Detection of metazoan species as a public health issue: simple methods for the validation of food safety and quality.

Species identification represents a critical issue in food chain safety and quality control. Several procedures are available to detect animal proteins in cattle feed or to trace transgenic foods. The most effective approach is based on the use of DNA as a marker. Amplification of DNA provides rapid, sensitive and specific protocols. Several target genes can be used, but new insights come from the mitochondrial genome, which is naturally amplified in each cell and shows a remarkable resistance to degradation. These are key points when analysing complex matrices such as foods, animal feedstuff or environmental samples. Traceability is important to prevent BSE or to monitor novel foods, such as genetically modified organisms. Amplification is commonly performed, but it requires expertise and a molecular biology laboratory to perform restriction analysis, electrophoresis or gel staining for the visualisation of results. Hereby, we consider a strategy based on multiple nested amplification and reverse hybridisation assay that virtually requires only a thermocycler and a water bath. The protocol is rapid and simple and can simultaneously detect different species in a DNA sample. This promising approach allows microarray developments, opening up to further perspectives. An international application has been published under the patent cooperation treaty. Presently, a ban on feeding ruminants on cattle-derived proteins is in force in Europe and USA. The identification of metazoan traces in a sample is not only a mere preventive measure for BSE, but represents a possible screening system for monitoring biotechnology products and procedures, as well as a quality control strategy to assure consumer's rights.

[Phage-typing in the surveillance of hospital infections: tests on strains of Staphylococcus aureus]. / La tipizzazione fagica nella sorveglianza di infezioni ospedaliere: indagine su stipiti di Staphylococcus aureus.

The sensitivity of 44 coagulase positive Staphylococcus aureus strains to antibiotics has been determined. They have been isolated from in-patients and staff in a piedmontese hospital. It has been possible to obtain the phage typing of 26 of these strains: 4 have been attributed to group I, 3 to group II, 13 to group III and 6 to the "miscellanea". Some correlations have been established considering the data obtained by the laboratory and through epidemiologic research.

[Serum thiocyanate level as a discriminating element in evaluation of exposure to carbon monoxide]. / La misura del tiocianato nel siero come elemento discriminante nella valutazione dell'esposizione a ossido di carbonio.

Blood carbon monoxide concentration levels in two groups of subjects to a different degree of exposure are examined in the light of the subjects declared smoking habits and serum thiocyanate levels. The latter parameter proved an effective pointer to individual exposure to CO due to tobacco combustion. Assessment of the results showed that it could be proposed as an indicative and discriminating test of habitual exposure to CO, so as to enable expired CO and HbCO values to be interpreted in occupationally exposed subjects.

[Epidemiological aspects relating to the determination of fosfomycin sensitivity: results of a study on 300 strains isolated in a hospital milieu in Turin]. / Aspetti epidemiologici relativi alla valutazione della sensibilità alla fosfomicina: risultati di una ricerca su 300 ceppi isolati da ambienti ospedalieri, in Torino.

The AA. evaluated the sensitivity to Fosfomycin and to other commonly used antibiotics of 105 bacterial strains isolated from hospital environment and 195 from pathological materials. They also studied the problem of bacterial resistence to Fosfomycin considering the frequency of "inner colonies" and of bacterial cross-resistance to other antibiotics.

[Analysis of the seasonal pattern of blood lead levels in relation to different concentrations of atmospheric lead]. / Analisi dell'andamento stagionale della piombemia in rapporto alle differenti concentrazioni di piombo atmosferico.

Blood lead levels have been analysed in a group of people resident in Turin in relation to different concentrations of lead in the atmosphere. Blood samples were taken in three periods of the year corresponding to seasonal maximums of pollution. Blood lead levels showed a marked decrease in the summer when the lowest concentrations are observed but the following autum sample did not show an increase. It is therefore considered likely that blood values would have been found to be increased if the final sample had been put off by 1-2 months.

[Carbon monoxide: environmental and biological aspects]. / Ossido di carbonio: aspetti di tipo ambientale e biologico.

The problem of carbon monoxide as a pollutant is examined. Its physico-chemical features are considered along with the sources of pollution (natural and technological), the characteristics of the pollutant in the environment and, particularly, the effects of car and industrial emissions and of cigarette smoke on the human organism.

[Lead. Environmental diffusion and biological aspects]. / Il piombo. Diffusione ambientale e aspetti biologici

The problems raised by ambient lead are examined with reference to its uptake, absorption and metabolism in man, animal metabolism and toxicology, sub-clinical effects, and health aspects. The existing research picture of this very complex field is surveyed.

[Blood levels of lead and erythrocyte ALA-dehydrase in 200 employees of a Turin metallurgical plant. Analysis of variables connected with alcohol drinking and smoking habits]. / Valori ematici del piombo e dell'ALA-deidrasi eritrocitaria in 200 dipendenti di un'industria metalmeccanica torinese. Analisi delle variabili legate all'abitudine all'alcool e al fumo

The relationships between blood value of Pb and activity of Ala-dehydrase erythrocyte enzyme were studied in relation to the following variables: age, activity, residence, smoking habits, drinking habits. 200 adults, subdividable into occupationally exposed were examined. The data obtained showed a relationship between smoking and Aladehydrase; a relationship was also found to exist between alcohol and blood Pb and inhibition of Ala-dehydrase activity.