Drawing on the results of new multi-method research in Grotta Regina Margherita—the largest known... more Drawing on the results of new multi-method research in Grotta Regina Margherita—the largest known Middle Bronze Age mortuary cave in west-central Italy (ca. 1650–1450 b.c.)—this article helps to replace the generic idea of “collective burial” with a more precise understanding of how the bodies of the deceased were transformed into potent social, symbolic, and sensuous resources housed in caves. It contextualizes this process within a nuanced understanding of settlement and subsistence practices, in which relatively short-lived and small-scale agricultural communities extended inland to the edge of the Apennine Mountains, ritually demarcating mortuary assemblages in caves in the process.
Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research, May 16, 2013
Background and Aims Aroma precursors in grape juice include glycosylated terpenoids or benzenoids... more Background and Aims Aroma precursors in grape juice include glycosylated terpenoids or benzenoids. The separation of these polar substances has been achieved by several chromatographic techniques but often after the esterification of the sugar hydroxyls. We aimed to develop a high-performance liquid chromatography method to isolate the glycoconjugates in their natural form. Methods and Results The glycoside fraction was extracted from fresh grape juice, treated with lead (II) acetate to precipitate phenolic compounds and finally separated by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography. Three compounds were isolated, and their structures elucidated by means of spectroscopic data; one revealed previously unreported structural features. Conclusions Our hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography method has been proven effective for the purification of the complex blend of many chemical compounds that contribute to grape and wine flavour. Significance of the Study The present article proposes a new, straightforward procedure for the isolation of flavour glycoconjugates.
Aureli D., Giaccio B. & Rolfo M.F., The open air Pontinian: technological variability, geomorphol... more Aureli D., Giaccio B. & Rolfo M.F., The open air Pontinian: technological variability, geomorphology and settlement dynamics. (IT ISSN 0394-3356, 2011) This article presents the preliminary results of research carried out in recent years on the Neanderthal settlement in the Alban Hills Area. The investigations have been set on two distinct goals; i.e. (i) improving knowledge on Pontinian occupations in the Alban Hills area through the identification and study of new open air sites, and (ii) integrate archaeological data with geological observations in particular for the volcanic complex of Alban Hills Volcanic District. RIASSUNTO: Aureli D., Giaccio B. & Rolfo M.F., Il Pontiniano di plein air: variabilità tecnica, geomorfologia e territorio. (IT ISSN 0394-3356, 2011) Cet article présente les résultats préliminaires des recherches menées ces dernières années sur le peuplement de Néandertal dans la région de Colli Albani. Les recherches se sont focalisées sur deux objectifs distincts....
Rivista Italiana Di Paleontologia E Stratigrafia, 2017
Several taxa belonging to the so called megafauna became extinct during the late Quaternary in Eu... more Several taxa belonging to the so called megafauna became extinct during the late Quaternary in Eurasia. The extinction chronology of the narrow-nosed rhinoceros, Stephanorhinus hemitoechus , in Europe is still uncertain and only estimated around 45 ka. A systematic revision of several rhinoceros findings reveals that this species occurred in Italy at least untill 41 ka BP, at the onset of the Heinrich Event 4. Climatic fluctuations during MIS 3 and habitat fragmentation probably created an increase of small S. hemitoechus populations in southern Europe which had a tendency to become extinct.
“La Sassa” is a cave located close to Sonnino (LT), featured by a complex stratigraphy ranging fr... more “La Sassa” is a cave located close to Sonnino (LT), featured by a complex stratigraphy ranging from Pleistocene up to contemporary levels, where the Eneolithic/Copper Age layers return a lot of human bones, firstly discovered in 2015 suggesting the sepulchral use of the cavity. In spite of the large number of human bone fragments, no single burial could be detected and the ceramic goods are very scanty to properly interpret the cultural frame the community could pertain. The extensive excavation of the cave started in 2014 as the onset of a collaboration between the Groningen Institute of Archeology of the University of Groningen and the Chair of Paletnology of the University of Rome Tor Vergata. In 2016 the Center of Molecular Anthropology for the study of the ancient DNA of the University of Rome Tor Vergata has been engaged for the physical and molecular evaluation of the human findings, and the ongoing research seem to be very promising to contribute in the biological characterization of people buried in “La Sassa” cave. Notwithstanding the poor dating evidence, a preliminary radiocarbon-dating survey allows us to consider the human bones to be restricted to Copper Age timeframe. The recruitment of the human bones lead to start a systematic anthropological evaluation to be able to identify the minimum number of individuals and their demographic and osteological parameters, up to perform some molecular evaluations. The latter aspects are currently devoted to the nutritional characterization through carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes analysis of bone collagen and the results could be considered a valuable proxy in the identification of skeletal fragments suitable for genetic analysis by ancient DNA typing. Specifically, this analytic approach has been currently pursued in selected individuals showing peculiar skeletal alterations that could be linked to an unbalanced nutritional uptake and suffering from putative domestic-related pathologies, whose molecular characterization would represent a significant information broadening related to the economic strategies characterizing the community.
Drawing on the results of new multi-method research in Grotta Regina Margherita—the largest known... more Drawing on the results of new multi-method research in Grotta Regina Margherita—the largest known Middle Bronze Age mortuary cave in west-central Italy (ca. 1650–1450 b.c.)—this article helps to replace the generic idea of “collective burial” with a more precise understanding of how the bodies of the deceased were transformed into potent social, symbolic, and sensuous resources housed in caves. It contextualizes this process within a nuanced understanding of settlement and subsistence practices, in which relatively short-lived and small-scale agricultural communities extended inland to the edge of the Apennine Mountains, ritually demarcating mortuary assemblages in caves in the process.
Calendula officinalis L. has been largely known for its topical anti-inflammatory properties; how... more Calendula officinalis L. has been largely known for its topical anti-inflammatory properties; however, there are no experimental evidences about its antiphlogistic effect at the gastric level. To investigate whether marigold might exert an activity against gastric inflammation, a CH 2 Cl 2 extract obtained from C. officinalis flowers was evaluated in vitro on the NF-B pathway. The lipophilic extract demonstrated a significant inhibitory effect on the NF-B driven transcription. The identification of active compounds was conducted by a bio-guided fractionation of the extract that afforded 16 fractions. Fraction J exhibited a concentration-dependent inhibitory activity on the NF-B driven transcription and significantly contributed to the antiphlogistic effect showed by CH 2 Cl 2 extract. The main components of fraction J were loliolide and the fucoside acetates of -eudesmol and viridiflorol. HPLC analysis of fractions D and E led to the identification and isolation of triterpene esters...
The bicyclic core of the halimanic framework is synthesized in optically active form by an acid-i... more The bicyclic core of the halimanic framework is synthesized in optically active form by an acid-induced rearrangement of a homodrimanic epoxide. The substrate can follow two different pathways under acidic treatment. Using fluorosulfonic acid as a promoter at low temperature favors ring contraction to a perhydrindanic structure. In contrast, milder acids at higher temperatures bring about predominantly an angular methyl migration and formation of the halimanic bicyclic system. In particular, an acidic pillared clay selectively promoted this transformation.
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015
Calendula officinalisL. has been largely known for its topical anti-inflammatory properties; howe... more Calendula officinalisL. has been largely known for its topical anti-inflammatory properties; however, there are no experimental evidences about its antiphlogistic effect at the gastric level. To investigate whether marigold might exert an activity against gastric inflammation, a CH2Cl2extract obtained fromC. officinalisflowers was evaluatedin vitroon the NF-κB pathway. The lipophilic extract demonstrated a significant inhibitory effect on the NF-κB driven transcription. The identification of active compounds was conducted by a bio-guided fractionation of the extract that afforded 16 fractions. Fraction J exhibited a concentration-dependent inhibitory activity on the NF-κB driven transcription and significantly contributed to the antiphlogistic effect showed by CH2Cl2extract. The main components of fraction J were loliolide and the fucoside acetates ofβ-eudesmol and viridiflorol. HPLC analysis of fractions D and E led to the identification and isolation of triterpene esters that show...
The paper reviews the known examples of cyclic terpenoids produced from open chain polyenic precu... more The paper reviews the known examples of cyclic terpenoids produced from open chain polyenic precursors by an "unusual" biosynthetic pathway, involving selective electrophilic attack on an internal double bond followed by cyclization. The resulting compounds possess cyclic backbones with pendant terminal prenyl groups. Synthetic approaches applied for the synthesis of such specifically functionalized compounds are also discussed, as well as biological activity of reported representatives.
Drawing on the results of new multi-method research in Grotta Regina Margherita—the largest known... more Drawing on the results of new multi-method research in Grotta Regina Margherita—the largest known Middle Bronze Age mortuary cave in west-central Italy (ca. 1650–1450 b.c.)—this article helps to replace the generic idea of “collective burial” with a more precise understanding of how the bodies of the deceased were transformed into potent social, symbolic, and sensuous resources housed in caves. It contextualizes this process within a nuanced understanding of settlement and subsistence practices, in which relatively short-lived and small-scale agricultural communities extended inland to the edge of the Apennine Mountains, ritually demarcating mortuary assemblages in caves in the process.
Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research, May 16, 2013
Background and Aims Aroma precursors in grape juice include glycosylated terpenoids or benzenoids... more Background and Aims Aroma precursors in grape juice include glycosylated terpenoids or benzenoids. The separation of these polar substances has been achieved by several chromatographic techniques but often after the esterification of the sugar hydroxyls. We aimed to develop a high-performance liquid chromatography method to isolate the glycoconjugates in their natural form. Methods and Results The glycoside fraction was extracted from fresh grape juice, treated with lead (II) acetate to precipitate phenolic compounds and finally separated by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography. Three compounds were isolated, and their structures elucidated by means of spectroscopic data; one revealed previously unreported structural features. Conclusions Our hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography method has been proven effective for the purification of the complex blend of many chemical compounds that contribute to grape and wine flavour. Significance of the Study The present article proposes a new, straightforward procedure for the isolation of flavour glycoconjugates.
Aureli D., Giaccio B. & Rolfo M.F., The open air Pontinian: technological variability, geomorphol... more Aureli D., Giaccio B. & Rolfo M.F., The open air Pontinian: technological variability, geomorphology and settlement dynamics. (IT ISSN 0394-3356, 2011) This article presents the preliminary results of research carried out in recent years on the Neanderthal settlement in the Alban Hills Area. The investigations have been set on two distinct goals; i.e. (i) improving knowledge on Pontinian occupations in the Alban Hills area through the identification and study of new open air sites, and (ii) integrate archaeological data with geological observations in particular for the volcanic complex of Alban Hills Volcanic District. RIASSUNTO: Aureli D., Giaccio B. & Rolfo M.F., Il Pontiniano di plein air: variabilità tecnica, geomorfologia e territorio. (IT ISSN 0394-3356, 2011) Cet article présente les résultats préliminaires des recherches menées ces dernières années sur le peuplement de Néandertal dans la région de Colli Albani. Les recherches se sont focalisées sur deux objectifs distincts....
Rivista Italiana Di Paleontologia E Stratigrafia, 2017
Several taxa belonging to the so called megafauna became extinct during the late Quaternary in Eu... more Several taxa belonging to the so called megafauna became extinct during the late Quaternary in Eurasia. The extinction chronology of the narrow-nosed rhinoceros, Stephanorhinus hemitoechus , in Europe is still uncertain and only estimated around 45 ka. A systematic revision of several rhinoceros findings reveals that this species occurred in Italy at least untill 41 ka BP, at the onset of the Heinrich Event 4. Climatic fluctuations during MIS 3 and habitat fragmentation probably created an increase of small S. hemitoechus populations in southern Europe which had a tendency to become extinct.
“La Sassa” is a cave located close to Sonnino (LT), featured by a complex stratigraphy ranging fr... more “La Sassa” is a cave located close to Sonnino (LT), featured by a complex stratigraphy ranging from Pleistocene up to contemporary levels, where the Eneolithic/Copper Age layers return a lot of human bones, firstly discovered in 2015 suggesting the sepulchral use of the cavity. In spite of the large number of human bone fragments, no single burial could be detected and the ceramic goods are very scanty to properly interpret the cultural frame the community could pertain. The extensive excavation of the cave started in 2014 as the onset of a collaboration between the Groningen Institute of Archeology of the University of Groningen and the Chair of Paletnology of the University of Rome Tor Vergata. In 2016 the Center of Molecular Anthropology for the study of the ancient DNA of the University of Rome Tor Vergata has been engaged for the physical and molecular evaluation of the human findings, and the ongoing research seem to be very promising to contribute in the biological characterization of people buried in “La Sassa” cave. Notwithstanding the poor dating evidence, a preliminary radiocarbon-dating survey allows us to consider the human bones to be restricted to Copper Age timeframe. The recruitment of the human bones lead to start a systematic anthropological evaluation to be able to identify the minimum number of individuals and their demographic and osteological parameters, up to perform some molecular evaluations. The latter aspects are currently devoted to the nutritional characterization through carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes analysis of bone collagen and the results could be considered a valuable proxy in the identification of skeletal fragments suitable for genetic analysis by ancient DNA typing. Specifically, this analytic approach has been currently pursued in selected individuals showing peculiar skeletal alterations that could be linked to an unbalanced nutritional uptake and suffering from putative domestic-related pathologies, whose molecular characterization would represent a significant information broadening related to the economic strategies characterizing the community.
Drawing on the results of new multi-method research in Grotta Regina Margherita—the largest known... more Drawing on the results of new multi-method research in Grotta Regina Margherita—the largest known Middle Bronze Age mortuary cave in west-central Italy (ca. 1650–1450 b.c.)—this article helps to replace the generic idea of “collective burial” with a more precise understanding of how the bodies of the deceased were transformed into potent social, symbolic, and sensuous resources housed in caves. It contextualizes this process within a nuanced understanding of settlement and subsistence practices, in which relatively short-lived and small-scale agricultural communities extended inland to the edge of the Apennine Mountains, ritually demarcating mortuary assemblages in caves in the process.
Calendula officinalis L. has been largely known for its topical anti-inflammatory properties; how... more Calendula officinalis L. has been largely known for its topical anti-inflammatory properties; however, there are no experimental evidences about its antiphlogistic effect at the gastric level. To investigate whether marigold might exert an activity against gastric inflammation, a CH 2 Cl 2 extract obtained from C. officinalis flowers was evaluated in vitro on the NF-B pathway. The lipophilic extract demonstrated a significant inhibitory effect on the NF-B driven transcription. The identification of active compounds was conducted by a bio-guided fractionation of the extract that afforded 16 fractions. Fraction J exhibited a concentration-dependent inhibitory activity on the NF-B driven transcription and significantly contributed to the antiphlogistic effect showed by CH 2 Cl 2 extract. The main components of fraction J were loliolide and the fucoside acetates of -eudesmol and viridiflorol. HPLC analysis of fractions D and E led to the identification and isolation of triterpene esters...
The bicyclic core of the halimanic framework is synthesized in optically active form by an acid-i... more The bicyclic core of the halimanic framework is synthesized in optically active form by an acid-induced rearrangement of a homodrimanic epoxide. The substrate can follow two different pathways under acidic treatment. Using fluorosulfonic acid as a promoter at low temperature favors ring contraction to a perhydrindanic structure. In contrast, milder acids at higher temperatures bring about predominantly an angular methyl migration and formation of the halimanic bicyclic system. In particular, an acidic pillared clay selectively promoted this transformation.
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015
Calendula officinalisL. has been largely known for its topical anti-inflammatory properties; howe... more Calendula officinalisL. has been largely known for its topical anti-inflammatory properties; however, there are no experimental evidences about its antiphlogistic effect at the gastric level. To investigate whether marigold might exert an activity against gastric inflammation, a CH2Cl2extract obtained fromC. officinalisflowers was evaluatedin vitroon the NF-κB pathway. The lipophilic extract demonstrated a significant inhibitory effect on the NF-κB driven transcription. The identification of active compounds was conducted by a bio-guided fractionation of the extract that afforded 16 fractions. Fraction J exhibited a concentration-dependent inhibitory activity on the NF-κB driven transcription and significantly contributed to the antiphlogistic effect showed by CH2Cl2extract. The main components of fraction J were loliolide and the fucoside acetates ofβ-eudesmol and viridiflorol. HPLC analysis of fractions D and E led to the identification and isolation of triterpene esters that show...
The paper reviews the known examples of cyclic terpenoids produced from open chain polyenic precu... more The paper reviews the known examples of cyclic terpenoids produced from open chain polyenic precursors by an "unusual" biosynthetic pathway, involving selective electrophilic attack on an internal double bond followed by cyclization. The resulting compounds possess cyclic backbones with pendant terminal prenyl groups. Synthetic approaches applied for the synthesis of such specifically functionalized compounds are also discussed, as well as biological activity of reported representatives.
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