UNASSIGNED: Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) produced by the anaerobic bacterium @entity6940 are the most potent biological substances known to mankind. BoNTs are the agents responsible for @entity6938 , a rare condition affecting the neuromuscular junction, causing a spectrum of diseases from mild @entity129 to @entity1576 and @entity204 . BoNTs are a potential bio-warfare threat and a public health hazard, since outbreaks of foodborne @entity6938 are caused by the ingestion of preformed BoNTs in food. Currently, mathematical models relating to the hazards associated with @entity6940 , which are largely empirical, make major contributions to botulinum risk assessment. Evaluated using statistical techniques, these models simulate the response of the bacterium to environmental conditions. Though empirical models have been successfully incorporated into risk assessments to support food safety decision making, this process includes significant uncertainties so that relevant decision making is frequently conservative and inflexible. Progression involves encoding into the models cellular processes at a molecular level, especially the details of the genetic and molecular machinery. This addition drives the connection between biological mechanism and @entity6938 risk assessment and hazard management strategies. This review brings together elements currently described in the literature which will be useful in building quantitative models of @entity6940 @entity6939 production. Subsequently, it outlines how the established form of modelling could be extended to include these new elements. Ultimately, this can offer further contributions into risk assessments to support food safety decision making.

New elements to consider when modelling the hazards associated with botulinum XXXX in food.

@entity129 :: ('MESH:D003389', 'Disease') :: ['cranial nerve palsies'] @entity6940 :: ('1491', 'Species') :: ['Clostridium botulinum', 'C. botulinum'] @entity1576 :: ('MESH:D012131', 'Disease') :: ['acute respiratory failure'] @entity6939 :: ('20490862', 'Gene') :: ['neurotoxin'] @entity204 :: ('MESH:D003643', 'Disease') :: ['death'] @entity6938 :: ('MESH:D001906', 'Disease') :: ['botulism']
@entity6939 :: (20490862,Gene) :: ['neurotoxin']
