Development of a construct-based risk assessment framework for genetic engineered crops

Experience gained in the risk assessment (RA) of genetically engineered (GE) crops since their first experimental introductions in the early nineties, has increased the level of familiarity with these breeding methodologies and has motivated several agencies and expert groups worldwide to revisit the scientific criteria underlying the RA process. Along these lines, the need to engage in a scientific discussion for the case of GE crops transformed with similar constructs was recently identified in Argentina. In response to this need, the Argentine branch of the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI Argentina) convened a tripartite working group to discuss a science-based evaluation approach for transformation events developed with genetic constructs which are identical or similar to those used in previously evaluated or approved GE crops. This discussion considered new transformation events within the same or different species and covered both environmental and food safety aspects. A construct similarity concept was defined, considering the biological function of the introduced genes. Factors like environmental and dietary exposure, familiarity with both the crop and the trait as well as the crop biology, were identified as key to inform a construct-based RA process.

[Peculiarities and similarities of stress and bullying at workplace]

The study is aimed at investigating the peculiarities of mobbing, as compared with other stress-related occupational issues, considering personal, occupational and health variables. A sample of 100 subjects examined in our Service was considered: 52 presented a situation ascribable to workplace bullying, 44 diseases associated with other occupational malfunctions, 4 were judged affected by psychic non work-related diseases. The two first samples do not differ as to main personal variables. Company reorganization is the most frequent event prior to work-related problems resulting into negative actions addressed towards the work, especially for workplace bullying. Both samples show impaired psychophysical conditions with a more serious depressive scenario for workplace bullying victims. This scenario can be associated with a more serious occupational situation and in particular victimization process.

[Working time and sleep in nursing staff employed in "3 x 8" and "2 x 12" fast rotating shift schedules]

The study is aimed at assessing, in 200 nurses shift workers, the impact on sleep of two different working areas ("emergency" and "hospitalization") having the same "3 x 8" shift system, and of two different shift schedules at quick rotation ("2 x 12" and "3 x 8") in the same working area ("emergency"). Night and morning shifts prove to interfere to a greater extent with sleep in relation to both "2 x 12" and "3 x 8" shift systems as well as to the two operative areas. Hence the importance to consider in shift work planning, the direction of shift rotation and the length of the duty period according to the type of activity.