristics of VPA, we synthesized in good yield a new VPA-aminoacid conjugate, the N-valproyl-L-Phenylalanine, and characterized by FT-IR, …

Characterization of Sicilian Olive Genotypes by Multivariate Analysis of Leaf and Fruit Chemical and Morphological Properties

Leaf and fruit size and shape were measured and mannitol, glucose, sucrose and malic acid were quantified in leaf, bark and fruit of 25 Sicilian olive genotypes. Multivariate analysis was used to individuate groups with similar chemical composition and morphological traits suggesting potential for stress tolerance and/or oil yield and quality. Mannitol content varied greatly among genotypes and was the most abundant carbohydrate in leaf and bark, whereas glucose was the most abundant in fruit. Sucrose and malic acid were generally low indicating a marginal role in olive tissues. Mannitol and glucose were directly related in both leaf and fruit tissues. Genotypes also differed for carbohydra…

Understanding paleomagnetic rotations in Sicily: Thrust vs. transpressive structures

Since the 1970s, paleomagnetic data collected in Sicily have documented large magnitude clockwise (CW) rotations around vertical axis with respect to Africa and the Hyblean foreland. Many Authors argued that rotations arise from rotational thrusting of large coherent nappes coinciding with paleogeographic units. In the forward thrust propagation process, each nappe rotates the overlying nappe stack. This would explain the stepwise decrease of rotation magnitudes from the internal Panormide unit (90°-140°) to the external Saccense unit, yielding no rotation. However, other Authors later proposed that rotations of Sicily are the consequence of dextral shear occurring since late Miocene times …

ASPETTI GEOLOGICI, GEOMORFOLOGICI E ANTROPOLOGICI DE LA MONTAGNOLA (SAN GIOVANNI GEMINI, AGRIGENTO): PROPOSTA DI UN GEOSITO

Study of green Sicilian Table Olive Fermentation Through Microbiological, Chemical, Hs-Spme and Sensory analyses

Applications of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry for food analysis.

Abstract HPLC–MS applications in the agrifood sector are among the fastest developing fields in science and industry. The present tutorial mini-review briefly describes this analytical methodology: HPLC, UHPLC, nano-HPLC on one hand, mass spectrometry (MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) on the other hand. Analytical results are grouped together based on the type of chemicals analyzed (lipids, carbohydrates, glycoproteins, vitamins, flavonoids, mycotoxins, pesticides, allergens and food additives). Results are also shown for various types of food (ham, cheese, milk, cereals, olive oil and wines). Although it is not an exhaustive list, it illustrates the main current directions of appli…

Active deformation in Southern Italy, Sicily and southern Sardinia from GPS velocities of the Peri-Tyrrhenian Geodetic Array (PTGA)

Campaign measurement (1995-2000) of Global Positioning System (GPS) site velocities in southern Italy, Central Mediterranean area, document differential displacements within the orogens rimming the Tyrrhenian Sea. Within the Southern Apennines, GPS velocities define two laterally juxtaposed belts of deformation, with transpression in the east and transtension in the west. In the east, ~8 mm/yr convergence between northern Murge-Gargano block and the International GPS System (IGS) site MATE is partitioned across ~east-west striking right-lateral faults, consistent with seismicity and with the offshore geological record. To the south, in northern Calabria, site velocities relative to MATE ind…

Persistent and Emerging Organic Pollutants in the Marine Coastal Environment of the Gulf of Milazzo (Southern Italy): Human Health Risk Assessment

The Gulf of Milazzo (north-eastern Sicily) has been recognized as Italian Site of National Interest (SNI; areas characterized by high level of contamination with potential effects on human health) in 2005 because of its high level of pollution. In this study we measured the concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), and polyBrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) in seawater and sediments sampled from the Gulf of Milazzo in order to assess (i) the environmental status of contamination, and (ii) cancer and non-cancer human health risk potentially due to dermal absorption from contaminated seawater and/or ingestion of contaminated fish. Particularly, …

Determination of the cultivar and aging of Sicilian olive oils using HPLC-MS and linear discriminant analysis

A large number of certified samples (84) of Sicilian olive oils arising from the eight cultivars most represented in Sicily (Biancolilla, Cerasuola, Moresca, Nocellara del Belice, Nocellara Etnea, Oglialora Messinese, Brandofino and Tonda Iblea) have been collected and analyzed by HPLC/MS using an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) source. The sample preparation is very simple; in fact, the oil samples are diluted without any chemical derivatization. A following statistical data treatment by general discriminant analysis (GDA) allows the determination of the olive oil cultivar. Furthermore, changes in the composition of glyceridic components of the olive oils lead to easy discr…

Molecular and physiological characterization of in vivo Sulfamethoxazole response in Procambarus clark

Factor VIII and Antithrombin III in Atherosclerosis Obliterans of the Lower Limbs

In the multifactorial pathogenesis of atherosclerosis (the W.H.O. gives a list of about forty risk factors) recent acquisitions have allowed to determine in part the role carried out by the term “haemocoagulative disorders” (90) showing the possible connections between haematic components of haemocoagulation and vascular wall that up to now have been only hypothesised.

Green and Quick Extraction of Stable Biophenol-Rich Red Extracts from Grape Processing Waste

The extraction of grape processing waste (wine pomace) via microwave-hydrodiffusion and gravity (MHG) from three different cultivars grown in Sicily (Syrah, Perricone and Nero d’Avola) rapidly affords aqueous extracts highly concentrated in valued biophenols including flavonoids, anthocyanins and phenolic acids. The method does not employ organic solvent, acid or base and does not require grinding or freeze drying of the wine pomace nor separation of the grape skins from seeds and stem. All the extracts have a pronounced stability as shown by their red-violet color fully retained after storage for more than a year (15 months) in freezer under air. Concentrations of phenolics up to…

Changes in the proteome of sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus coelomocytes in response to LPS injection into the body cavity.

Background The immune system of echinoderm sea urchins is characterised by a high degree of complexity that is not completely understood. The Mediterranean sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus coelomocytes mediate immune responses through phagocytosis, encapsulation of non-self particles, and production of diffusible factors including antimicrobial molecules. Details of these processes, and molecular pathways driving these mechanisms, are still to be fully elucidated. Principal findings In the present study we treated the sea urchin P. lividus with the bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and collected coelomocytes at different time-points (1, 3, 6 and 24 hours). We have shown, using label-free q…

Variazione della componente aromatica di mele “Pink Lady” in risposta al vigore del portinnesto e agli apporti idrici.

Sicily's Foreland Fold/thrust Belt and Slab Roll-back: The SI.RI.PRO. Seismic Crustal Transect.

RIDUZIONE DEL CONTENUTO DI MICOTOSSINE DOPO TRATTAMENTO CON RADIAZIONI IONIZZANTI VALUTATO SU CAMPIONI DI MANDORLE SICILIANE

Genotoxicity of citrus wastewater in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and efficiency of heterogeneous photocatalysis by TiO(2).

Abstract The presence of (±)α-pinene, (+)β-pinene, (+)3-carene, and R-(+)limonene terpenes in wastewater of a citrus transformation factory was detected and analyzed, in a previous study, by using Solid Phase Micro-extraction (SPME) followed by GC analyses. Purpose of that research was to compare the genotoxic responses of mixtures of terpenes with the genotoxicity of the individual compounds, and the biological effects of actual wastewater. Genotoxicity was evaluated in the Salmonella reversion assay (Ames test) and in V79 cells by Comet assay. Ames tests indicated that the four single terpenes did not induce an increase of revertants frequency. On the contrary, the mixtures of terpenes ca…

Influence of wine-making technique and aging on the volatile fraction of red wine cultivars Perricone by SPME-GC/MS. In: Book of abstracts

Studio idrogeologico del circuito idrotermale della sorgente Bagni Cefalà Diana

Aloin delivery on buccal mucosa: ex vivo studies and design of a new locoregional dosing system

Context: Chemoprevention of potential malignant disorders or cancerous lesions that affect oral mucosae requires extended duration of treatment. Locoregional delivery of natural products could represent a promising strategy for this purpose. Objective: To investigate the aptitude of aloin to permeate through, or accumulate in, the buccal mucosa and to develop a new prolonged oro-mucosal drug delivery system. Materials and Methods: Permeation/accumulation of aloin from Curacao Aloe (containing 50% barbaloin) was evaluated ex vivo, using porcine buccal mucosa as the most useful model to simulate human epithelium. Oro-mucosal matrix tablets were prepared by dispersing aloin (10% w/w) in Eudrag…

Subsurface geometries in Central Sicily FTB in the frame of the frame of the SIRIPRO crustal profile

Analysis of Melatonin interaction with receptorial models of biological interest: "alpha - beta - and gamma - cyclodextrins"

BDE-47 exposure modulates cellular responses, oxidative stress and biotransformation related-genes in Mytilus galloprovincialis.

Abstract Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are flame retardants, characterized by elevated stability in the marine environment, where are accumulated by organisms, inducing a wide panel of negative effects. In this study, some biochemical patterns related to toxicity, biotransformation and oxidative stress, were studied in the marine model system, Mytilus galloprovincialis, exposed to BDE-47. Mussels were fed with microalgae, previously treated with increasing concentrations of PBDEs (maximum dose 100 ng L-1 of BDE-47 per day). After 15 days of treatment, mussels were fed with the same diet without BDE-47, for additional 15 days. Gills and digestive glands were analyzed at T 0, at 15 a…

A Circular Economy Approach to Fish Oil Extraction

Fish oil rich in polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids is extracted in high yield from anchovy filleting waste using d-limonene as green biosolvent in a simple solid-liquid extraction performed by mechanically stirring and maceration followed by limonene removal via evaporation under reduced pressure. As limonene is renewably obtained from waste orange peel, this method closes the materials cycle and establishes a circular economy process to obtain high quality fish oil from biowaste available worldwide in several million t/year amount. Significant economic, social and environmental benefits are anticipated.

Fruit quality and aroma of tree ripe and detached, sun-exposed ‘Annurca’ apples

Il controllo della sismica a riflessione nella elaborazione dei Fogli Geologici del Progetto CARG nella Sicilia Occidentale Seismic reflection constraints in the frame of the CARG Project in Western Sicily

In the frame of the CARG Project, the interpretation of several seismic reflection profiles has provided new important constraints aimed at clarify the deep structural setting of the Central-Western Sicily and the related offshore fold and thrust belt. It has already been envisaged as a tectonic pile mainly made up of deep water Meso-Cenozoic carbonate units overriding a thick stack of Meso-Cenozoic carbonate platform units, detached from their crystalline basement. The data collected, constrained by wells logs, field and stratigraphic data, have improved the knowledge of a complex sector outcropping in the Corleone and Caccamo geologic sheets area. Seismic interpretation displayed the rela…

WALKING ALONG A CRUSTAL PROFILE ACROSS THE SICILY FOLD AND THRUST BELT

Investigation on the influence of spray-drying technology on the quality of Sicilian Nero d’Avola wines

The purpose of the present work was to find a correlation between microencapsulation technology applied to wines and the resulting quality of the wine itself in terms of volatile composition and phenolic profile. To this aim, samples of Nero d'Avola wines produced in Sicily (Italy) were investigated in order to: i) elucidate the aromatic composition by means of HS–SPME coupled with GC–MS; ii) assess the polyphenolic content by UHPLC mass spectrometry; iii) compare the results obtained from both the screenings with those relative to the same wines that had previously been subjected to spray-drying. The results showed a marked reductionThe results here obtained evidenced a marked reductio…

SIRIPRO PROJECT: FIELD AND STRATIGRAPHICAL-STRUCTURAL DATA FROM N-S CENTRAL SICILY TRANSECT

Carta Geologica d’Italia alla scala 1:50.000 del Foglio 608 “Caccamo”. Progetto CARG.

Foglio 594 Partinico