Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) bioindicator of lead and copper pollution in Sicily (Italy).

The aim of this study was to evaluate Pb and Cu accumulation in muscle and skin samples of red fox (Vulpes vulpes) from Sicily, for monitoring of environmental metals pollution. Metals determination, carried out by atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS), showed the presence of Pb and Cu in all samples analyzed. Pb concentrations were similar in muscle (0.04±0.009 mg/kg) and skin (0.03±0.004 mg/kg) samples, while Cu levels resulted higher in muscle (1.842±0.178 mg/kg) than in skin (1.22±0.151 mg/kg). In addition, a comparative analysis of Pb and Cu concentrations was carried out among samples from different areas of Sicily and between female and male, young and old, immature and mature foxes. Metals content found in all muscle and skin samples demonstrates that V. vulpes could be a valid "sentinel" species of rural and suburban areas to study the environmental metals pollution and the habitat quality.

Pharmacokinetics and efficacy of teicoplanin against intramammary infections in sheep.

The pharmacokinetics of teicoplanin were evaluated in 10 healthy sheep. After intravenous injection it showed monophasic behaviour, with a short mean (sd) elimination half-life (5 [0.24] hours). After intramuscular injection its bioavailability was 100 per cent but it was absorbed slowly; its elimination half-life was satisfactorily slow (9.23 [0.74] hours). Its efficacy was evaluated in 26 crossbreed sheep with milk positive to strains of Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci and Streptococcus agalactiae, and clinical signs of disease. In 19 of them a single intramuscular dose of 6 mg/kg bodyweight resulted in a complete resolution of the clinical signs, and no microorganisms were detected in milk by the fifth day; in the other seven sheep, with more severe intramammary infections, three consecutive daily intramuscular doses of 6 mg/kg bodyweight were necessary. There were no local or systemic side effects and no relapses during 30 days after the treatments in any of the sheep.

Levels and congener pattern of polychlorinated biphenyl and organochlorine pesticide residues in bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) from the Straits of Messina (Sicily, Italy).

The aim of this study is to assess the accumulation of OCs and PCBs in Thunnus thynnus and to elucidate the suitability of this species as a bioindicator for monitoring contaminations of these compounds in the marine ecosystems of the Straits of Messina. This investigation was conducted on fat, liver and muscle samples of 14 T. thynnus collected during April 2004. Quantitative determination of OCs and PCBs in the various samples examined has been carried out using GC-ECD and GC-MS. The results obtained show the presence of low concentrations of p,p'-DDE and PCB congeners (138, 153 and 180) in all fat, liver and muscle samples caught in the Straits of Messina. Concentrations of p,p'-DDE and PCB congeners (138, 153 and 180) in all the samples examined were below MRLs (CE n. 97/41, 1999/65 and 1999/71).

Evaluation of mercury levels in pangasius and cod fillets traded in Sicily (Italy).

Predator fishes at the top of the aquatic food chain can accumulate large concentrations of metals and their consumption, consequently, makes a significant contribution, in particular, to mercury intake. The aim of this study was to determine mercury levels in fillets of two predatory species: pangasius (Pangasius hypophthalmus) from the Vietnam region of Megong and Chao Pharayai and cod (Gadus morhua) from the Baltic and North Sea, both being commercially important in the Italian market. A comparative analysis of these two imported fish species was carried out as a risk assessment for consumer safety. The results showed the presence of higher mercury levels in pangasius (0.41 ± 0.08 mg kg(-1)) than in cod (0.11 ± 0.004 mg kg(-1)) fillets. These data underline the importance of monitoring on imported fish before marketing, to evaluate better the risk of mercury exposure through fish and seafood consumption, and of selecting safer fishes for consumption by those groups more sensitive to the toxic effects of this metal.

Common buzzards (Buteo buteo) bio-indicators of heavy metals pollution in Sicily (Italy).

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accumulation of toxic (As, Cd and Pb) and essential (Cu, Mn and Zn) metals in samples (feathers, liver, kidney, lung, intestine and muscle) of common buzzards (Buteo buteo) from Sicily, used as bio-indicators for monitoring environmental metals pollution. All samples of buzzards were collected at the "Recovery Center of Wild Fauna" of Palermo, through the Zooprophilactic Institute. The quantitative determinations of metals were carried out using an atomic absorbtion spectrophotometer (AAS). The results obtained showed the presence of metals in all samples analyzed. For toxic metals the highest levels of Pb and As were found in liver and those of Cd in kidney; for essential metals Zn levels were higher than Cu and Mn in all tissues analyzed. Significant differences are observed in metal levels between female and male and juvenile and adult bird samples. Highest metal levels found in liver, kidney and muscle can be considered indicative of chronic exposure to metals while the presence of metals in feathers can be consequential to storing and elimination processes. The results obtained suggest that common buzzards (Buteo buteo) may be very useful as bio-indicators for monitoring environmental pollution.

Presence of heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAS) in smoked "Provola" cheese from Calabria (Italy).

This study evaluated the residual levels of heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAs) in "Provola" cheese samples from Calabria, smoked using natural methods and using commercial buffered smoke. A comparative study of HAs concentrations was carried out on different portions of these samples: the rind, exterior part, core and on slice. Quantitative determination of HAs was carried out by HPLC using a fluorescence detector and analysis in HPLC-MS was conduced to confirm the presence of these amines. Residual levels of HAs were found in all naturally smoked "Provola" cheese samples. The results obtained showed that the smoking process performed using traditional methods contributes to HAs contamination while the use of commercial buffered smoke can be considered a safer technique for smoking of food.

Effects of clenbuterol on haemocoagulation process in calves.

The aim of this investigation was to study the effects of clenbuterol treatment (1 mug/kg b.w. i.m. for 10 consecutive days) on haemocoagulation process in seven calves. From each animal, blood samples were taken before (basal sample) and 24, 72, 144, 216, 264, 336 and 360 h after the end of treatment and some parameters were evaluated: coagulation process [prothrombin (PTT) and thrombin times (PT)], a complete blood count and plasmatic levels of 3'5'-monophosphatocyclic-adenosine (c-AMP) . A comparison of the values in each time group during the whole course of the experiments shows a significant increase (P < 0.03, P < 0.01) in PT and PTT at 72, 144, 216 and 264 h. Significant increase (P < 0.01) in c-AMP plasma levels were observed at 144, 216 and 264 h. All these values returned to normal levels after 360 h.