Unravelling caramelization and Maillard reactions in glucose and glucose + leucine model cakes: Formation and degradation kinetics of volatile markers extracted during baking.

A large number of volatile compounds are formed during the baking of foods by reactions such as caramelization and Maillard reactions. Elucidating the reaction mechanisms may be useful to predict and control food quality. Ten reaction volatile markers were extracted during baking of solid model cakes implemented with known amounts of precursors (glucose with or without leucine) and then quantified by Thermal desorption-Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry. The kinetic data showed that the level of air convection in the oven had no significant influence on the reaction rates. In contrast, increasing baking temperatures had a nonlinear accelerating impact on the generation of newly formed volatile compounds with a bell-shaped kinetic curve found for most of the markers at 200 °C. The presence of leucine triggered the activation of the Maillard and Strecker routes with a specific and very rapid formation of 3-Methylbutanal and pyrazines. A dynamic model was developed, combining evaporation flow rate and kinetic formation and consumption of reaction markers. It can be used to describe, for two furanic compounds of different volatilities, the vapor concentrations in the oven from the concentrations measured in the model cakes.

Conservative management of early-stage epithelial ovarian cancer: results of a large retrospective series.

BACKGROUND: To assess the long-term oncological outcome and the fertility of young women with early-stage epithelial ovarian cancer (ES/EOC) treated with fertility-sparing surgery (FSS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients treated with FSS for ES/EOC in two Italian centers were considered for this analysis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to test demographic characteristics and clinical features for the association with overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS) and fertility. RESULTS: From 1982 to 2010, 240 patients with malignant ES/EOC were treated with FSS in two tertiary centers in Italy. At a median follow-up of 9 years, 27 patients had relapsed (11%) and 11 (5%) had died of progressive disease. Multivariate analysis found only grade 3 negatively affected the prognosis of patients [hazard ratio (HR) for recurrence: 4.2, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.5-11.7, P=0.0067; HR for death: 7.6, 95% CI: 2.0-29.3, P=0.0032]. Grade 3 was also significantly associated with extra-ovarian relapse (P=0.006). Of the 105 patients (45%) who tried to become pregnant, 84 (80%) were successful. CONCLUSIONS: Conservative treatment can be proposed to all young patients when tumor is limited to the ovaries, as ovarian recurrences can always be managed successfully. Patients with G3 tumors are more likely to have distant recurrences and should be closely monitored.

Unravelling caramelization and Maillard reactions in glucose and glucose + leucine model cakes: Formation and degradation kinetics of precursors, α-dicarbonyl intermediates and furanic compounds during baking.

Understanding the mechanisms leading to the multitude of newly-formed compounds generated during the thermal processing of food is important for the reasoned construction of quality. Thanks to a solid food model with a structure and technological history comparable to that of a real sponge cake and containing only known amounts of precursors (glucose with or without leucine), an adapted reaction scheme unravelling Maillard and caramelization reactions was built and then compared to experimental kinetic data measured on numerous reaction markers (precursors, α-dicarbonyl intermediates and furanic compounds). For caramelization, this study showed that glucose mainly formed 1,2-enediol and then fructose rather than glucosone and glyoxal. 5-hydroxymethylfurfural started to form when there were sufficient quantities of fructose, and 3,4-dideoxyoglucosone was not generated until after this step. Furfural was mainly formed via 3-deoxyglucosone. The involvement of leucine tended to accelerate the breakdown of sugars as more degradation pathways (via enaminols) were added.

Potential of model cakes to study reaction kinetics through the dynamic on-line extraction of volatile markers and TD-GC-MS analysis.

This study presents a novel strategy for the dynamic analysis of volatile compounds extracted from baking vapors using a fit-for-purpose model cake. This model imitates a real sponge cake in terms of structure and processing but it is not reactive towards Maillard and caramelization reactions. When implemented with precursors (glucose (G) or glucose + leucine (G + L)), the reactions are activated and volatile markers can be monitored dynamically during baking. A method for the on-line sampling of vapors during baking using sorbent tubes coupled to thermal desorption (TD-GC-MS) has been developed and proven to be an appropriate and rapid technique to analyze a large number of volatile compounds within a broad range of physical and chemical characteristics. Volatile markers such as acetic acid, furfural, furfuryl alcohol and 5-hydroxymethylfurfual were identified using both models: glucose (G) and glucose + leucine (G + L) because they arise from both caramelization and the Maillard reaction. On the other hand, 3-methylbutanal and 2,5-dimethylpyrazine were only identified in the (G + L) model cake as they arise from the Strecker degradation pathway induced by the presence of leucine. Moreover, the relative abundance of all markers of reactions covers a broad range. On-line sampling coupled to TD-GC-MS enabled the collection of kinetic data on these markers throughout the baking operation and discrimination of the two formulas (G vs G + L) and two baking temperatures (170 °C and 200 °C) used. These results offer promise for the further use of this approach to study reaction kinetics in model cakes.

Fertility-sparing treatment in young women with endometrial cancer or atypical complex hyperplasia: a prospective single-institution experience of 21 cases.

We conducted a prospective study of conservative treatment in 21 young nulliparous women with grade (G)1 endometrial cancer stage IA (11) or atypical complex hyperplasia (10). All were treated with a low-dose cyclic natural progestin therapy (200 mg/day from day 14-25) and encouraged to attempt pregnancy immediately. No adverse therapy-related effects were recorded. Overall response rate to progestin therapy was 57%. Nine women conceived (43%). There were 13 pregnancies, of which 13 were spontaneous and 8 were in women with persistent disease or partial response to hormonal treatment. Three additional complete responses were observed after delivery. Only women with known primary infertility or severe polycystic ovary syndrome showed inadequate pregnancy rate. Fifteen women underwent definitive surgery after enrolment (median 27 months, range 3-56 months). All 21 women are alive and disease free after a median follow up of 98 months.

Kinetic study of furan and furfural generation during baking of cake models.

This study describes the kinetics of furan and furfural generation in a cake model, for the first time. These process-induced compounds impact safety and sensory aspects of baked products. Understanding their generation with regards to process dynamics will serve food quality design. However, the complexity of real products makes this task challenging. This work provides a novel approach to understand and model chemical reactivity by implementing an inert cake model (starch, water and cellulose), specifically designed for mimicking a sponge cake structure. The addition of reaction precursors (glucose and leucine) to follow Maillard and caramelization reactions, resulted in browning and generated considerable levels of furanic compounds (up to 17.61ng/g for furan and 38.99µg/g for furfural, dry basis). Multiresponse data modeling resulted in a kinetic model which adequately describes experimental concentrations and makes it possible to estimate the degradation of precursors and the behavior of two hypothetic intermediates.

Lymphokine-activated killer activity of tumor-associated and peripheral blood lymphocytes isolated from patients with ascites ovarian tumors.

Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) and tumor-associated lymphocytes (TALs) were isolated from 36 patients with advanced ovarian adenocarcinoma and peritoneal effusions for study of lymphokine-activated killer activity. PBLs and TALs cultured in vitro for 3-5 days in the presence of interleukin-2 (IL-2, supernatant of the MLA 144 gibbon cell line, or human recombinant IL-2) expressed higher levels of cytotoxicity as compared to cells cultured in medium alone, against natural killer (NK)-susceptible (K562) or NK-resistant targets (Daudi and the human ovarian carcinoma cell line SW626). When ovarian tumor cells, freshly isolated from carcinomatous ascites or surgical specimens, were used as target cells in the cytotoxicity assay, 8 of 14 PBLs and 5 of 7 TAL preparations lysed the autologous tumor after treatment with IL-2, while no spontaneous reactivity was observed in any of the 14 patients tested. Although levels of lysis were usually relatively low, these data demonstrate that PBLs and TALs from ovarian cancer patients (TALs usually exhibiting low NK activity) when stimulated in vitro by IL-2 acquire some cytotoxic potential against the autologous tumor.

In vitro and in vivo effects of cisplatin on the generation of lymphokine-activated killer cells.

Pretreatment of human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) with cisplatin (CDDP) before in vitro culture with interleukin-2 (IL-2) inhibited the generation of lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells and strongly inhibited proliferation. This inhibition was dose dependent, was significant only at concentrations greater than 6 microM, and it required exposure to the drug for more than 1 hour. This period of IL-2 unresponsiveness was maximum at 6 hours, but was spontaneously recovered within 24-48 hours and was more rapidly restored by increasing dosages of IL-2. Because inhibition of the generation of LAK cells by CDDP was observed only at relatively high levels of exposure to the drug (greater than 6 microM for greater than 1 hr), it was important that we explore the in vivo significance of these findings. The peripheral blood lymphocytes from patients bearing ovarian adenocarcinoma collected 1 hour after an iv infusion of 50 mg of CDDP/m2 were not inhibited, compared with those collected immediately before therapy. Relatively high levels of exposure to CDDP are required for inhibition of the generation of new cytotoxic effectors, most likely because of its antiproliferative effect. These results may bear relevance to approaches involving the combined use of CDDP and IL-2-LAK.

Behavior of borderline tumors with particular interest to persistence, recurrence, and progression to invasive carcinoma: a prospective study.

PURPOSE: Borderline tumors account for 10% to 20% of epithelial ovarian tumors, and their prognosis is outstanding; nevertheless, a mortality of up to 20% has been reported, particularly in earlier reports. There is a lack of information about the actual mortality and the rate of progression into invasive carcinoma in large and prospectively accrued populations. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All women with borderline ovarian tumors undergoing primary surgery in our department or referred within 3 months from surgery performed elsewhere from 1982 to 1997 were prospectively accrued and observed. RESULTS: We studied 339 women (83.4% stage I, 7.9% stage II, and 8.5% stage III). The median age at diagnosis was 39 years. A total of 150 women underwent radical surgery, and 189 underwent fertility-sparing surgery. After surgery, 13 women had macroscopic residual disease. With a median follow-up of 70 months, 317 women are alive with no clinical disease (eight with documented subclinical persistence of implants), three are alive with clinical disease, two died of disease, 10 died of other reasons, and seven women have been lost to follow-up. The recurrence of disease was higher after fertility-sparing surgery (35 of 189 cases) than after radical surgery (seven of 150 cases); nevertheless, all but one woman with recurrence of borderline tumor or progression to carcinoma after conservative surgery were salvaged. We observed seven progressions (2.0%) into invasive carcinoma, five in serous tumors (2.4%), and two in mucinous tumors (1.6%). The disease-free survival is 99.6% in stage I patients, 95.8% in stage II, and 89% in stage III. CONCLUSION: The survival of patients with borderline tumors is higher than previously described in some retrospective studies. Conservative surgery is safe and may be proposed to several patients with early and disseminated disease after thorough discussion of all therapeutic options. Progression to carcinoma is approximately 2% and may be observed in both mucinous and serous tumors.

Survival and reproductive function after treatment of malignant germ cell ovarian tumors.

PURPOSE: Germ cell ovarian tumors are curable. The possible sequelae of chemotherapy on long-term survivors are still unknown, but these patients may expect normal lives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome and reproductive function in a population of women treated since 1982. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1982 and 1996, 169 women with malignant germ cell ovarian tumors were seen (70 dysgerminomas, 28 endodermal sinus tumors, 24 mixed tumors, and 47 immature teratomas). Seventy-one had advanced or recurrent disease. Fertility-sparing surgery was performed in 138 (81%) women, 81 of whom received postoperative chemotherapy. RESULTS: With a median follow-up of 67 months, the survival rate was 94% for dysgerminoma, 89% for endodermal sinus tumors, 100% for mixed types, and 98% for immature teratoma. For women who were treated conservatively, the survival rate was 98%, 90%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. Two women had adnexal recurrences, and both received salvage treatment. After treatment, all but one postpubertal woman had recovery of menses within 9 months. During follow-up, 12 untreated and 20 treated patients had 55 conceptions. We recorded 40 pregnancies at term, six terminations, and nine miscarriages. Four malformations were observed: one in 14 conceptions of patients who had not received chemotherapy and three in 41 conceptions of treated patients. CONCLUSION: Irrespective of subtype and stage, conservative surgery should become the standard approach to treating most patients with malignant ovarian germ cell tumors. Fertility seems to be only marginally affected by treatments. Miscarriages are in the expected range for the general population. The malformation rate is slightly higher than in the general population, but no significant difference was seen between patients who did and did not receive chemotherapy.

Randomized controlled trial of single-agent paclitaxel versus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and cisplatin in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer who responded to first-line platinum-based regimens.

PURPOSE: To assess the activity, efficacy, and tolerability of single-agent paclitaxel and a platinum-containing regimen in previously treated patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who achieved complete remission with platinum-based regimens and whose disease recurred after a progression-free interval of more than 12 months were included in the study. Every 21 days, patients received paclitaxel 175 mg/m(2) intravenously (IV) over 3 hours or cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m(2), doxorubicin 50 mg/m(2), and cisplatin 50 mg/m(2) (CAP) IV. RESULTS: Between June 1992 and May 1995, 97 consecutive patients with assessable or measurable disease were randomized to paclitaxel (n = 50) or CAP (n = 47). The median number of cycles on each arm was six. Toxicities included grade 3/4 leukopenia (4% for paclitaxel v 34% for CAP), grade 3/4 neutropenia (13% v 36%), grade 1/2 myalgia (19% v 4%), allergic reactions (15% v 2%), and grade 2/3 nausea and vomiting (17% v 51%). Complete responses were achieved in 17% and 30% of patients receiving paclitaxel and CAP, respectively, and partial responses were achieved in 28% and 25%, respectively (P =.062). At a median follow-up time of 49 months, median progression-free intervals were 9 months for paclitaxel and 15.7 months for CAP (Cox analysis: hazards ratio [HR], 0.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.37 to 0.97; P =.038); median overall survival times were 25.8 months for paclitaxel and 34.7 months for CAP (Cox analysis: HR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.34 to 0.98; P =.043). CONCLUSION: Rechallenge with either single-agent paclitaxel or platinum-based chemotherapy is effective in this patient population. Preliminary results suggest that single-agent paclitaxel may not be as active as platinum-based chemotherapy in recurrent ovarian cancer. Larger randomized trials are needed.

Association of serum IgA antibodies to milk antigens with severe atherosclerosis.

The presence of antibodies of the IgA class against dietary antigens (bovine IgG (BGG), beta-lactoglobulin, casein, alpha-lactalbumin and xanthine oxidase, chicken ovalbumin and crude gliadin) was checked in the sera of 23 severely atherosclerotic subjects (ATS) and 20 highly selected controls (C). In these subjects an association between serum IgA levels and atherosclerosis had previously been shown. Determinations were performed by a micro-ELISA method and results were expressed as absorbances at 405 nm x 1000. Higher levels of IgA antibodies were found in ATS with respect to C against beta-lactoglobulin (respectively, 113.4 +/- 152.4 (1 SD) vs. 40.0 +/- 34.2; P less than 0.005) and casein (69.8 +/- 35.5 vs. 52.4 +/- 27.5; P less than 0.05). There was no difference in IgG and IgM against these 2 proteins between the 2 groups. Significant differences of prevalence of IgA antibodies were found for the following antigens: beta-lactoglobulin (4 C and 16 ATS over the limit value of 51; P less than 0.002), xanthine oxidase (1 C and 9 ATS over 289; P less than 0.01), BGG (7 C and 17 ATS over 87; P less than 0.02) and casein (5 C and 14 ATS over 60; P less than 0.02). These data suggest an association between anti-milk IgA antibodies and atherosclerosis. Its relevance and significance deserves further investigation.

Histogenesis of primary liver carcinomas: strengths and weaknesses of cytokeratin profile and albumin mRNA detection.

To assess the utility of cytokeratin (CK) profile and albumin mRNA detection (as revealed by in situ hybridization) in the differential diagnosis of primary liver carcinomas (PLCs) we evaluated a series of surgically resected PLCs, comprising 20 "pure" hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) (10 well-differentiated, 10 poorly differentiated), 15 cholangiocarcinomas (CCs) (6 peripheral, 5 hilar, and 4 major duct ones) and 10 hepatocholangio-carcinomas (HCC-CCs). 11 of 20 (55%) of the pure HCCs expressed CKs of pure hepatocytic lineage (CK 8 and CK 18); 2 of 10 (20%) of the HCC-CCs displayed only hepatocytic profile, whereas 12 of 15 (80%) of the CCs evidenced mature bile duct cell phenotype (CK 8, CK 18, CK 7, CK 19). All HCCs expressed varying distributions of albumin mRNA, whereas 4 of 6 (67%) peripheral CCs showed cells with focal positivity for albumin mRNA. This suggests that the phenotypic expression of PLC cells are often not fixed, and in particular: (1) peripheral CCs have a different phenotype from hilar and large duct ones; (2) the CK profile and albumin mRNA expression in peripheral CCs show many similarities with those of some HCCs. Furthermore, the results show that a mixed biological phenotype (ie, CK 8, CK 18 and CK 7 and/or CK 19) can be found both among morphologically pure HCCs and peripheral CCs, suggesting that these two forms could share a common histogenesis. We think that special attention should be given to cases in which CK profile and albumin mRNA reveal mixed phenotype, as these tumors could have different biological behavior and respond differently to therapy.

Surgical management of malignant ovarian germ-cell tumors: 10 years' experience of 129 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the surgical management of ovarian germ-cell tumors treated at a single institution during the last decade. METHODS: One hundred twenty-nine patients affected by ovarian germ-cell tumors were studied retrospectively for their surgical management. Fifty-seven patients were affected by dysgerminoma, 39 by non-dysgerminoma, and 33 by pure immature teratoma. Seventy-nine patients were stage I according to International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics criteria, with five first referred at recurrence, 11 at stage II, 35 at stage III, and four at stage IV. RESULTS: Fertility-sparing surgery was performed in 108 of 129 patients. Eighty-five of 100 referred patients underwent surgical or radiologic restaging, with an increase in staging in 16 cases. Three patients with immature teratoma underwent second laparotomy for a growing mass. Thirty-one patients underwent second-look surgery, with positive findings in four cases. Three patients did not respond to chemotherapy, and ten had a recurrence after complete response or surveillance. Six patients died of tumor, with an overall survival of 96% (mean follow-up time 55 months). CONCLUSION: Fertility-sparing surgery is warranted in all ovarian germ-cell tumors because it does not affect recurrence rate or survival. Extensive tumor-reductive surgery is advisable only in immature teratoma patients and is not necessary for other histologic types. Restaging can be useful in selected cases, but the administration of effective chemotherapy, when needed, seems to be more important. The usefulness of second-look surgery is marginal.

Pure ovarian immature teratoma, a unique and curable disease: 10 years' experience of 32 prospectively treated patients.

OBJECTIVE: To report and evaluate a conservative and individualized treatment policy in a homogeneously selected series of patients affected by pure ovarian immature teratoma. METHODS: This prospective trial, with specific treatment policies according to stage and grade, was planned and started in 1982. The study population consisted of 32 patients affected by pure immature teratoma, with the exclusion of mixed germ cell tumors. Fertility-sparing surgery was performed whenever possible. Surgery alone, with careful follow-up, was adopted for stage I or II according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) and grade 1 or 2 tumors. The other patients, with stage III or with grade 3 stage I or II tumors, or those referred at relapse, were treated with platinum-based chemotherapy regimens. RESULTS: Thirty of 32 patients underwent fertility-sparing surgery. Ten of 32 patients received chemotherapy after surgery, either as adjuvant treatment or in the presence of visible tumor. All 32 patients are alive and disease-free, with a median follow-up from surgery of 47 months (range 11-138). In six patients, regardless of the administration of chemotherapy, the tumor either spontaneously differentiated toward mature glia or increased in volume, mimicking progression but still remaining completely mature. Five of six patients wishing to procreate had a total of seven normal pregnancies. CONCLUSIONS: Pure ovarian immature teratoma is a potentially curable disease with a unique natural history. Our data substantiate the hypothesis that low-grade and low-stage tumors do not require chemotherapy, and that a fertility-sparing surgical approach is warranted in all cases.

Cisplatin, vinblastine, and bleomycin combination chemotherapy in endodermal sinus tumor of the ovary.

The combination of cisplatin, vinblastine, and bleomycin was administered to 13 previously untreated patients with pure endodermal sinus tumor of the ovary. Twelve had unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy as initial surgery. Among 11 women whose alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels returned to normal after cisplatin, vinblastine, and bleomycin therapy, nine are alive with no evidence of disease after periods of 20 months to six years and two months. In two patients, AFP levels returned to normal only after the introduction of different combination chemotherapies. Hematologic toxicity was moderate. Pulmonary toxicity due to bleomycin occurred in two cases. All menstruating patients resumed normal menstrual function after the interruption of chemotherapy. Two patients delivered normal term infants.

Neuro- and ototoxicity of high-dose carboplatin treatment in poor prognosis ovarian cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Hematopoietic toxicity of high-dose carboplatin (HD-CBDCA) chemotherapy can be managed effectively with autologous blood cell support, but no conclusive data are available on its neuro- and ototoxicity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We determined the neuro- and ototoxicity of HD-CBDCA in 10 patients affected by advanced ovarian cancer. HD-CBDCA was delivered as 24-hour continuous infusion or as 5-day schedules. Each patient underwent an extended clinical and instrumental neurological and otological evaluation before, during and after treatment. RESULTS: After HD-CBDCA only 1 patient had a clinically-evident peripheral neuropathy, while 3 additional patients had only distal paresthesias. Neurophysiological examination evidenced mild, although diffuse, sensory nerve impairment. Motor nerve impairment was also occasionally observed. All the sensory and motor pathological changes had a favorable course during the follow-up period. Ototoxicity was more severe than neurotoxicity and, in one case it was dose-limiting and audiologic impairment tended to remain constant also in the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: HD-CBDCA treatment can be tolerated by most of the patients, but careful monitoring of neuro- and, especially, ototoxicity should be planned.

Complete remission of brain metastases from ovarian carcinoma with carboplatin.

Central nervous system involvement by epithelial ovarian carcinoma is rare. We report the case of a 49 year old woman with stage IV serous carcinoma of the ovary who developed multiple cerebral and cerebellar metastases 7 months after achieving complete response to platin-based chemotherapy. Eight courses of carboplatin (400 mg/m2) were administered and after the second cycle complete remission of the brain deposits occured. The treatment afforded rapid subjective and objective relief and was associated with a good quality of life. Abdominal recurrent disease was diagnosed 22 months after treatment for brain involvement. Paltin-based chemotherapy was reinstated, but the patient died from progressive adbominal disease without any sign of cerebral involvement and any neurological symptomatology. Carboplatin should be considered for the treatment of ovarian carcinoma metastatic to the brain.

Analysis of 309 cases after hydatidiform mole: different follow-up program according to biologic behavior.

Between 1976 and 1985, at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Milan University, a total of 309 cases of hydatidiform mole, 223 complete moles and 86 partial moles, were monitored with the assay of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin, following a postmolar biochemical surveillance program. Spontaneous remission of the disease occurred in 287 (92.9%) patients. Marker levels were undetectable in 80.4% of cases within 60 days after evacuation of the mole and in 19.6% between 61 and 140 days. There were 22 (7.1%) patients diagnosed as having gestational trophoblastic tumors (GTT) and treated with chemotherapy: 20 were complete moles and 2 partial moles. Considering these data, the authors suggest different follow-up times for partial and complete moles and confirm the necessity of selection criteria in a diagnosis of GTT.

[Creation of an ongoing database on food inspections to improve the Food Service effectiveness]. / Implementazione di un database elettronico per la raccolta e l'elaborazione dei dati relativi ai sopralluoghi ispettivi del Servizio di Igiene degli Alimenti e della Nutrizione.

The purpose of the present study is to create a database for the collection and analysis of data related to the inspection program carried out by a Food and Nutrition Unit, Department of Health Services Milan 1. 1202 reports, stored in the archives of the Unit, were examined. On the basis of the results a computerised reporting form by Microsoft Access was created. The study confirms the necessity of a computerised recording system to point out the most common infractions and to standardise the work of operators. Moreover, on the basis of available data, food inspection activity can be more easily planned focusing on the actual local problems. The described system is a valid tool to store and analyse the information gathered from the inspections. Further implementations could make the database more informative.