The model of schools for health in Europe: startup of the IGEA network for the city of Palermo

The contribution analyses the process of creating of the IGEA network (Integrated Generativity Actors) inscribed in the framework of the Schools for Health in Europe (SHE network). This model moves from a focus on school context only (as single setting) to the integration of schools and their surrounding community services, sports clubs, hospitals, workplace, informal contexts (building integrated multi-setting approach) (SHE, 2019; Novara & Guidi, 2022). According to an eco-social approach in health promotion, actions at the school level should always be linked with actions in the local community (Laverack, 2020) in order to develop healthy cities that are inclusive, safe and resilient (WHO, 2016). That is the priority assumption of the European network of schools that promote health, which includes 43 European countries since 1992, as well as Italy. An agreement between ASP (Agency Healthcare Local) and the University of Palermo supports, technically and scientifically, the SHE network (called IGEA) of the metropolitan city of Palermo, in the process of building and starting up it. The aim is to implement a structured and systematic plan for the health, well-being and social capital development of all pupils and teaching and non-teaching staff. The partnership between ASP and University of Palermo had enable the realization of this plan trough different phases: 1. Information and sharing of specialist documentation and sources relating to the network of schools that promote health, according to the indications of the European model (SHE network manual and related annexes), disseminating concepts, terminology, assumptions, actions, values, goals and a common language. 2. Analysis of training needs, consisting in the design and implementation of an electronic form for the collection and analysis of preliminary information about the general orientation of schools interested in health issues. 3. Training aimed at school managers, with face-to-face and interactive work sessions, in order to stimulate their awareness of the global model of health, pursued by the SHE network. 4. Group work, composed of all school actors (students, managers, families, technical staff, local stakeholders), to investigate and develop the four components of the SHE Model (healthy school policy, school physical and social environments, community and services links, health personal skills). 5. Drafting of the health plan of each school from a health global perspective. Phases to become / remain a health promoting school will be illustrated and particularly the way in which the process had initiated, upscaled, sustained, and inspired in Palermo and in Sicily, bringing together 18 schools in a new network agreement capable to drive a bottom up decisional process about policy and actions promoting global health

The analysis of food samples for the presence of Genetically Modified Organisms - User Manual

The User Manual - background information and didactical guide for the participants attending the training courses on ‘The analysis of Food Samples for the Presence of Genetically Modified Organisms’ organised by the Joint Reseach Centre - provides the theoretical and detaied practical information on the methodologies and protocols for GMO detection used during the training. Structured in 12 Sessions, it covers a wide variety of techniques for the detection, identification, characterisation, and quantification of GMO.JRC.F.7-Knowledge for Health and Consumer Safet

A PCR-microarray method for the screening of genetically modified organisms

A new method to screen and to identify genetically modified organisms (GMO) is presented in this paper. It is based on the detection of multiple genetic elements common to GMO by their amplification via PCR followed by direct hybridisation of the amplicons on microarray. The pattern of the elements is then compared to a database of the composition of EU-approved GMO and an identification of the GMO is then proposed. The limit of detection of the method was B0.1% GMO content (w/w) expressed as the amount of target DNA present in the template for single unprocessed material. The DNA targets were detected both in reference materials and in mixtures with the same detection limit. The specificity for the detection of the different elements was found to be very good with no crossreaction even in samples with two GMO present at different concentrations. The paper presents examples of GMO identification and discusses the potential and limitation of such approaches and how they can facilitate the work of private and enforcement detection laboratories.JRC.DDG.I.4-Molecular biology and genomic

Validation of the Performance of a GMO Multiplex Screening Assay based on Microarray Detection

A new multiple targets screening method for the detection and identification of GMO based on the use of multiplex PCR followed by microarray, has been developed for the detection and identification of GMO and is presented in the accompanying paper. The technology is based on the identification of quite ubiquitous GMO genetic target elements first amplified by PCR followed by direct hybridisation of the amplicons on a predefined microarray (DualChip® GMO, Eppendorf, Germany). The validation was performed within the framework of a European project (Co-Extra, contract no 007158) and in collaboration with twelve laboratories specialised in GMO detection. The present article reports the strategy and the results of an ISO 5725 complying validation of the method carried out through an inter-laboratory study. Sets of blind samples were provided consisting of DNA reference materials covering all the elements detectable by specific probes present on the array. The GMO concentrations varied from 1 % down to 0.045 %. In addition a mixture of two GMO events at concentration of 0.1 and 99.9 % was incorporated in the study to test for the robustness of the assay in extreme conditions. Data were processed according to ISO 5725 standard. The method was evaluated with predefined performance criteria with respect to the EC CRL method acceptance criteria. The overall method performance met the acceptance criteria; in particular, the results showed that the method is suitable for the detection of the different target elements at 0.1 % concentration of GMO with a 95 % accuracy rate. This collaborative trial showed that the method can be considered as fit for the purpose of screening with respect to its intra and inter laboratory accuracy. The results demonstrate the validity of combining multiplex PCR with array detection as provided by the DualChip® GMO (Eppendorf, Germany) for the screening of GMO. The results showed that the technology is robust, practical and suitable as a screening tool.JRC.I.6-Biotechnology and GMO