In this work, we present molecular barcoding results obtained in 69 processed fish products belonging to 27 teleost species traded in Italian commercial markets during 2008. DNA barcoding using ...direct sequencing of about 900
bp of mitochondrial genes cytochrome oxidase subunit I (
COI) and cytochrome
b (
Cyt b) revealed uncorrect labelling in 22 samples (32%). Among substituted species, 18 (26%) were serious frauds under both economic and nutritional points of view. In some cases, frauds concerned species of major conservation regard and reported in the IUCN and CITES directories. Results add further concern on the trading of processed fish products in Italy from both health and conservation points of view.
The problem of fish traceability in processed products is still an important issue in food safety. Major attention is nowadays dedicated to consumer health and prevention of possible frauds regulated ...by national and international laws. For this reason, a technical approach is fundamental in revealing mislabeling at different levels. In particular, the use of genetic markers has been standardized and DNA barcoding is considered the gold-standard strategy to examine and prevent species substitution. Considering the richness of available DNA databases, it is nowadays possible to rapidly reach a reliable taxonomy at the species level. Among different approaches, an innovative method based on DNA mini barcoding has recently been proposed at an international level. Starting from this evidence, we herein illustrate an investigation dealing with the evolution of this topic in Italy over the last decade. The molecular analysis of 71 commercial fish samples based on mini-COI sequencing with two different primer sets reached an amplification success rate of 87.3 and 97.2%. The investigation revealed four major frauds (5.8%) and four minor ones (5.8%). Results highlighted a decrease in incorrect labeling in Italy from 32% to 11.6% over the last decade, although a recurrent involvement of “endangered” species sensu IUCN was still observed.
Considering previous genetic studies on sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and the role of L/L serotonin transporter (5HTT) genotype and correlated genes monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) and dopamine ...transporter (DAT) in unexpected death, an investigation was carried out verifying their involvement in apparent life-threatening events (ALTE and idiopathic form IALTE), also assessing common molecular basis with SIDS.
Differential diagnoses in 76 ALTE infants, distinguishing ALTE from IALTE was elaborated by using clinical-diagnostic data. Genotypes/allelic frequencies of DAT, MAOA, and 5HTT were determined in ALTE and IALTE infants and compared with data obtained from 20 SIDS and 150 controls.
No association was found between DAT polymorphisms and ALTE/IALTE groups either at the genotype or allelic level (P range .11-.94). MAOA genotypes and allele data comparison between ALTE and controls was not significant; IALTE data showed a tendency for genotypes (P = .09) and were statistically significant for alleles (P = .036); however, MAOA significance disappeared once the Bonferroni correction was applied. 5HTT polymorphisms in IALTE remarked the role of L/L genotype (P < .00001) and L (P < .00001), as previously demonstrated in SIDS.
Considering correspondence between 5HTT and MAOA in IALTE and SIDS, we hypothesize that the 2 syndromes are different expressions of a common ethiopathogenesis. In particular, genetic data suggest SIDS events could derive from IALTE episodes occurred during sleep, and therefore out of parental control. Despite its functional role, results highlight the usefulness of 5HTT as a valuable tracer of SIDS risk in IALTE infants. Owing to the small sample size, the results are to be considered preliminary and should be reevaluated in an independent sample.
A fish population of the carp family Cyprinidae with atypical phenotypic characteristics was observed in one of the main catchments of the Pollino National Park, a valuable, protected area in ...southern Italy. In this area, the Italian roach Rutilus rubilio (Bonaparte, 1837), a native endemic fish of Tyrrhenean regions, has been introduced in sympatric conditions with Squalius squalus (Bonaparte, 1837) and Telestes muticellus (Bonaparte, 1837). A molecular investigation was carried out to assess the genetic identity of the population with a view to conservation. Direct sequencing of a cytochrome b gene fragment was performed based on 30 individuals of cyprinid fish with atypical phenotype, in addition to 30 S. squalus, 10 T. muticellus, and 30 R. rubilio pure individuals collected in different Italian regions, which served as reference samples. Multiple sequence alignments demonstrated that 50% of atypical-cyprinid haplotypes were maternally inherited from either S. squalus or R. rubilio. No contribution by T. muticellus was determined. Our results indicate an intergeneric hybridization event between S. squalus and R. rubilio, as a consequence of trans-introduction activities of alien species.
The best hypothesis to explain Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) pathogenesis is offered by the “triple risk model”, which suggests that an interaction of different variables related to exogenous ...stressors and infant vulnerability may lead to the syndrome. Environmental factors are triggers that act during a particular sensible period, modulated by intrinsic genetic characteristics. Although literature data show that one of the major SIDS risk factors is smoking exposure, a specific involvement of molecular components has never been highlighted. Starting from these observations and considering the role of GSTT1 and GSTM1 genes functional polymorphisms in the detoxification process, we analyzed GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotype frequencies in 47 SIDS exposed to tobacco smoke and 75 healthy individuals.
A significant association (p < .0001) between the GSTM1 null genotype and SIDS exposed to smoke was found. On the contrary, no association between GSTT1 polymorphism and SIDS was determined. Results indicated the contribution of the GSTM1 −/− genotype resulting in null detoxification activity in SIDS cases, and led to a better comprehension of the triple risk model, highlighting smoking exposure as a real SIDS risk factor on a biochemical basis.
•GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes were analyzed in SIDS cases exposed to cigarette smoke.•A GSTM1 gene deletion was found more frequent in SIDS than in controls.•Loss of GSTM1 detoxification activity combined with smoke may contribute to SIDS.•Experimental assessment of biochemical factors interacting within the “Triple Risk Model”
Background. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease affecting primarily preterm and very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Despite the advances in perinatal care, BPD remains a ...major clinical and costly complication in premature infants. The pathogenesis of BPD is complex and multifactorial. Prematurity, mechanical ventilation, oxidative stress, and inflammation are recognized as major interrelated contributing factors. Recently, some candidate genes involved in angiogenesis and alveolarization regulating mechanisms have been associated to BPD risk development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) polymorphisms on BPD onset in VLBW newborns. Methods. Eighty-two VLBW infants, without major anomalies, were consecutively enrolled: 33 developed BPD (BPD group) and 49 infants without BPD served as controls (control group). In all infants, two polymorphisms, respectively (VEGF receptor) VEGFR1-710 C/T and VEGF +936 C/T, were determined through salivary brush. Genomic DNA was extracted and purified from saliva samples by using the MasterAmp Buccal Swab DNA Extraction Kit (Tebu-bio, Milan, Italy). Results. Significant statistic differences were found between BPD newborns and controls with regard to gestational age, birth weight, mechanical ventilation, duration of oxygen therapy, maternal preeclampsia, and chorioamnionitis. No differences were detected between genotypic and allelic levels regarding VEGFR1 and VEGF molecular polymorphisms. Conclusions. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms within VEGF and VEGFR1 genes are not associated with BPD. Further researches are needed to reveal gene polymorphisms involved in vascular development as contributors to the onset of BPD.
•Salmo (trutta) marmoratus is a valuable economic and conservation resource.•More than 350 samples were genotyped for 16S rDNA, D-loop, and LDH-C1* genes.•A subset was also genotyped for highly ...polymorphic AFLPs.•AFLPs showed a high resolution power to identify hybrids over other techniques.•The combined approach is useful to select pure breeders for reintroduction plans.
Introduction of non-indigenous taxa by anthropogenic activities may lead to the generation of hybrid forms and cause genetic pollution of native species. Populations of different Salmo species are threatened in Italy by hybridization and introgression caused by allochthonous lineages introduced since historical times. In particular, Salmo marmoratus is currently sympatric with domestic lineages of Salmo trutta in most of its native geographical range and reproductive interfecundity between the two taxa is seriously threatening the genetic purity of the endemic species. To fulfill conservation purposes and fisheries management, an investigation based on single and multilocus DNA fingerprinting was carried out both to assess marble trout genetic diversity and the method’s amenability to restocking practices. RFLPs (Restriction Fragments Length Polymorphisms) and SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) in mitochondrial 16S rDNA, D-loop, and nuclear LDH-C1* sequences were genotyped in more than 350 samples collected from different hatcheries in Northern Italy. The combination of the three markers allowed the selection of putative pure individuals of S. marmoratus to be submitted to additional highly polymorphic AFLPs (Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms) analyses. Additional benefits of AFLPs over other techniques emerged in connection with their potential power for fish stock identification. In fact, 52% of all analyzed samples were potentially pure marble trout, 4% were pure Atlantic trout and 44% were hybrids showing different combinations of haplotypes/genotypes. The combined approach demonstrated improved resolution to reveal hybridization not detected by classical diagnostic markers, and to select breeders for reintroduction programs.
The primary objective of this study was to observe the evolution of anthropogenic radioactivity contamination in the Antarctic continent throughout the period 1997-1999. Moreover, results have been ...compared with those obtained for previous expeditions, starting from 1987. As far as
137
Cs is concerned, interesting considerations could be made due to the great amount of available data. On the whole, radioactive contamination seems to be higher in continental than in marine environments. For lake algae, contamination seems to decrease gradually in the order: Tarn Flat, Edmondson Point, Carezza Lake. Focusing on
137
Cs activity data, a clear temporal decreasing trend was observed in all samples: for sea water, values decreased from mean values of 0.9 Bq/m
3
in 1987 to 0.5 Bq/m
3
in 1999, a 56% decrease (20% of the total is due to natural decay of
137
Cs). For lake waters and lake algae, the decreases are higher (80 and 30%, respectively) and the same can be assessed for sediments and soils, even if the resulting distributions are more complicated. The highest values for all radionuclides analysed were detected in terrestrial organisms (mosses, lake algae, and lichens). As a consequence, these matrices appear to be good bioindicators of radioactive contamination. Finally, although the Antarctic continent is affected by some degree by anthropogenic radioactive pollution, our results for
137
Cs show that we are facing a progressive decrease. Moreover, contamination in other parts of the world is much higher: from 6-10 times in the Mediterranean Sea and 20-50 times in the North Sea and Black Sea.
Researches on environmental radioactivity in the Ross Sea - Terra Nova Bay area have been carried out with the aim of evaluating the role of different abiotic and biotic matrices in the cycling of ...radio-nuclides in the marine and lacustrine ecosystems. The transfer of Sr-90, Cs-137, Pu-238 and Pu-239(240) from the water to the benthic organisms and the sediment layer has been investigated. Contamination levels in both ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles of the main fission and transuranic products are therefore presented and discussed. A comparison of radioecological data from different areas of the Antarctic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea is given. In the framework of the data obtained, concentrations of the natural radionuclides K-40, Th-232 and U-238 in the sediment samples, are also presented.
Investigations have been carried out by the Italian Antarctic Research Program to determine the natural and artificial radioactivity levels of both the marine and terrestrial environments. Also, ...natural and anthropogenic fluxes of aerosol particles onto the Antarctic surface have been examined.
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