bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Taxonomic classification, cultivars and breeding.
Authors: Robinson J. C. , Galán Saúco V. 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

This chapter describes the basis of modern classification and the major genomic groups and cultivars of bananas and plantains (Musa). Two selection criteria for genetic improvement, i.e. resistance to pests and diseases and agronomic, postharvest and quality characteristics, are discussed, as well the five breeding methods used for banana and plantain improvement, namely: (i) field selection; (ii) conventional breeding; (iii) somaclonal variation (the production of natural mutants during in vitro multiplication of banana meristems); (iv) induced mutation breeding; and (v) genetic engineering. The storage, transport and identification (using biochemical and molecular markers) of banana germplasm are also discussed.
Site selection, soil requirements and soil preparation.
Authors: Robinson J. C. , Galán Saúco V. 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

This paper provides information on the different points to consider in selecting sites for banana production. Topics covered include: tropical soil classification; soil physical requirements (porosity and compaction, aeration and drainage, water-holding capacity, soil temperature and soil texture); soil chemical requirements (cation balance, soil acidity and soil salinity); soil biological limitations; and soil preparation.
Establishing a plantation.
Authors: Robinson J. C. , Galán Saúco V. 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

This chapter describes the two types of banana (Musa) planting material, i.e. the conventional and in vitro (tissue culture), as well as their multiplication and preparation. The advantages and disadvantages of using in vitro-propagated planting materials in banana production technology are enumerated. The methods and time of planting of banana plants in tropical and subtropical localities are also described. The determinants of plant density choice are discussed: (i) prevailing climate; (ii) level of plantation vigour; and (iii) expected plantation longevity, as well as the general disadvantages of high or low plant densities. The importance of their spatial arrangement is also emphasized. A tabulated summary is provided of commercial practices worlwide, relating to plant crop densities, initial spatial arrangements, number of followers selected and ratoon densities, for banana and plantain.
Nutritional requirements.
Authors: Robinson J. C. , Galán Saúco V. 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

This chapter deals with the nutrient requirements of banana and plantain plants (Musa). The different functions and deficiency symptoms of these nutrients are described, which include the macronutrients N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S and the microelements Zn, Mn, B, Fe and Cu. The interactions (antagonism and synergism) between these nutrients are briefly described. Phytotoxicity due to excess Cl and Al are mentioned. The importance of plant analysis and nutrient cycling in planning fertilizer strategy is discussed, and the different application methods and types of fertilizer are summarized. The use of organic amendments (such as cow or chicken manure and composts from crop residues) due to progressive physical, chemical and biological degradation of soils following intensive use of fertilizers and pesticides is also discussed.
Horticultural management.
Authors: Robinson J. C. , Galán Saúco V. 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

This chapter deals with some horticultural management practices in banana (Musa) plantations. These include weed control (using herbicides, hand hoeing, organic mulching and intercropping), sucker management (by desuckering and ratoon sucker selection), mulching, cover cropping, intercropping, canopy management, planting of living windbreaks, and bunch propping, trimming and covering using polyethylene. The lifespan of banana plantations and their productivity are described, as well as the importance of crop rotation in banana production.
Diseases.
Authors: Robinson J. C. , Galán Saúco V. 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

This chapter covers the main fungal, bacterial and viral diseases of banana (Musa) and their symptoms, transmission and control (using chemical, biological, cultural methods and disease-resistant cultivars). These fungal diseases include black Sigatoka caused by the airborne fungus Mycosphaerella fijiensis, Panama disease or Fusarium wilt caused by many different strains or genotypes of the soil-borne pathogen Fusarium oxysporum, and anthracnose peel blemish caused by Colletotrichum musae. Some of the bacterial diseases include the Moko disease caused by Ralstonia solanacearum and Xanthomonas wilt. The viral pathogens include the Banana bunchy top virus, Cucumber mosaic virus, Banana bract mosaic virus and Banana streak virus. The role of fungal and bacterial endophytes in controlling banana diseases is mentioned.
Pests.
Authors: Robinson J. C. , Galán Saúco V. 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

This chapter describes the morphology, life cycle, spread and control (by chemical, biological, cultural and quarantine methods) of pests attacking bananas and plantains (Musa). These include the rhizome and root pests (the banana weevil Cosmopolites sordidus and burrowing nematode Radopholus similis), the bunch pests (including thrips and scab moth Nacoleia octasema), and the leaf pests (such as the leaf-eating caterpillar Antichloris viridis and the mealybug Dysmicoccus grasii). The role of fungal and bacterial endophytes in controlling banana pests and diseases is discussed.
Harvesting and fruit handling.
Authors: Robinson J. C. , Galán Saúco V. 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

This chapter deals with fruit maturity standards and harvesting procedures for bananas and plantains (Musa). The transport systems from the field to the market are discussed. The cooling of fruits from the field are described, providing several guidelines that can be recommended to banana producers to help control the overheating problem in very hot conditions. The successive packshed operations involved for commercial bananas are described, i.e. dehanding, washing and delatexing, clustering, fungicide treatment, quality control operations and packing. A summary of the EU Directive 2257/94 (EUR.lex, 2010b), regarding fruit quality, presentation and marking, for Cavendish bananas imported to EU markets, is presented.
PPO: Predictor for Prokaryotic Operons
Authors: Chuang Li-Yeh , Tsai Jui-Hung , Yang Cheng-Hong 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
Summary: We present an operon predictor for prokaryotic operons (PPO), which can predict operons in the entire prokaryotic genome. The prediction algorithm used in PPO allows the user to select binary particle swarm optimization (BPSO), a genetic algorithm (GA) or some other methods introduced in the literature to predict operons. The operon predictor on our web server and the provided database are easy to access and use. The main features offered are: (i) selection of the prediction algorithm; (ii) adjustable parameter settings of the prediction algorithm; (iii) graphic visualization of results; (iv) integrated database queries; (v) listing of experimentally verified operons; and (vi) related tools.
Availability and implementation: PPO is freely available at http://bio.kuas.edu.tw/PPO/.
Contact: chyang@cc.kuas.edu.tw
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Expression ofStMYB1R-1, a Novel Potato Single MYB-Like Domain Transcription Factor, Increases Drought Tolerance
Authors: Shin Dongjin , Moon Seok-Jun , Han Seyoun , Kim Beom-Gi , Park Sang Ryeol , Lee Seong-Kon , Yoon Hye-Jin , Lee Hye Eun , Kwon Hawk-Bin , Baek Dongwon , Yi Bu Young , Byun Myung-Ok 
Published: October 2010

AbstractPotato (Solanum tuberosum) is relatively vulnerable to abiotic stress conditions such as drought, but the tolerance mechanisms for such stresses in potato are largely unknown. To identify stress-related factors in potato, we previously carried out a genetic screen of potato plants exposed to abiotic environmental stress conditions using reverse northern-blot analysis. A cDNA encoding a putative R1-type MYB-like transcription factor (StMYB1R-1) was identified as a putative stress-response gene. Here, the transcript levels of StMYB1R-1 were enhanced in response to several environmental stresses in addition to drought but were unaffected by biotic stresses. The results of intracellular targeting and quadruple 9-mer protein-binding microarray analysis indicated that StMYB1R-1 localizes to the nucleus and binds to the DNA sequence G/AGATAA. Overexpression of a StMYB1R-1 transgene in potato plants improved plant tolerance to drought stress while having no significant effects on other agricultural traits. Transgenic plants exhibited reduced rates of water loss and more rapid stomatal closing than wild-type plants under drought stress conditions. In addition, overexpression of StMYB1R-1 enhanced the expression of drought-regulated genes such as AtHB - 7, RD28, ALDH22a1, and ERD1-like. Thus, the expression of StMYB1R-1 in potato enhanced drought tolerance via regulation of water loss. These results indicated that StMYB1R-1 functions as a transcription factor involved in the activation of drought-related genes.
SHORT-ROOT Regulates Primary, Lateral, and Adventitious Root Development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Lucas Mikaël , Swarup Ranjan , Paponov Ivan A. , Swarup Kamal , Casimiro Ilda , Lake David , Peret Benjamin , Zappala Susan , Mairhofer Stefan , Whitworth Morag , Wang Jiehua , Ljung Karin , Marchant Alan , Sandberg Goran , Holdsworth Michael J. , Palme Klaus , Pridmore Tony , Mooney Sacha , Bennett Malcolm J. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractSHORT-ROOT (SHR) is a well-characterized regulator of radial patterning and indeterminacy of the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) primary root. However, its role during the elaboration of root system architecture remains unclear. We report that the indeterminate wild-type Arabidopsis root system was transformed into a determinate root system in the shr mutant when growing in soil or agar. The root growth behavior of the shr mutant results from its primary root apical meristem failing to initiate cell division following germination. The inability of shr to reactivate mitotic activity in the root apical meristem is associated with the progressive reduction in the abundance of auxin efflux carriers, PIN-FORMED1 (PIN1), PIN2, PIN3, PIN4, and PIN7. The loss of primary root growth in shr is compensated by the activation of anchor root primordia, whose tissues are radially patterned like the wild type. However, SHR function is not restricted to the primary root but is also required for the initiation and patterning of lateral root primordia. In addition, SHR is necessary to maintain the indeterminate growth of lateral and anchor roots. We conclude that SHR regulates a wide array of Arabidopsis root-related developmental processes.
Reverse-Genetic Analysis of the Two Biotin-Containing Subunit Genes of the Heteromeric Acetyl-Coenzyme A Carboxylase in Arabidopsis Indicates a Unidirectional Functional Redundancy
Authors: Li Xu , Ilarslan Hilal , Brachova Libuse , Qian Hui-Rong , Li Ling , Che Ping , Wurtele Eve Syrkin , Nikolau Basil J. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractThe heteromeric acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase catalyzes the first and committed reaction of de novo fatty acid biosynthesis in plastids. This enzyme is composed of four subunits: biotin carboxyl-carrier protein (BCCP), biotin carboxylase, α-carboxyltransferase, and β-carboxyltransferase. With the exception of BCCP, single-copy genes encode these subunits in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Reverse-genetic approaches were used to individually investigate the physiological significance of the two paralogous BCCP-coding genes, CAC1A (At5g16390, codes for BCCP1) and CAC1B (At5g15530, codes for BCCP2). Transfer DNA insertional alleles that completely eliminate the accumulation of BCCP2 have no perceptible effect on plant growth, development, and fatty acid accumulation. In contrast, transfer DNA insertional null allele of the CAC1A gene is embryo lethal and deleteriously affects pollen development and germination. During seed development the effect of the cac1a null allele first becomes apparent at 3-d after flowering, when the synchronous development of the endosperm and embryo is disrupted. Characterization of CAC1A antisense plants showed that reducing BCCP1 accumulation to 35% of wild-type levels, decreases fatty acid accumulation and severely affects normal vegetative plant growth. Detailed expression analysis by a suite of approaches including in situ RNA hybridization, promoter:reporter transgene expression, and quantitative western blotting reveal that the expression of CAC1B is limited to a subset of the CAC1A-expressing tissues, and CAC1B expression levels are only about one-fifth of CAC1A expression levels. Therefore, a likely explanation for the observed unidirectional redundancy between these two paralogous genes is that whereas the BCCP1 protein can compensate for the lack of BCCP2, the absence of BCCP1 cannot be tolerated as BCCP2 levels are not sufficient to support heteromeric acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase activity at a level that is required for normal growth and development.
Role of AtPolζ, AtRev1, and AtPolη in UV Light-Induced Mutagenesis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Nakagawa Mayu , Takahashi Shinya , Tanaka Atsushi , Narumi Issay , Sakamoto Ayako N. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractTranslesion synthesis (TLS) is a DNA damage tolerance mechanism in which DNA lesions are bypassed by specific polymerases. To investigate the role of TLS activities in ultraviolet light-induced somatic mutations, we analyzed Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) disruptants of AtREV3, AtREV1, and/or AtPOLH genes that encode TLS-type polymerases. The mutation frequency in rev3-1 or rev1-1 mutants decreased compared with that in the wild type, suggesting that AtPolζ and AtRev1 perform mutagenic bypass events, whereas the mutation frequency in the polh-1 mutant increased, suggesting that AtPolη performs nonmutagenic bypass events with respect to ultraviolet light-induced lesions. The rev3-1 rev1-1 double mutant showed almost the same mutation frequency as the rev1-1 single mutant. The increased mutation frequency found in polh-1 was completely suppressed in the rev3-1 polh-1 double mutant, indicating that AtPolζ is responsible for the increased mutations found in polh-1. In summary, these results suggest that AtPolζ and AtRev1 are involved in the same (error-prone) TLS pathway that is independent from the other (error-free) TLS pathway mediated by AtPolη.
Modelling the adverse effects associated with ecstasy use
Authors: Fisk John E. , Murphy Philip N. , Montgomery Catharine , Hadjiefthyvoulou Florentia 
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACTAims  Ecstasy, the street name for 3,4‐meththylenedioxymethamphetamine, has been associated with a range of psychiatric symptoms and impaired psychological health in both problem and recreational users. The purpose of the present paper is to determine how these impairments are related to the history of polydrug use, and the conditions under which individuals ingest ecstasy.Design  Associations between the variables of interest were investigated utilizing negative binomial regression.Setting  Liverpool and Preston in the North West of England.Participants  A convenience sample of 159 recreational ecstasy/polydrug users (80 males, 79 females). The sample was composed primarily of undergraduates.Measurements  The dependent variable was the number of reported ecstasy‐related adverse effects. Independent variables included quantitative aspects of ecstasy and other drug use, and the various beliefs and behaviours associated with ecstasy use.Findings  The number of adverse effects was associated positively with life‐time exposure to ecstasy and negatively with period of abstinence from the drug. Adverse effects were more common among those who consumed ecstasy and alcohol concurrently, but were unrelated to other aspects of polydrug use. They were unaffected by whether the user took precautions when using the drug, and only weakly related to prior beliefs concerning the effects of ecstasy.Conclusions  Greater life‐time exposure to ecstasy and consuming the drug concurrently with alcohol increase the likelihood of experiencing adverse effects, including paranoia, poor general health, irritability, confusion and moodiness. Adverse effects decrease with the period of abstinence from the drug.
Review article: medical, surgical and radiological management of perianal Crohn’s fistulas
Authors: Tozer P. J. , Burling D. , Gupta A. , Phillips R. K. S. , Hart A. L. 
Published: October 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2011; 33: 5–22SummaryBackground  Crohn’s anal fistulas are common and cause considerable morbidity. Their management is often difficult; medical and surgical treatments rarely lead to true healing with frequent recurrence and complications.Aim  To examine medical treatments previously and currently used, surgical techniques and the important role of optimal imaging.Methods  We conducted a literature search in the Pub Med database using Crohn’s, Anal Fistula, Surgery, Imaging and Medical Treatment as search terms.Results  Antibiotics and immunosuppressants have a role, but slow initial response, side effects and relatively low remission rates of up to around a third with frequent recurrence limit their value. Long‐term infliximab produces clinical remission in 36–58% of patients with combined medical and surgical management achieving optimal outcomes. Traditional and newer surgical procedures often have a high rate of recurrence with a significant risk of temporary or, in up to 10% of cases, permanent stomas, incontinence and unhealed or slowly healing wounds in 30%.Conclusions  Management of Crohn’s anal fistulas remains challenging. Established principles are to drain infection, use setons as required, aggressively manage active proctitis, give antibiotics, immunosuppressants and employ anti‐TNFα therapy, and they demand significant co‐operation between gastroenterologists and surgeons.
Increased proportion of CD16+ NK cells in the colonic lamina propria of inflammatory bowel disease patients, but not after azathioprine treatment
Authors: Steel A. W. , Mela C. M. , Lindsay J. O. , Gazzard B. G. , Goodier M. R. 
Published: October 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2011; 33: 115–126SummaryBackground  Distinct functional subsets of natural killer cells potentially contribute to the pathology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).Aim  To report the phenotypic and functional characteristics of natural killer cells in blood and lamina propria of IBD patients, and the effect of azathioprine.Methods  Natural killer cells from blood and lamina propria of healthy controls or patients with Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis were studied by flow cytometry. Activation, cytokine production, proliferation and apoptosis of natural killer cell subsets were studied in vitro.Results  CD16+ natural killer cells are increased in frequency in the lamina propria comparing Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis with healthy controls. Azathioprine therapy was associated with a reduction in total natural killer cells in blood and lamina propria, preferentially of the CD16+ subset. Azathioprine therapy did not impair natural killer degranulation, but reduced natural and cytokine‐activated cytotoxicity and interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) production. Culture of resting peripheral blood mononuclear cells with azathioprine resulted in loss of natural killer cells and inhibition of activation and IFN‐γ production. Azathioprine preferentially inhibited proliferation of CD16+ natural killer cells and induced apoptosis in resting but not in pre‐activated natural killer cells.Conclusions  Natural killer cells with cytolytic potential are enriched in the colonic lamina propria of individuals with IBD. Azathioprine is associated with a reduction in these cells and a normalization of natural killer cell populations.
Randomised clinical trial: identification of responders to short‐term treatment with esomeprazole for dyspepsia in primary care – a randomised, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Meineche‐Schmidt V. , Christensen E. , Bytzer P. 
Published: October 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2011; 33: 41–49SummaryBackground  Response to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment in dyspepsia is unpredictable.Aim  To identify symptoms associated with response to esomeprazole in order to target patients for empirical treatment.Methods  Eight hundred and five uninvestigated, primary care patients with upper GI symptoms that were considered to be acid‐related were randomised to 2 weeks’ treatment with esomeprazole 40 mg or placebo. The study population was divided into a model sample (N = 484) and a validation sample (N = 321). We developed a therapeutic index to predict PPI response from the model sample and tested this in the validation sample.Results  Response to PPI was found in 68% of patients (44% in placebo arm). Bothersome heartburn and early satiety were associated with increased likelihood of PPI response, whereas dull abdominal pain, pain relieved by bowel movements and nausea in women were associated with a decreased likelihood of PPI response. Patients in the validation sample could be classified as having a ‘very high’ (n = 55), ‘high’ (n = 123), ‘medium’ (n = 78) or ‘low’ (n = 65) probability of PPI response. The therapeutic gains over placebo were 55%, 31%, 20% and 22%, respectively.Conclusions  In patients with uninvestigated dyspepsia, PPI responders can be reliably identified by a simple pocket chart using symptoms and patient characteristics (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00318968).