Hydroxytyrosol from olive oil exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet aggregation and ati-atherogenic activities in in vitro and animal models. However, its possible therapeutic use in humans requires additional clinical trials.

The benefits of the Mediterranean diet for protecting against many diseases are usually attributed to high consumption of certain foods, characterized by the presence of bioactive substances such as polyphenols. Citrus fruits, which are cultivated and consumed worldwide, are typical products of the Mediterranean diet. Inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases such as arthritis, allergies and neurodegenerative disorders, among others. Dietary polyphenols constitute a large family of bioactive substances with potential beneficial effects against a broad group of diseases. Citrus fruits and juices are a rich source of vitamin C and flavonoids, with a potential effect on the inflammatory response. Hesperidin is a flavonoid present in high concentration in citrus species and has numerous biological properties, principally antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Several studies have been performed in order to evaluate the effects of hesperidin as anti-inflammatory agent using cellular and animal models and few clinical trials. In the present review, available literature about the anti-inflammatory effects of hesperidin is reported and discussed. Moreover, we also discuss the chemistry, bioavailability and proposed mechanisms of action of hesperidin.

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The Ponto-Caspian amphipod Dikerogammarus haemobaphes, known as the demon shrimp, arrived in the UK in 2012 and has since spread rapidly, invading waterways particularly in central England. In this paper we use data from routine Environment Agency surveys to explore how D. haemobaphes has spread and assess whether it fits the 2013 predictions of Gallardo and Aldridge, which identified southern, eastern and central England as most vulnerable to Ponto-Caspian invaders. We then focus on two rivers, the Thames and the Trent, utilising a mixture of recent and long term datasets to track the presence of D. haemobaphes along the course of each river and compare it to that of the native amphipod Gammarus pulex. We observed that D. haemobaphes is now the dominant amphipod in the navigable stretches of both rivers and that the spread of the species nationally appears closely linked to the canal network. We suggest that focussing biosecurity controls on the movement of boats and equipment between affected and unaffected catchments will be key to limiting the further spread of this and similar invasive species.

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Chelonians are among the animal groups with the poorest conservation status. Since tortoises are long-lived species that need very long time to reach sexual maturity, they are extremely vulnerable to human pressure. Despite their endangered status, there are no common strategies for the development of conservation actions. At the “Mediterranean workshop to develop tortoise conservation strategies”, scientists, conservation associations, environmental managers, IUCN advisers and CITES inspectors met in October 2019 in Alicante (Spain). The aims were to update the diagnosis of the conservation status of the Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hermanni) and the spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca) and to suggest strategies that guarantee their preservation at the Mediterranean Region. The main conclusions are summarized by: i) Mediterranean tortoises are wild endangered species that must be protected in, and together with, their natural habitat. Their main threats are habitat loss and fragmentation and pet trade, but we should also pay attention to wildfires, spread of diseases, the introduction of exotic species or lineages and climate change. ii) Long-term efforts and stablished protocols are needed to accurately diagnose and monitor the conservation status of wild populations, as well as flows among captive and wild animals. iii)  Tortoise trade should be banned because it threatens the conservation of wild populations of tortoises. Illegal practices related to tortoises should be decidedly persecuted. People should consider tortoises as wild animals that are endangered and deserving of protection. It is possible to enjoy them by responsibly observing them in their habitat. iv) Tortoises may carry pathogens or parasites and their sanitary status cannot be fully assessed. They should always be considered potential vectors of tortoise diseases and of zoonosis. Hygiene protocols should be implemented when managing them. v) The researchers attending this workshop aimed to develop a scientific network for the long-term monitoring of graeca and T. hermanni populations in the Mediterranean Region. They will need the support from public administrations.