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Hydroxytyrosol (3,4 dihydroxyphenylethanol; 3,4-DHPEA or HT) represents one of the most abundant phenolic compound in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). It plays a significant role in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) protection and its metabolites are able to prevent the endothelial dysfunction commonly present in atherosclerosis. We conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial in order to verify the role of a new pharmaceutical formulation containing HT for the prevention of oxidative stress related to CVD. Protective Oxidative stress biomarkers, like thiols groups and total antioxidant status, were significantly increased, while pro-oxidant were drastically reduced. Significant up-regulation of superoxide dismutase-1, encoding for a cytoplasmic antioxidant enzyme, was observed. These results could be associated with the significant increase in the plasma concentration of HT. Our data support the hypothesis that 15 mg/day of HT could prevent oxidative damage and related CVD. The new formulation could be proposed to EFSA to obtain “health claim” according to Regulation (CE) n. 1924/2006, related to the following nutritional and health indications: “reduction of oxidative stress”, “maintenance of normal blood HDL-cholesterol concentrations”, “anti-inflammatory properties”, “antioxidant properties”, and “contribution to body defense against external agents” .

In this manuscript, we have analysed the current Italian situation of promoting blood donation and the blood self-sufficiency of each Italian region

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) is a multisystem genetic disorder that may affects almost all organs and systems and is associated with a range of neuropsychiatric manifestations, including epilepsy, intellectual disability and autism. TSC is one of the syndromic forms most strongly associated with a high prevalence rate of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Aim of this study is to assess whether there is scientific evidence of an increased risk of neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases in the area of Piegaro and Panigale, two small towns in the Province of Perugia, central Italy. This purpose has been fulfilled comparing the incidence of selected diagnoses for residents in Piegaro and Panigale with those of all residents in Italy during the same time-period. During the investigated period no clear trend was identified. Concerning leukemia, a slight excess in the incidence of myeloid leukemia for the whole population (male and female) was detected in the city of Piegaro. The most plausible environmental factors for this association are smoking and exposure to benzene. A search for the presence of these risk factors might be useful in order to implement effective preventive measures.

This is a pilot study in which the authors analyzed a sample of college students in order to determine the prevalence of social isolation, mental health status and the use of Social Networks site. The results show a correlation between a higher use of Social Networks and social isolation and a strong association between social isolation and mental disorders. Our study adds important information about the prevalence of mental health problems among college students and the correlation between social isolation, higher use of Social Networks site and mental disorders.

After the development of embryonic stem cell lines and the possibility of mimicking in vitro embryo differentiation through the formation of embryo-like structures called embryoid bodies, great effort has been put to exploit this new in vitro systems to develop tools for screening different compounds for their embryotoxic and/or teratogenic potential.