bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bt
plants and effects on soil micro-organisms.
Authors: Mocali S. 
Published: October 2011

Abstract

The continued and increasing adoption of genetically modified plants (GMPs) in agriculture has raised both perspectives on increasing the productivity and some concern over their potential effects on the environment, especially on soil. These effects include unintentional changes in the chemical compositions of root exudates, and the direct or indirect effects of transgenic plants on non-target species of soil micro-organisms that have a key role in the maintenance of soil quality and environmental sustainability. Therefore any change to the quality of crop residues and rhizosphere inputs could modify the dynamics of the composition and activity of organisms in soil. One of the most common transgenic traits in commercial GMPs is insect resistance based on the expression of Cry toxin derived from
Bacillus thuringiensis
(
Bt
), and it is crucial that risk assessment studies on the use of
Bt
crops consider the impacts on micro-organisms in soil. This review summarizes the results of most of the studies that have been conducted to specifically test the effects of
Bt
plants on soil microbial communities, and examines the role of soil properties as one of the most important factors to be considered to study the interactions between micro-organisms and
Bt
plants. Most studies suggest that the
Bt
plants that have been released for commercial purposes could cause small changes in microbial communities and these are often transient in duration. However, experimental results are often contrasting and, given our limited knowledge of the soil system and the linkage with the soil microbial community's diversity and function, more work needs to be done on a case-by-case basis to further evaluate the effects of
Bt
plants on soil micro-organisms and soil ecosystem functions.
An introduction to association mapping in plants.
Authors: Stich B. , Melchinger A. E. 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
Most traits that are related to fitness and agricultural value of plants are quantitatively inherited. Currently, there is tremendous interest in using association mapping approaches to dissect such traits. This is enabled by advances in genomic technology as well as the development of statistical models for association mapping that take into account population structure and familial relatedness. In this introductory review, we describe the relation of linkage disequilibrium to association mapping, give an overview of the steps required for association mapping as well as point out the possible limitations of such approaches.
Metabolic surgery: nutritional outcomes and health benefits.
Authors: Roux C. W. le , Pournaras D. J. 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
Metabolic surgery is not only the most effective treatment for morbid obesity, but also leads to the improvement or remission of a number of comorbidities. In this review, we present the available evidence for the effect of these surgical procedures on different systems using the King's College criteria. Some of these outcomes can be attributed to weight loss; however, there is increasing evidence for weight-loss-independent effects of metabolic surgery.
Risk assessment of toxic contaminants in animal feed.
Authors: Mantovani A. , Frazzoli C. 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
Feed contaminants are a broad issue ranging from undesirable or unauthorized feed components or additives through to environmental pollutants and to contaminants related to specific steps of food production, such as storage or cross-contamination. In many cases, e.g. most mycotoxins and plant-derived compounds, feed contaminants may pose a risk mostly for farm animal welfare; however, feeds can also be a major vehicle for the presence of bioaccumulating pollutants in human diet, especially for vulnerable farm animal productions, such as aquaculture or grazing ruminants. Critical risk assessment issues include the characterization of toxicological hazards, the possible pathways of feed contamination and the carry-over of parent compound or metabolites to foods of animal origin as well as the pinpointing of situations that may require risk management measures. Some examples are considered in detail, taking into account the assessments performed by the European Food Safety Authority: cross-contamination by coccidiostats, the endocrine-disrupting mycotoxin zearalenone, the trace element Cr(III) and the persistent organic pollutant hexaclorobenzene. Emerging issues, such as the widespread, bioaccumulating brominated flame retardants and the potentially undesirable high levels of phytooestrogens, are also discussed. Diagnostic health risk assessment, considered as a tool for decision-making in field situations, is also reviewed with regard to unavoidable, long-standing (e.g. methylmercury) and short-term contamination instances. Management of feed contaminants relies primarily on the implementation of good practice in feed production; specific research needs may target feed sources less prone to contamination as well as safe and effective detoxifying agents. Overall, the risk assessment of feed contaminants has a critical role in veterinary public health both as a basis to define the reference thresholds for prevention, as well as guidance for risk diagnosis and field intervention in contamination events.
Plants as reservoirs for human enteric pathogens.
Authors: Holden N. J. 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
Outbreaks of enteric pathogens associated with fresh produce, in the form of raw or minimally processed fruit and vegetables, have increased over recent times. The pathogens may be bacterial, viral or protoctist parasites and many are considered to be zoonotic. Contamination of fresh produce occurs by a number of routes, in particular from irrigation water or manure. While some pathogens are vectored into the food chain by plants, others are able to colonize plants and use them as alternative hosts. Enteric bacteria normally associated with animal hosts can colonize and proliferate on or within plants, in particular in the rhizosphere. Some have the ability to internalize into plant tissue, from where they can be detected in edible foliage. Specific interactions have been demonstrated that are dependent on both the microbe and plant host. Colonization of non-animal hosts by enteric pathogens has, until recently, been largely neglected. However, alternative environmental reservoirs such as plants need to be considered in the context of transmission of enteric pathogens through the food chain.
The role of zinc in the treatment and prevention of diarrhoea.
Authors: Salvatore S. , Wagner P. , Nespoli L. , Vandenplas Y. 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
Zinc is an essential micronutrient involved in many metabolic processes, cell growth, neurological, intestinal and immune functions. Zinc deficiency is common in developing countries because of inadequate intake or reduced absorption, and may also be a result of excessive intestinal losses of zinc caused by diarrhoea. Several hospital- and community-based randomized trials, all performed in developing countries, consistently showed that zinc is an effective treatment for acute or persistent diarrhoea in children younger than 5 years. The mechanism of action of zinc in acute diarrhoea is not completely known. Plausible mechanisms include improved absorption of water and electrolytes by the intestine, faster regeneration of gut epithelium, increased levels of enterocyte brush-border enzymes and an enhanced immune response. In developing countries, zinc also showed a significant effect in the prevention of diarrhoea. Dispersible tablet formulation (20 mg/day) has demonstrated to be a cheap, stable, easy-to-prepare and acceptable alternative. Populations that would benefit from zinc treatment, other than those with zinc-deficient diets, are still to be defined.
Palatability: principles, methodology and practice for farm animals.
Authors: Forbes J. M. 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
Palatability is a complex concept, not amenable to concise definition because it depends not only on the organoleptic properties of the food but also on the experience and genetic background of the animal in question and its physiological state, as well as environmental conditions and social context. The learning of the association between the appearance, flavour or texture of a food and the metabolic consequences of eating that food provides the animal with a conditioned response to that food, either preference or aversion, irrespective of the nature of the sensory cue. Some flavours are innately preferred, others aversive, but conditioning can change these preferences. Critical to the understanding of palatability is an appreciation of the methods used to measure it. These range from the initial rate of eating of a food, through choices expressed between two (or more) foods offered simultaneously, to more sophisticated methods involving direct or operant conditioning. Many factors influence the outcome of palatability tests, including the length of the test, time of the day, sensory characteristics of foods, environmental factors, physiological state of the animal and opportunity to learn from conspecifics. Whether or not long-term intake can be predicted from short-term preference depends on how the latter is measured and whether the animals have innate or conditioned preferences for a food; thus, detailed knowledge of the animals' history and the conditions under which a test has been carried out is necessary in order to interpret and make use of palatability measurements.
Market-based payments for ecosystem services: current status, challenges and the way forward.
Authors: Yamasaki S. H. , Guillon B. M. C. , Brand D. , Patil A. M. 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
Human society relies on a vast array of services provided by ecosystems, such as climate stabilization (i.e. carbon sequestration), the benefits of biological diversity (e.g. pollination, waste and nutrient cycling, soil formation and chemical discoveries including pharmaceuticals) and the provision of safe drinking water. Payments for ecosystem services (PES) are schemes through which land managers are rewarded for conserving or enhancing the level of ecosystem services (ES) for the benefit of users of these ES. Markets for ES, which facilitate transactions between producers and buyers of ES, have been steadily developing for a range of ES. In this review, we seek to establish the case that market-based PES will slow the rate of ecosystem degradation and loss. We present various market mechanisms for PES, describe alternatives to market-based PES and suggest ways to identify the most appropriate approach within a given context. We then present what we currently perceive as the greatest challenges to the implementation of PES, and conclude, with suggestions, on ways to move forward with the development of market-based PES.
Plants and oomycetes, an intimate relationship: co-evolutionary principles and impact on agricultural practice.
Authors: Rietman H. , Champouret N. , Hein I. , Niks R. E. , Vleeshouwers V. G. A. A. 
Published: October 2011

Abstract

Plants face continuous attacks from a broad range of pathogens and have evolved effective defence mechanisms that are initiated upon pathogen attack. Invading oomycete pathogens secrete effectors, molecules that manipulate host cell defence and thereby enable colonization. However, plant species evolved resistance (R) genes to most specialized pathogen species. The R proteins can detect effectors, termed avirulence (AVR) proteins, and thus confer immunity to pathogens. Effectors and their interacting genes in the plant play a central role in the co-evolution of pathogens with their hosts. In this review, we discuss the role that effectors play in the pathogenesis and lifestyles of oomycetes. Particularly intriguing features emerge for (hemi-)biotrophic oomycetes, which establish an intimate contact with the host by forming haustoria. At this interface, effectors with an RXLR motif are translocated into the cytoplasm, where they reprogramme the host towards susceptibility. Such interactions between effectors and host targets are highly specific and are considered a result of tight co-evolution. In addition, we elaborate on the
Phytophthora infestans-Solanum
pathosystem, from which various
R
and
Avr
genes were cloned recently. We discuss a rationale for exploiting molecular insights into
R-Avr
interactions for developing more durable resistance strategies to control late blight in agriculture.
Chaotic solution for the Black-Scholes equation
Authors: Emamirad Hassan , Goldstein Gisèle , Goldstein Jerome 
Published: October 2011

The Black-Scholes semigroup is studied on spaces of continuous functions on

(
0
,
∞
)

(0,\infty )

which may grow at both 0 and at

∞
,

\infty ,

which is important since the standard initial value is an unbounded function. We prove that in the Banach spaces
\[

Y

s
,
τ

:=
{
u
∈
C
(
(
0
,
∞
)
)
:

lim

x
→
∞

u
(
x
)

1
+

x

s

=
0
,

lim

x
→
0

u
(
x
)

1
+

x

−
τ

=
0
}

Y^{s,\tau }:=\{u\in C((0,\infty )):\;\lim _{x\rightarrow \infty } \frac {u(x)}{1+x^{s}} =0, \; \lim _{x\rightarrow 0}\frac {u(x)}{1+x^{-\tau }} =0\}

\]
with norm

‖
u
‖

Y

s
,
τ

=

sup

x
>
0

|

u
(
x
)

(
1
+

x

s

)
(
1
+

x

−
τ

)

|

>
∞
,

\left \Vert u\right \Vert _{Y^{s,\tau }}=\underset {x>0}{\sup }\left \vert \frac {u(x)}{(1+x^{s})(1+x^{-\tau })}\right \vert >\infty ,

the Black-Scholes semigroup is strongly continuous and chaotic for

s
>
1

s>1

,

τ
≥
0

\tau \geq 0

with

s
ν
>
1

s\nu >1

, where

2

ν

\sqrt 2\nu

is the volatility. The proof relies on the Godefroy-Shapiro hypercyclicity criterion.
A Decade of Hospital Discharges Related to Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Authors: Erwin Elizabeth A. , Asti Lindsey , Hemming Traci , Kelleher Kelly J. 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTEosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a recently characterized chronic, allergic, gastrointestinal disorder. Using the Pediatric Health Information System, we report trends in diagnostic codes related to EoE in inpatients from 1999 through 2010. Esophagitis not elsewhere classifiable, EoE, and dysphagia have increased over time. Similar to other allergic disorders, EoE appears to be increasing across the United States.
Dermoscopic detection of nail fold capillary abnormality in patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: OHTSUKA Tsutomu 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe diagnosis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) is often difficult. The purpose of the present study was to find the distribution of nail fold capillary abnormality in SSc. Sixty‐two patients with SSc (male : female = 7:55, age 21–86 years, mean 60.1) admitted to the outpatient clinics were studied. Eighteen age‐ and sex‐matched normal subjects, 28 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and 10 with dermatomyositis (DM) were also studied. Nail fold capillary loops were observed under immersion oil at a magnification of ×40 with a light microscope. Dilated capillaries, nail fold bleeding and avascular areas were found by dermoscopic observation. The distribution of dilated capillaries, nail fold bleeding and avascular areas in normal controls showed in one (5.6%), one (5.6%) and four cases (22.2%), respectively. The distribution of dilated capillaries, nail fold bleeding and avascular area in SSc patients showed in 27 cases (43.5%), eight cases (12.9%) and 16 cases (25.8%), respectively. The distribution of dilated capillaries and/or nail fold bleeding in SSc patients (29/62, 46.8%) was significantly elevated than that of normal controls (2/18, 11.1%) (P < 0.01). The distribution of overall abnormality in SSc (30/62, 48.4%) showed no significant difference compared with that of normal controls (4/18, 22.2%). Sensitivity and specificity for dilated capillaries and/or nail fold bleeding and overall nail fold abnormality in SSc patients compared with normal controls was calculated as 40.8% and 93.5%, 34.8% and 88.2%, respectively. Dermoscopic observation of dilated capillaries and/or nail fold bleeding is a sensitive and specific method for the detection of SSc.
Assessment of indicator species of butterfly assemblages in coffee–banana farming system in central Uganda
Authors: Munyuli Théodore 
Published: October 2011

AbstractButterflies are believed to be important pollinators because they are nectar/pollen feeders of both wild and cultivated plant species occurring in natural and managed systems. However, there exist very little knowledge about their spatio‐temporal distribution and diversity in agricultural systems of Sub‐Sahara Africa and in Uganda. There are no protocols to monitor the status of good pollinator species in these systems. The main aim of this study was to collect baseline information about indicator species of butterfly community in coffee–banana farming systems of central Uganda. Data were collected for 1 year (2006) using banana fruit‐bait traps, transect walk‐and‐counts and hand‐nets sampling methods. Indicator species of farmland habitats were identified using indicator value method. Species that emerged as significant (P < 0.05) suitable indicators were Catopsilia florella, Junonia sophia, Bicyclus safitza, Acraea acerata, Eurema hecabe, Ypthima albida, Zizula hylax, Acraea ventura, Eurema brigitta, Neptidopsis ophione, Junonia eonone, Zizeeria kynsna, Cupidopsis cissus, Junonia chorimene and Acrae uvui. These ubiquitous species were recommended to monitoring programmes as indicator species of butterfly communities delivering pollination services to cultivated and wild plants in farmland environments of central Uganda. Transect count was proposed as the best sampling technique to monitor butterfly species that may be involved in successful pollination activities in farmlands. There is a need to develop strategies to protect linear and nonlinear natural and semi‐natural habitats to offer sufficient refugia and breeding sites to butterflies inhabiting farmlands.
Association of MSX1 799 G>T variant with nonsyndromic cleft lip/palate in South Indian adolescent patients
Authors: SINGH VARUN P. , RAMU DINESH 
Published: October 2011

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2012; 22: 228–231Background.  Nonsyndromic cleft lip/palate (NSCLP) is a common congenital anomaly with significant medical, psychological, social, and economic ramifications. It is an example of complex genetic trait. There is sufficient evidence to hypothesise that disease locus for this condition can be identified by candidate genes. The purpose of this study was to test whether MSX1 (799 G>T) gene variant was involved in the aetiology of NSCLP.Methods.  Blood samples were collected with informed consent from 25 subjects having NSCLP and 25 controls. Genomic DNA was extracted from the blood samples, polymerase chain reaction was performed (PCR), and digestion products were evaluated.Results.  The Results showed a positive correlation between MSX1 (799 G>T) gene variant and NSCLP patients.Conclusion.  MSX1 (799 G>T) gene variants may be a good screening marker for NSCLP.
Environmental, maternal, and child factors which contribute to early childhood caries: a unifying conceptual model
Authors: KIM SEOW W. 
Published: October 2011

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2012; 22: 157–168Objectives.  Although the general pathways connecting the external social environment and child risk factors of early childhood caries (ECC) have been previously identified, the maternal and other links to ECC are not well understood.The aim of this paper is to propose a unifying conceptual model that ties together the broad social environmental, maternal, and child factors that are commonly associated with ECC.Methods.  The aetiological factors of ECC are first reviewed individually to demonstrate their connections with ECC risk followed by presentation of the unifying conceptual model.Results.  In severe ECC cases, there is usually a background of social disadvantage associated with low socioeconomic status, ethnicity or immigrant status, and low maternal educational level. These factors are commonly associated with economic and familial stresses which may in turn result in maternal psychological distress. The distress may be compounded by difficult temperaments of the children and can lead to dysfunctional parenting behaviours that place a child at risk for ECC.Conclusions.  The proposed conceptual model provides a framework that connects the social, psychological, and behavioural mediating factors involved in ECC. It demonstrates that the causative pathways involved are best explored using a combination of quantitative and qualitative research.
Tongue–pressure and hyoid movement timing in healthy liquid swallowing
Authors: Steele Catriona , Sasse Caroline , Bressmann Tim 
Published: October 2011

AbstractIt was hypothesized that tongue–palate pressure generation might directly facilitate hyoid movement in swallowing through the anatomical connections of the extrinsic tongue muscles. If true, non‐invasive measures of tongue–palate pressure timing might serve as a proxy measure of hyoid excursion. The timing relationships between events in the tongue–palate pressure and hyoid movement profiles during water and nectar‐thick liquid swallowing in healthy adults were explored. Concurrent intra‐oral manometry and submental B‐mode midsagittal ultrasound were recorded. It was determined that there is no obligate sequence in the onsets, or offsets, of tongue–palate pressures and hyoid excursion. Timing lags (either of hyoid movement lagging tongue–palate pressures or vice versa) fell within 0.5 s, on average. It is concluded that tongue–palate pressure generation and hyoid movement are separate phenomena in the swallowing sequence and that non‐invasive measures of tongue–pressure timing cannot be used reliably as proxy measures of hyoid movement timing.
Current evaluation of upper oesophageal sphincter opening in dysphagia practice: an international SLT survey
Authors: Regan Julie , Walshe Margaret , McMahon Barry P. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBackground: The assessment of adequate upper oesophageal sphincter (UOS) opening during swallowing is an integral component of dysphagia evaluation.Aims: To ascertain speech and language therapists’ (SLTs) satisfaction with current methods for assessing UOS function in people with dysphagia and to identify challenges encountered by SLTs with UOS evaluation.Methods & Procedures: A survey was disseminated to 82 SLT managers in Ireland; to two dysphagia Special Interest Groups in the UK; and to the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists’Bulletin periodical. A survey link was also posted on the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) Division 13 (Dysphagia) web forum.Outcomes & Results: Surveys from 224 SLTs with active dysphagia caseloads were included in data analysis. Only 17.9% (40/224) of SLTs were satisfied with the accuracy and reliability of UOS evaluations currently being employed in dysphagia practice. Satisfaction with current UOS evaluation was not associated with the level of clinical experience (r= 0.078; p= 0.246). Eighty‐seven per cent (195/224) of SLTs working with dysphagia experience challenges in UOS evaluation. Challenges reported include lack of resources/equipment (55.9%), limited quantitative information (45.6%), lack of training (41%) and knowledge (39%) in UOS function, and limited multidisciplinary team involvement (34%).Conclusions & Implications: SLTs across all levels of clinical experience are not satisfied with current UOS evaluation in dysphagia practice. Based on the specific challenges identified, recommendations to progress SLT evaluation of UOS function in people with dysphagia are proposed.