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A Turrini

Publications and source records attributed to A Turrini.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Dietary patterns and their socio-demographic determinants in 10 European countries: data from the DAFNE databank.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the dietary patterns of 10 European countries and their socio-demographic determinants, using the comparable between-countries DAFNE data. DESIGN: Analysis of standardized and postharmonized data collected through the national household budget surveys. SETTING: Nationally representative surveys undertaken in 10 European countries, generally in the second half of the 1990s. RESULTS: The differences in the fruit and vegetable consumption previously identified between Mediterranean and Northern European countries seem to be leveling out, particularly in relation to fruit consumption. Pulses, however, still characterize the diet of the Mediterraneans. Straying from their traditional food choices, Mediterraneans recorded high availability of unprocessed red meat, while Central and Northern Europeans preferably consumed meat products. The household availability of beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) is generally higher among Central and Northern European populations. Principal component (PC) analysis led to the identification of two dietary patterns in each of the 10 countries. The first was similar in all countries and indicated 'wide-range' food buyers. The second was slightly more varied and described 'beverage and convenience' food buyers. PC1 was common among households of retired and elderly members, while PC2 was common among households located in urban or semi-urban areas and among adult Scandinavians living alone. CONCLUSIONS: The dietary patterns identified point towards a progressive narrowing of dietary differences between North and South European countries. The comparable between-countries DAFNE data could prove useful in ecological studies, in the formulation of dietary guidelines and public health initiatives addressing specific population groups. SPONSORSHIP: European Commission.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Impact of Bt corn on rhizospheric and soil eubacterial communities and on beneficial mycorrhizal symbiosis in experimental microcosms.

A polyphasic approach has been developed to gain knowledge of suitable key indicators for the evaluation of environmental impact of genetically modified Bt 11 and Bt 176 corn lines on soil ecosystems. We assessed the effects of Bt corn (which constitutively expresses the insecticidal toxin from Bacillus thuringiensis, encoded by the truncated Cry1Ab gene) and non-Bt corn plants and their residues on rhizospheric and bulk soil eubacterial communities by means of denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analyses of 16S rRNA genes, on the nontarget mycorrhizal symbiont Glomus mosseae, and on soil respiration. Microcosm experiments showed differences in rhizospheric eubacterial communities associated with the three corn lines and a significantly lower level of mycorrhizal colonization in Bt 176 corn roots. In greenhouse experiments, differences between Bt and non-Bt corn plants were detected in rhizospheric eubacterial communities (both total and active), in culturable rhizospheric heterotrophic bacteria, and in mycorrhizal colonization. Plant residues of transgenic plants, plowed under at harvest and kept mixed with soil for up to 4 months, affected soil respiration, bacterial communities, and mycorrhizal establishment by indigenous endophytes. The multimodal approach utilized in our work may be applied in long-term field studies aimed at monitoring the real hazard of genetically modified crops and their residues on nontarget soil microbial communities.

Bacillus thuringiensis↗
PubMed2002

Some statistical aspects of food intake assessment.

OBJECTIVE: To present the results of the statistical working group of the EFCOSUM project on estimating the minimum sample size for a pan-European dietary survey. BACKGROUND AND METHODS: Numerous statistical issues are involved when planning a nutritional survey aimed at evaluating various indicators, especially if it will be carried out in different countries. The plenary workshop of the EFCOSUM project has chosen four relevant statistical topics: the sample size estimation for dietary surveys, the number of repeated measurements needed to estimate usual intake for each individual; the statistical presentation of data; and the statistical procedures for estimating the usual intake distribution from a limited number of days of observation. This article deals with the first three topics mentioned. The participants of the EFCOSUM project answered a small questionnaire in order to get agreement on the method of estimating a minimum sample size in the context of a monitoring of dietary indicators. Data on the variability of dietary indicators of interest was also collected, in order to calculate a minimum sample size. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The main result was that a minimum sample size of 2000 adults in each European country will be needed in order to identify trends in the mean intake of the most relevant foods and nutrients in Europe. This sample size should be higher if trends have to be indentified for socio-demographic subgroups.

Data Interpretation, Statistical↗
PubMed2001

Floral genes expressed in tomato hypocotyl explants in liquid culture.

This paper confirms, at molecular level, previous data showing that small explants of many plants do form a floral meristem and express specific floral genes after only few days in culture. After 15-20 days of culture, small tomato hypocotyl explants develop differentiated structures often resembling primitive ancestral reproductive organs. Other specific reproductive functions such as chromosomal segregation (somatic meiosis) were also present and demonstrated by means of a cytological and histological analysis. By reverse transcriptase-PCR and in situ hybridization it was found that these structures are indeed able to express flower-specific genes. The TM8 gene, a tomato gene that is expressed very early during floral development, is detectable on the proliferating hypocotyl explants during the first week of culture. The MON9612 gene, which in vivo is expressed only by tomato pistils and ovules, is detectable on the ovulelike structures developed after 20 days of culture. The construction of transgenic tomato plants expressing the GUS gene under the control of the MON9612 promoter allowed us to follow the induction and the expression of this gene during explant proliferation and development of the flowerlike structures. These data confirm the hypothesis that a floral reprogramming can be induced in plant explants as a consequence of wounding and growth factors action. It appears to be an effort to survive stress by means of an unscheduled reproductive program.

Culture Techniques↗
PubMed2001

Food consumption patterns in Italy: the INN-CA Study 1994-1996.

OBJECTIVES: The present study was aimed at surveying the Italian food consumption patterns in the 90s. It represented the second nationwide food intake survey that was carried out by the Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca per gli Alimenti e la Nutrizione (INRAN). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Free-living households. SUBJECTS: Sampled subjects: 1147 households randomly selected to be representative of the four main geographical areas (North-West, North-East, Centre, South). Analysed subjects: 1978 individuals out of 2734 initially collected in 15 Collaborative Centres strategically scattered through the national territory. METHODS: A mixed 7-day based survey technique was applied in order to survey both individual and household consumption. At individual level, food intake was recorded by a self-compiled diary. At household level food data collection was by compilation of a food inventory by the dietician, a purchased/wasted foods diary and a recipes form both compiled by the person responsible for food related activities (decision of purchase, purchase, preparation of meals) in the household. All recorded data were monitored by the dieticians who visited the households participating in the study, at least three times. Household members were interviewed in order to collect socio-demographic, lifestyle and motivational information. Furthermore, field-workers performed the food coding and the input of data by an ad hoc developed software. The survey design allowed an internal quantitative check of food data. Several check steps were centrally performed RESULTS: The complex methodology caused the 46.8% response rate and afterwards a reduction of the analysed units (72% of the surveyed individuals). However, the analysed sample provided sufficiently reliable data for outlining the most relevant aspects of dietary patterns in Italy. In order to better interpret the results, controversial aspects are also illustrated and discussed in the text. The disparity analysis found that traditional diversities among Italian regions are still alive. In general, males eat more than females. Analysis according to the age class (children: 1-9 years old; adolescents: 10-17; adults: 18-64; elderly: >64) showed differences especially between the group of children vs all the others, but also in the two groups of young individuals vs adults and the elderly, that could represent clues of an incorrect way of eating. CONCLUSIONS: Taking into account the different methodology, the comparison with previous results showed changes in the Italian average diet complying with an increasing attention to healthy aspects by large sectors of the population, but also opposite tendencies that should be carefully monitored. SPONSORSHIP: Minister delle Politiche Agricole e Forestali (Mi.P.A.F.).

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

HCV core antigen assay.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay↗
PubMed2001

Food composition issues--implications for the development of food-based dietary guidelines.

Sound food composition databases that are both comprehensive and representative of available foods are an essential basic tool to develop Food Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDG). The main drawbacks of current food composition databases available in the European Union are: partial coverage of foods and nutrients, variability of analytical data, lack of accuracy in the description of food items, need for harmonisation of the expression of nutrients. An inappropriate use of these databases could lead to gross errors in the assessment of the nutrient intake levels, in the identification of the major sources of a nutrient, in the comparison of data between countries and in the analysis of time trends. Inadequacy of food composition data is, in part, responsible for the failure to understand some relationships between nutrient intakes and health or disease and for difficulties in establishing quantitative dietary guidelines in terms of nutrients. Recommendations are made for the compilation of future food composition databases and tools are proposed to enhance the quality of existing data. A careful study of the food composition databases is always necessary before nutrition recommendations are given and before trends in nutrient intakes are interpreted.

Data Interpretation, Statistical↗
PubMed2000

Estimates of the theoretical maximum daily intake of erythorbic acid, gallates, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) in Italy: a stepwise approach.

The three recent EU directives which fixed maximum permitted levels (MPL) for food additives for all member states also include the general obligation to establish national systems for monitoring the intake of these substances in order to evaluate their use safety. In this work, we considered additives with primary antioxidant technological function for which an acceptable daily intake (ADI) was established by the Scientific Committee for Food (SCF): gallates, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and erythorbic acid. The potential intake of these additives in Italy was estimated by means of a hierarchical approach using, step by step, more refined methods. The likelihood of the current ADI to be exceeded was very low for erythorbic acid, BHA and gallates. On the other hand, the theoretical maximum daily intake (TMDI) of BHT was above the current ADI. The three food categories found to be main potential sources of BHT were "pastry, cake and biscuits", "chewing gums" and "vegetables oils and margarine"; they overall contributed 74% of the TMDI. Actual use of BHT in these food categories is discussed, together with other aspects such as losses of this substance in the technological process and percentage of ingestion in the case of chewing gums.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Detection of an anti-RhD antibody 2 years after sensitization in a patient who had undergone an allogeneic BMT.

We describe an HLA matched bone marrow transplantation with minor ABO incompatibility and RhD mismatch (donor RhD negative and recipient RhD positive). GVHD appeared on day +96 and therapy with steroid and cyclosporin was started. When GVHD disappeared and immunosuppressive therapy was stopped (2 years after BMT), an anti-RhD antibody was detected in the patient's serum. The delayed appearance of this antibody may have been associated with the prolonged immunosuppression that was required for treatment of the patient's GVHD.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

The role of attitudes, intentions and habit in predicting actual consumption of fat containing foods in Italy.

OBJECTIVE: To explore which were the most important predictors of the actual consumption of foods containing fat and to test if there were different profiles of beliefs and attitudes. DESIGN: A total of 1200 households participated in a food consumption survey for 7 days. A questionnaire, containing questions on belief, attitude and intention items based on Ajzen and Fishbein's model, was completed on the first day of the survey. SETTING: The study was conducted at the beginning of 1994 in Italy. SUBJECTS: In all, 860 subjects, randomly selected for each household participating in the food consumption survey, were included in this study. RESULTS: A cluster analysis based on average daily intake per capita of nine types of food containing fats was carried out on 860 subjects. The three clusters represented people with different criteria of preference for milk. The relationship between the variables was tested using the forward selection method in multiple regression. The attitude entered sequentially into the model assessing the intention of consuming, after the habit component. Habit was found to be the most the most important predictor of the actual consumption of each type of food. The intention entered into the equation as predictor of the consumption only for butter and olive oil. Habit has been found more important than intention in influencing the consumption of all types of food, whereas the intention did not enter into the model as determinant of the consumption with exception of butter and olive oil in which it remains as a significant predictor. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the cluster analysis suggested that subjects of cluster 1 might be more concerned about fat intake. The findings of the regressions showed that the subjective measure of habit entered in the model as the most important predictor of the actual consumption of each type of food. The low prediction of the actual consumption indicated that there could be other important variables influencing the consumption not included in this study.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Patterns of food and nutrient intakes in Italy and their application to the development of food-based dietary guidelines.

Patterns of food and nutrient intakes in Italy were estimated starting from a nationwide food survey carried out by the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) in 1994-6, called INN-CA 1995. The present analysis looks at food and nutrient intakes of the subsample of the adults (18-60-year-old individuals). In particular, the two extreme quartiles of the distribution of total fat intake expressed as percentage of energy were considered in the analysis. The results showed that the subjects included in the fourth quartile (high-fat consumers) consumed fewer vegetables than the subjects in the first quartile (low-fat consumers). Furthermore, high-fat consumers had a tendency to have an unbalanced diet, whereas the low-fat consumers present a better pattern. In synthesis, 50% of the adults reach the goal of at least 400 g of vegetables and fruit daily, and 25% consume less than 30% of energy from total fats. Convincing that part of the population whose diet does not comply with dietary goals to come back to the Mediterranean tradition might be a priority for nutrition education in Italy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Attitudes towards food containing fats in subjects of different body size.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was aimed at verifying the hypothesis that individuals belonging to different classes of BMI could show diversities in attitudes and beliefs toward the consumption of food containing fat within the Fishbein and Ajzen framework. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Nine hundred and seventy-five families out of 1200 participated in a study aimed at assessing attitudes towards the consumption of foods containing fats. Only subjects over 17 years of age with BMI values over 18.5 kg/m2 were included in the present study. The recruited families were asked to record their food consumption for 7 days according to a mixed technique including the weighed inventory method and the individual daily record of food consumption. Each individual also completed a questionnaire containing questions on belief, attitude and intention items based on Ajzen and Fishbein's model. All questions were related to the consumption of eight foods containing fats. RESULTS: The main finding was an absence of differences in attitudes and beliefs towards foods containing fats between the two groups of normal weight and overweight subjects, obtained by the regression analysis. The subjective measure of habit outweighed attitude in the impact on intention of consuming. Evidence of something to be further investigated comes from the first Principal Component that showed the cognitive 'Beliefs on gaining weight and getting fat' was the best summary of information in relation to the choice of red meat for the group of normal weight subjects, whereas the same belief was the best summary of information in relation to the choice of butter and cheese for the group of overweight subjects. CONCLUSION: Attitudes and beliefs play a similar role in the choice of foods containing fats in the two groups of people considered. Habit was found to be an important predictor of behaviour for both the two groups of subjects. With attempts to modify diet, habit may serve as a barrier to change. Thus, elucidating the roles played by these variables is crucial to developing effective future intervention strategies. However, the slight difference found in the cognitive belief on gaining weight and getting fat for red meat, butter and cheese suggests that further investigations on opinions about the role of certain foods will be useful.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Genome plasticity during the acquisition of embryogenic competence

Hypocotyl explants from carrot and other species experience concomitant segregation events and differentiation of homeotic structures during the first 20 days of culture on 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). In addition to these cyto-morphological changes, significant amounts of nuclear DNA are lost, the molecular details of which we investigate in this paper. We have developed a slot-blot analysis assay to study the DNA content of a series of carrot samples; besides the leaves, this survey ranged over different culture timepoints: hypocotyls, cell lines, and somatic embryo stages. We carried on to study the relationship between this DNA loss and sequence complexity modulation. Results from probing sequences that correspond to different degrees of complexity, such as medium repetitive and unique sequences as well as sequences belonging to both classes (ribosomal cistrons, ubiquitin, actin, and chalcone synthase), consistently manifested a reduction in DNA levels during the acquisition of embryogenic competence. In some cases, the cultured cells would contain only 10% of the gene copies observed in the reference tissues. Modulation trends also showed that DNA levels of most sequences recover at the torpedo-plantlet stage, which again correlates DNA modulation and the acquisition of embryogenic competence. These results suggest that similar DNA variations may occur in plants in vivo during meiosis, possibly so that meiotic division may be properly completed.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1996

An ecological study of the correlation between diet and tumour mortality rates in Italy.

Cancer is said to be due to nutrition in 35 cases out of 100, ranging from 10 to 70% by sites. Saturated fats show a positive relationship with cancer, while vitamins, vegetables and cereals show a negative relation with it. This work was aimed at studying the relationship between nutrition and cancer in different Italian areas. Cancer mortality rates collected in 94 National Health units over the period 1980-82 have been correlated with the average food consumption of individuals registered in the same units. All the nutrient groups have shown evidence of a correlation between nutrient intake and mortality rates. Fats, animal proteins and saturated fatty acids showed the strongest positive correlations; vegetable proteins, fibre, carbohydrates, oleic acid, vitamins C and B1 gave negative correlations. Thus, it can be concluded that (a) this ecological analysis has confirmed previous hypotheses concerning the role of vegetables in cancer prevention and (b) the relation between nutrition and cancer mortality could be even stronger if applied to the whole population, since a 1-g increase in vegetable protein consumption would result in a reduction of 2.5 cases out of 100, a 1-g increase in fibre would result in a reduction of four cases out of 100 and a 1-g increase in animal fat would result in an increase of one case out of 100.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Estimates of intakes: methodology and results of some studies carried out in Italy.

The methods which may be applied to estimating population intakes of food additives are outlined. The applications in studies of the intakes of some preservatives and food colours in Italy are reported. It was concluded that there is a need to investigate comparability between the various methods used. The surveys carried out indicated that, in general, the levels of consumption of the additives studied did not present a health risk.

Adolescent↗