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In this study, we investigated the presence of enteric viruses such as norovirus (NoV), hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis E virus (HEV), and adenovirus (HAdV), in vegetables available on the Italian markets. For this aim, 110 national and international "ready to eat" samples were collected and analyzed by biomolecular tests and positive samples were confirmed by sequencing. All samples (100 %) were negative for HAV, HEV, and HAdV, while 13.6 % (15/110) were positive for NoV. Actually there is not a formal surveillance system for NoV infections in Italy but we clearly demonstrated a potential risk associated with the consumption of "ready to eat" vegetables. This study confirmed for the first time in Italy the presence of norovirus in semi-dried tomatoes by PCR technique.

In this paper we review some theories about the process of senescence and death, in particular the theory of accumulation of mutations and the theory of antagonistic pleiotropism. These theories are reviewed in the light of existing scientific evidence, with particular reference to that which points to the possible role of interactions between genes and environment. We conclude that mortality studies, particularly on migrant populations may be an important tool for clarifying this major issue.