Concentrations of carnosine, anserine, L-histidine and 3-methyl histidine in boar spermatozoa and sheep milk by a modified HPLC method.

The present study deals with the application of high-performance-liquid-chromatography (HPLC) method for a quantitative detection of carnosine, anserine, L-histidine and 3-methyl-L-histidine in biological material with o-phthaldialdehyde (OPA) post column derivatisation at the constant temperature of 50 degrees C. For this purpose, some mobile-phases were prepared with scalar acetonitrile concentrations. A complete separation of all molecules, particularly for carnosine and 3-methyl-L-histidine, was obtained with a solution of acetonitrile and 6mM hydrochloric acid with 0.48 M sodium chloride (5%:95% v/v). Post column derivatisation reaction at temperature of 50'C permitted to obtain an increase in sensibility of all molecules. This method has been utilised for detection of histidine dipeptides in boar spermatozoa and in sheep milk. Concentrations (mean +/- S.E. nmol/10(9) spermatozoa) of carnosine (0.96 +/- 0.14) and anserine (0.83 +/- 0.18) in boar spermatozoa were significantly lower than those of L-histidine (52.85 +/- 4.86) and 3-methyl-L-histidine (83.07 +/- 7.1). Positive correlation was found between carnosine and anserine contents (r = 0.740; p < 0.01) and between L-histidine and 3-methyl-L-histidine (r = 0.657; p < 0.01). All histidine dipeptides studied were also present in 40 samples of sheep milk. In a case of samples without unit-forming colonies (UFC) of Staphylococcus coagulase-positive, carnosine concentrations (9.17 +/- 0.89 nmol/ml) were higher than anserine (0.51 +/- 0.02 nmol/ml) and both were significantly lower in respect to L-histidine (49.51 +/- 6.48 nmol/ml) and 3-metyl-L-histidine (81.21 +/- 6.82 nmol/ml). A negative correlation was observed between carnosine milk levels (r = -0.773; p < 0.01) and UFC/ml of Staphylococcus coagulase-positive. In conclusion this very simple and fast method can be used to detect histidine dipeptides in biological compartments where their concentrations are very low.

A foodborne outbreak of gastroenteritis involving Listeria monocytogenes.

An outbreak of gastroenteritis occurred in Italy among 39 persons who had attended a private supper. All guests were previously healthy, young, non-pregnant adults; 18 (46%) had symptoms, mostly gastrointestinal (78%), with a short incubation period. Four were hospitalized with acute febrile gastroenteritis, two of whom had blood cultures positive for Listeria monocytogenes. No other microorganisms were recovered from the hospitalized patients' specimens. Epidemiological investigation identified rice salad as the most likely vehicle of the food-borne outbreak. L. monocytogenes was isolated from three leftover foods, the kitchen freezer and blender. Isolates from the patients, the foods and the freezer were indistinguishable: serotype 1/2b, same phage type and multilocus enzyme electrophoretic type. Eight (36%) of 22 guests tested were found to have antibodies against L. monocytogenes, compared with none of 11 controls from the general population. This point source outbreak was probably caused by infection with L. monocytogenes. Unusual features included the high attack rate among immunocompetent adults and the predominance of gastrointestinal symptoms.

[Vaccinal coverage for measles and pertussis: a study in 7 regions of Italy]. / Copertura vaccinale per il morbillo e la pertosse: una indagine in sette regioni italiane.

During the year 1993 a series of surveys aimed to estimate the immunization coverage against measles and pertussis have been carried out in seven Italian regions and two large towns (Milan and Naples). Mothers of children aged between 12 and 23 months, randomly selected from the list of newborns, by using the EPI cluster sampling, have been interviewed in order to determine the reasons for absent or incomplete vaccinations. The observed coverage for pertussis ranges between 8% in the Molise region and 71% in the town of Milan; coverage for measles ranges between 9% in the town of Naples and 52% in the region Lombardy. The most commonly reported reason for not-vaccinating for pertussis has been the negative advise given by the caring physician. Immunization against measles has often not been administered because of relative contraindications and the negative advise by the physicians. The coverage for the two non-compulsory vaccinations are low compared to compulsory vaccinations and to the immunization level reported for most European countries, pointing out that further health education is needed for improving the up-take of such voluntary vaccinations.

A community outbreak of haemolytic-uraemic syndrome in children occurring in a large area of northern Italy over a period of several months.

From March to October 1993, 15 cases of haemolytic-uraemic syndrome (HUS) in children were detected in a large area of northern Italy, where only 8 cases had occurred in the previous 5 years. Analysis of stool and serum specimens obtained from 14 cases showed evidence of Verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) infection in 13. Serum antibodies to the E. coli O157 lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were found in 8 patients and to the O111 LPS in 2. An O86 VTEC was isolated from another patient. Fourteen children needed dialysis, and 1 died. No obvious epidemiologic link was observed among cases, most of whom lived in small townships. A case-control study did not show an association between HUS and food or exposure to cattle, but suggested an association with contact with chicken coops (OR = 6.5, 95% C.I. 1.2-34.9). However, VTEC were not isolated from stool samples obtained from the chicken coops involved. The risk factors for VTEC infection related to living in rural settlements, including the exposure to live poultry, should be considered in outbreak investigations.

[Pattern of acute myocardial infarct in a patient with left atrial myxoma]. / Quadro di infarto miocardico acuto in una paziente con mixoma atriale sinistro.

A case report on acute myocardial infarction in a patient without coronary risk factors, with left atrial myxoma. The diagnosis of an atrial tumor was made by 2-D echocardiography, which also provided important information about the size and mobility of the tumor and its point of attachment on the atrial wall. Coronary arteriography showed normal coronary arteries. This report considers the etiologic-pathogenetic mechanisms of acute myocardial infarction with normal coronary arteries. It presumes that, in this case, the acute coronary occlusion was due to the embolus from the atrial myxoma.