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The main object of the present study was to analyze the phenolic composition of vine leaves infusions prepared from 8 different Portuguese (Fernão Pires, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Encruzado, Touriga Nacional, Rufete, Baga, and Siria) and Spanish (Pardina, Cayetana, Garnacha, Cigüente, Eva, Tempranillo, Macabeo and Verdelho) Vitis vinifera L. varieties. In general, a wide range of phenolic content were obtained from the vine leaves infusions according to the vine variety used. Thus, for total phenolic content the values ranged from 18 to 37 mg/L for the infusions produced from Portuguese varieties, while for Spanish varieties the values ranged from 14 to 37 mg/L. Vine leaves infusions obtained from Touriga Franca and Pardina varieties showed the highest total phenolic content. As a consequence of phenolic composition, chromatic characteristics (L*, a* and b*) of vine leaves infusions were also analyzed. Finally, it was also detected different individual phenolic compounds, such as, coutaric acid, trans-caftaric acid, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, rutin and 3 different anthocyanins from the different vine leaves infusions. All of the results obtained in this work show that vine leaves infusion may be an interesting alternative source of phenolic compounds for human diet.

Platelet immunology allows the understanding of clinical findings in a genetic and serologic basis. Blood platelets bear common antigens and same specific antigens, classified in five groups (HPA 1 to 5), that are localized on membrane glycoproteins Ia, Ib alpha, IIb and IIIa. Antiplatelet autoimmunization is generally due to IgG antibodies against membrane complexes IIb/IIIa or Ib/lX. Antiplatelet alloimmunization, clinically resulting in Posttransfusion Purpura and Neonatal Thrombocytopenia is more frequently associated with anti-IIb/IIIa antibodies, either anti-HPA-1a or HPA-1b. Finally, platelet participation in immunoallergic reactions is discussed, focusing both platelet activation by allergen itself and platelet recruitment by other inflammatory cells.

The authors report two cases of hepatic fascioliasis in which the CT scans of the liver revealed multiple hepatic low density lesions, better seen after intravenous bolus injection of contrast material. This CT signs may help in the diagnosis, follow up and to access the efficacy of hepatobiliary fascioliasis treatment.

Eighteen albino rats at the age of 15 days were separated in 2 groups of 9 and fed cow's milk exclusively. The milk supplied to the control rats (group I) was supplemented with iron and copper. The months later, the rats were scarificed. The animals of group II were severely anaemic. In each rat, a histological examination of gastric (in group II, only in 2 rats) and jejunal mucosa as well as measurements of total thickness, villous height, epithelial cell height and mitotic index were made. Histology was normal in all the rats. Measurements gave similar results in both groups except for the epithelial cell height which was significantly higher in anaemic rats than in controls. The authors take issue with the methodology followed in previous studies concerning iron-deficient children and suggest that the causal relation between iron deficiency and structural changes of intestinal mucosa in children has not yet been proven.