Profile of red wine partially dealcoholized with a membrane-based technique and strategies to mitigate the loss of volatile compounds.

In recent years, climate change has led to higher grape must sugar content and, consequently, increased alcohol by volume. Evaporative or pertraction is a common method for post-fermentation ethanol removal from wines, but it selectively removes some less polar volatile compounds along with ethanol. To mitigate volatile substance loss, this study investigates blending of the red wine (Marzemino-Cabernet blend) with obtained dealcoholized samples from it by industrial evaporative pertraction system, while maintaining the final product within a two-percentage-point reduction in ethanol. Thus MIX 1 and MIX 2 blends were prepared, reducing the ABV of the initial wine (12.5% alcohol by volume) to 10.5% and 9.5%. Chemical analyses highlighted that most alcohols, acetates, and ethyl esters of fatty acids decreased with alcohol by volume reduction. However, compounds with polar groups (acetoin and acetovanillone), C13-norisoprenoids, and certain lactones showed increasing trends. Sensory analysis indicated high scores for sweetness and smoothness in the blended wines, with a decrease in acidic taste. Floral scents notably increased, particularly in MIX 2, closely resembling the initial wine's sensory profile. The blending of initial wine with appropriately dealcoholized wine samples has proven to be an effective strategy for preserving bouquet and color of dealcoholized wines. This approach broadens the consumer base by catering to people who prefer low-alcohol options, have dietary restrictions, or are health-conscious, but who still wish to savor wines with aromatic quality rather than a flat taste. This strategy is crucial in the wine industry as it successfully addresses technical challenges and ensures economic viability.

Ethylene production and antioxidant potential of five peach cultivars during maturation.

Numerous biochemical processes are involved in fruit maturation, such as ethylene production, phenolic compounds accumulation, and antioxidant enzymes production. Therefore, the aim of the present work was the evaluation of ethylene production, and the bioactive compounds change in the exocarp and mesocarp of five peach [Prunus persica (L.)] cultivars during three ripening stages, (1) early ripening (ER), (2) commercial maturation, and (3) full ripening (FR) in order to establish the best stage to harvest each peach variety. The experiment was applied to five peach cultivars growing within an arid bioclimatic environment covering the whole peach production season: two early cultivars, Flordastar and Early Maycrest; one variety of mid-season Rubirich; and two late cultivars, Sweet Cap and O'Henry. Ethylene production, phenolic compounds, and oxidative stress through antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase, peroxidases [PODs] Class III, and ascorbate-POD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) production were determined in the exocarp and mesocarp of peach fruits. The results showed a significant increase in ethylene production during fruit ripening. However, a parallel decrease in the level of phenolic compounds as well as in antioxidant enzyme activities was observed. The FR stage was also characterized by an important accumulation of MDA and H2 O2 . In conclusion, important changes in fruit quality associated with the production level of ethylene were observed. Fruits harvested during the ER stage would be more suitable for delivering to distant markets and more appreciated by the peach industries due to their highest phenolic acid content, best antioxidant enzyme activities, and lowest oxidative stress indicator.

Severe Asthma Network Italy Definition of Clinical Remission in Severe Asthma: A Delphi Consensus.

Severe asthma affects about 10% of the population with asthma and is characterized by low lung function and a high count of blood leukocytes, mainly eosinophils. Various definitions are used in clinical practice and in the literature to identify asthma remission: clinical remission, inflammatory remission, and complete remission. This work highlights a consensus for asthma remission using a Delphi method. In the context of the Severe Asthma Network Italy, which accounts for 57 severe asthma centers and more than 2,200 patients, a board of six experts drafted a list of candidate statements in a questionnaire, which has been revised to minimize redundancies and ensure clear and consistent wording for the first round (R1) of the analysis. Thirty-two statements were included in the R1 questionnaire and then submitted to a panel of 80 experts, which used a 5-point Likert scale to measure agreement regarding each statement. Then, an interim analysis of R1 data was performed, and items were discussed and considered to produce a consistent questionnaire for round 2 (R2) of the analysis. Then, the board set the R2 questionnaire, which included only important topics. Panelists were asked to vote on the statements in the R2 questionnaire afterward. During R2, the criteria of complete clinical remission (the absence of the need for oral corticosteroids, symptoms, exacerbations or attacks, and pulmonary function stability) and those of partial clinical remission (the absence of the need for oral corticosteroids, and two of three criteria: the absence of symptoms, exacerbations or attacks, and pulmonary stability) were confirmed. This Severe Asthma Network Italy Delphi analysis defined a valuable and independent tool that is easy to use, to test the efficacy of different treatments in patients with severe asthma enrolled into the SANI registry.

Clinical governance of patients with acute coronary syndromes.

AIMS: Using the principles of clinical governance, a patient-centred approach intended to promote holistic quality improvement, we designed a prospective, multicentre study in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We aimed to verify and quantify consecutive inclusion and describe relative and absolute effects of indicators of quality for diagnosis and therapy. METHODS AND RESULTS: Administrative codes for invasive coronary angiography and acute myocardial infarction were used to estimate the ACS universe. The ratio between the number of patients included and the estimated ACS universe was the consecutive index. Co-primary quality indicators were timely reperfusion in patients admitted with ST-elevation ACS and optimal medical therapy at discharge. Cox-proportional hazard models for 1-year death with admission and discharge-specific covariates quantified relative risk reductions and adjusted number needed to treat (NNT) absolute risk reductions. Hospital codes tested had a 99.5% sensitivity to identify ACS universe. We estimated that 7344 (95% CI: 6852-7867) ACS patients were admitted and 5107 were enrolled-i.e. a consecutive index of 69.6% (95% CI 64.9-74.5%), which varied from 30.7 to 79.2% across sites. Timely reperfusion was achieved in 22.4% (95% CI: 20.7-24.1%) of patients, was associated with an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for 1-year death of 0.60 (95% CI: 0.40-0.89) and an adjusted NNT of 65 (95% CI: 44-250). Corresponding values for optimal medical therapy were 70.1% (95% CI: 68.7-71.4%), HR of 0.50 (95% CI: 0.38-0.66), and NNT of 98 (95% CI: 79-145). CONCLUSION: A comprehensive approach to quality for patients with ACS may promote equitable access of care and inform implementation of health care delivery. REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.Gov ID NCT04255537.

COPD, but Not Asthma, Is Associated with Worse Outcomes in COVID-19: Real-Life Data from Four Main Centers in Northwest Italy.

Introduction: Asthma, along with inhaled steroids, was initially considered a risk factor for worse clinical outcomes in COVID-19. This was related to the higher morbidity observed in asthma patients during previous viral outbreaks. This retrospective study aimed at evaluating the prevalence of asthma among patients admitted due to SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as the impact of inhaled therapies on their outcomes. Furthermore, a comparison between patients with asthma, COPD and the general population was made. Methods: All COVID-19 inpatients were recruited between February and July 2020 from four large hospitals in Northwest Italy. Data concerning medical history, the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and the hospital stay, including length, drugs and COVID-19 complications (respiratory failure, lung involvement, and the need for respiratory support) were collected, as well as the type of discharge. Results: patients with asthma required high-flow oxygen therapy (33.3 vs. 14.3%, p = 0.001) and invasive mechanical ventilation (17.9 vs. 9.5%, p = 0.048) more frequently when compared to the general population, but no other difference was observed. Moreover, asthma patients were generally younger than patients with COPD (59.2 vs. 76.8 years, p < 0.001), they showed both a lower mortality rate (15.4 vs. 39.4%, p < 0.001) and a lower CCI (3.4 vs. 6.2, p < 0.001). Patients with asthma in regular therapy with ICS at home had significantly shorter hospital stay compared to those with no treatments (25.2 vs. 11.3 days, p = 0.024). Discussion: Our study showed that asthma is not associated with worse outcomes of COVID-19, despite the higher need for respiratory support compared with the general population, while the use of ICS allowed for a shorter hospital stay. In addition, the comparison of asthma with COPD patients confirmed the greater frailty of the latter, according to their multiple comorbidities.

Enrichment of wheat flour with Spirulina. Evaluation of thermal damage to essential amino acids during bread preparation.

Microalgae and cyanobacteria represent a sustainable and valuable source of essential amino acids and bio-active molecules (e.g. poly-unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants) which, if added to staple food, could enrich its nutritional profile and the human diet. In this study, two different composite mixtures were obtained by adding different percentages (1% and 2%) of Spirulina powder to "Italian type 1" semi-whole wheat flour (W = 300) after which the chemical, physical, alveographic, and rheological parameters were subsequently analyzed. Spirulina powder did not cause drastic changes at the rheological level when added up to 2%. Furthermore, the concentration of proteins significantly increased in the samples enriched with 1% Spirulina (3.17%) and 2% Spirulina (5.12%), while at the same time the gluten content decreased by 5.62% and 7.41%, respectively. The total amount of essential amino acids in the samples enriched with 1% and 2% Spirulina (48,209 and 55,286 mgaa/kgDW, respectively), was higher in comparison with 45,433 mgaa/kgDW of the control, and those concentrations were maintained after the baking process. Spirulina powder confirmed the hypothesis of being able to improve the supply of essential amino acids that is lacking in wheat flour. The next steps include an investigation into the sensory and liking characteristics of the product.

Role of hyperpnea in the relaxant effect of inspired CO2 on methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction.

Inhaling carbon dioxide (CO2) in humans is known to cause inconsistent effects on airway function. These could be due to direct effects of CO2 on airway smooth muscle or to changes in minute ventilation (V̇e). To address this issue, we examined the responses of the respiratory system to inhaled methacholine in healthy subjects and subjects with mild asthma while breathing air or gas mixtures containing 2% or 4% CO2. Respiratory mechanics were measured by a forced oscillation technique at 5 Hz during tidal breathing. At baseline, respiratory resistance (R5) was significantly higher in subjects with asthma (2.53 ± 0.38 cmH2O·L-1·s) than healthy subjects (2.11 ± 0.42 cmH2O·L-1·s) (P = 0.008) with room air. Similar values were observed with CO2 2% or 4% in the two groups. V̇e, tidal volume (VT), and breathing frequency (BF) significantly increased with CO2-containing mixtures (P < 0.001) with insignificant differences between groups. After methacholine, the increase in R5 and the decrease in respiratory reactance (X5) were significantly attenuated up to about 50% with CO2-containing mixtures instead of room air in both asthmatic (P < 0.001) and controls (P < 0.001). Mediation analysis showed that the attenuation of methacholine-induced changes in respiratory mechanics by CO2 was due to the increase in V̇e (P = 0.006 for R5 and P = 0.014 for X5) independently of the increase in VT or BF, rather than a direct effect of CO2. These findings suggest that the increased stretching of airway smooth muscle by the CO2-induced increase in V̇e is a mechanism through which hypercapnia can attenuate bronchoconstrictor responses in healthy subjects and subjects with mild asthma.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The main results of the present study are as follows: 1) breathing gas mixtures containing 2% or 4% CO2 significantly attenuated bronchoconstrictor responses to methacholine, not differently in healthy subjects and subjects with mild asthma, and 2) the causal inhibitory effect of CO2 was significantly mediated via an indirect effect of the increment of V̇e in response to intrapulmonary hypercapnia.

Evaluation of Two Water Deficit Models on Phenolic Profiles and Antioxidant Activities of Different Peach Fruits Parts.

The present work was designed to evaluate the effects of two water shortage strategies on the phenolic profile and antioxidants activities of four Prunus persica L. cultivars (Flordastar, Early May crest, Rubirich and O'Henry). Over the course of two successive seasons (2016 and 2017), three different irrigation strategies were tested: full irrigation (FI: 100 % crop evapotranspiration (Etc)), sustained deficit irrigation (SDI: 50 % ETc), and cyclic deficit irrigation (CDI: irrigation at 100 % field capacity with a soil moisture of 50 % field capacity). HPLC-UV/VIS profile of phenolic compounds, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant activities were assessed in exocarp and mesocarp. The results showed that deficit irrigation improved the content of phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activities. In O'Henry, ascorbate peroxidase activity increased significantly under CDI in exocarp (249 %). In conclusion, most cultivars showed an improvement of the fruit quality under SDI, whereas O'Henry fruits gathered the highest phenolic amounts and displayed the best antioxidant activity under CDI.

Domestic Use Simulation and Secondary Shelf Life Assessment of Industrial Pesto alla genovese.

The secondary shelf life (SSL) is defined as the time after package opening during which the food product retains a required level of quality. The SSL, indicated in labels as "best if used within x days after opening", could lead to domestic food waste if not correctly evaluated. In this context, the SSL of two brands of industrial shelf-stable pesto products (with an indicated SSL of 5 days) was studied through a domestic use simulation performed in five households under two scenarios simulating real opening and storage conditions. The quality of pesto after opening was assessed through microbiological and sensory analyses, determination of instrumental colour parameters, pH and volatiles profiling. For both pesto sauces tested, a SSL ≥ 20 days was proven. Irrespective of the intensity of use (scenarios 1 and 2), the pesto was microbiologically stable: the maximum count for total aerobic mesophilic bacteria (TMB) observed during 20 days of storage was 9.64 ± 1.7 × 102 CFU/g, starting from a commercially stable product. Colour parameters L* and ΔE did not change significantly during storage (p > 0.05), while the a* and BI values significantly changed (p < 0.05) during the first 5 days, and then stabilized during the rest of the household storage. Nevertheless, the slight colour modifications were not perceived by the sensory panel. Moreover, sensory assessors were not able to discern pesto samples stored for up to 20 days after first opening, from a just-opened reference sample, proving that the sensory appreciation of pesto was not influenced by the time after opening. The results of this study suggest the possibility to significantly extend or even omit the SSL indications for industrial pesto sauces. The objective assessment of SSL could have impressive practical outcomes both for the industry and the end user. The elongation of the SSL on the food label might increase food sustainability, thanks to the potential reduction of food wastes, thus giving added value to the commercial products. In addition, the end user could benefit the increase of the useful period for the food consumption after first opening, with significant domestic food waste reduction, reduced household stock turnover and consequent cost savings.

Short-time irrigation on young olive tree (Olea europaea L. cv. Chemlali) with untreated industrial poultry wastewater: investigation of growth parameters and leaves chemical composition.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term irrigation effect with industrial poultry wastewater on young olive trees (Olea europaea L. cv. Chemlali). Industrial poultry wastewater can be considered as a bio-fertilizer due to its richness in nutritive elements (SO42-, HCO3-, total nitrogen, and K+). The physicochemical analysis of wastewater showed a high concentration of TSS, COD, BOD, COT, NO3-, and conductivity. Measurements indicated that poultry wastewater enhanced plant growth, leaves dry matter, and ashes in comparison with tap water, as well as poultry wastewater diluted with tap water; however, a decrease in total soluble sugars (glucose and fructose) was detected in leaves. The determination of fatty acid profile of young olive trees leaves irrigated with poultry wastewater showed richness on saturated fatty acids in comparison with mono- and poly-unsaturated ones. In addition, oleic acid (C18:1) presented the lowest content in leaves of trees irrigated with poultry wastewater irrigation. According to those results, poultry wastewater lends itself to being a hydric alternative and at the same time a source of nutrients that can help fill the water deficit in semi-arid countries and avoid costly waste disposal for slaughterhouses.

Functionalization and use of grape stalks as poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) reinforcing fillers.

Grape stalks are a lignocellulosic biomass, which is a very complex material, whose easy and profitable fractionation to obtain its basic components is still not available. Therefore, alternative ways to try and make use of grape stalks are currently being explored. In the present study, the possible use of dried and milled grape stalks as filler in bio-composites was assessed using polybutylene succinate as a basic polymer. The tensile specimens produced using 10% grape stalk powder as it is and functionalized through pre-extrusion acetylation and silylation, and silylation in situ were characterized for their structural, mechanical, thermal, morphological, and color properties. The bio-composites showed to be stiffer than the control polymer, with an increase of Young's modulus from 616 MPa to 732 MPa in the specimens obtained with acetylated grape stalk powder. This led to a potentially new method to valorize by-products of the wine industry such as grape stalks in order to recover raw materials which could prove useful in the biomaterials and bio-composites sector.

Protein films from black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens, Diptera: Stratiomyidae) prepupae: effect of protein solubility and mild crosslinking.

BACKGROUND: This work evaluated the performances of protein-based bioplastics obtained from black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) prepupae. Protein films were synthesized by film casting, using both the whole proteins and their soluble fraction at pH = 10. The effects of glycerol as a plasticizer and of citric acid as a mild crosslinker on film properties were also evaluated. RESULTS: Films obtained using the soluble protein fraction were the strongest, as well as the most homogeneous and transparent ones. Protein mild crosslinking improved film tensile properties, especially in films obtained with the whole protein fraction. Non-crosslinked samples had a high affinity with water while crosslinking almost eliminated the ability of films to absorb water. All protein-based films proved to be effective barriers to red light (transmittance less than 2%). CONCLUSIONS: Bioplastics derived from black soldier fly prepupae may find applications in the agricultural sector (biodegradable pots, mulching films, utensils) and deserve to be tested for food and non-food packaging. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Comparison between the Airgo™ Device and a Metabolic Cart during Rest and Exercise.

The aim of this study is to compare the accuracy of Airgo™, a non-invasive wearable device that records breath, with respect to a gold standard. In 21 healthy subjects (10 males, 11 females), four parameters were recorded for four min at rest and in different positions simultaneously by Airgo™ and SensorMedics 2900 metabolic cart. Then, a cardio-pulmonary exercise test was performed using the Erg 800S cycle ergometer in order to test Airgo™'s accuracy during physical effort. The results reveal that the relative error median percentage of respiratory rate was of 0% for all positions at rest and for different exercise intensities, with interquartile ranges between 3.5 (standing position) and 22.4 (low-intensity exercise) breaths per minute. During exercise, normalized amplitude and ventilation relative error medians highlighted the presence of an error proportional to the volume to be estimated. For increasing intensity levels of exercise, Airgo™'s estimate tended to underestimate the values of the gold standard instrument. In conclusion, the Airgo™ device provides good accuracy and precision in the estimate of respiratory rate (especially at rest), an acceptable estimate of tidal volume and minute ventilation at rest and an underestimation for increasing volumes.

Gravitational Spin-Orbit Coupling through Third-Subleading Post-Newtonian Order: From First-Order Self-Force to Arbitrary Mass Ratios.

Exploiting simple yet remarkable properties of relativistic gravitational scattering, we use first-order self-force (linear-in-mass-ratio) results to obtain arbitrary-mass-ratio results for the complete third-subleading post-Newtonian (4.5PN) corrections to the spin-orbit sector of spinning-binary conservative dynamics, for generic (bound or unbound) orbits and spin orientations. We thereby improve important ingredients of models of gravitational waves from spinning binaries, and we demonstrate the improvement in accuracy by comparing against aligned-spin numerical simulations of binary black holes.

Metabolomics fingerprint of Philippine coffee by SPME-GC-MS for geographical and varietal classification.

Volatile metabolites of Philippine Arabica and Robusta coffee beans in both forms standard (not-eaten by the Asian palm civet) and civet coffee grown in different Philippine regions were identified using the hyphenated technique headspace-solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A great number of volatile metabolites with a wide variety of functional groups were extracted and forty-seven prominent compounds were identified. The volatile metabolomics (volatilomics) fingerprint of Arabica coffees considerably differed from Robusta coffee and geographical origin slightly altered the fingerprint profile of coffee samples. Chemometric analysis such as principal component analysis (PCA) displayed a good classification between Arabica and Robusta coffee samples. Although Arabica coffee samples from different geographical origins were clustered separately from each other, the proximity of clusters between Arabica coffee samples which could be classified into one large group, indicated their close similarity of headspace metabolites. The distinction between Arabica samples and Robusta coffees was attributed through the PCA to several key volatile metabolites, in particular, higher quantities of acetic acid, furfural, 5-methylfurfural, 2-formylpyrrole and maltol and lower concentrations of 4-ethylguaiacol and phenol. These discriminating metabolites could represent useful quality markers to differentiate Arabica from Robusta coffee. Results revealed that the headspace metabolites in coffee provide significant information on its inherent aroma quality. Also, the findings suggested that the overall quality of Philippine coffee is variety and region-specific.

Lipid profile and growth of black soldier flies (Hermetia illucens, Stratiomyidae) reared on by-products from different food chains.

BACKGROUND: The total amount of bio-waste produced annually in the EU by the food and beverage chains is estimated at 37 billion kg. The use of insects for the valorization of by-products from these value chains may represent a sustainable solution. This study aimed to investigate the by-products obtained from different food chains and used for the rearing of black soldier fly (BSF) prepupae, and to evaluate the content and profile of the lipid extracted from the prepupae and outline its possible applications. The substrates used in this experiment were: (i) industrial by-products (brewery spent grains, cows' milk whey, grape stalks, and tomato peels and seeds) and (ii) by-products from retailers (bread dough, fish scraps, and spent coffee ground). Fat extracted from prepupae using an adjusted Folch method was used for total lipid content and fatty acid profile. RESULTS: The best larval performances were obtained from beer (0.22 gweight per prepupa), tomato (0.19 gweight per prepupa), and cheese (0.14 gweight per prepupa) food-chain by-products. The extremely different compositions of the substrates were reflected in the differentiated lipid profile of the BSF prepupae and in the range of ratios between unsaturated and saturated fatty acids, which varied from 0.37 for cows' milk whey to 1.34 for tomato peels and seeds. CONCLUSION: The lipids, proteins, and chitin extracted from prepupae are high-value bio-based products that could be used in the feed / food industry or for the development of innovative biomaterials, such as biodiesel. These results suggest that food-chain by-products are the best candidates for insect-bioconversion purposes. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Determination of Free Soluble Phenolic Compounds in Grains of Ancient Wheat Varieties ( Triticum sp. pl.) by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

A method of liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry was developed and validated for the determination of free soluble phenolic compounds in eight ancient varieties of wheat ( Triticum sp. pl.): Autonomia, Gentil rosso, Inallettabile, Leone aristato, Mentana, Poulard di Ciano, Risciola, and Terminillo. Trace compounds such as two conjugated flavones, vitexin (17.13-34.32 µg/kg) and isovitexin (9.76-30.01 µg/kg), were also determined. Poulard di Ciano, presumably an autochthonous wheat of the Reggio Emilia province (northern Italy), showed a peculiar quali/quantitative phenolic profile (7097.03 µg/kg sum of total phenolic compounds and 1.97 sum of hydroxycinnamic acids to sum of hydroxybenzoic acids ratio) along with a tetraploid genome. Terminillo, Risciola, Gentil rosso, Mentana, and Leone aristato showed hexaploid genomes and high concentrations of phenolic compounds (ranging from 6796.12 to 7605.78 µg/kg), also in comparison with two modern varieties of bread wheat, Bolero and Blasco. The targeted metabolomic approach proved to be effective to determine some secondary metabolites of wheat. The richness in phenolic compounds combined with high rusticity and adaptability to marginal soils showed by ancient wheat varieties make them suitable for sustainable agricultural and organic cultivation.

Non-Invasive Mechanical Ventilation in Critically Ill Trauma Patients: A Systematic Review.

There is limited literature on non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) in patients with polytrauma-related acute respiratory failure (ARF). Despite an increasing worldwide application, there is still scarce evidence of significant NIMV benefits in this specific setting, and no clear recommendations are provided. We performed a systematic review, and a search of clinical databases including MEDLINE and EMBASE was conducted from the beginning of 1990 until today. Although the benefits in reducing the intubation rate, morbidity and mortality are unclear, NIMV may be useful and does not appear to be associated with harm when applied in properly selected patients with moderate ARF at an earlier stage of injury by experienced teams and in appropriate settings under strict monitoring. In the presence of these criteria, NIMV is worth attempting, but only if endotracheal intubation is promptly available because non-responders to NIMV are burdened by an increased mortality when intubation is delayed.

Determination of four Alternaria alternata mycotoxins by QuEChERS approach coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in tomato-based and fruit-based products.

A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of four Alternaria toxins, i.e. alternariol, alternariol monomethyl ether, tentoxin, and tenuazonic acid in tomato-based and fruit-based products was developed using a QuEChERs approach for the extraction of the mycotoxins. To optimise the QuEChERs extraction, several parameters were tested: types of QuEChERs pouches, sample weights, quantities of added water, use of dispersive SPE as a purification step, types of solvent and conditions of shaking. The method showed good linearity (R2 > 0.997) and precision (RSD% < 10) for all analytes. Tenuazonic acid showed very good recovery (98.8%-108.9%) for tomato-based products, as well as for fruit-based products. The method was successfully applied to 57 samples collected from the Italian market. Tenuazonic acid was found in appreciable concentrations in some products. The highest value was found in a tomato sauce sample (814 µg/kg).

Study of the repartition of phthalate esters during distillation of wine for spirit production.

Due to health concerns and legal matters, an investigation to limit phthalates esters (PEAs) in spirits is necessary. A lab still was used to perform pilot distillations according to the official method for brandy production in order to explore the repartition into the distilled fractions of each PAE. The process was divided in two steps: a première chauffe and a bonne chauffe. The former step included the cut into heads, heart and tails, while the latter into heads, brandy, secondes, and tails. The behaviour of each PAE during distillation was affected by its own chemical nature. Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) was entirely carried over into the distillate, while bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) only partially, and diisononyl phthalate (DINP) accumulated in the stillage. During the bonne chauffe, DBP and DEHP accumulated in the secondes more than in the brandy. A rectification step of the secondes was demonstrated to considerably reduce PAEs concentration.