GC-MS-olfactometric characterization of the most aroma-active components in a representative aromatic extract from Iranian saffron (Crocus sativus L.).

Aroma and aroma-active compounds of Iranian saffron (Crocus sativus L.) were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-olfactometry. The saffron aromatic extracts were obtained by four different extraction techniques including solvent-assisted flavour evaporation (SAFE), liquid-liquid extraction (LLE), solid phase extraction (SPE), and simultaneous distillation extraction (SDE) and compared to achieve a representative aromatic extract from saffron. According to sensory analysis, the aromatic extract obtained by SAFE was the most representative of saffron odour. A total of 28 aroma compounds were identified in saffron. Ketones were quantitatively the most dominant volatiles in saffron, followed by aldehydes and acids. Aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA) was used for the determination of aroma-active compounds of saffron. A total of nine aroma-active compounds were detected in the aromatic extract. On the basis of the flavour dilution (FD) factor, the most powerful aroma active compounds were safranal (FD = 512), 4-ketoisophorone (FD = 256) and dihydrooxophorone (FD = 128).

Platelet lymphocyte adherence in children after surgery.

There is limited data on the importance of the adherence phenomenon of platelets to lymphocytes. In the present study rosette formation and agglutination of lymphocytes with autologous platelets were observed in children after surgery. Lymphocytes and platelets were separated by 'Lymphoprep' solutions from heparinized blood. Platelet-lymphocyte agglutinates were prepared in the presence of inactivated fetal calf serum and were counted on slides. Platelet-lymphocyte agglutinates were found to be significantly elevated during the first post-operative day. It is concluded that the enhancement of platelet adhesiveness to lymphocytes may be due to anaesthesia.