bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of ivermectin and doramectin faecal residues on the invertebrate colonization of cattle dung
Authors: Suarez V. H. , Lifschitz A. L. , Sallovitz J. M. , Lanusse C. E. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract:
The effects of avermectin [ivermectin (IVM) and doramectin (DRM)] faecal residues on dung colonization and degradation by invertebrates were evaluated during late spring in the east of La Pampa province, Argentina. The study was conducted after collection of faecal material from animals (10 steers per group) allocated to the following groups: untreated control group (CG) and groups treated subcutaneously (200 μg/kg) with either DRM (DG) or a long‐acting formulation of IVM (IG). Fifty pats (550 g each) per group were collected, prepared and deposited on the field on days 3, 7, 16 and 29 post‐treatment (pt). Eight pats per group were recovered after 7, 14, 21, 42, 100 and 180 days post‐deposition (pd) on the field. The weight, percentage of dry matter, number of arthropods and nematodes from faeces were determined. The faecal concentrations of IVM and DRM were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) throughout the trial period to correlate the pattern of drug degradation in dung with pd time. The total number of arthropods in dungs from CG was higher (P < 0.05) than those counted between days 3 and 29 pt in IG and DG. A decrease in the number of Coleoptera larvae (P < 0.05) between days 21 and 42 days pd was observed in both treated groups. Diptera larvae counts in CG pats were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those obtained in treated groups in the 7‐ and 14‐day‐old pats. A lower number (P < 0.05) of Collembola, compared with pats from CG, was recovered from IG and DG pats deposited at days 3 and 7 pt and exposed from day 42. The counts of Acari in pats from treated animals were lower (P < 0.05) than those observed in CG pats at 3, 8 and 16 days pt. There were no differences neither in adult Scarabaeidae recovered nor in the proportions of dung buried and destroyed by great dung beetles. Dung specific nematodes were reduced (P < 0.05) in IG and DG pats from 3 and 7 days pt compared with those of CG pats. The comparative results shown here demonstrate that the negative effects of both IVM and DRM on dung colonization are similar. The pattern of drug degradation in the environment was very slow. High residual concentrations of both active parent compounds were recovered in dungs exposed in the field for up to 180 days pd. Concentrations as high as 13 ng/g (IVM) and 101 ng/g (DRM) were measured in faeces obtained from pats deposited on day 27 pt and exposed to the environment during 180 days. The results show a decrease in invertebrate colonization of dung recovered from IVM‐ and DRM‐treated cattle, which is in agreement with the large drug residual concentrations measured in faeces.
Internal Auditing and Risk Assessment in Large Italian Companies: an Empirical Survey
Authors: Allegrini Marco , D’Onza Giuseppe 
Published: November 2003

This paper aims at achieving an overall view regarding the state of the art of internal auditing in large Italian companies. Mainly, it is focused on risk assessment practices and on the execution of a risk‐based approach in the audit process.The research is based on a survey carried out on the ‘Top100’ companies listed at the Italian Stock Exchange.Survey results reveal that practices vary significantly among three different models:

A few companies (25%) carry out mainly traditional compliance activities and they generally follow an audit‐cycle approach for the annual audit planning;
In most companies (67%), internal auditors adopt the COSO model and perform mainly operational auditing. Risk‐based approach is applied predominantly at macro level.
Finally, it is possible to identify a very few large companies (8%), in which auditors are applying a risk‐based approach both at macro and micro level.
Detection and decay of theBtendotoxin in soil from a field trial with genetically modified maize
Authors: Hopkins D. W. , Gregorich E. G. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryGenetically modified plants and their residues may have direct effects on ecosystem processes. We aimed to determine the amount in soil of the insecticidal δ‐endotoxin, originally from the bacteriumBacillus thuringiensis, introduced into soil by root exudates and residues from genetically modified maize, to compare the short‐term rates of decay ofBt‐maize and non‐Bt‐maize, and to determine the rate at which the toxin inBt‐maize leaves decomposes in soil. Intact soil, size fractions of soil, soluble fractions from soil and fractions of organic residues from a field whereBt‐maize had been cultivated for 4 years were analysed for theBtδ‐endotoxin. Traces of the δ‐endotoxin were detected in the whole (unfractionated) soil, the water‐soluble fractions, and some of the particle‐size fractions, but it was sufficiently concentrated only in the > 2000‐µm size fraction to be quantified. The δ‐endotoxin concentrations in this fraction ranged between 0.4 and 4.4 ng toxin g−1fraction, which equated to 70, 6 and 50 mg toxin m−2in the 0–15, 15–30 and 30–60 cm depths, respectively (or 126 mg toxin m−2over the 0–60 cm depth) in the field in June (early summer). The > 2000‐µm size fraction was a mixture of light‐ and dark‐coloured organic material and mineral material comprising sand grains and stable aggregates. For samples collected early in the growing season, most of the detected δ‐endotoxin was present in the light‐coloured organic material, which was comprised of primarily live roots. However, recognizable maize residues, probably from previous years' crops, also contained δ‐endotoxin. In a laboratory incubation study,Bt‐and non‐Bt‐maize residues were added to soil and incubated for 43 days. There was no detectable difference in the decomposition of plant material from the two lines of maize, as determined by CO2production. The quantity of δ‐endotoxin in the decomposing plant material and soil mixtures declined rapidly with time during the incubation, with none being detectable after 14 days. The rapid disappearance of the δ‐endotoxin occurred at a rate similar to that of the water‐soluble components of the maize residues. The results suggested that much of the δ‐endotoxin in crop residues is highly labile and quickly decomposes in soil, but that a small fraction may be protected from decay in relatively recalcitrant residues.
Bioavailability of hydrophobic organic contaminants in soils: fundamental concepts and techniques for analysis
Authors: Semple K. T. , Morriss A. W. J. , Paton G. I. 
Published: November 2003

SummarySoils represent a major sink for organic xenobiotic contaminants in the environment. The degree to which organic chemicals are retained within the soil is controlled by soil properties, such as organic matter, and the physico‐chemical properties of the contaminant. Chemicals which display hydrophobic and lipophilic characteristics, as well as a recalcitrant chemical structure, will be retained within the soil, and depending on the ‘strength’ of the association may persist for long periods of time. This review describes the behaviour of hydrophobic organic contaminants in soils, focusing on the mechanisms controlling interactions between soil and contaminants. The bioavailability of contaminants in soil is also discussed, particularly in relation to contact time with the soil. It considers the degradation of organic contaminants in soil and the mechanisms microbes use to access contaminants. Finally, the review discusses the ‘pros’ and ‘cons’ of chemical and biological techniques available for assessing bioavailability of hydrophobic organic chemicals in soils, highlighting the need to quantify bioavailability by chemical techniques. It concludes by highlighting the need for understanding the interactions between the soil, contaminants and biota which is crucial to understanding the bioavailability of contaminants in soils.
Exchange of greenhouse gases between soil and atmosphere: interactions of soil physical factors and biological processes
Authors: Smith K. A. , Ball T. , Conen F. , Dobbie K. E. , Massheder J. , Rey A. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryThis review examines the interactions between soil physical factors and the biological processes responsible for the production and consumption in soils of greenhouse gases. The release of CO2 by aerobic respiration is a non‐linear function of temperature over a wide range of soil water contents, but becomes a function of water content as a soil dries out. Some of the reported variation in the temperature response may be attributable simply to measurement procedures. Lowering the water table in organic soils by drainage increases the release of soil carbon as CO2 in some but not all environments, and reduces the quantity of CH4 emitted to the atmosphere. Ebullition and diffusion through the aerenchyma of rice and plants in natural wetlands both contribute substantially to the emission of CH4; the proportion of the emissions taking place by each pathway varies seasonally. Aerated soils are a sink for atmospheric CH4, through microbial oxidation. The main control on oxidation rate is gas diffusivity, and the temperature response is small. Nitrous oxide is the third greenhouse gas produced in soils, together with NO, a precursor of tropospheric ozone (a short‐lived greenhouse gas). Emission of N2O increases markedly with increasing temperature, and this is attributed to increases in the anaerobic volume fraction, brought about by an increased respiratory sink for O2. Increases in water‐filled pore space also result in increased anaerobic volume; again, the outcome is an exponential increase in N2O emission. The review draws substantially on sources from beyond the normal range of soil science literature, and is intended to promote integration of ideas, not only between soil biology and soil physics, but also over a wider range of interacting disciplines.
The influence of the root‐knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita, the nematicide aldicarb and the nematophagous fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia on heterotrophic bacteria in soil and the rhizosphere
Authors: O'Flaherty S. M. , Hirsch P. R. , Kerry B. R. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryPlant‐pathogenic nematodes are a major cause of crop damage worldwide, the current chemical nematicides cause environmental damage, but alternatives such as biological control are less effective, so further understanding of the relationship between nematodes, nematicides, biological control agents and soil and rhizosphere microorganisms is needed.Microbial populations from roots of cabbage and tomato plants infested with the root‐knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita were compared with those from plants where the nematode was controlled by the nematicide aldicarb, or a nematophagous fungus with biological control potential, Pochonia chlamydosporia. The total numbers of culturable bacteria and fungi in rhizosphere soil were similar in all three treatments for both plants, around 100‐fold more than in control soil in which there were no plants. However, there were clear differences in the catabolic diversity, assessed by Biolog EcoPlate™ carbon substrate utilization assays, between microbial populations from unplanted soil and the rhizosphere. In cabbage, a poor host for M. incognita, the rhizosphere population from P. chlamydosporia‐treated plants was distinct from the population from untreated and aldicarb‐treated plants. In tomato, a host susceptible to the nematode, the catabolic diversity of populations from aldicarb‐ and P. chlamydosporia‐treated plants was similar and differed from the untreated, nematode‐infested plants. The genetic diversity of the fast‐growing heterotrophic bacteria in the tomato rhizosphere, indicated by PCR fingerprinting with ERIC primers, was very different in the infested roots, whereas the profiles of isolates from both aldicarb‐ and P. chlamydosporia‐treated roots were similar. Evidently, nematodes have a greater impact on the rhizosphere population of a susceptible host, tomato, than a poor one, cabbage, and nematode‐infested roots are colonized by a different subpopulation of soil microbes from that on plants where infection is controlled, illustrating differences in root morphology and physiology.
Micro‐scale distribution of microorganisms and microbial enzyme activities in a soil with long‐term organic amendment
Authors: Poll C. , Thiede A. , Wermbter N. , Sessitsch A. , Kandeler E. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryMicrobial ecology is the key to understanding the function of biodiversity for organic matter cycling in the soil. We have investigated the impacts of farmyard manure added over 120 years on organic matter content, enzyme activities, total microbial biomass and structure of microbial populations in several particle‐size fractions of a Luvic Phaeozem a few kilometres northeast of Halle, Germany. We compared two treatments: no fertilization (control) and 12 t farmyard manure (FYM) ha−1 year−1 since 1878. The fine fractions contained most C and N, microbial biomass, total amount of phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) and greatest invertase activity. Xylanase activity as well as fungal biomass increased only gradually with diminishing particle size, whereas the relative abundance of fungi decreased with diminishing particle size. The least diversity of the soil microbial community, indicated by the smallest Shannon index based on the abundance and amount of different PLFAs and small number of terminal restriction fragments (T‐RFs) of 16S rRNA genes, was in the sand fractions. The results supported the hypothesis that this microhabitat is colonized by a less complex bacterial community than the silt and clay fractions. Addition of FYM had enhanced the amount of organic matter, total microbial biomass, and xylanase and invertase activity, and induced a shift of the microbial community towards a more bacteria‐dominated community in the coarse sand fraction. Microbial communities in finer fractions were less affected by addition of FYM.
Use of biomarkers for alcohol use disorders in clinical practice
Authors: Neumann Tim , Spies Claudia 
Published: November 2003

ABSTRACTBackground  Biomedical markers may provide additive objective information in screening and confirmation of acute or recent consumption, intoxication, relapse, heavy drinking, hazardous/harmful use/abuse and dependence and alcohol use related organ dysfunction (alcohol use‐related disorders: AUDs).Aims  To review the use of biomarkers in clinical practice to detect AUDs.Findings  About one‐fifth of the patients seen in clinical practice have AUDs, which offer a variety of treatment options if diagnosed. The diagnosis of AUDs relies on clinical and alcohol‐related history, physical examination, questionnaires and laboratory values. No clinical available laboratory test [e.g. for acute abuse: alcohol in blood or breath; for chronic alcohol abuse: γ‐glutamyl transferase (GGT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), carbohydrate‐deficient transferrin (CDT)] is reliable enough on its own to support a diagnosis of alcohol dependence, harmful use or abuse. Sensitivities, specificities and the predictive values may vary considerably according to patient and control group characteristics (e.g. gender, age or related comorbidity). In patient groups with limited cooperation markers may be helpful when considering treatment options.Conclusions  More research is needed to determine the value of markers (single or combined, with questionnaires) in the context of clinical decision‐making algorithms in defined settings and with defined dichotomous outcome variables.
Prognostic factors influencing relapse of oesophagitis during maintenance therapy with antisecretory drugs: a meta‐analysis of long‐term omeprazole trials
Authors: Carlsson R. , Galmiche J.‐P. , Dent J. , Lundell L. , Frison L. 
Published: November 2003

Background:This meta‐analysis investigated factors that may affect the risk of relapse of oesophagitis, and evaluated the predictive value of symptoms for the presence of relapse during long‐term treatment.Methods:Individual data from 1154 patients included in five independently conducted, randomized, long‐term clinical trials of the efficacy of different dosage regimens of omeprazole, standard ranitidine treatment and placebo for the prevention of relapse of oesophagitis were pooled for this meta‐analysis. The therapeutic regimens studied were omeprazole 20 mg o.m. (OME20) in 366 patients, omeprazole 10 mg o.m. (OME10) in 225 patients, omeprazole 20 mg weekends (OMEW) in 235 patients, ranitidine 150 mg b.d. (RAN) in 179 patients, or placebo (PLA) in 149 patients.Results:OME20 maintained 82.4% (95% CI: 78.2–86.6%) of patients in endoscopic remission over the 6‐month period compared to 71.9% (95% CI: 65.5–78.3%) for OME10, 52.3% (95% CI: 44.4–60.1%) for RAN, 42.7% (95% CI: 35.8–49.5%) for OMEW, and 10.6% (95% CI: 5.0–16.3%) for PLA. A Cox's regression analysis of time to recurrence of oesophagitis showed that four factors were associated with a higher relapse rate during placebo and active maintenance therapy: (a) pre‐treatment severity of oesophagitis (P<0.0001), (b) young age (P=0.01), (c) non‐smoking (P=0.02) and (d) moderate/severe regurgitation before entry into the trials (P=0.03). Asymptomatic relapse of oesophagitis was uncommon, being found in only 8.6% of the patients.Conclusions:Maintenance treatment with omeprazole 10 and 20 mg daily is superior to all other regimens tested, and is only marginally influenced by the pre‐treatment severity of oesophagitis. Age contributes to the factors that influence the outcome during long‐term treatment with omeprazole. Symptom relief is highly predictive for the maintenance of healing.
Cytoprotective effect of bismuth subsalicylate in indomethacin‐treated rats is associated with enhanced mucus bismuth concentration
Authors: Tanaka S. , Guth P. H. , Carryl O. R. , Kaunitz J. D. 
Published: November 2003

Background:Bismuth compounds prevent gastric injury from the short‐term administration of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs. We studied the mechanisms underlying the gastroprotective actions of bismuth subsalicylate against indomethacin‐induced injury in rats.Methods:An in vivo microscopic technique was used in which acid output, surface cell intracellular pH (pHi), gastric mucus gel thickness and mucosal blood flow were measured simultaneously. Concentrations of bismuth in mucus were measured by atomic absorption.Results:Indomethacin (60 mg/kg) significantly thinned the mucus gel layer and augmented the decrease of pHi during luminal acid superfusion, consistent with a weakened gastric mucosal barrier to acid. Bismuth subsalicylate partially reversed this effect of indomethacin on pHi, consistent with gastroprotection. Neither a prostaglandin‐inhibiting but non‐injurious dose of indomethacin (5 mg/kg), bismuth subsalicylate, or their combination affected mucus gel thickness or pHi homeostasis. In separate experiments, indomethacin (60 mg/kg) significantly increased gastric mucus bismuth concentration in rats given bismuth subsalicylate.Conclusion:Bismuth accumulation in the gastric mucus during the evolution of mucosal injury may play an important role in the gastroprotective effect of bismuth subsalicylate against indomethacin injury.
Studies of water and electrolyte movement from oral rehydration solutions (rice‐ and glucose‐based) across a normal and secreting gut using a dual isotope tracer technique in a rat perfusion model
Authors: Wall C. R. , Bates M. S. , Cleghorn G. J. , Ward L. 
Published: November 2003

Aims:To establish a model to measure bidirectional flow of water from a glucose oral rehydration solution (G‐ORS) and a newly developed rice‐based oral rehydration solution (R‐ORS) using a dual isotope tracer technique in a rat perfusion model. To measure net water, sodium and potassium absorption from the ORS.Method:In vivosteady‐state perfusion studies were carried out in normal and secreting (induced by cholera toxin) rat small intestine (n=11 in each group). To determine bidirectional flow of water from the ORS the animals were initially labelled with tritium, and deuterium was added to the perfusion solution. Sequential perfusate and blood samples were collected after attainment of steady‐state conditions and analysed for water and electrolyte content.Results:There was a significant increase in net water absorption from the R‐ORS compared to the G‐ORS in both the normal (P<0.02) and secreting intestine (P<0.05). Water efflux was significantly reduced in the R‐ORS group compared to the G‐ORS group in both the normal (P<0.01) and the secreting intestine (P<0.01). There was an increase in sodium absorption in the R‐ORS group compared to the G‐ORS. The G‐ORS produced a significantly greater blood glucose level at 75 min compared to the R‐ORS (P<0.03) in the secreting intestine.Conclusions:This study demonstrates the improved water absorption from a rice‐based ORS in both the normal and secreting intestine. Evidence that the absorption of water may be influenced by the osmolality of the ORS was also demonstrated.
Maintenance therapy with cisapride after healing of erosive oesophagitis: a double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: McDougall N. I. , Watson R. G. P. , Collins J. S. A. , McFarland R. J. , Love A. H. G. 
Published: November 2003

Background:There are few data on the role of prokinetic agents as maintenance therapy in moderately severe reflux oesophagitis despite the high relapse rate of this condition after healing.Aims:To determine whether cisapride is more effective than placebo as maintenance therapy after healing of moderate erosive oesophagitis in two respects: first, in preventing symptomatic relapse and preserving quality of life; and, second, in improving oesophageal motor function.Patients:Forty‐two patients whose grade II–III oesophagitis had been healed with omeprazole were randomized to receive either cisapride 20 mg nocte or placebo for 6 months. Oesophageal pH monitoring and manometry were performed before starting maintenance therapy and after 4 weeks, and symptomatic status and quality of life were assessed at weeks 0, 4, 13 and 26.Results:After 4 weeks of maintenance therapy, lower oesophageal sphincter pressure improved in the cisapride group (16.4–21.9 mmHg, P = 0.01) but not in the placebo group (25.5–22.7 mmHg, P = 0.2). Oesophageal pH monitoring showed no significant changes in either group. Sixteen (76%) cisapride patients and 12 (57%) placebo patients withdrew within 4 weeks owing to symptomatic relapse (P = 0.2). After 26 weeks, 21 (100%) cisapride and 17 (81%) placebo patients had relapsed (log‐rank analysis of survival time P = 0.07). Quality of life parameters deteriorated in both treatment groups to a similar degree.Conclusion:Maintenance therapy with cisapride 20 mg nocte improves the lower oesophageal sphincter pressure in patients whose oesophagitis has been healed with omeprazole. However, cisapride is no better than placebo in preventing symptomatic relapse or deterioration in quality of life.