Marco Romito

Bio: Marco Romito is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Virus & Guiera senegalensis. The author has an hindex of 8, co-authored 10 publications receiving 1864 citations.

Physiochemical Analyses of Burkina Fasan Honey

Abstract: This study intended to determine and compare the microscopic and physicochemical characteristics of Burkina Fasan honey (n = 27) with those described in the Codex Standard, and to also find correlations between individual constituents. Physicochemical properties were determined using the harmonised methods of the international honey commission. Microscopic pollen analyses identified the samples as being derived from one Acacia, one Lannea, three Vitellaria, two Combretaceae, two mixed Poaceae honeydew and eighteen multifloral honey. Despite the tropical ambient temperature, all the samples were nevertheless well within the limits of the Codex Standard for levels of hydroxymethylfurfural, reducing sugars, proline and diastase activity. Only 7.4% (ash), 14.8% (free acidity and pH) and 22.2% (moisture) of samples exceeded the Codex-permitted limits. A highly significant correlation was found between pH and ash content (r = 0.77; P < 0.001). The training of non-professional beekeepers in beekeeping practice is suggested to improve the quality of Burkina Fasan honey.

Immune responses in a horse inoculated with the VP2 gene of African horsesickness virus

Abstract: The ability of a DNA vaccine to elicit an immune response in a horse was evaluated The outer capsid protein VP2 of African horsesickness virus is known to elicit protective immunity in horses Reverse transcribed DNA of the gene encoding VP2 was placed under the transcriptional control of the cytomegalovirus immediate-early enhancer/promoter and was injected on several occasions intramuscularly into a horse Low antibody levels could be detected by ELISA Antibodies directed against VP2 alone were shown by Western blot while low levels of neutralizing antibodies were detected by a 50% plaque reduction assay In contrast to a relatively poor humoral response, a significant lymphoproliferative response in the presence of whole virus proteins, as well as a cytotoxic cellular reaction against virus-infected syngeneic target cells was shown

Analytical, Nutritional and Clinical Methods Evaluation of the phenolic content, antioxidant activity and colour of Slovenian honey

Abstract: Honey samples from the seven most common honey types in Slovenia were screened for total phenolic content by the modified Folin– Ciocalteu method, for potential antioxidant activity using the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay and by the 1,1-diphenyl-2picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method for antiradical activity. In addition the colour characteristics of honey samples were analysed. The results of the study showed that total phenolic content, antioxidant activity and colour parameters differ widely among different honey types. Phenolic content expressed as gallic acid equivalent ranged from 44.8 mg/kg in acacia honey to 241.4 mg/kg in fir honey. Antioxidant activity was the lowest in the brightest acacia and lime honeys and the highest in darker honeys, namely fir, spruce and forest. The colour of the Slovenian honeys, analysed in this study was very variable and ranged from pale yellow to dark brown. Correlations between the parameters analysed were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.