INSERT INTO `bibliography_bibliography_i18n` (`id`, `title`, `abstract`, `locale`) VALUES
(2281, 'Cloned plasmid DNA fragments as calibrators for controllingGMOs: different real-time duplex quantitative PCR methods.', 'Analytical real-time PCR technology is a powerful tool for implementation of the GMO labeling regulations enforced in the EU. The quality of analytical measurement data obtained by quantitative real-time PCR depends on the correct use of calibrator and reference materials (RMs). For GMO methods of analysis, the choice of appropriate RMs is currently under debate. So far, genomic DNA solutions from certified reference materials (CRMs) are most often used as calibrators for GMO quantification by means of real-time PCR. However, due to some intrinsic features of these CRMs, errors may be expected in the estimations of DNA sequence quantities. In this paper, two new real-time PCR methods are presented for Roundup Ready soybean, in which two types of plasmid DNA fragments are used as calibrators. Single-target plasmids (STPs) diluted in a background of genomic DNA were used in the first method. Multiple-target plasmids (MTPs) containing both sequences in one molecule were used as calibrators for the second method. Both methods simultaneously detect a promoter 35S sequence as GMO-specific target and a lectin gene sequence as endogenous reference target in a duplex PCR. For the estimation of relative GMO percentages both delta CT and standard curve approaches are tested. Delta CT methods are based on direct comparison of measured CT values of both the GMO-specific target and the endogenous target. Standard curve methods measure absolute amounts of target copies or haploid genome equivalents. A duplex delta CT method with STP calibrators performed at least as well as a similar method with genomic DNA calibrators from commercial CRMs. Besides this, high quality results were obtained with a standard curve method using MTP calibrators. This paper demonstrates that plasmid DNA molecules containing either one or multiple target sequences form perfect alternative calibrators for GMO quantification and are especially suitable for duplex PCR reactions.', 'en_US'),
(2282, '5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase of glyphosate-tolerant soybean expressed in Escherichia coli shows no severe allergenicity', NULL, 'en_US'),
(2283, 'Dynamics of insect resistance in Bt-corn', 'The development of genetically modified Bt-corn, incorporating various toxin genes from Bacillus thuringiensis that act as a chemical defense against insect pests, such as the European Corn Borer, provides farmers with a new pest management option. However, the emergence of insect resistance is a threat to the continued use of Bt-corn. The United States Environment Protection Agency (US EPA) has developed planting strategies, for preventing insect resistance by planting a mixture of Bt- and non-Bt-corn. Decisions about the exact proportion of Bt- and non-Bt-corn are based on complex spatially explicit mathematical models using detailed biological assumptions about the population genetics and life history of the European Corn Borer. We develop an alternative simpler model for the spread of resistance based on the logistic growth model, which we believe has utility in situations where it is impossible or impractical to estimate the different life history and genetics parameters required by more detailed models. We use our model to investigate the US EPA''s planting rules for Bt-corn and find that short-term economic behavior is likely to lead to these rules not being followed. Our results add weight to existing work on this problem. We also investigate the economics of planting Bt-corn in markets where consumers do and do not differentiate between the modes of production for the corn. We find that Bt-corn appears to be economic in markets that do not differentiate and uneconomic in markets where consumers do differentiate.', 'en_US'),
(2284, 'Food and agricultural biotechnology policy: how much autonomy can developing countires exercise?', 'Some commentators assumed the rules of the World Trade Organization and provisions of the Cartagena Biosafety Protocol could facilitate the establishment of uniform global regulatory procedures and standards covering food and agricultural biotechnology, which could be based on scientific risk assessments. However, the science is often uncertain and equivocal, and assessments of the environmental impact of GM crops should be local rather than global. Consequently the tendency towards convergence is severely attenuated. Analysis of judgements of WTO''s Dispute Panel and Appellate Body indicates that developing countries might lawfully be able to exercise considerable autonomy when setting regulatory standards if several conditions are met but, given their limited financial and human resources, they may require multilateral collaboration.', 'en_US'),
(2285, 'Consumer attitudes towards GM food in Ireland and the USA', NULL, 'en_US'),
(2286, 'Attitudes towards GM food in Colombia', NULL, 'en_US'),
(2287, 'Factors explaining opposition to GMOs in France and the rest of Europe', NULL, 'en_US'),
(2288, 'Introducing novel protein foods in the EU: economic and environmental impacts', NULL, 'en_US'),
(2289, 'Consumer purchasing behaviour towards GM foods in the Netherlands', NULL, 'en_US'),
(2290, 'The welfare effects of implementing mandatory GM labelling in the USA', NULL, 'en_US'),
(2291, 'Using simulated test marketing to examine purchase interest in food products that are positioned as GMO-free.', NULL, 'en_US'),
(2292, 'Willingness to pay for GM labelling in New Zealand', NULL, 'en_US'),
(2293, 'Consumer acceptance and labelling of GMOs in food products: a study of fluid milk demand.', NULL, 'en_US'),
(2294, 'Proteomics as a tool to improve investigation of substantial equivalence in genetically modified organisms: the case of a virus-resistant tomato.', 'At present, the so-called substantial equivalence is the only widely accepted criterion for deciding whether or not a transgenic food is, from an alimentary point of view, to be considered totally correspondent to the traditional one from which it derives. Although never exactly defined, it deals with a comparison between the chemical composition of the two foods. A more in-depth analysis can be performed by one of the most suitable methods that allows for the simultaneous screening of many components without prior identification, the analysis of the proteome. As a model for testing this kind of approach, we compared protein expression of two types of tomato plants, having the same genetic background, except for a virus resistance trait introduced by genetic engineering. When proteins extracted from seedlings of the two types were analyzed by two-dimensional electrophoresis, no significant differences, either qualitative or quantitative, were detected, indicating that in this case the expression of major proteins was unmodified by the genetic manipulation. Fifteen proteins were identified by peptide mass fingerprinting.', 'en_US'),
(2295, 'Safe and acceptable strategies for producing foreign molecules in plants.', 'The ability to express foreign genes using transgenic technologies has opened up options for producing large quantities of commercially important industrial or pharmaceutical products in plants. These technologies have made it possible to use well-developed systems of commercial agriculture that were developed principally to produce raw material for large-scale food, feed or processing applications for the production of foreign molecules. The possibility of the novel industrial or pharmaceutical molecules produced in such plants, or components derived from them, contaminating the environment and food chains has become especially controversial. This potential contamination has prompted detailed consideration of how such crops and the molecules that they produce can be effectively isolated and contained. First, the crop can be completely isolated physically from its food or feed counterpart during every aspect of its development and commercialization. Second, genetic isolation systems or genetic barriers that prevent normal reproduction can be used to reduce the likelihood of the industrial or pharmaceutical crop entering the food chain.', 'en_US'),
(2296, 'Plant-based production of biopharmaceuticals', 'Plants are now gaining widespread acceptance as a general platform for the large-scale production of recombinant proteins. The first plant-derived recombinant pharmaceutical proteins are reaching the final stages of clinical evaluation, and many more are in the development pipeline. Over the past two years, there have been some notable technological advances in this flourishing area of applied biotechnology, as shown by the continuing commercial development of novel plant-based expression platforms. There has also been significant success in tackling some of the limitations of plant bioreactors, such as low yields and inconsistent product quality, that have limited the approval of plant-derived pharmaceuticals.', 'en_US'),
(2297, 'Posttranslational modification of therapeutic proteins in plants', 'Plants have emerged as an alternative to current systems for the production of therapeutic proteins. The advantages of plants for the low-cost and large-scale production of safe and biologically active mammalian proteins have been documented recently. A major advantage of transgenic plants over production systems that are based on yeast or Escherichia coli is their ability to perform most of the posttranslational modifications (PTMs) that are required for the bioactivity and pharmacokinetics of recombinant therapeutic proteins. Furthermore, recent advances in the control of PTMs in transgenic plants have made it possible for plants to perform, at least to some extent, human-like modifications of recombinant proteins. Hence, plants have become a suitable alternative to animal cell factories for the production of therapeutic proteins.', 'en_US'),
(2298, 'Genetic approaches to reducing losses of stored grain to insects and diseases', 'Insects and diseases devour or damage a fifth or more of stored food grains each year in many parts of the world. Modern breeding and genomics promise progress in characterizing the resistance to the pests responsible for these losses that is present in the vast and diverse gene pool of cereals, as well as advances in incorporating this resistance into productive and acceptable crop varieties. The impact of such varieties could be dramatic in developing countries, where grain infestations are most common and harmful, and where surging populations require affordable food.', 'en_US'),
(2299, 'Adsorption of the Bacillus thuringiensis toxin (Cry1Ab) on Na-montmorillonite and on the clay fractions of different soils.', 'The adsorption of the toxin from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt-toxin), which is synthesized in genetically modified maize, on sterilized Na-montmorillonite and on H2O2-treated and untreated clay fractions of three soils from different sites were studied. All adsorption isotherms can be described by a linear isotherm. Although all clay fractions from the different soils show nearly the same mineralogical composition, we found different affinities ranging from k = 47.7 to k = 366.7 of the adsorbates for the Bt-toxin. The H2O2-treated clay fractions show no correlation between the adsorption affinity and the amount of soil organic matter. On the other hand, there is a correlation between the content of organic carbon and the adsorption affinity of the untreated clay fractions. This can be explained by the fact that due to the coatings of soil organic matter on aggregates, the Bt-toxin polymers are not able to adsorb within the clay aggregates.', 'en_US'),
(2300, 'Transgenic rootworm corn: assessing potential agronomic, economic, and environmental benefits.', 'The potential benefits of transgenic rootworm corn are expected to include: increased root protection; economic and intangible benefits to farmers; reduced corn stalk rot; and increased yield protection. If transgenic rootworm corn is widely planted, the impact will be a reduction of insecticide use; increased resource and water conservation; conservation of aviation fuel; reduced farm waste; increased planting efficiency; and improved safety to wildlife and other nontarget organisms.', 'en_US'),
(2301, 'Small-grain cover crop interaction with glyphosate-resistant corn (Zea mays)', 'A 2-yr field study was conducted in Blackville, SC, to assess the potential for using small- grain cover crops and glyphosate as a means of reducing or eliminating the need for atrazine in irrigated Southeastern corn production. Oats, rye, and wheat were no-till, drill seeded each fall and subsequently desiccated in early spring before corn planting. A bareground conventional tilled treatment also was included. Within each cover crop system, the herbicides evaluated included (1) no herbicide; (2) 1.68 kg ai/ha atrazine plus 1.08 kg ai/ha S-metolachlor at corn planting followed by 0.84 kg ae/ha glyphosate; or (3) two applications of 0.84 kg/ha glyphosate alone, applied sequentially. All systems were compared with conventional tillage without a cover crop with 1.68 kg/ha atrazine plus 1.08 kg/ha S-metolachlor at planting followed by 1.12 kg/ha atrazine. Biomass of rye, oats, and wheat at dessication was 497, 369, and 340 g/m2, respectively. All cover crops delayed early-season corn growth. Detrimental effects on early-season corn growth from the oats cover crop were still apparent 7 wk after emergence (WAE), with corn height and biomass reduced 8 and 19%, respectively. Weed biomass in nontreated plots was reduced 84, 68, and 21% by oats, rye, and wheat, respectively, 3 WAE. Oats were more inhibitory of corn and weed growth than rye, although rye produced greater surface residue, indicating possible allelopathy affects. In the presence and absence of each cover crop, atrazine plus S-metolachlor followed by glyphosate or sequential glyphosate applications alone were effective in providing season-long control of pitted morningglory, entireleaf morningglory, Palmer amaranth, Florida pusley, large crabgrass, and common bermudagrass. Corn yields and gross profit margins in sequential glyphosate-treated plots were equivalent or superior to the standard atrazine-based program, which indicates that effective and economical alternatives to atrazine are available.', 'en_US'),
(2302, 'Weed control and species shift in bromoxynil- and glyphosate-resistant cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) rotation systems.', 'A field study was conducted from 1999 through 2001 at Stoneville, MS, to determine the effects of bromoxynil-resistant (BR) and glyphosate-resistant (GR) cotton rotation systems under ultranarrow- (25-cm spacing) and wide- (102-cm spacing) row planting on weed control, weed density and shift, and cotton yield. The four rotations during 3 yr included BR-BR-BR, GR-GR-GR, BR-GR-BR, and GR-BR-GR, all with bromoxynil or glyphosate postemergence (POST) only or following fluometuron plus pendimethalin preemergence (PRE). Control of hemp sesbania, pitted morningglory, prickly sida, and hyssop spurge was 97% regardless of row width, rotation, and herbicide program. Control of common purslane, sicklepod, and smooth pigweed was higher with glyphosate POST in GR cotton than with bromoxynil POST in BR cotton. Broadleaf and yellow nutsedge weed biomass were higher with bromoxynil POST in BR cotton than with glyphosate POST in GR cotton. Continuous BR cotton system resulted in higher densities of common purslane, sicklepod, and yellow nutsedge (15.3, 1.5, and 373 plants/m2, respectively) compared with continuous GR cotton (0.7, 0.1, and 1.0 plant/m2, respectively). Seed cotton yield was consistently higher in wide- than in ultranarrow-row cotton. Seed cotton yield was lower in continuous BR cotton than in the other three rotation systems, and yields greatly improved when BR cotton was rotated with GR cotton. During a 3-yr period, seed cotton yields with glyphosate POST only (4,000 to 4,890 kg/ha) or after PRE herbicides (4,480 to 4,860 kg/ha) were similar in GR cotton, whereas in BR cotton, bromoxynil POST only (1,390 to 4,280 kg/ha) resulted in lower yield than did bromoxynil POST after PRE herbicides (2,550 to 4,480 kg/ha). The results indicated that the shift in spectrum of weeds toward more tolerant species and yield decline in continuous BR cotton can be prevented by rotating BR with GR cotton.', 'en_US'),
(2303, 'Stability of the expression of Acy-ACP thioesterase transgene in oilseed rape doubled haploid lines.', 'Transgene stability in doubled haploid (DH) lines is an important consideration for transgenic cultivar development programs. The objective of this study was to assess the expression stability of acyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) thioesterase (TE) transgenes in oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) DH lines. The DH lines were developed from microspores of F1 plants from the crosses between transgenic parents carrying the bay-TE (Uc FatB1), elm-TE (Ua FatB1), nutmeg-TE (Mf FatB1), or cuphea-TE (Ch FatB1) transgenes and three nontransgenic cultivars having distinct seed oil fatty acid compositions. Of 333 DH1 plants developed from microspore-derived embryos that had undergone selection for kanamycin resistance (the selectable marker) with bay-TE F1 and cuphea-TE F1 plants as the microspore donors, 20 plants did not show TE transgene expression. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Southern blotting analyses confirmed that the absence of TE transgene expression in these 20 DH1 plants was due to escape of embryos from kanamycin selection or existence of an incomplete T-DNA copy without the TE transgene. No DH1 plant with completely silenced TE transgenes was detected. Thirty of 34 transgenic DH lines showed a stable level of the target fatty acid, lauric acid (C12:0) for the bay-TE and palmitic acid (C16:0) for the other three TE transgenes, over the two or three consecutive generations tested (DH2, DH3, and/or DH4 plants). Target fatty acids were significantly affected by temperature during seed development. DH lines carrying the elm-TE or the cuphea-TE transgene grown under high temperature conditions (25/20°C, day/night) during seed development showed higher levels of palmitic acid than under lower temperatures (20/15°C). These results support the application of the DH procedure in breeding programs for transgenic cultivars and indicate the important influence of environment.', 'en_US'),
(2304, 'Food allergy: what do we learn from animal models?', 'Purpose of review: This review summarizes selected articles on animal models of food allergy published in 2003. The research areas that are covered include mechanistic studies, the search for new therapies, as well as screening models for hazard identification of potential allergens. Recent findings: Novel treatment options of both prevention and therapeutic strategies have been reported with promising results. The induction of de-sensitization to food proteins was achieved by exposure to a mixture of recombinant food allergens and T helper 1 (Th1)-skewing bacterial components. Furthermore, research in animal models has provided new insights into the role of protein structure, digestion, and gut permeability in sensitization and tolerance induction to food proteins. The Th2 hypothesis of food allergy was tested in mouse strains, linking genetic susceptibility to sensitization with differential Th1-Th2 responses. In this context, the role of the liver in development of food antigen-specific Th2 cells, and the importance of costimulatory molecules in Th2 skewing were demonstrated. Finally, rodent models to predict potential allergenicity of novel foods have been further developed using different routes of sensitization. Summary: Currently, several animal models of food allergy are used, including mouse, rat, swine, and dog. Continuing research in these models may elucidate the immunological mechanisms that underlie the sensitization and challenge phase of food allergy and may result in improved therapeutic options. Furthermore, the development of animal models to predict relative allergenicity of novel foods remains an important topic.', 'en_US'),
(2305, 'Food processing: effects on allergenicity', 'Purpose of review: There has been an increase in the prevalence of food allergy, asthma and severe reactions to foods in the past decade. The reason for this increase is unknown and despite the potential for a lethal outcome, no treatments or therapies are available. Many areas are being explored to understand the increase in food allergy and the role of modern processing techniques is one of them. Recent findings: The fact that processing influences allergenicity is not a new concept, but due to some definitive studies in the last few years the topic has been revitalized. Not only is the processed form of a particular allergen important in assessment of allergenicity, but the role of the food matrix in which an allergen is processed must also be evaluated. The issue of allergenicity of particular foods is therefore highly complex, and even with our existing knowledge we have just begun to understand some of the contributions of processing to allergenic properties of proteins and foods. Summary: Researchers and medical personnel have begun to weigh the benefits and potential disadvantages of assessing the allergenicity of foods in unprocessed forms. In this review, the known effects of processing on the allergenicity of various foods will be discussed along with the implications of the most recent studies on the future direction of research in this area.', 'en_US'),
(2306, 'Clinical importance of cross-reactivity in food allergy', 'Purpose of review: Review of recent developments in the field of cross-reactivity in food allergy and the clinical relevance of these developments. Recent findings: New foods have been added to the list of Bet v 1 and profilin-related food allergies. Clinical relevance of cross-reactions based on recognition of carbohydrate determinants and profilin is limited for the population of pollen-allergic patients as a whole. For selected food allergic patients, however, N-glycans and particularly profilin are potentially of clinical relevance. Lipid transfer proteins have further been established as clinically more severe allergens in several foods. This severity is attributed to their stability to proteolysis and processing. Storage proteins of several nuts and seeds have been identified as important allergens, but cross-reactivity between storage proteins of different foods appears to be limited. Using cross-reactivity as the basis for immunotherapy in food allergy seems promising but needs confirmation by double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. Summary: The continued identification and characterization of cross-reactive allergens facilitates the study of factors determining clinical relevance of cross-reactivity and of possible efficacy of immunotherapy in food allergy.', 'en_US'),
(2307, 'Lack of detection of ampicillin resistance gene transfer from Bt176 corn to culturable bacteria under field conditions', 'Population levels of total and ampicillin-resistant culturable bacteria and the putative horizontal bla gene acquirement from Bt-corn were studied in commercial fields of transgenic corn in Spain during the years 2000-2003. Commercial fields consisting of conventional corn (Dracma) and Bt176 transgenic corn (Compa CB) were located in three climatic regions. The effect of corn type, plant material, field location, stage of sampling and year of study were studied on total and ampicillin resistant bacterial population levels, on median effective dose and on the slope of the dose-response curve to ampicillin. None of the parameters measured were significantly different (P<0.01) between transgenic and non-transgenic cornfields under the diverse conditions studied. However, in population levels of ampicillin resistant bacteria, the minimum difference between sample means to be significant with a likelihood of 80% was 8.9%. Specific detection of putative bacteria harbouring bla TEM-1 ampicillin resistance genes acquired from Bt176 corn was performed with a method based on the extraction of DNA from the culturable bacterial fraction and with PCR. Primers for PCR were targeted to the bla gene and the corresponding flanking regions present in the pUC18 cloning vector or the Bt176 construct. The culturable bacterial fraction of 144 field samples (up to 864 analysis, including ampicillin enrichments) was analysed by PCR. The estimated total number of bacteria analysed was 108. The level of detection of a transfer event according to the sensitivity of the methods used was 10-6. Four samples of transgenic and five of non-transgenic corn gave positive signals. However, the amplification products did not correspond to the ones expected from Bt176 or pUC18. The limitations of the sampling design and of the methods used are discussed.', 'en_US'),
(2308, 'Results of a 13 week safety assurance study with rats fed grain from glyphosate tolerant corn.', 'The current study presents the results of a 13 week feeding study in rats with grain from Roundup Ready® corn which is tolerant to the herbicide glyphosate. Herbicide tolerance was accomplished through the introduction of cp4 epsps coding sequences into the corn genome for in planta production of CP4 EPSPS enzymes. Unlike related corn EPSPS enzymes, CP4 EPSPS enzymes are not inhibited by the herbicide glyphosate. Purina TestDiets formulated Roundup Ready corn grain into rodent diets at levels of 11 and 33% (w/w). The responses of rats fed diets containing Roundup Ready corn grain were compared to that of rats fed diets containing non-transgenic grain (controls). All diets were nutritionally balanced and conformed to Purina Mills, Inc. specifications for Certified LabDiet 5002. There were 400 rats in the study divided into 10 groups of 20 rats/sex/group. Overall health, body weight, food consumption, clinical pathology parameters (hematology, blood chemistry, urinalysis), organ weights, gross and microscopic appearance of tissues were comparable between groups fed diets containing Roundup Ready and control corn grain. This study complements extensive agronomic, compositional and farm animal feeding studies with Roundup Ready corn grain, confirming it is as safe and nutritious as existing commercial corn hybrids.', 'en_US'),
(2309, 'Governing against the grain?  Part I: Overseas perspectives on the UK government''s impending decision on the commercialization of GM crops.', NULL, 'en_US'),
(2310, 'Greenhouse evaluation of fitness-related reproductive traits in Roundup(R)-tolerant transgenic creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stononifera L.)', NULL, 'en_US'),
(2311, 'Assessment of experimental Bt events against fall armyworm and corn earworm in field corn.', 'Performance of experimental Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) MON events alone and pyramided with MON810 were evaluated over 3 yr in Georgia and Alabama. Ability of events to prevent whorl defoliation by the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), and natural ear feeding damage by the corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) was assessed. In each year, near-isogenic hybrids with novel single transformation events and crosses pyramided with the MON810 event were compared with the standard single MON810 event and nontransformed susceptible control. Events were tested for resistance to whorl damage by manual infestations of fall armyworm and ear damage by natural infestations of corn earworm. All Bt events tested reduced fall armyworm whorl damage ratings per plant compared with the susceptible hybrid. All Bt treatments also had considerably less ear infestation and damage by corn earworm compared with the nontransgenic isoline. The MON841, MON849, and MON851 events reduced ear damage by H. zea but were not as effective as other novel events and were not advanced for further testing after the 1999 season. Pyramiding events compared with single events did not improve control of fall armyworm whorl damage, but they generally did prevent more ear damage by corn earworm. The MON84006 event singly and pyramided with MON810 had superior control of whorl-stage damage by S. frugiperda and ear damage by H. zea compared with MON810. Deployment of new events and genes could provide additional tools for managing the potential for insect resistance to Bt toxins. Furthermore, improved control of whorl and ear infestations by H. zea and S. frugiperda would increase the flexibility of planting corn, Zea mays L., and permit double cropping of corn in areas where these pests perennially reach damaging levels.', 'en_US'),
(2312, 'Effects of pollen-synthesized green florescent protein on pollen grain fitness.', 'Genetically engineered pollen with a visible marker gene could be useful to monitor the movement of transgenic pollen provided there are no negative physiological or fitness effects of expressing such a gene. In this study, we measured the fitness of Nicotiana tabacum cv. Xanthi pollen expressing the marker gene green fluorescent protein (GFP). Average pollen tube germination frequencies and pollen tube growth rates in vitro were measured in three different types of plants: (1) plants producing GFP in pollen cells only (LAT59-GFP), (2) plants synthesizing GFP under the control of a constitutive promoter (CaMV 35S) in which no GFP was produced in pollen, and (3) non-transgenic plants. Pollen synthesizing the GFP protein did not differ significantly in average pollen germination frequencies from pollen without GFP (P=0.65). Average pollen tube growth rates over a 5-h period did not differ significantly between transgenic and non-transgenic types (R2=0.89, 0.98, and 0.95, respectively, for GFP-tagged, 35S-GFP, and wild type). Overall, GFP expression in pollen grains of tobacco was not found to have an effect on pollen fitness under the controlled experimental conditions of this study.', 'en_US'),
(2313, 'Testing of genetically modified organisms in foods', NULL, 'en_US'),
(2314, 'Assessment of gene flow using tetraploid genotypes of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)', 'Ryegrass species are among the most important species in sown pastures, turf settings, and weed populations worldwide. Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) is an outcrossing, wind-pollinated grass. Recent research has demonstrated the feasibility of developing transgenic perennial ryegrass varieties. In order to model the consequences of gene flow from transgenic grass genotypes in a field situation, the model non-transgenic trait of fertility among autotetraploid genotypes was chosen. Gene flow over distance and direction from a donor plot to surrounding sexually compatible recipient plants was studied. Reproductive isolation was achieved through the fertility barrier that arises between tetraploid and diploid ryegrass genotypes, despite the presence of diploid plants in a meadow situation. Fertility was used as an indication of effective gene flow over distance and direction. Measures of the fertility of recipient plants included total seed production (TSP), floret site utilisation (FSU), and relative fertility of recipient plants as a percentage of those within the donor plot (RF%). A leptokurtic distribution for gene flow was identified, with differences in the rate of decline over distance depending on direction. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) polymorphism was used to identify the paternity of progeny plants. The proportional representation of parents among the progeny was not significantly different from that expected due to the numerical representation of the different donor parent genotypes. The results of this research will have important implications for risk analysis prior to the field release of transgenic ryegrasses, fescues, and other pasture grass species, and for seed production in terms of cultivar purity and optimum isolation distance.', 'en_US'),
(2315, 'Prima facie evidence that a phytocystatin for transgenic plant resistance to nematodes is not a toxic risk in the human diet', 'A protein-engineered rice cystatin (OcID86) provides transgenic, partial crop resistance to plant nematodes. This study determined whether its oral uptake has adverse effects on male Sprague-Dawley rats when they are administered by oral gavage 0.1?10 mg OcID86/kg body weight daily for 28 d. Body weight and water and food intakes were unaltered for most of the study. The only significant changes in fresh weight of nine organs were for the liver (4% decrease; P < 0.05) and the empty cecum (14% increase; P < 0.05) at the two lowest doses and the highest dose of OcID86, respectively. No abnormalities in either organ were detected by histochemistry. There were no changes in the urine or in hematological variables measured, and blood serum revealed no dose-dependent responses for any of 17 variables measured. OcID86 was degraded by boiling with a 50% loss of its inhibition of papain after 9.2 ± 8.0 min. It also showed >95% loss of such inhibition after 15 s in simulated gastric fluid. The results suggest that the no effect level (NOEL) for OcID86 is >10 mg/(kg ? d). This provides a range of dietary exposure >200?2000 fold depending upon the promoter used to control its expression in potato.', 'en_US'),
(2316, 'Barnase gene inserted in the intron of GUS - a model for controlling transgene flow in host plants', 'Public concern on possible risk of transgene flow from GM plants calls for development of reliable molecular techniques to control transgene escape from target plant into the natural and cultural environment. Reliability of the molecular systems controlling the transgene flow can however, be affected by potential rearrangements of genomic DNA. To address this problem, we introduce here an enhanced reliability Recoverable Block of Function (RBF) system where the blocking construct is inserted in a large artificial intron of a transgene of interest. This arrangement minimizes chances of transgene escape by increasing the genetic linkage between the lethal blocking gene and the gene of interest. We used barnase gene as a model of the blocking gene and GUS gene as a model of the transgene of interest. Blocking construct was inseparably linked to the transgene of interest by optimizing the coding sequence and polyadenylation signal of barnase for a high AT content and placing it in the artificial second intron of the GUS gene in such way that the transcription of GUS and barnase proceeds in opposite directions. Expression of barnase is regulated by the embryo specific cysteine endopeptidase promoter placed outside the third exon of GUS. The artificially designed splicing and polyadenylation signals were precisely recognized by the plant mRNA processing machinery. Expression levels and biological activities of both the genes matched the levels of respective native genes. Simultaneous expression of barnase and GUS led to silencing of the genes, possibly due to dsRNA formation. We suggest that the silencing effect can be avoided by placing the blocking gene and the transgene of interest in same orientation and using a mutual polyadenylation signal for the blocking gene and the transgene of interest. We have demonstrated here that it is possible to develop an artificial intron encoding another functional gene that is unknown in natural plant genome.', 'en_US'),
(2317, 'Vertical position reflects increased feeding motivation in growth hormone transgenic Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch)', 'Growth hormone (GH) gene transgenesis has allowed the production of salmon with an inherently increased growth potential, on average two to threefold higher compared with daily specific growth rates observed in normal, non-transgenic fish. This difference quickly results in animals of very different sizes at age, and is associated with specific morphological effects and enhanced appetites in transgenic animals. However, less is known of the feeding and antipredator behaviour of GH-transgenic fish, information that can help with predictions of potential ecological consequences of release or escape of transgenic fish into the wild. In a series of experiments, transgenic (T) and normal (N) coho salmon of varying age and size (from 0.5 to 40g, 3.5?21mo) were studied singly, in pairs, and in groups during feeding and simulated predation threat. Vertical position generally did not differ between T and N fry, but at larger size (>4g) T fish remained closer to the surface than N fish both during feeding and predatory attacks, probably as a consequence of inherent differences in feeding motivation and later reinforcement by associative learning. This difference in vertical position was not the result of competition as it remained even after either fish in the pair had been removed. In nature, where predators may attack from above (birds) or below (fish), this kind of behaviour may translate into higher risk of predation, which could increase mortality and lower the fitness of transgenic fish, unless their increased growth rate can compensate for the increased risk-taking.', 'en_US'),
(2318, 'Assessment of possible ecological risks and hazards of transgenic fish with implications for other sexually reproducing organisms', 'Transgenic technology is developing rapidly; however, consumers and environmentalists remain wary of its safety for use in agriculture. Research is needed to ensure the safe use of transgenic technology and thus increase consumer confidence. This goal is best accomplished by using a thorough, unbiased examination of risks associated with agricultural biotechnology. In this paper, we review discussion on risk and extend our approach to predict risk. We also distinguish between the risk and hazard of transgenic organisms in natural environments. We define transgene risk as the probability a transgene will spread into natural conspecific populations and define hazard as the probability of species extinction, displacement, or ecosystem disruption given that the transgene has spread. Our methods primarily address risk relative to two types of hazards: extinction which has a high hazard, and invasion which has an unknown level of hazard, similar to that of an introduced exotic species. Our method of risk assessment is unique in that we concentrate on the six major fitness components of an organism''s life cycle to determine if transgenic individuals differ in survival or reproductive capacity from wild type. Our approach then combines estimates of the net fitness parameters into a mathematical model to determine the fate of the transgene and the affected wild population. We also review aspects of fish ecology and behavior that contribute to risk and examine combinations of net fitness parameters which can lead to invasion and extinction hazards. We describe three new ways that a transgene could result in an extinction hazard: (1) when the transgene increases male mating success but reduces daily adult viability, (2) when the transgene increases adult viability but reduces male fertility, and (3) when the transgene increases both male mating success and adult viability but reduces male fertility. The last scenario is predicted to cause rapid extinction, thus it poses an extreme risk. Although we limit our discussion to aquacultural applications, our methods can easily be adapted to other sexually reproducing organisms with suitable adjustments of terminology.', 'en_US'),
(2319, 'Field safety assessment of recombination in transgenic grapevines expressing the coat protein gene of Grapevine Fanleaf Virus', 'One of the major environmental safety issues over transgenic crops containing virus-derived genes relates to the outcome of recombination events between viral transgene transcripts and RNAs from indigenous virus populations. We addressed this issue by assessing the emergence of viable Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV) recombinants in transgenic grapevines expressing the GFLV coat protein (CP) gene. Test plants consisted of nontransgenic scions grafted onto transgenic and nontransgenic rootstocks that were exposed over 3 years to nematode-mediated GFLV infection in two distinct vineyard sites. The CP gene of challenging GFLV isolates was amplified from scions by IC-RT-PCR, and characterized by RFLP and nucleotide sequencing using strain F13 as reference since it provided the CP transgene. Analysis of EcoRI and StyI RFLP banding patterns from 347 challenging GFLV isolates and sequence data from 85 variants revealed no characteristics similar to strain F13 and no difference in the molecular variability among isolates from 190 transgenic and 157 nontransgenic plants, or from plants within (253 individuals) or outside (94 individuals) of the two sites. Interestingly, five GFLV recombinants were identified in three nontransgenic plants located outside of the two field settings. This survey indicates that transgenic grapevines did not assist the emergence of viable GFLV recombinants to detectable levels nor did they affect the molecular diversity of indigenous GFLV populations during the trial period. This is the first report on safety assessment of recombination with a transgenic crop expressing a CP gene under field conditions of heavy disease pressure but low, if any, selection pressure against recombinant viruses.', 'en_US'),
(2320, 'Genetic interactions between marine finfish species in European aquaculture and wild conspecifics.', 'The principal species of marine aquaculture in Europe are Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and sea bream (Sparus auratus). For Atlantic salmon and sea bass, a substantial part of total genetic variation is partitioned at the geographical population level. In the case of sea bream, gene flow across the Azores/Mediterranean scale appears to be extensive and population structuring is not detected. For Atlantic salmon and sea bass, natural population structure is at risk from genetic interaction with escaped aquaculture conspecifics. The locally adaptive features of populations are at risk from interbreeding with non-local aquaculture fish. Wild populations, generally, are at risk from interactions with aquaculture fish that have been subject to artificial selection or domestication. Atlantic salmon is the main European aquaculture species and its population genetics and ecology have been well-studied. A general case regarding genetic interactions can be based on the information available for salmon and extended to cover other species, in the appropriate context. A generalized flow chart for interactions is presented. Salmon escape from aquaculture at all life stages, and some survive to breed among wild salmon. Reproductive fitness in the escaped fish is lower than in native, wild fish because of behavioural deficiencies at spawning. However, as the number of salmon in aquaculture greatly exceeds the number of wild fish, even small fractional rates of escape may result in the local presence of large numbers, and high frequencies, of escaped fish. At present, policy and legislation in relation to minimizing genetic interactions between wild and aquaculture fish is best developed for Atlantic salmon, through the recommendations of the Oslo Agreement developed by the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization and subsequent agreements on their implementation. In future, the potential use of genetically modified fish in aquaculture will make additional policy development necessary. Improved containment is recommended as the key to minimizing the numbers and therefore the effects of escaped fish. Emergency recovery procedures are recommended as a back-up measure in the case of containment failure. Reproductive sterility is recommended as a future key to eliminating the genetic potential of escaped fish. The maintenance of robust populations of wild fish is recommended as a key to minimizing the effects of escaped fish on wild populations.', 'en_US'),
(2321, 'Transgenic arthropods for pest management programs: Risks and realities', 'The ability to genetically engineer arthropods using recombinant DNA meopens new opportunities for improving pest management programs but also creates new responsibilities, including evaluation of the potential risks of releasing transgenic arthropods into the environment. It is now becoming easier to transform diverse species of arthropods by a variety of recombinant DNA methods. Useful genes and genetic regulatory elements are being identified for pest arthropods, but less effort is being expended to identify genes that could improve the efficacy of beneficial arthropods. A transgenic strain of the natural enemy Metaseiulus (= Typhlodromus or Galendromus) occidentalis (Acari: Phytoseiidae) was developed using a method termed maternal microinjection. This transgenic strain was released into an experimental site on the campus of the University of Florida in 1996 after extensive reviews by the University of Florida Biosafety Committee, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The short term releases established a precedent for releasing a transgenic arthropod but, at present, no guidelines are available that would allow transgenic arthropods to be released permanently into the environment. Several scientific, environmental, and policy issues must be resolved before transgenic pests or beneficial arthropods can be deployed in practical pest management programs.', 'en_US'),
(2322, 'Gene transfer technology in aquaculture', NULL, 'en_US'),
(2323, 'Utilization of transgenic fish in developing countries: Potential benefits and risks', NULL, 'en_US'),
(2324, 'Predator avoidance of transgenic channel catfish containing salmonid growth hormone genes', 'Transgenic channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) containing salmonid growth hormone genes can grow 33% faster than normal channel catfish under aquaculture conditions. However, before transgenic catfish are released and utilized by the private sector, their genetic impact on the natural environment must be examined. Predator avoidance is one of the major fitness traits determining potential environmental risk. To determine the predator avoidance ability and growth performance of transgenic catfish in a natural habitat, various densities of transgenic and nontransgenic channel catfish were communally stocked in 0.04-ha earthen ponds without supplemental feeding. Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) were stocked as predators. Nontransgenic fry had better predator avoidance than transgenic channel catfish when data were pooled (p < .01). When data were not pooled, nontransgenic catfish had better predator avoidance in six trials and transgenic individuals had better predator avoidance in four trials. There was no difference in predator avoidance in three trials. Overall predator avoidance was also better for nontransgenic individuals (p < .01) when the fish were evaluated as 3.5-g fingerlings, more clearly than as fry, as transgenic individuals were more vulnerable in 3 of 4 trials at this life stage. There was no significant difference in growth performance between transgenic and nontransgenic channel catfish in ponds without supplemental feeding. These findings indicate that transgenic channel catfish could be used for commercial aquaculture without affecting the natural environment. Although transgenic channel catfish may be released to nature by accident, any ecological effect would be unlikely because the increased susceptibility of transgenic channel catfish to predators would most likely decrease or eliminate the transgenic genotype', 'en_US'),
(2325, 'Possible ecological risks of transgenic organism release when transgenes affect mating success: Sexual selection and the Trojan gene hypothesis', 'Widespread interest in producing transgenic organisms is balanced by concern over ecological hazards, such as species extinction if such organisms were to be released into nature. An ecological risk associated with the introduction of a transgenic organism is that the transgene, though rare, can spread in a natural population. An increase in transgene frequency is often assumed to be unlikely because transgenic organisms typically have some viability disadvantage. Reduced viability is assumed to be common because transgenic individuals are best viewed as macromutants that lack any history of selection that could reduce negative fitness effects. However, these arguments ignore the potential advantageous effects of transgenes on some aspect of fitness such as mating success. Here, we examine the risk to a natural population after release of a few transgenic individuals when the transgene trait simultaneously increases transgenic male mating success and lowers the viability of transgenic offspring. We obtained relevant life history data by using the small cyprinodont fish, Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) as a model. Our deterministic equations predict that a transgene introduced into a natural population by a small number of transgenic fish will spread as a result of enhanced mating advantage, but the reduced viability of offspring will cause eventual local extinction of both populations. Such risks should be evaluated with each new transgenic animal before release.', 'en_US');
INSERT INTO `bibliography_bibliography_i18n` (`id`, `title`, `abstract`, `locale`) VALUES
(2326, 'Field release and environmental fate of a transgenic entomopathogenic nematode', 'A strain of the entomopathogenic nematodeHeterorhabditis bacteriophora,genetically enhanced for thermotolerance by introduction of a heat-shock protein gene from the free-living nematodeCaenorhabditis elegans,was released in turfgrass field microplots in the spring, summer, and fall of 1996. As predicted, transgenic and wildtype strains did not differ in their ability to persist. We document the regulatory procedures at the federal, state, university, and local levels needed before field release, none of which posed any significant difficulties. Our risk assessment study supports the regulatory view that the transgenic nematode strain is an unlikely environmental threat. Subsequent regulatory reviews in the United States appear likely to continue to be decided on a case-by-case basis according to organism phenotype rather than the techniques used to generate them. This is the first report of a nonmicrobial, genetically engineered insect natural enemy being released into the environment.', 'en_US'),
(2327, 'Risk from genetically engineered and modified marine fish', 'In support of the emerging industries of warmwater marine fish mariculture, genetic engineering and classical genetic improvement programmes have been initiated for a variety of exclusively marine fish. These programmes have the potential to perturb allele and genotype frequencies, or introduce novel alleles and genes into conspecific wild populations. Despite concerns to the contrary, the following hypothesis remains to be falsified: ''laboratory induced allele frequency/genotype changes and novel alleles or genes have a negligible probability of being selectively favoured in wild populations under natural selection, and accordingly, without sustained large scale releases, have little potential for ecological impact''', 'en_US'),
(2328, 'Persistence and containment of Metaseiulus occidentalis (Acari: Phytoseiidae) in Florida: Risk assessment for possible release of transgenic strains', 'Metaseiulus occidentalis (Nesbitt) is a phytoseiid mite which is commercially available as a biological control agent of spider mites. Genetic manipulation of this phytoseiid species has yielded transgenic strains, but none have been released into the environment. Previous data suggested that M. occidentalis could not survive the wet, humid summers in Florida. A non-transgenic strain of M. occidentalis was released into field plots in Gainesville on soybean plants infested with the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch. Populations were monitored from April-October 1994, and weather data were gathered at the release site. Permethrin-treated barrier rows were monitored to determine if the mites dispersed outside the plots, and aerial dispersal was monitored with sticky traps. Predator and spider-mite populations repeatedly crashed during the summer months, and population growth was negatively correlated with rainfall. CLIMEX, a population growth model which uses climatic factors to determine whether a given poikilothermic species can colonize and persist in new geographic areas, also indicated that M. occidentalis cannot persist through the wet season in Florida, although it may be able to establish and persist through the fall, winter and spring months.', 'en_US'),
(2329, 'Environmental safety issues for genetically-modified animals', 'Organisms modified by the techniques of modern biotechnology may differ significantly from normal organisms or organisms modified by other methods. Before transgenic organisms are introduced into the environment, the potential environmental effects should be assessed. In general, modification of ecologically important traits in undomesticated species presents the greatest environmental risk. Transgenic livestock probably pose low risk to the environment. Transgenic fish and live virus-based vaccines pose greater risks and present challenging questions for environmental risk assessment', 'en_US'),
(2330, 'Implications of introduction of transgenic fish into natural ecosystems', NULL, 'en_US'),
(2331, 'Spatially structured population dynamics in feral oilseed rape', 'We studied the population dynamics of feral oilseed rape (Brassica napus) for 10 years (1993-2002) in 3658 adjacent permanent 100 m quadrats in the verges of the M25 motorway around London, UK. The aim was to determine the relative importance of different factors affecting the observed temporal patterns of population dynamics and their spatial correlations. A wide range of population dynamics was observed (downward or upward trends, cycles, local extinctions and recolonizations), but overall the populations were not self-replacing (? < 1). Many quadrats remained unoccupied throughout the study period, but a few were occupied at high densities for all 10 years. Most quadrats showed transient oilseed rape populations, lasting 1-4 years.There were strong spatial patterns in mean population density, associated with soil conditions and the successional age of the plant community dominating the verge, and these large-scale spatial patterns were highly consistent from year to year. The importance of seed spilled from trucks in transit to the processing plant at Erith in Kent was confirmed: rape populations were significantly higher on the ''to Erith'' verge than the ''from Erith'' verge (overall mean 2.83-fold greater stem density). Quadrats in which ? > 1 were much more frequent in the ''to Erith'' verge, indicating that seed immigration can give the spurious impression of self-replacing population dynamics in time-series analysis.There was little evidence of a pervasive Moran effect, and climatic forcing did not produce widespread large-scale synchrony in population dynamics for the motorway as a whole; just 23% of quadrats had significant rank correlations with the mean time-series. There was, however, significant local spatial synchrony of population dynamics, apparently associated with soil disturbance and seed input. This study draws attention to the possibility that different processes may impose population synchrony at different scales. We hypothesize that synchrony in this system is driven by at least three processes: small-scale, local forcing caused by soil disturbance, intermediate-scale forcing as a result of seed input, and large-scale climatic forcing (e.g. winter rainfall) that affects the motorway as a whole.', 'en_US'),
(2332, 'Evidence for gene flow via seed dispersal from crop to wild relatives in Beta vulgaris (Chenopodiaceae): consequences for the release of genetically modified crop species with weedy lineage', 'Gene flow and introgression from cultivated to wild plant populations have important evolutionary and ecological consequences and require detailed investigations for risk assessments of transgene escape into natural ecosystems. Sugar beets (Beta vulgaris ssp. vulgaris) are of particular concern because: (i) they are cross-compatible with their wild relatives (the sea beet, B. vulgaris ssp. maritima); (ii) crop-to-wild gene flow is likely to occur via weedy lineages resulting from hybridization events and locally infesting fields. Using a chloroplastic marker and a set of nuclear microsatellite loci, the occurrence of crop-to-wild gene flow was investigated in the French sugar beet production area within a ''contact-zone'' in between coastal wild populations and sugar beet fields. The results did not reveal large pollen dispersal from weed to wild beets. However, several pieces of evidence clearly show an escape of weedy lineages from fields via seed flow. Since most studies involving the assessment of transgene escape from crops to wild outcrossing relatives generally focused only on pollen dispersal, this last result was unexpected: it points out the key role of a long-lived seed bank and highlights support for transgene escape via man-mediated long-distance dispersal events.', 'en_US'),
(2333, 'Corn pollen dispersal: Quasi-mechanistic models and field experiments', 'To make quantitative predictions about the pollen dispersal of a plant species under different environmental conditions, it is necessary to determine its individual pollen dispersal function, i.e., the two-dimensional density function describing the probability that a pollen grain emitted in (0, 0) fertilizes an ovule in (x, y). This function will depend on biological and climate parameters. We present models for the individual dispersal function of corn. These models are based on Brownian motion with drift and integrate biological (difference of height between male and female flowers) and aerodynamic (settling velocity, wind speed, air turbulence) parameters. The models presented differ in the importance of vegetation in stopping the paths of pollen grains. The models were fitted to data from two large field experiments of corn using the color of kernels as a phenotypic marker for pollen dispersal. The resulting estimations for the parameters of the models and comparisons between models indicate that (1) these models can provide good predictions of the observed data, (2) vegetation is not the major obstacle that stops pollen paths, and (3) there is a benefit in considering the difference in height between male and female flowers. Furthermore, values of the parameters estimated from dispersal data appear consistent with meteorological and biological data acquired independently.', 'en_US'),
(2334, 'Can transgenic rice cause ecological risks through tranegene escape?', NULL, 'en_US'),
(2335, 'Using empirical data to model transgene dispersal', 'One element of the current public debate about genetically modified crops is that gene flow from transgenic cultivars into surrounding weed populations will lead to more problematic weeds, particularly for traits such as herbicide resistance. Evolutionary biologists can inform this debate by providing accurate estimates of gene flow potential and subsequent ecological performance of resulting hybrids. We develop a model for gene flow incorporating exponential distance and directional effects to be applied to windpollinated species. This model is applied to previously published data on gene flow in experimental plots of Agrostis stolonifera L. (creeping bentgrass), which assessed gene flow from transgenic plants resistant to the herbicide glufosinate to surrounding non-transgenic plants. Our results show that although pollen dispersal can be limited in some sites, it may be extensive in others, depending on local conditions such as exposure to wind. Thus, hybridization under field conditions is likely to occur. Given the nature of the herbicide resistance trait, we regard this trait as unlikely to persist in the absence of herbicide, and suggest that the ecological consequences of such gene flow are likely to be minimal.', 'en_US'),
(2336, 'Current knowledge of gene flow in plants: implications for transgene flow', 'Plant evolutionary biologists'' view of gene flow and hybridization has undergone a revolution. Twenty-five years ago, both were considered rare and largely inconsequential. Now gene flow and hybridization are known to be idiosyncratic, varying with the specific populations involved. Gene flow typically occurs at evolutionarily significant rates and at significant distances. Spontaneous hybridization occasionally has important applied consequences, such as stimulating the evolution of more aggressive invasives and increasing the extinction risk for rare species. The same problems have occurred for spontaneous hybridization between crops and their wild relatives. These new data have implications for transgenic crops: (i) for most crops, gene flow can act to introduce engineered genes into wild populations; (ii) depending on the specific engineered gene(s) and populations involved, gene flow may have the same negative impacts as those observed for traditionally improved crops; (iii) gene flow''s idiosyncratic nature may frustrate management and monitoring attempts; and (iv) intercrop transgene flow, although rarely discussed, is equally worthy of study.', 'en_US'),
(2337, 'Qualitative theory of the spread of a new gene into a resident population', 'This work addresses the problems that arise in the estimation of the risk of invader/unwanted GMO spread and the optimal release of desired genes into a population through the release of transgenic individuals. On the basis of a general model of the propagation of an advantageous allele through a population we analyze the thresholds and critical aggregations in gene frequency necessary for the spread of new gene carriers. It is shown that if the invader appears at one place in the ecosystem then it will not spread throughout the ecosystem unless it exceeds some critical threshold, where the critical threshold is defined in terms of both the amount and distribution of the invader. The value of the critical threshold will depend on the fitness of the invader relative to the fitness of the resident organisms in the ecosystem and the mechanism of its dispersion. It is also shown that typically an invader will not spread symmetrically, even if the environment is isotropic, but rather develops clusters that form filaments within the ecosystem. We also demonstrate that if the invader aggregation is sufficiently large then after an initial period the advance of the invader into the resident population takes the form of a traveling wave. The speed of this wave tends to a speed characteristic of the relative fitness and dispersive mechanisms of the invader.', 'en_US'),
(2338, 'Gene flow from cultivated rice to the wild species Oryza rufipogon under experimental field conditions.', '?Here, the gene flow from a cultivated rice variety (Minghui-63) to common wild rice (Oryza rufipogon) was investigated to assess the biosafety risk associated with the environmental release of transgenic varieties.?Four experimental designs differing in the spatial arrangement of the Minghui-63 and O. rufipogon plants were used in experiments conducted in an isolated rice field in Hunan Province, southern China, where O. rufipogon occurs naturally.?Natural hybridization events between the two species were detected by scoring a simple sequence repeat (SSR) molecular marker. A total of 296 hybrids were identified from 23776 seedlings that were randomly germinated from >80000 seeds collected from O. rufipogon. The occurrence of the crop-to-wild gene flow was significantly associated with wind direction and frequencies of the gene flow, which decreased significantly with distance from the pollen sources. The maximum observed distance of gene flow was 43.2m.?The results indicated that gene flow from cultivated rice to O. rufipogon occurred at a considerable rate. Therefore, isolation measures should be considered when deploying transgenic rice in the sympatric regions of the wild rice, and when establishing in situ conservation of O. rufipogon. The experimental system in this study can be used for biosafety assessment of transgene escape of other wind-pollinated crops.', 'en_US'),
(2339, 'Homology-dependent DNA transfer from plants to a soil bacterium under laboratory conditions: implications in evolution and horizontal gene transfer', 'DNA transfer was demonstrated from six species of donor plants to the soil bacterium, Acinetobacter spp. BD413, using neomycin phosphotransferase (nptII) as a marker for homologous recombination. These laboratory results are compatible with, but do not prove, DNA transfer in nature. In tobacco carrying a plastid insertion of nptII, transfer was detected with 0.1 g of disrupted leaves and in oilseed rape carrying a nuclear insertion with a similar quantity of roots. Transfer from disrupted leaves occurred in sterile soil and water, without the addition of nutrients. It was detected using intact tobacco leaves and intact tobacco and Arabidopsis plants in vitro. Transfer was dose-dependent and sensitive to DNase, and mutations in the plant nptII were recovered in receptor bacteria. DNA transfer using intact roots and plants in vitro was easily demonstrated, but with greater variability. Transfer varied with plant genome size and the number of repeats of the marker DNA in the donor plant. Transfer was not detected in the absence of a homologous nptII in the receptor bacteria. We discuss these results with reference to non-coding DNA in plant genomes (e.g., introns, transposons and junk DNA) and the possibility that DNA transfer could occur in nature.', 'en_US'),
(2340, 'A model of pollinator-mediated gene flow between plant populations with numerical solutions for bumblebees pollinated oilseed rape', 'We present a model that predicts the level of gene flow mediated by animal pollinators from a source population to a sink population.  The model requires specification of three elements: (1) the paternity that originates from a single flower, the paternity shadow; (2) the mean number of flowers that pollinators visit during stays in the sink population, the residence; (3) the proportion of pollinators arriving at the sink that carry pollen from the source population.  Provided that pollinators visit enough flowers in the sink to exhaust the paternity shadows from the source, the general results are that gene flow is inversely proportional to the mean pollinator residence in the sink population, and is proportional to the fraction of pollinators arriving with pollen from the source.  These results are used to propose explanations for two of the widely observed patterns in gene flow among plant populations.  Numerical solutions to the model are derived using experimentally determined values of elements (1) and (2) that represent bumblebees, Bombus spp., visiting agricultural fields of oilseed rape, Brassica napus L.   In B. napus, the paternity shadow attenuates rapidly over approximately 20 recipient flowers.  Mean bumblebee residences in the fields studied varied between 490 and 720 flowers.  In the absence of a direct measurement of element (3), we calculated the maximum level of bumblebee-mediated gene flow by assuming that all bees arrived at the sink saturated with pollen from extrinsic sources.  In this case, the model predicts that bumblebee-mediated gene flow accounted for between 0.1% and 0.5% of the progeny in the agricultural fields studied.  A likelihood analysis of our observations is unable to reveal convincingly the proportion of bees arriving at the sink via a source population, but the literature suggests that bumblebees have high site fidelity, which implies that bee-mediated gene flow may be substantially less than our estimated maximum.  We consider the role of various factors, including wind pollination, in accounting for the differences between the model''s predictions and the generally higher levels of gene flow observed in previous studies of oilseed rape.', 'en_US'),
(2341, 'First impact of biotechnology in the EU: Bt maize adoption in Spain', 'In the present paper a bio-economic model was constructed to estimate the impact of a biotechnology innovation in EU agriculture. Transgenic Bt maize offers the potential to efficiently control corn borers that cause economically important losses in maize growing in Spain. Since 1998, Syngenta has commercialised the variety Compa CB, equivalent to an annual maize area of about 25 000 ha. During the 6-year period 1998-2003, a total welfare gain of 15.5 million euros was estimated from the adoption of Bt maize, of which Spanish farmers captured two thirds, the rest accruing to the seed industry.', 'en_US'),
(2342, 'Gene Flow: What does it mean for biodiversity and centers of origin', NULL, 'en_US'),
(2343, 'The 1st European Conference on the Co-existence of Genetically Modified Crops with Conventional and Organic Crops', NULL, 'en_US'),
(2344, 'Genetic application of an inverse polymerase chain reaction', 'A method is presented for the rapid in vitro amplification of DNA sequences that flank a region of known sequence.  The method uses the polymerase chain reation (PCR), but it has the primers oriented in the reverse direction of the usual orientation.  The template for the reverse primers is a restriction fragment that has been ligated upon itself to form a circle.  This procedure of inverse PCR (IPCR) has many applications in molecular genetics, for example, the amplification and identification of sequences flanking transposable elements.  In this paper we show the feasibility of IPCR by amplifying the sequences that flank an ISI element in the genome of a natural isolate of Escherichia coli.', 'en_US'),
(2345, 'Population ecology of wild sunflowers: effects of seed density and post-dispersal vertebrate seed predators', 'Assessing the effects of seed density on the population dynamics of wild plant species with crop relatives will be vital in determining the potential effects of introducing traits into wild populations as a result of crop-to-wild gene flow. We examined experimental sunflower (Helianthus annuus) patches in eastern Kansas to determine the effects of seed density and predation on seedling recruitment and seed production in the next generation. High seed density treatment plots had significantly more seedlings and adult plants than did low seed density treatment plots. Overwinter vertebrate seed predator exclusion treatments resulted in increases in plant density compared to plots in which vertebrates were not excluded. Control patches (no seeds added) contained virtually no plants. Head production and estimated total seed production for a patch were not statistically different among treatments (excluding control plots). Although initial seed density and vertebrate post-dispersal seed predation do appear to have effects on seedling recruitment, neither appear to be limiting seed production of competing adult plants. Therefore, variation in seed densities (over the range examined) may have limited effects on local population dynamics. It is important to note that the choice of seed densities may affect the results obtained: the seed densities used in this study may, in retrospect, be higher than in the small roadside populations typical in eastern Kansas, yet other natural sites have much larger densities. Further, the effects of increased seed density at a local site may have other important effects such as altering metapopulation dynamics through increased long-distance dispersal or increased local seed bank size.', 'en_US'),
(2346, 'Fecundity selection in a sunflower crop-wild study: Can ecological data predict crop allele changes?', 'Genes that spread from transgenic crops to populations of weedy relatives can be a cause of concern if fitness-related, transgenic traits persist and enhance weed invasiveness. Studies of the prevalence of crop-specific genetic markers in wild populations can provide data on such introgression. We conducted a field experiment in eastern Kansas to measure changes in frequencies of crop-specific genetic markers in wild sunflower (Helianthus annuus). Three allozyme markers were monitored in three artificial populations that each initially consisted of 100 wild and 100 F1 hybrid plants. Survival, flowering time, and average seed production per plant were quantified during the first year of the study (1997). Hybrid plants produced only 1-2% as many seeds per plant as wild plants but did not differ in survivorship. Simple selection models incorporating fecundity differences between wild and F1 hybrids accurately predicted crop allele frequencies in the 1998 seedlings. We predicted that frequencies of crop alleles in 1998 would average 0.03 for the three populations. Crop-specific allele frequencies dropped from the initial level of 0.25 to a mean of 0.03 in the 1998 seedlings and averaged 0.05 in the next generation of seeds. Accounting for differences in flowering phenology and predispersal seed predation did not improve the accuracy of our predictions for 1998 seedlings. Our results suggest that ecological data can be useful for estimating the frequencies of crop genes following episodes of crop-wild hybridization in sunflowers. This approach can be applied to other study systems in which data on survivorship and fecundity are used to estimate a genotype''s evolutionary fitness.', 'en_US'),
(2347, 'Diversity in free-living populations of Cucurbita pepo (Cucurbitaceae) as assessed by random amplified polymorphic DNA', 'One area of risk assessment for transgenic crops concerns cross-compatible wild and weedy relatives. In squash (Cucurbita pepo), free-living populations are diverse in their distributions, ecologies, histories, and genetic and phenotypic compositions. As part of the effort to understand this diversity, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) data were collected from 37 wild or weedy populations and 16 cultivars, which together represented all infraspecific taxa of C. pepo. Twenty-six primers yielded 70 scorable and variable markers. The presence/absence of bands for these markers produced a data matrix which was analyzed using cluster analysis. The analysis confirmed the relationships among infraspecific taxa that had been revealed, in part, in previous genetic analyses (e.g., isozymes, chloroplast DNA restriction-site mutations, inter simple sequence repeats). Also supported were findings of varying degrees of gene flow from cultivars into free-living populations. Some of the RAPD variation in subsp.ovifera var.ozarkana populations was found to be correlated with the distribution of the drainage systems along which these populations are dispersed. Finally, the RAPD results support the idea that transgenic gene flow experiments with free-living populations should consider using representatives from each of the three free-living taxa, as well as from genetically or ecologically distinct populations within these taxa.', 'en_US'),
(2348, 'Fitness of backcross six of hybrids between transgenic oilseed rape (Brassica napus) and wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum)', NULL, 'en_US'),
(2349, 'Assessment of functional transgene flow in tomato fields', 'As the flow of pollen-carrying transgenes is considered to be one of the main problems associated with the release of genetically modified plants, the impact on the environment of transgenic tomato plants highly resistant to cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) was evaluated. The frequency of spontaneous crossing between homozygous transgenic tomato, cv. UC82B, and untransformed controls was assessed in two Italian growing areas. Transformed plants expressed the CMV coat protein (CP), inducing resistance to the virus, and neomycin phosphotransferase II (NPTII), used as an in vitro selectable marker. For each field, a sample of at least 2000 progeny plants of the `wild-type'' UC82B control was screened to search for `hybrids'' expressing the transgenic proteins. Kanamycin sprayed on seedling leaves and DAS-ELISA were used to detect NPTII and CMV-CP, respectively. Plants expressing the transgenic proteins were then analysed by PCR using CMV-CP gene-specific primers. Two plants from each field were found to express the transgenes. These plants, however, proved to be homozygous for transgenes, indicating that they did not originate by cross-pollination between transgenic and `wild-type'' parents, but probably derived from transgenic seeds that accidentally contaminated untransformed seed stocks during harvesting. These results show that under our conditions, no transgene flow was detected in cv. UC82B tomatoes in the two fields.', 'en_US'),
(2350, 'Barriers to gene flow from oilseed rape (Brassica napus) into populations of Sinapis arvensis', NULL, 'en_US'),
(2351, 'Development of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers for the assessment of gene flow and genetic diversity in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan)', 'Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) is an important subsistence crop in India where traditional landraces and improved hybrids are grown alongside each other. Gene flow may result in genetic erosion of these landraces and their wild relatives, whilst transgene escape from future genetically engineered varieties is another potential hazard. To assess the impact of these factors gene flow needs to be measured. A set of 10 simple sequence repeat markers have been developed, which exhibit polymorphism across a range of pigeonpea varieties. Use of these markers also offers an efficient system for the assessment of genetic diversity within populations of pigeonpea.', 'en_US'),
(2352, 'RAPD-PCR analysis of the genetic origin of sea beet (Beta vulgaris ssp maritima) at Germany''s Baltic sea coast.', 'The spread of plant populations into new habitats and their establishment there is an important object of ecological research, particularly for those plant species consisting of cultivated, weedy and wild forms. One of these species is Beta vulgaris L., which is taxonomically divided into the subspecies vulgaris (sugar beet, Swiss chard, red beet, some weedy beet forms) and maritima (sea beet). In northeastern Europe, the distribution range of the different Beta subspecies is not well known. The aim of this study was to investigate the origin of sea beet populations at the Baltic Sea coast of Germany by collecting seed samples and performing RAPD-PCR analysis. Theoretically, the spread and the establishment of beet populations in the wild could be the result of various different processes: (1) introduction of seeds from wild populations, (2) naturalization of cultivated or weedy types after introduction into wild habitats, and (3) a combination of (1) and (2) with subsequent hybridisation and evolution into an intermediate genotype. Genetic analysis suggests that the Baltic Sea coast populations are pure wild beets (1) and not weedy or escaped sugar beets (2 or 3). In a UPGMA phenogram, the wild and the cultivated beets could be clearly distinguished from one another. In addition to the strong evidence that German sea beet originated from Danish sea beet, the possibility of seed dispersal between these groups via seawater was demonstrated. Beta vulgaris seeds survived a long period in seawater and up to 2% of the seeds still germinated after 28 weeks. The fact that sea beet populations can now be found sympatrically to flowering sugar beets and weed beets in coastal agricultural areas offers new possibilities of gene flow. This is important fundamental knowledge for the risk assessment of gene flow from transgenic sugar beet.', 'en_US'),
(2353, 'Search for evidence of introgression of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) traits into sea barley (Hordeum marinum s.str.Huds.) and bearded wheatgrass (Elymus caninus L.) in central and northern Europe using isozymes, RAPS and microsatellite markers', NULL, 'en_US'),
(2354, 'Polymorphism for interspecific hybridisation within a population of wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum) pollinated by oilseed rape (Brassica napus)', 'The within-population polymorphism of wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum) for interspecific hybridisation with two cultivars of oilseed rape (Brassica napus) was investigated by hand crossing experiments and fluorescence microscopy. Wide variability among plants was observed in the ability of oilseed rape pollen to germinate on the wild radish stigma; the frequency of pistils showing pollen tubes ranged from 0 to 1, depending on the female plant. The ratio of fertilised ovules to the total number of ovules in ovaries where pollen tubes arrived ranged from 0.02 to 0.51. Overall, the results provide evidence for the presence of different phenotypes. In 40% of the plants, pistils had no or very few pollen tubes and few fertilised ovules. In 23%, the foreign pollen tubes grew through the style towards the ovary, but had low ovule fertilisation efficiency. The remaining 37% showed a large number of pollen tubes in the style and frequent ovule fertilisation, and two plants showed no difference between foreign and conspecific pollen. With regard to post-zygotic barriers, pollen germination and ovule fertilisation represent minor barriers to interspecific hybridisation between oilseed rape and wild radish. It is suggested that the effectiveness of these barriers could be improved through plant breeding; this could reduce the risk of gene flow from transgenic oilseed rape to populations of wild relatives.', 'en_US'),
(2355, 'Introgression between oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) and its weedy relative B. rapa L in a natural population', 'We investigated introgression in a mixed weedy population of oilseed rape (Brassica napus) and its relative B. rapa using species-specific AFLP-markers. The population was situated in a field relayed from conventional to organic cultivation 11 years ago. One-hundred-and-two B. napus or B. rapa-like plants were collected in a 3 m2 plot. Of these, one was a first generation hybrid (F1) and nearly half (44 plants) were introgressed, having both B. napus and B. rapa specific markers. The remaining plants apparently corresponded to pure species, with 50 having only B. rapa- and seven having only B. napus-specific markers. We compared the number of markers in the plants from the weedy population with the numbers in controlled backcross generations (BC1 and BC2). The marker distribution in the weedy population resembled the distribution in the second backcross generation most closely. Together with the cultivation history of the field, this suggests that the introgression process in the weedy mixed population has been in progress for some time. This study is the first to show introgression between B. napus and B. rapa under natural conditions.', 'en_US'),
(2356, 'Search for spontaneous hybridization between oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) and wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum L.) in agricultural zones and evaluation of the gentic diversity of the wild species', NULL, 'en_US'),
(2357, 'The fertility of wheat X jointed goatgrass hybrid and its backcross progenies', 'The spontaneous flow of genes from wheat to jointed goatgrass is of great concern to breeders intending to release herbicide-resistant wheat. The objectives of this research were to study how genes could flow from wheat to jointed goatgrass through crossing and backcrossing between these two species and, based on this knowledge, to propose possible ways to minimize the chance of gene flow between them. Results showed that the wheat × jointed goatgrass hybrid can only serve as a female parent to produce the BC1 generation. The BC1 generation was found to have 1.8% male fertility and 4.4% female fertility, indicating that it could serve as either the male or female parent to produce a BC2 generation. The fertility of the resultant BC2 generation further increased. The average male, female, and self-fertility was 8.9, 18.0, and 6.9%, respectively. After the BC2 generation, the backcross progeny has three possible ways to reproduce: to pollinate jointed goatgrass, to be pollinated by jointed goatgrass, or to pollinate itself. Restoration of the chromosome number of jointed goatgrass continues as the BC2 generation is selfed, but some plants can contain an alien chromosome over generations. The possible ways to reduce the chance of gene flow between these two species are (1) prevent the production of hybrids, (2) prevent the production of the BC1 generation, and (3) put a herbicide-resistant gene on the A- or B-genome of wheat.', 'en_US'),
(2358, 'Quantifying gene movement from oilseed rape to its wild relatives using remote sensing', 'The potential environmental risks due to gene flow from genetically modified (GM) crops into wild plant populations are currently of great concern. Of particular interest is gene flow from GM oilseed rape (Brassica napus) into its wild parental species B. rapa and B. oleracea, with which it forms spontaneous hybrids. The rate of hybridization is best determined empirically under a wide variety of field conditions. A procedure for quantifying hybrid formation using remote sensing over a large area of southern England is described. Satellite sensor images were used to identify localities where gene flow was most likely by searching for oilseed rape fields adjacent to regions where the parent plants occur, namely rivers and cliff-tops. These sites were visited and screened for hybrids. A single hybrid was observed in an area of over 16 000 km2. We use these data to suggest a strategy to minimise gene flow following commercial scale release of GM B. napus across Europe and propose a procedure that may allow post-release containment.', 'en_US'),
(2359, 'Foraging habitats and foraging distances of bumblebees, Bombus spp. (Hym. apidae), in an agricultural landscape.', 'In selected foraging habitats of an agricultural landscape flower visits of bumblebees and community structure of foraging bumblebees were studied, with special regard to the role of crops as super-abundant resources. Most crops represent temporal foraging habitats with high abundance of bumblebees but mainly with low diversity in the bumblebee forage community, in contrast to permanent foraging habitats such as, for example, a hedgerow. The high numbers of bumblebees in the monoculture of crop plantations consisted mainly of short-tongued bumblebee species. The role of foraging distances for the visitation rate of foraging habitats was studied by performing capturerecapture experiments with natural nests of Bombus terrestris, Bombus lapidarius and Bombus muscorum. Differences were found on the species as well as the individual level. The foraging distances of B. muscorum were more restricted to the neighbourhood of the nesting habitat than the foraging activity of B. terrestris and B. lapidarius. High percentages of B. terrestris workers were recaptured while foraging on super-abundant resources in distances up to 1750m from the nest. Isolated patches of highly rewarding forage crops, in agricultural landscapes, are probably only accessed by bumblebee species with large mean foraging distances, such as the short-tongued B. terrestris. Species like the rare, long-tongued B. muscorum depend on a close connection between nesting and foraging habitat. A restricted foraging radius might be one important factor of bumblebee species loss and potential pollinator limitation in modern agricultural landscapes. Furthermore, long-distance flights of bumblebee pollinators have to be considered in the present discussion on gene flow from transgenic plant species on a landscape scale.', 'en_US'),
(2360, 'A sequential approach to risk assessment of transgenic plants expressing potease inhibitors: effects on nontarget herbivorous insects.', 'Protease inhibitors expressed in transgenic plants can provide enhanced levels of resistance to important pest species. A sequential approach for testing the effects of protease inhibitor-expressing crops on nontarget herbivorous insects has been developed. The approach consists of five tiers. The first two tiers comprise the selection phase. In tier one, field surveys are used to characterise the nontarget invertebrate fauna of a crop. In tier 2, histochemical assays are used to identify the subset of herbivores with a particular class of digestive proteolytic enzymes. In the assessment phase a combination of laboratory ''worst-case scenario'' studies (tier 3) and controlled environment or small-scale field trials (tier 4) are used to evaluate the impact of the protease inhibitor-expressing plants on the selected nontarget species. In the final tier, field trials are used to compare the relative effect of transgenic plants and current management practices, such as pesticide use, on selected species. The first four tiers of the approach are described using potatoes expressing cystatins, a family of cysteine proteinase inhibitors, as an example. Although the plants have enhanced levels of resistance to potato cyst nematodes (PCN), Globodera pallida and Globodera rostochiensis, the results establish that they have negligible impact on the nontarget herbivorous insect, Eupteryx aurata', 'en_US'),
(2361, 'A novel approach to the use of genetically modified herbicde tolerant crops for environmental benefit', 'The proposed introduction of genetically modified herbicide tolerant (GMHT) crops, with claims of improved weed control, has prompted fears about possible environmental impacts of their widespread adoption, particularly on arable weeds, insects and associated farmland birds. In response to this, we have developed a novel weed-management system for GMHT sugar beet, based on band spraying, which exploits the flexibility offered by the broad-spectrum partner herbicides. Here, we show the results from two series of field experiments which, taken together, demonstrate that, by using this system, crops can be managed for enhanced weed and insect biomass without compromising yield, thus potentially offering food and shelter to farmland birds and other wildlife. These results could be applicable widely to other row crops, and indicate that creative use of GMHT technology could be a powerful tool for developing more sustainable farming systems in the future..', 'en_US'),
(2362, 'Simulating a relative environmental effect of glyphosate-resistant soybeans', 'Great controversy surrounds the potential environmental effects of genetically modified crops (GMOs). Of the GM crops currently in commercial use, glyphosate-resistant (GR) soybeans have probably received the most attention from both proponents and opponents of GMOs. GR soybeans are an example of an input-substituting technological innovation. Adoption is a private decision, based on the adopter''s assessment of private costs and benefits, but may also have external effects. Measuring and valuing these effects completely is not possible today. Environmental indicators are attempts to find more easily measured proxies for the external effects. We present an environmental indicator based on a standardized, well-known acute mammalian toxicity measure, the LD50 dose for rats. We use this indicator to compare an environmental effect of the use of GR genetically modified soybeans to the use of non-modified soybeans for over 1400 US Midwest farms. This indicator is superior to previous indicators used to assess environmental effects of GR soybeans that rely on adding up volumes of different herbicides. The indicator allows for consistent aggregation of a specific environmental effect across many different pesticides. Furthermore, the methodology can be used to compare environmental effects for many other types of technology choices since values are mandated for all pesticides. Our simulation results suggest that GR soybean seed technology is more environmentally friendly than non-GR technology for all farms in the dimension of acute mammalian toxicity. The effect is generally more pronounced in the South where a longer growing season makes overall weed pressure more serious and presents soybean growers with a greater variety of weed species.', 'en_US'),
(2363, 'Genetic profiling of noncultivated bacteria from the rhizospheres of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) reveal field and annual variability but no effect of a transgenic herbicide resistance', 'In this field study, we compared the bacterial communities inhabiting the rhizosphere of a transgenic, herbicide-resistant sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) cultivar with those of its nonengineered counterpart, using a genetic profiling technique based on PCR amplifications of partial 16S rRNA gene sequences and single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP). As a control for the plasticity of the bacterial community, we also analyzed the influence of herbicides, the field heterogeneity, and the annual variation. DNA was isolated from bacterial cell consortia that were directly collected from root material. PCR was carried out with primers that hybridized to evolutionarily conserved regions flanking variable regions 4 and 5 of the 16S rRNA gene. SSCP patterns of these PCR products were composed of approximately 50 distinguishable bands, as detected by silver staining of the gels after electrophoresis. Patterns of the replicates and the different treatments were highly similar, but digital image and similarity analyses revealed differences that corresponded to the positions of the replicates in the field. In addition, communities collected from sugar beet in two successive growing seasons could be distinguished. In contrast, no effect of the transgenic herbicide resistance was detectable. Sequencing of 24 dominant products of the SSCP profiles indicated the presence of bacteria from different phylogenetic groups, with Proteobacteria and members of the Cytophaga?Flavobacterium?Bacteroides group being most abundant.', 'en_US'),
(2364, 'Tritrophic choice experiments with Bt plants, the diamondbackmoth (Plutella xylostella) and the parasitoid Cotesia plutellae', 'Parasitoids are important natural enemies of many pest species and are used extensively in biological and integrated control programmes. Crop plants transformed to express toxin genes derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) provide high levels of resistance to certain pest species, which is likely to have consequent effects on parasitoids specialising on such pests. A better understanding of the interaction between transgenic plants, pests and parasitoids is important to limit disruption of biological control and to provide background knowledge essential for implementing measures for the conservation of parasitoid populations. It is also essential for investigations into the potential role of parasitoids in delaying the build-up of Bt-resistant pest populations. The diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella), a major pest of brassica crops, is normally highly susceptible to a range of Bt toxins. However, extensive use of microbial Bt sprays has led to the selection of resistance to Bt toxins in P. xylostella. Cotesia plutellae is an important endoparasitoid of P. xylostella larvae. Although unable to survive in Bt-susceptible P. xylostella larvae on highly resistant Bt oilseed rape plants due to premature host mortality, C. plutellae is able to complete its larval development in Bt-resistant P. xylostella larvae. Experiments of parasitoid flight and foraging behaviour presented in this paper showed that adult C. plutellae females do not distinguish between Bt and wildtype oilseed rape plants, and are more attracted to Bt plants damaged by Bt-resistant hosts than by susceptible hosts. This stronger attraction to Bt plants damaged by resistant hosts was due to more extensive feeding damage. Population scale experiments with mixtures of Bt and wildtype plants demonstrated that the parasitoid is as effective in controlling Bt-resistant P. xylostella larvae on Bt plants as on wildtype plants. In these experiments equal or higher numbers of parasitoid adults emerged per transgenic as per wildtype plant. The implications for integrated pest management and the evolution of resistance to Bt in P. xylostella are discussed', 'en_US'),
(2365, 'Influence of Bt transgenes on cell wall lignification and digestibility of maize stover for silage', 'There have been inconsistent reports that maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids with the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cry1 Ab transgene contain more lignin than non-Bt hybrids of similar genetic background. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of the cry1 Ab transgene on lignin concentration (using three different assays), yield, and forage quality traits of maize. Replicated trials were conducted at four locations in Minnesota with 12 commercial hybrids (three MON810 and three Bt11 cry1 Ab transgene event hybrids, and respective near-isogenic controls). Whole plants and the fourth elongated, above-ground internodes were harvested at silage maturity. Samples were analyzed for crude protein, starch, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber, 24- and 96-h in vitro ruminal NDF digestibility, and lignin (acid detergent, Klason, and acetyl bromide). European corn borers (Ostrinia nubilalis Hübner) were not controlled and damage was limited to the non-Bt hybrids, averaging 1.5 internodes plant-1 with tunnels. Environment and environment x hybrid interactions affected all measures of maize performance and quality, but comparisons of non-Bt/Bt hybrid pairs, for both whole plants and internodes, found no consistent differences in yield, nutrient content, in vitro ruminal NDF digestibility, or lignin concentration. Differences in lignin concentration were infrequent, small in magnitude, and inconsistent between a few non-Bt/Bt hybrid pairs at individual locations. Two non-Bt/Bt hybrid pairs did not differ in lignin concentration at any location. Contrary to some earlier reports, presence of the cry1 Ab transgene did not alter lignin concentration or other forage quality traits of maize stover in commercial maize hybrids.', 'en_US');
INSERT INTO `bibliography_bibliography_i18n` (`id`, `title`, `abstract`, `locale`) VALUES
(2366, 'Nutritional assessment and fate of DNA from soybean meal from Roundup Ready or conventional soybeans using rats', 'This study was conducted to compare the safety of soybean meal prepared from genetically modified (GM) glyphosate-tolerant (Roundup Ready; RR) soybeans and conventional soybeans. Eighty Sprague-Dawley rats (40 males and 40 females) were randomly allotted to one of four groups according to sex and body weight for a 13-week feeding experiment. The rats were fed corn-based diets containing 60% conventional soybean meal, a mixture of 30% conventional and 30% RR soybean meal, 60% or 90% RR soybean meal. All diets were adjusted to an identical nutrient level except the 90% RR diet. The two soybean meals were similar in chemical analysis and amino acid composition. During the 13-week growth trial, body weight (P?<?0.05) and feed intake (P?<?0.05) decreased only in rats fed with 90% RR soybean meal at the first week. No treatment-related deaths occurred during the experiment. Gross necropsy findings, haematological or urinalysis values and clinical serum parameters showed no meaningful differences between rats fed the control and RR soybean meals. A 145 bp of cp4 epsps gene specific for the GM constructs from RR soybean meal or a 407 bp of lec gene from endogenous soybean DNA could not be detected in investigated masseter muscle samples. No adverse effects of glyphosate-tolerant soybean meal on rats were seen even at levels as high as 90% of the diet.', 'en_US'),
(2367, 'Geneflow from GM plants - towards a more quantitative risk assessment', 'Assessing the risks associated with geneflow from GM crops to wild relatives is a significant scientific challenge. Most researchers have focused on assessing the frequency of gene flow, too often on a localized scale, and ignoring the hazards caused by geneflow. To quantify risk, multi-disciplinary research teams need to unite and scale up their studies.', 'en_US'),
(2368, 'Abandoning ''responsive'' GM risk assessment', 'Concerns over the potential for GM crops to cause unwanted environmental change have spawned intense research activity. Studies have ranged in scope from small-scale laboratory experiments aiming to specify unwanted changes that could occur (hazard identification studies) through to large-scale initiatives designed to calculate the likelihood that a particular hazard will occur (exposure and risk assessment studies).', 'en_US'),
(2369, 'Contamination of rapeseed harvest by volunteers of other varieties: a study of intergenotypic competition', 'Rapeseed volunteers in rapeseed crops can cause contamination in harvest through pollen and seeds. The aim of the study was to predict pollen and seed production by volunteers in winter rapeseed crops according to the genotypes of the crop and the volunteers. Firstly an experimental analysis of intraspecific competition was carried out in 2000 and 2001 on two and six genotypes, respectively. The main competition period begins with vegetation onset and affects pollen and seed production of the volunteers. Relations between density, height, yield and number of flowers were developed based on results from experiments and literature. Knowing the densities and heights of volunteers and crop on the plot, the yield of the volunteers can be predicted. For example, for volunteers 60cm lower (higher) than the crop, at a density of 1volunteer/m2 in a crop at a density of 50 plants/m2, the seed production per plant of the volunteers is 12% (112%) of the production observed on a field of pure volunteers at 50 plants/m2. We propose to include the equation predicting volunteer production in the gene flow model, GS-R, in order to manage cropping systems according to harvest purity goals.', 'en_US'),
(2370, 'Biomedical and agricultural applications of animal transgenesis', 'Additive transgenesis by pronuclear injection of the mouse zygote has been in use for more than 20 yr and gene targeting in mouse embryonic stem cells for almost as long. Together, these techniques have revolutionized animal biology by helping to unravel much of what we now know about gene function. Both additive transgenics and targeting can also be performed in livestock species but the impact has not yet been substantial. In part, this has been the result of the inefficiency of the techniques but?at least in agriculture?also to a lack of obvious practicality. This review assesses the extent to which this situation is changing, with particular reference to applications in biopharming, xenotransplantation, and large animal models', 'en_US'),
(2371, 'Widespread use of glyphosate tolerant soybean and weed community richness in Argentina', 'Trends in weed richness responses to widespread use of glyphosate tolerant soybean in Argentina are presented. An experiment was carried out since 1997 to analyse weed community changes associated with the continuous and exclusive use of glyphosate. Sampling results showed that weed richness in soybean decreased or remained stable early in the season before glyphosate application but increased at harvest. A survey of crop advisers indicated that 37 species were of increasing, 18 species of decreasing importance. It is suggested that successional changes are taking place in the cropping systems in response to changes in weed control practices..', 'en_US'),
(2372, 'Is confidence in the monitoring of GE foods justified?', 'Often the limits of detection of genetically engineered organisms (GEOs, LMOs, GMOs) determine what legislation sets as thresholds of allowable contamination of the human food chain with GEOs. Many countries have legislation that is triggered by certain thresholds of contamination. Importantly, international trade in food and animal feed is becoming increasingly vulnerable to interruptions caused by the ambiguity GEOs can create when shipments are monitored at the border. We examine the tools available for detection. Four key error-generating stages are identified with the aim of prompting a higher uniform standard of routine analysis at export and import points. Contamination of the New Zealand corn crop with GEOs is used as a case study for the application of monitoring tools and vulnerability to errors. These tools fail to meet emerging food safety requirements, but some improvements are in development.', 'en_US'),
(2373, 'Impacts of developing on Bt maize-intoxicated hosts on fitness parameters of a stem borer parasitoid.', 'Transgenic Bt maize cultivars are widely used in U.S. agriculture.  Control of target pests by these cultivars is not complete, and non-target pests are usually tolerant of the toxic activity of these cultivars.  Sublethally intoxicated pest individuals may become hosts for parasitoids, but their quality as hosts may be affected as a result of intoxication.  This study addresses the effects on various fitness parameters in parasitoids that develop on intoxicated hosts.  The parasitoid used in this study was Parallorhogas pyralophagus (Marsh), a gregarious, external idiobiont, and the host was Eoreuma loftini Dyar, a subtropical stemborer.  Results showed that ingestion of Bt maize tissue by E. loftini larvae negatively affect some fitness components in P. pyralophagus, whereas other components were not affected.  Specifically, immature stage developmental mortality was greater, adult longevity was approximately 1 d shorter in females, and developmental times were approximately 2 d longer in both males and females when P. pyralophagus developed on hosts fed Bt maize tissue relative to hosts fed non-Bt maize tissue.  Moreover, parasitoid brood size was positively correlated with host size when hosts were fed non-Bt maize tissue, while this relationship was absent when hosts were fed Bt maize tissue.  However, feeding on Bt maize tissue did not affect egg loads, adult-size egg load and adult-size longevity relationships, adult sizes of females and males, and sex ratio of parasitoids whose hosts were fed Bt maize tissue.  Results are discussed in relation to the importance of sublethal effects of Bt maize cultivars on parasitoids and potential impacts on naturally-occurring biological control.', 'en_US'),
(2374, 'Transgenic potatoes with enhanced levels of nematode resistance do not have altered susceptibility to nontarget aphids.', 'Cysteine proteinase inhibitors (cystatins) confer resistance to plant-parasitic nematodes when expressed in transgenic plants. The survival and growth of nymphs of the peach-potato aphid, Myzus persicae, were adversely affected when cystatins were added to artificial diets. When aphids were clip-caged onto transgenic plants expressing chicken egg white cystatin (CEWc) there was no adverse effect on aphid fitness. Field populations of aphids on transgenic Desiree potatoes, expressing CEWc or a modified version of oryzacystatin I, were not significantly different from populations on control Desiree plants. The effect of other nematode management options on aphid numbers was also studied. A conventionally bred cultivar, with partial nematode resistance, supported higher populations of aphids than the transgenic lines at the beginning of the sampling period. Peak aphid densities on the untreated control and untreated transgenic lines were 7 and 5.2 aphids per plant. Aldicarb, commonly used to control nematodes on potatoes, reduced the value to less than 0.2 aphids per plant. The results demonstrate that levels of expression in the plant tissue actually consumed are important in determining the risk of cystatins to nontarget invertebrates. The study also highlights the importance of including currently used management options in any assessment of the impact of transgenic plants on nontarget organisms.', 'en_US'),
(2375, 'Prey-mediated effects of the protease inhibitor aprotinin on the predatory carabid beetle Nebria brevicollis', 'To investigate the potential non-target impacts of transgenic pest-resistant plants, prey-mediated impacts of a protease inhibitor (PI) on the predatory carabid, Nebria brevicollis, were investigated. The PI used was aprotinin, a serine PI of mammalian origin with insecticidal properties when incorporated in artificial diet or expressed in transgenic plants. Field-collected N. brevicollis adults, kept at 23 °C, 16:8 L:D, were fed, over their pre-aestivation activity period of 24 days, with Helicoverpa armigera larvae reared on an artificial diet containing 0.5% (w:w, fresh mass) aprotinin. These larvae contained 22.62 g aprotinin/g insect. Control prey was reared on diet without aprotinin. Beetle survival and body mass were unaffected by prey type. Beetles consuming PI-fed prey lost significantly more mass than the control beetles during two periods of mass loss, but gained significantly more mass during the final period of mass gain. This was not due to differences in amounts of prey supplied or consumed. The final mass gain coincided with increased consumption of PI-prey. Female beetles were significantly heavier than males, but we found no consistent gender-based differences in response to PI-prey. At the end of the experiment, body mass of all beetles was similar to field-collected ones (approximately 55 mg). All experimental beetles had significantly lower activities of digestive cysteine proteases and the serine proteases chymotrypsin and trypsin than field-collected ones. Beetles consuming PI-fed prey had significantly lower levels of trypsin and higher levels of chymotrypsin and elastase than the control beetles. ', 'en_US'),
(2376, 'Plant allocation to defensive compounds:  iteractions between elevated CO2 and nitrogen in transgenic cotton plants.', 'Plant allocation to defensive compounds in response to growth in elevated atmospheric CO2 in combination with two levels of nitrogen was examined. The aim was to discover if allocation patterns of transgenic plants containing genes for defensive chemicals which had not evolved in the species would respond as predicted by the Carbon Nutrient Balance (CNB) hypothesis. Cotton plants (Gossypium hirsutum L.) were sown inside 12 environmental chambers. Six of them were maintained at an elevated CO2 level of 900 µmol mol-1 and the other six at the current level of 370 µmol mol-1. Half the plants in each chamber were from a transgenic line producing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxin and the others were from a near isogenic line without the Bt gene. The allocation to total phenolics, condensed tannins, and gossypol and related terpenoid aldehydes was measured. All the treatments were bioassayed against a non-target insect herbivore found on cotton, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Plants had lower N concentrations and higher C:N ratios when grown in elevated CO2. Carbon defensive compounds increased in elevated CO2, low N availability or both. The increase in these compounds in elevated CO2 and low N, adversely affected growth and survival of S. exigua. The production of the nitrogen-based toxin was affected by an interaction between CO2 and N; elevated CO2 decreased N allocation to Bt, but the reduction was largely alleviated by the addition of nitrogen. The CNB hypothesis accurately predicted only some of the results, and may require revision. These data indicate that for the future expected elevated CO2 concentrations, plant allocation to defensive compounds will be affected enough to impact plant-herbivore interactions.', 'en_US'),
(2377, 'The effect of transgenic nematode resistance on non-target organisms in the potato rhizosphere', 'Plant-parasitic nematodes are important pests of agriculture and transgenic plants with potential for nematode control are currently being developed. The expression of cysteine proteinase inhibitors (cystatins) in potato confers partial resistance to potato-cyst nematode (PCN). Here, we used field studies to test for effects of cystatin-expressing potato on non-target soil organisms.Microbial community structure, soil microarthropods and litter decomposition were studied during two growing seasons. In the second year, nematode control options of cystatin-expressing plants and an oxime carbamate nematicide application were compared for their non-target effects.In the first year, the transgenic lines had no effect on the abundance, evenness or metabolic activity of the soil microbial community as determined by ester-linked phospholipid fatty acid analysis (PLFA). However, one transgenic line (D6/7) influenced the structure of the soil microbial community. PLFA suggested it favoured fungal growth relative to bacterial growth during the latter parts of the growing season. A second transgenic line (D5/13) was more effective against PCN. It reduced the abundance of the fungal fatty acid 18:26 in late season, suggesting a suppression of fungal growth.In the second year PLFA analysis suggested microbial abundance was reduced by 15% and 23% in the nematicide and transgenic treatments, respectively, relative to the control. Nematicidal treatment reduced the bacterial fraction of the microbial community, whereas the transgenic plants suppressed both the bacterial and fungal community components.The observed changes in soil microbial community structure did not result in changes in the rate of leaf litter decomposition.The transgenic lines had no significant effect on the abundance of soil microarthropods or free-living nematodes.The study is the first stage of a risk assessment of the impact of transgenic nematode resistance on non-target soil organisms. It has highlighted the importance of including currently used management options when studying the effect of transgenic plants on non-target organisms. Both nematicide use and the transgenic plants affected components of the soil microbial community. However, the changes brought about by the two treatments were not sufficient to affect soil functioning, as measured by rates of litter decomposition.', 'en_US'),
(2378, 'Environmental Fate and Effects of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Proteins from Transgenic Crops: a Review', 'This paper reviews the scientific literature addressing the environmental fate and nontarget effects of the Cry protein toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), specifically resulting from their expression in transgenic crops. Published literature on analytical methodologies for the detection and quantification of the Cry proteins in environmental matrices is also reviewed, with discussion of the adequacy of the techniques for determining the persistence and mobility of the Bt proteins. In general, assessment of the nontarget effects of Bt protein toxins indicates that there is a low level of hazard to most groups of nontarget organisms, although some investigations are of limited ecological relevance. Some published reports on the persistence of the proteins in soil show short half-lives, whereas others show low-level residues lasting for many months. Improvements in analytical methods will allow a more complete understanding of the fate and significance of Bt proteins in the environment.', 'en_US'),
(2379, 'Influence of Planting Date on Aflatoxin Accumulation in Bt, non-Bt, and Tropical non-Bt Hybrids', 'Received for publication December 19, 2003. Aflatoxin, produced by the fungus Aspergillus flavus Link, reduces the value of corn (Zea mays L.) and is usually associated with high temperatures, water stress, and insect damage. The objective of this study was to determine if Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) corn hybrids or ''tropical'' germplasm could reduce aflatoxin accumulation with later planting dates. Aflatoxin accumulation (B1, B2, G1, and G2) in corn grain was evaluated on Bt, non-Bt, and tropical non-Bt hybrids and four planting dates (March, April, May, and June) from 1998 to 2000. Aflatoxin concentration in corn varied across years but generally decreased with later planting date. In 1998, aflatoxin accumulation was lower in Bt (314 ng g?1) than non-Bt hybrids (634 ng g?1) but not different than tropical non-Bt hybrid (470 ng g?1). However, aflatoxin contamination was lower from Bt hybrids (70 ng g?1) than from the tropical non-Bt hybrid (259 ng g?1) but not different in non-Bt hybrids (86 ng g?1) in 1999. In 2000, aflatoxin levels were low, and hybrid had no effect on aflatoxin concentration. Temperature and irrigation effects on aflatoxin accumulation were not consistent. Increased temperature and delayed harvest may lead to aflatoxin accumulation before harvest. However, precipitation may influence aflatoxin levels in some years. The results of this study indicate that aflatoxin accumulation in corn may be decreased with later planting date, and less accumulation in Bt than non-Bt or tropical non-Bt hybrids may be indirectly explained by insect reductions. ', 'en_US'),
(2380, 'Maize diversity and ethnolinguistic diversity in Chiapas, Mexico', 'The objective of this study is to investigate whether ethnolinguistic diversity influences crop diversity. Factors suggest a correlation between biological diversity of crops and cultural diversity. Although this correlation has been noted, little systematic research has focused on the role of culture in shaping crop diversity. This paper reports on research in the Maya highlands (altitude > 1,800 m) of central Chiapas in southern Mexico that examined the distribution of maize (Zea mays) types among communities of two groups, the Tzeltal and Tzotzil. The findings suggest that maize populations are distinct according to ethnolinguistic group. However, a study of isozymes indicates no clear separation of the region''s maize into two distinct populations based on ethnolin-guistic origin. A reciprocal garden experiment shows that there is adaptation of maize to its environment but that Tzeltal maize sometimes out-yields Tzotzil maize in Tzotzil environments. Because of the proximity of the two groups and selection for yield, we would expect that the superior maize would dominate both groups'' maize populations, but we find that such domination is not the case. The role of ethnolinguistic identity in shaping social networks and information exchange is discussed in relation to landrace differentiation.', 'en_US'),
(2381, 'A framework for assessing the risk of transgenic crops.', 'The environmental risks of many transgenic crops can be evaluated without additional experimentation by using already available information on the biology of the crop, the presence of compatible relatives, and the transgene phenotype. The level of crop invasiveness and the location of compatible relatives can be determined by consulting local floras and the crop literature. Decisions about invasiveness can be bolstered by determining the number of weediness traits carried by the crop and its congeners. The potential impact of transgenes can be ranked by their likely effect on reproductive success, ranging from neutral to advantageous to detrimental. This scheme can identify not only the low-risk transgene?crop combinations that are safe to deploy but also those that either are too dangerous to release or require additional experimentation.', 'en_US'),
(2382, 'Soybean Allergenicity and Suppression of the Immunodominant Allergen', 'The wide-spread use of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] products in processed foods poses a potential threat to soybean-sensitive, food-allergic individuals. Clinical symptoms of soybean allergy can be manifested as gastric distress or atopic dermatitis and, while usually not life threatening, suspected cases of anaphylaxis have been reported. In vitro assays of soybean seed proteins with sera collected from soybean-sensitive individuals have shown that major storage proteins as well as other minor seed proteins account for IgE binding. Gly m Bd 30k, a member of the papain superfamily of cysteine proteases, also referred to as P34, has been identified as a major allergen in soybean seeds. We have used gene silencing to eliminate accumulation of P34/Gly m Bd 30k in transgenic soybean. These transgenic plants, producing P34/Gly m Bd 30k-null seeds, lacked any obvious developmental or phenotypic differences when compared with control plants. The production of a P34/Gly m Bd 30k-null line eliminates one of the primary allergens present in soybean seeds.', 'en_US'),
(2383, 'Allergy assessment of foods or ingredients derived from biotechnology, gene-modified organisms, or novel foods.', NULL, 'en_US'),
(2384, 'Ecological Context for Examining the Effects of Transgenic Crops in Production Systems.', 'Ecological processes can have strong effects on production systems, many of which prevent crops from reaching their maximal yield. Past and present management strategies have been developed to mitigate the negative interactions, thereby improving crop production. However, when applied to complex and variable agroecosystems, some of these strategies have resulted in unintended ecological effects that ultimately hindered production. Transgenic crops are a widespread and powerful management option, and there is a tremendous need to understand their intended ecological effects as well as potential unintended direct and indirect effects. The purpose of this review is threefold: (1) to discuss four of the major ecological effects that limit crop production: competition, herbivory, disease, and abiotic stresses, (2) to describe how biotechnology is addressing these problems, and (3) to examine the ways these biotechnological solutions may cause ecological effects that unintentionally hinder crop production. We find that, to date, there has been little diversity in the types of transgenic crops available and the approaches they use to improve crop production. Transgenic crops, like previous agricultural technologies, are designed to enhance a singular plant trait in order to solve a specific production problem.When viewed in a simplified system, transgenic crops seem to provide effective means to mitigate negative ecological effects. However, when approached via a larger ecological context, it is clear that transgenic crops have already had and will continue to have unintended ecological effects that can ultimately affect crop production through mechanisms such as gene flow, resistance evolution, community interactions, and production practices. No management option, including transgenics, is universally beneficial or detrimental. The ecological context of specific agroecosystems may improve predictions of the benefits, limitations, and consequences of a given management tactic within that system. As we increase our understanding of the ecological context of crop production problems, we may be able to improve our control efforts to maximize production and minimize potential problems in the future.', 'en_US'),
(2385, 'Opinion of the Scientific Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms on the use of antibiotic resistance genes as marker genes in genetically modified plants.', NULL, 'en_US'),
(2386, 'Regulating transgenic crops sensibly: lessons from plant breeding, biotechnology and genomics.', 'The costs of meeting regulatory requirements and market restrictions guided by regulatory criteria are substantial impediments to the commercialization of transgenic crops. Although a cautious approach may have been prudent initially, we argue that some regulatory requirements can now be modified to reduce costs and uncertainty without compromising safety. Long-accepted plant breeding methods for incorporating new diversity into crop varieties, experience from two decades of research on and commercialization of transgenic crops, and expanding knowledge of plant genome structure and dynamics all indicate that if a gene or trait is safe, the genetic engineering process itself presents little potential for unexpected consequences that would not be identified or eliminated in the variety development process before commercialization. We propose that as in conventional breeding, regulatory emphasis should be on phenotypic rather than genomic characteristics once a gene or trait has been shown to be safe.', 'en_US'),
(2387, 'Genetic and Biochemical Characterization of Field-Evolved Resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis Toxin Cry1Ac in the Diamondback Moth, Plutella xylostella.', 'The long-term usefulness of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry toxins, either in sprays or in transgenic crops, may be compromised by the evolution of resistance in target insects. Managing the evolution of resistance to B. thuringiensis toxins requires extensive knowledge about the mechanisms, genetics, and ecology of resistance genes. To date, laboratory-selected populations have provided information on the diverse genetics and mechanisms of resistance to B. thuringiensis, highly resistant field populations being rare. However, the selection pressures on field and laboratory populations are very different and may produce resistance genes with distinct characteristics. In order to better understand the genetics, biochemical mechanisms, and ecology of field-evolved resistance, a diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) field population (Karak) which had been exposed to intensive spraying with B. thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki was collected from Malaysia. We detected a very high level of resistance to Cry1Ac; high levels of resistance to B. thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki Cry1Aa, Cry1Ab, and Cry1Fa; and a moderate level of resistance to Cry1Ca. The toxicity of Cry1Ja to the Karak population was not significantly different from that to a standard laboratory population (LAB-UK). Notable features of the Karak population were that field-selected resistance to B. thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki did not decline at all in unselected populations over 11 generations in laboratory microcosm experiments and that resistance to Cry1Ac declined only threefold over the same period. This finding may be due to a lack of fitness costs expressed by resistance strains, since such costs can be environmentally dependent and may not occur under ordinary laboratory culture conditions. Alternatively, resistance in the Karak population may have been near fixation, leading to a very slow increase in heterozygosity. Reciprocal genetic crosses between Karak and LAB-UK populations indicated that resistance was autosomal and recessive. At the highest dose of Cry1Ac tested, resistance was completely recessive, while at the lowest dose, it was incompletely dominant. A direct test of monogenic inheritance based on a backcross of F1 progeny with the Karak population suggested that resistance to Cry1Ac was controlled by a single locus. Binding studies with 125I-labeled Cry1Ab and Cry1Ac revealed greatly reduced binding to brush border membrane vesicles prepared from this field population.', 'en_US'),
(2388, 'Release of transgenic bacterial inoculants - rhizobia as a case study.', 'The current debate on the release of genetically modified organisms to the environment must be informed by scientific data obtained from field studies. Many of the microorganisms that have potential applications outside the laboratory, especially in agriculture and horticulture, could be improved by genetic modification. Rhizobia, the bacteria that form N2-fixing symbioses with leguminous plants, have a long history of safe use as seed inoculants, their biology is relatively well known, and they represent a relevant model system. There have been several field releases of genetically modified (GM) rhizobia in the USA and Europe, which provide information on various aspects of their ecology and efficacy. This review summarises the rationale for each release, details of the methods used for monitoring, and the results. Novel properties of rhizobia did not always have the predicted effects. Most studies revealed that rhizobial numbers dropped rapidly after application to soil or seeds but then numbers stabilised for months or years. The monitoring of survival and spread of rhizobia was greatly improved by the presence of novel marker genes. Tagging of rhizobia with marker genes provided more accurate information compared to the use of conventional strains, illustrating an important application of genetic modification, for tracking bacteria in the environment.', 'en_US'),
(2389, 'Risk assessment for engineered bacteria used in biocontrol of fungal disease in agricultural crops.', 'A plant growth promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR)Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25 (WT) protects a number of crop plant species from damping-off caused by Pythium ultimum. A genetically modified, phenazine-1-carboxylic acid (PCA) producing variant, 23.10, carries on its chromosome a single copy of phzABCDEFG, under the control of the P tac constitutive promoter. The genetically modified biological control agent (GM-BCA), 23.10, has improved biocontrol activity when compared to wild type SBW25, and can effectively suppress Pythium spp. present at up to 100 times normal field infestations. GM-BCA inocula establish high population densities which persist well in the phytosphere of several crop plants including pea, wheat and sugar beet, effectively suppressed infection and promoted increase in total plant biomass. It also has an improved spectrum of activity over other plant phytopathogens such as Fusarium spp. Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici, Phytophtora cinnamomi and Rhizoctonia solani. However in developing BCAs and in particular GMBCAs it is important to determine whether their use has any adverse effect in the environment. Any observed changes following inoculation with wild type BCA or GM BCA in microbial diversity (bacteria and fungi) were negligible when assessed by either quantitive selective plate count methods (CFU/g) or culture independent molecular assays (SSU rRNA based PCR-DGGE). Rhizosphere community diversity profiles (DGGE) in infected plants in the presence of inocula were highly similar to disease free systems. Histological assessment of the impact of inocula on established functional mycorrhizae associations were conducted on cores collected from an established field margin grassland pasture. No adverse impact on mycorrhizal colonization and root infection were recorded after addition of WT or GM-BCA bacterial inocula as a soil drench. This approach and the related culturable and culture independent methods have recorded only a minor, transient perturbation to microbial communities, but as far as we are aware this is the first direct demonstration that a functional, AFC producing GMM also has only a transient impact on mycorrhizal associations in established plant communities. In all instances studied the plant species, plant stage of development and disease, damping-off, had a greater impact on changes in rhizosphere diversity than the presence of an introduced GM bacterial inocula.', 'en_US'),
(2390, 'Post-market surveillance model for potential human health effects of novel foods.', 'This paper presents a post-market surveillance model for evaluating the potential human health effects of novel foods. It examines the characteristics of current protocols ? substantial equivalence and precautionary principle ? and argues that post-market surveillance complements the former and provides a sensible rationale for the latter. The paper posits that given the direct consumer claims associated with emerging novel foods, a post-market surveillance system may help policy makers maximize the net benefits of these products given desired health status objectives.', 'en_US'),
(2391, 'Persistence and biological activity in soil of the insecticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis, especially from transgenic plants.', 'Insecticidal proteins produced by various subspecies (kurstaki, tenebrionis, and israelensis) of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) bound rapidly and tightly on clays, both pure mined clay minerals and soil clays, on humic acids extracted from soil, and on complexes of clay and humic acids. Binding reduced susceptibility of the proteins to microbial degradation. However, bound proteins retained biological activity. Purified Cry1Ab protein and protein released from biomass of transgenic Bt corn and in root exudates of growing Bt corn (13 hybrids representing three transformation events) exhibited binding and persistence in soil. Insecticidal protein was also released in root exudates of Bt potato (Cry3A protein) and rice (Cry1Ab protein) but not in root exudates of Bt canola, cotton, and tobacco (Cry1Ac protein). Vertical movement of Cry1Ab protein, either purified or in root exudates or biomass of Bt corn, decreased as the concentration of the clay minerals, kaolinite or montmorillonite, in soil increased. Biomass of transgenic Bt corn decomposed less in soil than biomass of near-isogenic non-Bt corn, possibly because biomass of Bt corn had a significantly higher content of lignin than biomass of non-Bt corn. Biomass of Bt canola, cotton, potato, rice, and tobacco also decomposed less than biomass of the respective near-isogenic non-Bt plants. However, the lignin content of these Bt plants, which was significantly less than that of Bt corn, was not significantly different from that of their near-isogenic non-Bt counterparts, although it was consistently higher. The Cry1Ab protein had no consistent effects on organisms (earthworms, nematodes, protozoa, bacteria, fungi) in soil or in vitro. The Cry1Ab protein was not taken up from soil by non-Bt corn, carrot, radish, or turnip grown in soil in which Bt corn had been grown or into which biomass of Bt corn had been incorporated.', 'en_US'),
(2392, 'Impact of oilseed rape expressing the insecticidal serine protease inhibitor, mustard trypsin inhibitor-2 on the beneficial predator Pterostichus madidus.', 'Insect-resistant transgenic plants have been suggested to have deleterious effects on beneficial predators feeding on crop pests, through transmission of the transgene product by the pest to the predator. To test this hypothesis, effects of oilseed rape expressing the serine protease inhibitor, mustard trypsin inhibitor 2 (MTI-2), on the predatory ground beetle Pterostichus madidus were investigated, using diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella as the intermediary pest species. As expected, oilseed rape expressing MTI-2 had a deleterious effect on the development and survival of the pest. However, incomplete pest mortality resulted in survivors being available to predators at the next trophic level, and inhibition studies confirmed the presence of biologically active transgene product in pest larvae. Characterization of proteolytic digestive enzymes of P. madidus demonstrated that adults utilize serine proteases with trypsin-like and chymotrypsin-like specificities; the former activity was completely inhibited by MTI-2 in vitro. When P. madidus consumed prey reared on MTI-2 expressing plants over the reproductive period in their life cycle, no significant effects upon survival were observed as a result of exposure to the inhibitor. However, there was a short-term significant inhibition of weight gain in female beetles fed unlimited prey containing MTI-2, with a concomitant reduction of prey consumption. Biochemical analyses showed that the inhibitory effects of MTI-2 delivered via prey on gut proteolysis in the carabid decreased with time of exposure, possibly resulting from up-regulation of inhibitor-insensitive proteases. Of ecological significance, consumption of MTI-2 dosed prey had no detrimental effects on reproductive fitness of adult P. madidus.', 'en_US'),
(2393, 'Environmental biosafety and transgenic potato in a centre of diversity for this crop.', NULL, 'en_US'),
(2394, 'Monitoring horizontal gene transfer', NULL, 'en_US'),
(2395, 'Estimating isolation distances for genetically modified trees in plantation forestry.', 'Globally there is growing concern about the problem of genetic pollution. This issue has gained public prominence with the creation of novel genotypes using genetic engineering, and their subsequent release into the environment. Of particular, public concern are the risks associated with genetic pollution from the release of genetically modified plants into centres of diversity. This problem is of significance in Australia, which is a centre of diversity for eucalyptus. Gene flow is managed using isolation distances, which are set using qualitative risk assessments by experts. However, we believe that quantitative risk assessments using mathematical models can augment expert opinion by better informing decision makers about the risks of gene flow. We develop a spatially explicit gene flow and invasion model using cellular automata, which we use to investigate gene introgression between plantations of genetically modified eucalypts and stands of wild eucalypts. Our results suggest that an isolation distance in excess of 100 m is likely to be the minimum distance needed to limit gene introgression.', 'en_US'),
(2396, 'Stability of gene silencing-based resistance to Plum pox virus in transgenic plum (Prunus domestica L.) under field conditions.', 'Plum pox virus (PPV) is one of the most devastating diseases of Prunus species. Since few sources of resistance to PPV have been identified, transgene-based resistance offers a complementary approach to developing PPV-resistant stone fruit cultivars. C5, a transgenic clone of Prunus domestica L., containing the PPV coat protein (CP) gene, has been described as highly resistant to PPV in greenhouse tests, displaying characteristics typical of post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS). We show in this report that C5 trees exposed to natural aphid vectors in the field remained uninfected after 4years while susceptible transgenic and untransformed trees developed severe symptoms within the first year. C5 trees inoculated by chip budding showed only very mild symptoms and PPV could be detected in these trees by IC-RT-PCR. The PPV-CP transgene in C5 was specifically hyper-methylated with no detectable expression. These results indicate both stability and efficiency of PTGS-based PPV resistance in plum under field conditions.', 'en_US'),
(2397, 'Genetic modifications to lignin biosynthesis in field-grown poplar trees have inconsistent effects on the rate of woody trunk decomposition.', 'In this paper we report results on the decomposition in soil of woody trunk material from poplar (Populus tremula×Populus alba) trees with genetic modifications to lignin biosynthesis grown for 4 years in a field trial. Lengths of trunks were salvaged following the premature termination of the trial as a result of serious damage to the trees by protestors against the release of genetically modified plants. The decomposition in soils of sections of trunk from trees with antisense transgenes for two enzymes in the monolignol pathway, cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase and caffeic acid O-methyl transferase (two lines of each), and material from unmodified trees were determined during laboratory incubation for 552 days. Although total CO2 production from soil amended with trunk material was 2.0- to 4.3-times greater (P<0.010) than that from unamended soils during the first 77 days of incubation, no significant differences between modified or unmodified plants were detected for either total CO2 production over 77 days or total mass loss from the trunk material over 552 days. Addition of the plant materials significantly increased the soil microbial biomass, but the effects of the different genetic modifications on biomass were not consistent or in most cases not significant. We conclude that environmental variability during growth in the field has a greater influence on future wood decomposition than modifications to lignin biosynthesis.', 'en_US'),
(2398, 'Theoretical hybridization potential of transgenic safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) with weedy relatives in the New World.', 'Carthamus tinctorius L. (safflower) is being evaluated as a crop for the production of plant-made pharmaceuticals using an oleosin fusion protein system. We evaluated the potential for transgenic gene flow from C. tinctorius to wild or weedy relatives in western Canada. Cytogenetic and phylogenetic studies with most of the species of Carthamus have demonstrated that cultivated C. tinctorius has the ability to hybridize with at least six wild or weedy relatives worldwide. Of the four naturalized wild relatives in the New World, only two, C. oxyacanthus and C. creticus, have successfully been crossed with C. tinctorius to produce fertile hybrids. Data from artificial crosses resulting in fertile offspring indicate the biological potential of a hybridization event, but only if the species are temporally and spatially sympatric can this occur. Based on the New World distribution of C. oxyacanthus and C. creticus we predict that hybridization with transgenic C. tinctorius could occur in some areas of Argentina, Chile and localities within several states in the United States including California, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Utah, and Texas. Locations in the New World where wild species of Carthamus have not been naturalized may provide biologically isolated locations for the cultivation of a transgenic safflower crop.', 'en_US'),
(2399, 'The assessment of the environmental impact of genetically modified wine yeast strains.', NULL, 'en_US'),
(2400, 'Ecological risk assessment of transgenic pasture plants: a community gradient modelling approach.', 'The extension of transgene technology to pasture species presents new challenges for ecological risk assessment because, unlike most crops, pasture plants are well adapted for persistence in mixed plant communities and are an important source of invasive species worldwide. Despite this, the impact of transgenic pasture plants on native ecosystems remains relatively unstudied. Here we use a community gradient modelling approach to investigate the performance of subterranean clover containing a nutrition-enhancing transgene over a range of ecologically important grassland communities at a study site in south-eastern Australia. Our data, which were collected over a full annual growing season, show that the transgenic clover line has different seedling survival and seed dormancy breakdown rates than the commercial non-transgenic line, which suggests that transgenic populations will decline faster than non-transgenic ones in perennial native grassland communities but could, under optimal climatic conditions, have potentially higher growth rates in grazed annual grasslands. These results demonstrate that changes to ecologically important demographic parameters can occur in plants containing transgenes that are not typically considered fitness enhancing, and that genotype by environment interactions and management regimes that impact on these parameters may influence the invasiveness of transgenic plants. Our study also demonstrates the utility of incorporating plant community gradient modelling into ecological risk assessment protocols designed for transgenic pasture plants.', 'en_US'),
(2401, 'Evidence for landscape-level, pollen-mediated gene flow from genetically modified creeping bentgrass with CP4 EPSPS as a marker.', 'Sampling methods and results of a gene flow study are described that will be of interest to plant scientists, evolutionary biologists, ecologists, and stakeholders assessing the environmental safety of transgenic crops. This study documents gene flow on a landscape level from creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.), one of the first wind-pollinated, perennial, and highly outcrossing transgenic crops being developed for commercial use. Most of the gene flow occurred within 2 km in the direction of prevailing winds. The maximal gene flow distances observed were 21 km and 14 km in sentinel and resident plants, respectively, that were located in primarily nonagronomic habitats. The selectable marker used in these studies was the CP4 EPSPS gene derived from Agrobacterium spp. strain CP4 that encodes 5-enol-pyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase and confers resistance to glyphosate herbicide. Evidence for gene flow to 75 of 138 sentinel plants of A. stolonifera and to 29 of 69 resident Agrostis plants was based on seedling progeny survival after spraying with glyphosate in greenhouse assays and positive TraitChek, PCR, and sequencing results. Additional studies are needed to determine whether introgression will occur and whether it will affect the ecological fitness of progeny or the structure of plant communities in which transgenic progeny may become established.', 'en_US'),
(2402, 'Reproductive performance of growth-enhanced transgenic coho salmon.', 'The reproductive performances of growth-enhanced transgenic, hatchery, and cultured nontransgenic coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch were examined to investigate the consequences of reproductive interaction between growth hormone (GH)?transgenic fish and wild fish that may occur if transgenic salmon escaped into the natural environment. We examined adult morphological phenotypes, gamete quantity and quality, in vitro offspring production, courtship and spawning behavior, male competitive behavior, and transgene transmission to offspring. Transgenic, hatchery, and cultured nontransgenic fish required 2, 3, and 3 or 4 years, respectively, to reach sexual maturation. No differences in male gamete quantity or in vitro offspring production were observed. Transgenic females were more fecund than hatchery females but had smaller eggs. Fewer transgenic females spawned than hatchery females under experimental conditions, and transgenic females displayed consistently low levels of courtship behavior. In noncompetitive trials, there were no differences in the courtship behavior of transgenic and hatchery males; during competition with hatchery males, however, transgenic males failed to spawn and displayed less courtship and competitive behavior. Cultured nontransgenic salmon also displayed reduced spawning capacity relative to hatchery salmon, indicating that the effects observed in transgenic salmon may arise in part from being reared in the culture environment and highlighting the difficulty in using laboratory-reared transgenic fish to assess reproductive fitness because of the strong genotype?environment interactions. As long as wild-reared transgenic fish are unavailable, exact determinations of reproductive fitness will be difficult. However, these studies have shown that in a simulated natural environment, growth-enhanced transgenic coho salmon do display courtship behavior and can spawn, producing viable transgenic offspring. The findings suggest some capacity exists for the natural transmission of transgenes to populations arising from reproductive interaction, which could occur during first contact between escaped cultured transgenic fish and wild conspecifics.', 'en_US'),
(2403, 'Future fish: issues in science and regulation of transgenic fish.', 'This report provides an overview of the issues surrounding transgenic fish. The report reviews the development of aquaculture biotechnology, the status of current research, its potential economic, environmental, and other benefits, its possible food safety and environmental risks, and the application of current U.S. laws and regulations as it moves to commercial development. While the report does not contain specific policy recommendations, it highlights a number of key regulatory issues for policymakers.', 'en_US');
INSERT INTO `bibliography_bibliography_i18n` (`id`, `title`, `abstract`, `locale`) VALUES
(2404, 'Insect resistance management in GM crops: past, present and future.', 'Transgenic plants expressing insecticidal proteins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) were first commercialized in 1996 amid concern from some scientists, regulators and environmentalists that the widespread use of Bt crops would inevitably lead to resistance and the loss of a ''public good,'' specifically, the susceptibility of insect pests to Bt proteins. Eight years later, Bt corn and cotton have been grown on a cumulative area >80 million ha worldwide. Despite dire predictions to the contrary, resistance to a Bt crop has yet to be documented, suggesting that resistance management strategies have been effective thus far. However, current strategies to delay resistance remain far from ideal. Eight years without resistance provides a timely opportunity for researchers, regulators and industry to reassess the risk of resistance and the most effective strategies to preserve Bt and other novel insect-resistant crops in development.', 'en_US'),
(2405, 'Effects of plants genetically modified for insect resistance on nontarget organisms.', 'Insect resistance, based on Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) endotoxins, is the second most widely used trait (after herbicide resistance) in commercial genetically modified (GM) crops. Other modifications for insect resistance, such as proteinase inhibitors and lectins, are also being used in many experimental crops. The extensive testing on nontarget plant-feeding insects and beneficial species that has accompanied the long-term and wide-scale use of Bt plants has not detected significant adverse effects. GM plants expressing other insect-resistant proteins that have a broader spectrum of activity have been tested on only a limited number of nontarget species. Little is known about the persistence of transgene-derived proteins in soil, with the exception of Bt endotoxins, which can persist in soil for several months. Bt plants appear to have little impact on soil biota such as earthworms, collembolans, and general soil microflora. Further research is required on the effects of GM plants on soil processes such as decomposition. Assessment of nontarget impacts is an essential part of the risk assessment process for insect-resistant GM plants.', 'en_US'),
(2406, 'Mycotoxins produced by Fusarium spp. in isogenic Bt vs. non-Bt maize hybrids under European corn borer pressure.', 'Stalk and ear rots caused by Fusarium subspecies are often related to mycotoxin accumulation in maize (Zea mays L.) kernels. Various mycotoxicoses in livestock and humans are triggered by the consumption of these toxins. The European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis Hübner) reportedly promotes the infection by Fusarium spp. The objectives of our study were to (i) evaluate the concentration of deoxinivalenol (DON), 3-acetyl-deoxynivalenol (3-A-DON), 15-acetyl-deoxynivalenol (15-A-DON), fumonisin (FUM), fusarenon-X (FUS-X), moniliformin (MON), and nivalenol (NIV) in kernels; (ii) determine the level of European corn borer (ECB) resistance; and (iii) investigate the association between the concentration of mycotoxins and ECB resistance. The study used early maturing European Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) cultivars, their isogenic counterparts, and commercial hybrids. The field experiments were conducted at three locations in Germany. The mycotoxins most prevalent were DON, FUM, and MON. Plots infested by and protected from ECB differed significantly for DON and FUM concentrations. In addition, significant differences were found for concentrations of FUM between isogenic Bt and non-Bt hybrids. The two Bt events?Bt176 and Mon810?were also significantly different for FUM concentrations. Not all mycotoxins were related to ECB damage. Insect management and, therefore, the use of Bt cultivars may be a short-term solution to minimize toxins in kernels.', 'en_US'),
(2407, 'Safety evaluation of the phosphinothricin acetyltransferase proteins encoded by the pat and bar sequences that confer tolerance to glufosinate-ammonium herbicide in transgenic plants.', 'Transgenic plant varieties, which are tolerant to glufosinate-ammonium, were developed. The herbicide tolerance is based upon the presence of either the bar or the pat gene, which encode for two homologous phosphinothricin acetyltransferases (PAT), in the plant genome. Based on both a review of published literature and experimental studies, the safety assessment reviews the first step of a two-step-approach for the evaluation of the safety of the proteins expressed in plants. It can be used to support the safety of food or feed products derived from any crop that contains and expresses these PAT proteins. The safety evaluation supports the conclusion that the genes and the donor microorganisms (Streptomyces) are innocuous. The PAT enzymes are highly specific and do not possess the characteristics associated with food toxins or allergens, i.e., they have no sequence homology with any known allergens or toxins, they have no N-glycosylation sites, they are rapidly degraded in gastric and intestinal fluids, and they are devoid of adverse effects in mice after intravenous administration at a high dose level. In conclusion, there is a reasonable certainty of no harm resulting from the inclusion of the PAT proteins in human food or in animal feed.', 'en_US'),
(2408, 'The stability of the Arabidopsis transcriptome in transgenic plants expressing the marker genes nptII and uidA.', 'The ATH1 Arabidopsis GeneChip from Affymetrix was used to search for transcriptome changes in Arabidopsis associated with the strong expression of transgenes regulated by constitutive promoters. The insertion and expression of the commonly used marker genes, uidA and nptII, did not induce changes to the expression patterns of the approximately 24 000 genes that were screened under optimal growth conditions and under physiological stress imposed by low temperatures. Approximately 8000 genes (35% of the Arabidopsis genome) underwent changes in gene expression in both wild-type and transgenic plants under abiotic stresses such as salt, dehydration, cold, and heat. This study provides detailed information on the extent of non-targeted or pleiotropic effects of transgenes on plants and shows that the transgenic and non-transgenic plants were equivalent in their global patterns of transcription. This information may help to extend our understanding and interpretation of the principle of substantial equivalence which is used as a first step in the biosafety evaluation of transgenic crops.', 'en_US'),
(2409, 'Expression of a Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal crystal protein gene in tobacco plants', 'A major strategy for controlling pest insects is the development of plants resistant to insect attack.  Introduction of proteins toxic to insects into plants via genetic engineering is one approach to developing such plants.  We have previously cloned and characterized the DNA encoding the insecticidal crystal protein gene of Bacillus thuringiensis strain HD-73.  To transfer the toxic crystal protein gene into plants, the HD-73 gene was engineered 3'' to the (ORF 24) promoter of pTi1595.  This promoter/gene cassette was cloned into a binary micro T-DNA vector containing a plant selectable marker and delivered into tobacco cells.  In regenerated transgenic tobacco plants, we have detected B. thuringiensis peptides by immunoassay.  Crystal protein-specific transcripts in these tissues are truncated at the 3'' end of the gene.  Nonetheless, leaves of some transgenic plants kill tobacco hornworms in feeding bioassays.', 'en_US'),
(2410, '100 Years of Bacillus thuringiensis: A critical scientific assessment', 'The insecticidal proteins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) have provided a uniquely specific, safe, and effective tool for the control of a wide variety of insect pests.  Bt has been used in spray formulations for over 40 years, where it is considered remarkably safe, in large part because specific formulations harm only a narrow range of insect species.  Today, Bt insecticidal protein genes have been incorporated into several major crops where they provide a model for genetic engineering in agriculture. Effective protection of crops from insect pests afforded by insecticidal proteins has had a number of positive impacts on agriculture.  Reduced insect damage improves crop yield, reduces fungal toxins in the food supply, and improves the livelihood of farmers.  Replacement of toxic chemical pesticides with Bt has reduced hazards to the environment and farm workers.  Bt-engineered crops are equally amenable to use in large or small scale farming operations and compatible with other agricultural practices and technologies. Concerns associated with the use of Bt include potential for harm to non-target organisms, development of resistance in populations of target insects, and, for engineered crops, possible ecological consequences of gene flow to non-engineered crops and wild relatives.  These concerns merit continued attention on a case-by-case basis in order to ensure that Bt technologies have the maximum positive impact with a minimum risk on agriculture.  Prudent use of Bt technologies will also be key in maintaining their usefulness for a long period of time.', 'en_US'),
(2411, 'Gossypol.', 'The polyphenolic gossypol pigments are indigenous in the genus Gossypium and in certain other members of the order Malvales.  In the cotton plant, they are contained almost exclusively within discrete bodies commonly called pigment glands, which are found in the leaves, stems, roots, and seed of cotton plants.  The occurrence of the gossypol pigments in cottonseed is of considerable economic importance.  Although cottonseed is a by-product of the cotton fiber, the processing of cottonseed is a major industry in the cotton-producing areas of the world.  World production of cottonseed in 1976 was estimated at 25.6 million tons, of which 4.0 million tons were produced in the United States.  In the 14 cotton-producing states of the United States the seed represents a multimillion dollar agricultural crop.  Oils and meals obtained from cottonseed are recognized as highly desirable or preferred products in the markets in which they compete.  The principal quality deficiencies of these cottonseed products are due to their contents of gossypol pigments.', 'en_US'),
(2412, 'Inhibition of fatty acid Ä6- and Ä5-desaturation by cyclopropene fatty acids in rat liver microsomes.', 'Ä6-Desaturation of linoleic acid and Ä5-desaturation of dihomo--linolenic acid were measured in liver microsomes from ra fresh Baobab seed oil containing cyclopropene fatty acids (malvalic acid and sterculic acid) or heated Baobab seed oil practically devoid of these fatty acids or control oil. The presence of cyclopropene fatty acids in the fresh Baobab oil diet highly depressed both desaturations, but Ä6- more than Ä5-desaturation. The decreased capacity of microsomes to desaturate was reflected in the lower arachidonic acid content in microsomal phospholipids from rats fed this oil. However it was also lower in rats fed heated oil although in vitro Ä6- and Ä5-desaturation were not depressed. When liver microsomes prepared from rats fed the control diet were used for the desaturation assays, the presence of free malvalic or sterculic acid in the medium, also highly depressed Ä6- and Ä5-desaturation. The incorporation of arachidonic acid, the product of Ä5-desaturation, into phospholipids was also highly depressed, while that of the precursor dihomo--linolenic acid was not. This suggests that cyclopropene fatty acids specifically inhibit incorporation of the Ä5-desaturation product into phospholipids or that they specifically inhibit desaturation of the substrate previously incorporated into a membrane phospholipid. ', 'en_US'),
(2413, 'Seed.', 'In the world market, cottonseed production and processing ranks second (17.3% of world oilseed production) among the five major oilseeds, which include soybean seed, cottonseed, sunflower seed, peanut seed, and rapeseed.  The USA, USSR. People''s Republic of China, India, and Pakistan produce approximately 75.3% of the 27.8 Mt of the world cottonseed supply.  Cottonseed is processed into four major products - oil, meal, hulls, and linters.  Cottonseed yields approximately 16% crude oil, 45% meal, 9% linters, and 26% hulls, with losses of 4% due to handling and processing.  World production of oil and meal (44% protein) for 1981/1982, the USA was expected to process 0.9 and 9.1 Mt of oil and meal, respectively.', 'en_US'),
(2414, 'Definition of gossypol and its prevalence in cottonseed products.', 'The purpose of this paper is to help set a background for those that follow in this Special Session and to present some of the practical considerations with regards to gossypol levels in cottonseed products and in finished rations.  This paper will deal with the general question of where gossypol is found, and at what levels.Six topics will be covered in this paper:1.', 'en_US'),
(2415, 'Action of a cyclopropenoid fatty acid on the corpus luteum of pregnant and nonpregnant ewes.', 'The effects of a cyclopropenoid fatty acid on luteal cell function were studied. In experiment 1, pregnant ewes were laparotomized on Day 18 of gestation and ewes with CL in both ovaries were unilaterally ovariectomized. Either 1.09 mg of an extract of Sterculia foetida seeds, containing 750 micrograms sterculic acid methyl ester (SA, n = 6), or 1.09 mg oleic acid methyl ester (OA, n = 6) was injected into the artery supplying the ovary bearing CL. Jugular blood was collected on Day 18 before surgery and daily thereafter until Day 30 of gestation or until detection of estrus, whichever occurred first. Serum was assayed for progesterone (P4) by RIA. In experiment 2, CL were removed from ewes on Day 10 of the estrous cycle and slices of luteal tissue were incubated in medium containing 145 ng/ml of S. foetida extract (100 ng/ml SA) or 145 ng/ml OA (control) for 90 min. Then tissue was washed and reincubated in medium containing 25 micrograms 22(R)- hydroxycholesterol/ml or 25 micrograms pregnenolone/ml for 120 min. Tissue plus medium was analyzed for P4. Injection of SA or OA on Day 18 of gestation reduced (p < 0.01) serum levels of P4 within 24 h; concentrations of P4 then remained low, and relatively constant, in six OA control ewes that were pregnant until Day 30 of gestation and in three SA-treated ewes that had nonviable fetuses on Day 30. Serum concentrations of P4 in SA-treated ewes were lower than those of control ewes (p = 0.009). The remaining three ewes injected with SA exhibited estrus within 3 to 5 days after treatment.', 'en_US'),
(2416, 'Comparison of Tuber Proteomes of Potato Varieties, Landraces, and Genetically Modified Lines', 'Crop improvement by genetic modification remains controversial, one of the major issues being the potential for unintended effects. Comparative safety assessment includes targeted analysis of key nutrients and antinutritional factors, but broader scale-profiling or ''omics'' methods could increase the chances of detecting unintended effects. Comparative assessment should consider the extent of natural variation and not simply compare genetically modified (GM) lines and parental controls. In this study, potato (Solanum tuberosum) proteome diversity has been assessed using a range of diverse non-GM germplasm. In addition, a selection of GM potato lines was compared to assess the potential for unintended differences in protein profiles. Clear qualitative and quantitative differences were found in the protein patterns of the varieties and landraces examined, with 1,077 of 1,111 protein spots analyzed showing statistically significant differences. The diploid species Solanum phureja could be clearly differentiated from tetraploid (Solanum tuberosum) genotypes. Many of the proteins apparently contributing to genotype differentiation are involved in disease and defense responses, the glycolytic pathway, and sugar metabolism or protein targeting/storage. Only nine proteins out of 730 showed significant differences between GM lines and their controls. There was much less variation between GM lines and their non-GM controls compared with that found between different varieties and landraces. A number of proteins were identified by mass spectrometry and added to a potato tuber two-dimensional protein map.', 'en_US'),
(2417, 'Liberation Biology:  The Scientific And Moral Case For  The Biotech Revolution', NULL, 'en_US'),
(2418, 'Ecological risks of Bt transferred bollworm resistant cotton and the remedies.', NULL, 'en_US'),
(2419, 'Risks of allergic reactions to biotech proteins in foods: perception and reality.', 'In recent years, significant attention has been paid to the use of biotechnology to improve the quality and quantity of the food supply due in part to the projected growth in the world population, plus limited options available for increasing the amount of land under cultivation. Alterations in the food supply induced by classical breeding and selection methods typically involve the movement of large portions of genomic DNA between different plant varieties to obtain the desired trait. This is in contrast to techniques of genetic engineering which allows the selection and transfers specific genes from one species to another. The primary allergy risk to consumers from genetically modified crops may be placed into one of three categories. The first represents the highest risk to the allergic consumer is the transfer of known allergen or cross-reacting allergen into a food crop. The second category, representing an intermediate risk to the consumer, is the potential for replacing the endogenous allergenicity of a genetically-modified crop. The last category involves expression of novel proteins that may become allergens in man and generally represents a relatively low risk to the consumer, although this possibility has received attention of late. In order to mitigate the three categories of potential allergy risk associated with biotech crops, all genes introduced into food crops undergo a series of tests designed to determine if the biotech protein exhibits properties of known food allergens. The result of this risk assessment process to date is that no biotech proteins in foods have been documented to cause allergic reactions. These results indicate that the current assessment process is robust, although as science of allergy and allergens evolves, new information and new technology should help further the assessment process for potential allergenicity.', 'en_US'),
(2420, 'Abundance of non-target pests in transgenic Bt-maize: a farm scale study.', 'The impact of transgenic Bt-maize, expressing the Cry1Ab protein, on aphids, leafhoppers, cutworms and wireworms was evaluated at the farm scale by comparing their abundance on Bt-plots and those sown with the isogenic variety over three consecutive growing seasons. The impact of Bt-maize was different on each of the three-herbivore groups. There were significantly more aphids on the Bt-maize but in terms of aphid species, the difference was only statistically significant for Sitobion avenae and not for the other three most abundant species (Metopolophium dirhodum, Rhopalosiphum padi and Macrosiphum euphorbiae). The analysis of aphid age structure showed consistently more individuals on Bt-plots; differences were significant for alates, apterous adults and young nymphs of R. padi, apterous adults and apterous fourth instar nymphs of S. avenae, alates, apterous adults and apterous fourth instar nymphs of M. dirhodum. Leafhoppers (Zyginidia scutellaris), particularly mature nymphs, were also more abundant on the Bt-maize. In spite of this there was no difference in leafhopper damage to Bt and non Bt-maize. The reasons for this are unclear but may be due to changes in Bt-maize that favoured aphids and leafhoppers. Differences in aphid and leafhopper densities were not high enough to affect yield. However, they may have affected the availability of prey for polyphagous predators such as Orius sp. The Bt-maize did not affect the incidence of cutworms (Agrotis segetum) or wireworms (Agriotes lineatus). These results indicate that Bt-maize does not have a negative impact on the non-target maize biocenosis at the farm scale.', 'en_US'),
(2421, 'Effects on weed and invertebrate abundance and diversity of herbicide management in genetically modified herbicide-tolerant winter-sown oilseed rape.', 'We evaluated the effects of the herbicide management associated with genetically modified herbicide-tolerant (GMHT) winter oilseed rape (WOSR) on weed and invertebrate abundance and diversity by testing the null hypothesis that there is no difference between the effects of herbicide management of GMHT WOSR and that of comparable conventional varieties. For total weeds there were few treatment differences between GMHT and conventional cropping, but large and opposite treatment effects were observed for dicots and monocots. In the GMHT treatment, there were fewer dicots and more monocots than in conventional crops. At harvest, dicot biomass and seed rain in the GMHT treatment were one-third of that in the conventional, while monocot biomass was threefold greater and monocot seed rain almost fivefold greater in the GMHT treatment than in the conventional. These differential effects persisted into the following two years of the rotation. Bees and butterflies that forage and select for dicot weeds were less abundant in GMHT WOSR management in July. Year totals for Collembola were greater under GMHT management. There were few other treatment effects on invertebrates, despite the marked effects of herbicide management on the weeds. ', 'en_US'),
(2422, 'Risk perceptions, risk preference, and acceptance of risky food.', 'Consumers'' risk preferences are often overlooked in studies of consumer demand for risky food. We find that risk preferences elicited through context-less lottery choices are significantly related to consumers'' stated preferences for genetically modified (GM) food. These results suggest risk preferences elicited in the laboratory are not artificial in the sense that they appear to be related to the same risk preferences that govern other individual decisions such as food choice. Consistent with theoretical expectations, risk perceptions and risk preferences were found to be significant determinants of acceptance of GM food, which has important implications for explaining consumer behavior.', 'en_US'),
(2423, 'The lack of clear GMO regulation: its impact on researchers and farmers  in Brazil.', 'This paper discusses the current regulation of genetically modified organisms and derivatives used in Brazil, where GM-plants are on the verge of being approved for commercial use. The paper further uses a simulation model to assess the potential economic benefits resulting from unrestricted commercial approval of herbicide-tolerant soybeans and some other crops on the Brazilian economy. Only soybean has been specially approved in the last three seasons (2002/03, 2003/04 and 2004/05). As there is no consistent information about the benefits of using transgenic seeds in Brazil, the authors made simulations on the basis of the experiences reported by Argentina and the USA. The paper concludes that Brazil could do much better if government had taken the lead to clarify the legal requirements for research and commercial release of genetically modified crops which are still contradictory and unlikely to control any future environmental impact in Brazil.', 'en_US'),
(2424, 'Bt176 corn in poultry nutrition: physiological characteristics and fate of recombinant plant DNA in chickens.', 'A genetically modified Bt176 corn hybrid, which contains an insecticidal protein against the European corn borer, and its conventional, nonmodified counterpart were evaluated in 4 separate trials to verify substantial equivalence in feeding value and animal performance. Thirty-six individually kept laying hens and 3 replicates of 94 broiler chickens each, assigned to 12 cages, were fed 2 different hen and broiler diets containing either 60% conventional or 60% Bt176 corn. The nutrient compositions of the 2 corn hybrids and the 2 corn diets revealed no major differences. Furthermore, metabolism and performance data revealed no significant differences between the birds that received the conventional, nonmodified corn, and those that received the modified corn diets. The detection of the genetic modification, by PCR, in feed obtained from insect-resistant Bt corn, in tissues and products from animals fed Bt corn is described. In all evaluated chicken tissues of muscle, liver, and spleen, the corn-chloroplast ivr gene fragment was amplified. It can be deduced from these findings and from other studies that the transfer of DNA fragments into the body is a normal process that takes place constantly. Nevertheless, no recombinant plant DNA fragments such as recombinant bla or cry1A(b) fragments could be found. Bt-gene specific constructs from the Bt corn were not detected in any of the poultry samples, neither in organs, meat, nor eggs.', 'en_US'),
(2425, 'Evaluation of agronomic traits and environmental biosafety of a transgenic tomato plant expressing satellite RNA of Cucumber mosaic virus.', NULL, 'en_US'),
(2426, 'Transgenic Bt plants decompose less in soil than non-Bt plants.', 'Bt plants are plants that have been genetically modified to express the insecticidal proteins (e.g. Cry1Ab, Cry1Ac, Cry3A) from subspecies of the bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), to kill lepidopteran pests that feed on corn, rice, tobacco, canola, and cotton and coleopteran pests that feed on potato. The biomass of these transgenic Bt plants (Bt+) was decomposed less in soil than the biomass of their near-isogenic non-Bt plant counterparts (Bt-). Soil was amended with 0.5, 1, or 2% (wt wt-1) ground, dried (50 °C) leaves or stems of Bt corn plants; with 0.5% (wt wt-1) ground, dried biomass of Bt rice, tobacco, canola, cotton, and potato plants; with biomass of the near-isogenic plants without the respective cry genes; or not amended. The gross metabolic activity of the soil was determined by CO2 evolution. The amounts of C evolved as CO2 were significantly lower from soil microcosms amended with biomass of Bt plants than of non-Bt plants. This difference occurred with stems and leaves from two hybrids of Bt corn, one of which had a higher C:N ratio than its near-isogenic non-Bt counterpart and the other which had essentially the same C:N ratio, even when glucose, nitrogen (NH4NO3), or glucose plus nitrogen were added with the biomass. The C:N ratios of the other Bt plants (including two other hybrids of Bt corn) and their near-isogenic non-Bt counterparts were also not related to their relative biodegradation. Bt corn had a significantly higher lignin content than near-isogenic non-Bt corn. However, the lignin content of the other Bt plants, which was significantly lower than that of both Bt and non-Bt corn, was generally not statistically significantly different, although 10?66% higher, from that of their respective non-Bt near-isolines. The numbers of culturable bacteria and fungi and the activity of representative enzymes involved in the degradation of plant biomass were not significantly different between soil amended with biomass of Bt or non-Bt corn. The degradation of the biomass of all Bt plants in the absence of soil but inoculated with a microbial suspension from the same soil was also significantly less than that of their respective inoculated non-Bt plants. The addition of streptomycin, cycloheximide, or both to the soil suspension did not alter the relative degradation of Bt+ and Bt- biomass, suggesting that differences in the soil microbiota were not responsible for the differential decomposition of I+ and I- biomass. All samples of soil amended with biomass of Bt plants were immunologically positive for the respective Cry proteins and toxic to the larvae of the tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta), which was used as a representative lepidopteran in insect bioassays (no insecticidal assay was done for the Cry3A protein from potato). The ecological and environmental relevance of these findings is not clear.', 'en_US'),
(2427, 'Management of herbicide-tolerant oilseed rape in Europe: a case study on minimizing vertical gene flow.', 'The potential commercialization of genetically modified herbicide-tolerant (GMHT) oilseed rape in Europe raises various concerns about their potential environmental and agronomic impacts, especially those associated with the escape of transgenes. Pollen of oilseed rape can be dispersed in space, resulting in the fertilization of sympatric compatible wild relatives (e.g. Brassica rapa) and oilseed rape cultivars grown nearby (GM and/or non-GM Brassica napus). The spatial and temporal dispersal of seeds of oilseed rape may lead to feral oilseed rape populations outside the cropped areas and oilseed rape volunteers in subsequent crops in the rotation. The incorporation of a HT trait(s) may increase the fitness of the recipient plants, making them more abundant and persistent, and may result in weeds that are difficult to control by the herbicide(s) to which they are tolerant. Vertical gene flow from transgenic oilseed rape to non-GM counterparts may also have an impact on farming and supply chain management, depending on labelling thresholds for the adventitious presence of GM material in non-GM products. Given the extent of pollen and seed dispersal in oilseed rape, it is obvious that the safe and sound integration of GMHT oilseed rape in Europe may require significant on-farm and off-farm management efforts. Crucial practical measures that can reduce vertical gene flow include (1) isolating seed production of Brassica napus, (2) the use of certified seed, (3) isolating fields of GM oilseed rape, (4) harvesting at the correct crop development stage with properly adjusted combine settings, (5) ensuring maximum germination of shed seeds after harvest, (6) controlling volunteers in subsequent crops, and (7) keeping on-farm records. The implementation of the recommended practices may, however, be difficult, entailing various challenges.', 'en_US'),
(2428, 'Gene flow scenarios with transgenic maize in Mexico.', 'Maize diversity is widespread in Mexico and it has been stewarded by campesinos in small communities until the present. With the arrival of transgenic maize, the objective of this study is to analyze possible scenarios that could result if genetically modified maize were not regulated and openly available in Mexico. By applying a simple logistic model based on the conditions of maize production in Mexico, the dispersion of transgenic maize in different situations within fields of farmers is described. In traditional open systems of freely exchanged seed within communities it is concluded that the most likely outcome of GM maize release is the incorporation of transgenes in the genome of Mexican germplasm and possibly in that of teosinte.', 'en_US'),
(2429, 'Diversity of alternative hosts of maize stemborers in Trans-Nzoia  district of Kenya.', 'Genetically-engineered (GE) crops such as those expressing insecticidal Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxin genes have the potential to greatly reduce the use of broad spectrum insecticides and increase crop productivity. However, development of resistance by the target insect species is an important consideration in the deployment of this strategy. In areas where GE crops are deployed on a large scale, current resistance management strategies rely on a ''refuge strategy'', comprising the incorporation of a certain proportion of non-GE plants in the agro-ecosystems, to conserve susceptible individuals of the target pests. In the USA, simulation models indicate that at least 20% of the crop should be non-Bt plants. In Africa, the target lepidopteran stemborers attack a wide range of wild grass species as well as cultivated cereal crops. Wild grasses generally occur in the vicinity of maize and other cereal fields, and may provide a refuge if GE crops are in the farming systems. To assess the quality of these grasses as refuges, it is critical to obtain information about their size and spatial distribution. In this study, we have assessed the abundance and diversity of alternative refuge of stemborers, mainly wild grasses occurring in the proximity of maize fields, in Trans-Nzoia district, one of the most important maize growing areas in Kenya. The proportion of wild host plants relative to maize was found to decline from 100% during the non-cropping season to <8% during the maize-growing season. The Shannon-Weaver diversity index indicated high variation in the diversity of wild hosts of stemborers between agro-ecological zones in the district. The results of this study are discussed in light of the possible role that wild host plant species might play in stemborer resistance management following the introduction of Bt maize.', 'en_US'),
(2430, 'Investigation on stability of transgenes and their expression in transgenic apple plants (Malus x domestica Borkh.).', 'With respect to the release of transgenic woody plants the stability of integrated transgenes and their long-term expression is one of the main objectives in monitoring and risk assessment of genetically engineered plants. A stable integration and expression of the transgenes is particular important for fruit trees, which have an exceptional long production time compared with annual crops. Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation of commercially grown apple cultivars was used to increase resistance to the main diseases, like powdery mildew, apple scab and fire blight. Transgenic apple plants were transferred to the greenhouse, grown as own rooted trees or grafted in different scion-rootstock combinations consisting of a transgenic/non-transgenic part. This plant material was used for investigations on stable integration and expression of transgenes. The analyses were carried out using insert-PCR, RT-PCR for gene transcription and ELISA technique for marker protein assay. In 34% of the examined samples neither the transgene nor the neomycinphosphotransferaseII marker gene (nptII) or both genes were anymore detectable. From the remaining samples with a stable integration of the T-DNA, four plant samples did not express the nptII marker gene. Three plants without transcription of the marker gene nptII were tested by a PCR methylation assay. While one sample of the tested plants did not amplify the fragment of the nopalinsynthase promoter (nos promoter), the remaining two plants are assumed to be methylated at the nos promoter site.', 'en_US'),
(2431, 'Feeds from genetically modified plants in animal nutrition.', NULL, 'en_US'),
(2432, 'Quantitation of transgenic plant DNA in leachate water: real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis.', 'Roundup Ready (RR) genetically modified (GM) corn and soybean comprise a large portion of the annual planted acreage of GM crops. Plant growth and subsequent plant decomposition introduce the recombinant DNA (rDNA) into the soil environment, where its fate has not been completely researched. Little is known of the temporal and spatial distribution of plant-derived rDNA in the soil environment and in situ transport of plant DNA by leachate water has not been studied before. The objectives of this study were to determine whether sufficient quantities of plant rDNA were released by roots during growth and early decomposition to be detected in water collected after percolating through a soil profile and to determine the influence of temperature on DNA persistence in the leachate water. Individual plants of RR corn and RR soybean were grown in modified cylinders in a growth room, and the cylinders were flushed with rain water weekly. Immediately after collection, the leachate was subjected to DNA purification followed by rDNA quantification using real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) analysis. To test the effects of temperature on plant DNA persistence in leachate water, water samples were spiked with known quantities of RR soybean or RR corn genomic DNA and DNA persistence was examined at 5, 15, and 25 C. Differences in the amounts and temporal distributions of root-derived rDNA were observed between corn and soybean plants. The results suggest that rainfall events may distribute plant DNA throughout the soil and into leachate water. Half-lives of plant DNA in leachate water ranged from 1.2 to 26.7 h, and persistence was greater at colder temperatures (5 and 15 C).', 'en_US'),
(2433, 'Detectability of coleopteran-specific Cry3Bb1 protein in soil and its effect on nontarget surface and below-ground arthropods.', 'Corn engineered to produce the Cry3Bb1 protein from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) kumamotoensis has provided unprecedented control for corn rootworm (Diabrotica spp.). However, the Bt protein may be released in soil by root exudates or decaying plant residues that may affect soil organisms. Field studies were conducted to determine the abundance of surface and below-ground nontarget arthropods in fields planted with Bt or non-Bt corn for the first year or planted over 3 consecutive yr. Results of these studies showed that there were no significant differences in numbers of surface and below-ground arthropods in soil planted with Bt and non-Bt corn at any of the studied locations. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) showed no detectable Cry3Bb1 protein in any of the soil samples collected in a field planted with a Bt corn hybrid and its non-Bt isogenic hybrid for the first year or planted over 3 consecutive yr near Manhattan, KS. However, a small amount of Cry3Bb1 protein (3.38-6.89 ng/g dry soil) was detected in the soil samples collected from an area near plants in a Bt corn field that was planted for the first year near Scandia, KS. These findings indicate that the Cry3Bb1 protein released from root exudates or decaying plant residues does not persist and is rapidly broken down in the soil. The rapid degradation of Cry3Bb1 in soil results in none or trace amounts of protein being detected by ELISA.', 'en_US'),
(2434, 'Assessing and managing biological risks of plants used for bioremediation, including risks of transgene flow.', 'The plants used for phytoremediation pose special biological risks, whether transgenic or not, as most of the species: (a) are semi-domesticated; (b) are introduced from other habitats; (c) can become established in the contaminated site; (d) can spread and displace native species, and/or; (e) may introgress transgenes into related species. The addition of transgenes can reduce the risks, e.g. to sterilize or render the species and hybrid offspring hypersensitive to environmental effects (heat, cold), or to a chemical that will cull the species. Various measures can contain transgenes used in phytoremediation species to prevent gene flow, but most containment technologies are both uni-directional (prevent either outflow or influx), and are inherently leaky, even a concept specifically utilizable for phytoremediation Ð grafting non-transgenic scions on bioremediating transgenic rootstocks. Containment mechanisms should be either stacked with each other or with ''mitigator'' genes. Transgenic mitigation (TM) has mitigator genes added in tandem to the desired primary transgene (genetically linked) and the mitigator genes confer traits that are positive or neutral to the desired species but are deleterious to hybrids, keeping them at very low frequencies. The concept was demonstrated in tobacco and oilseed rape with a dwarfing mitigator gene that enhanced the reproductive productivity (harvest index) when cultured alone, but eliminated it from mixed populations. Besides the mitigator genes previously proposed for crop species (sterility, no seed shattering, dwarfing, no secondary dormancy) there are genes especially appropriate for phytoremediation, e.g. overexpression of cytokinin oxidase (reduces cytokinin levels) conferring reduced shoot systems (unfitness to compete) with a more extensive root system that is better for extracting toxic wastes as well as no-flowering for vegetatively propagated species.  Thus, biotechnology can be harnessed to reduce risks from both non-transgenic and transgenic phytoremediation species.', 'en_US'),
(2435, 'Mating frequency in dispersing potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea  operculella, and its influence on the design of refugia to manage  resistance in Bt transgenic crops.', 'Mating of potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), was investigated in relation to the dispersal of males in laboratory and field trials. The effect of stimulating the flight of males to light sources in a large cage on their mating ability was estimated for three age groups, and compared with similar estimates for confined moths. Although the mating of males declined with ages of up to 15 days, simulated dispersal had no effect on subsequent mating when the males were paired with virgin females. The dispersal of male moths was also categorised by the initial flight activity of untethered moths to a light source. Scores for poor, moderate, and good flight provided a repeatable measure of initial male flight activity, but the degree of activity was not related to their subsequent mating ability. In the field, virgin female potato tuber moths were tethered at various distances from the edge of isolated potato crops and then dissected to determine their mating status. Female mating frequency averaged 75% at the crop margin, remained above 50% up to 200 m, and then declined to 19% at 360 m from the margin. Derivation of the mating probability for an individual male potato tuber moth confirmed earlier work by other researchers that has indicated a tendency for dispersal prior to mating, and that males retain their ability to mate as they disperse from a crop. The influence of dispersal and mating on gene flow between crops, and its potential effects on refuge size required to minimise the development of resistance to Bt transgenic potato crops was examined.', 'en_US'),
(2436, 'Gene Flow from GM Plants', 'Gene flow is not unique to genetically modified (GM) crops, but the possibility of the spread of transgenic DNA to wild and domesticated relatives raises a new set of issues for scientists and policymakers to consider. Unfortunately, we are still too often unable to quantify the risks of ecological damage associated with gene flow. This is due partly to the huge breadth of knowledge required to assemble a comprehensive risk assessment. For example, many scientists active in research on the mechanics of gene flow nevertheless lack a deep understanding of what is required to identify, characterise and assess ecological risk, and many of those who are aware of the risk assessment process and the framework used for legislation have insufficient knowledge of the reproductive biology, agricultural systems, modelling and ecological literature required to compile a balanced risk assessment. This book, set in the context of gene flow in general, considers the assessment, measurement and management of the risks of gene flow from GM plants, combining the expertise of all the various stakeholders. It is directed at researchers and professionals in plant molecular genetics and plant ecology, in both the academic and industrial sectors.', 'en_US'),
(2437, 'Patterns of Integration of DNA Microinjected into Cultured Mammalian Cells: Evidence for Homologous Recombination Between Injected Plasmid DNA Molecules', 'We examined the fate of DNA microinjected into nuclei of cultured mammalian cells. The sequence composition and the physical form of the vector carrying the selectable gene affected the efficiency of DNA-mediated transformation. Introduction of sequences near the simian virus 40 origin of DNA replication or in the long terminal repeat of avian sarcoma provirus into a recombinant plasmid containing the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene. (pBR322/HSV-tk) enhanced the frequency of transformation of LMtk- and RAT-2tk- cells to the TK+ phenotype 20- to 40-fold. In cells receiving injections of only a few plasmid DNA molecules, the transformation frequency was 40-fold higher after injection of linear molecules than after injection of supercoiled molecules. By controlling the number of gene copies injected into a recipient cell, we could obtain transformants containing a single copy or as many as 50 to 100 copies of the selectable gene. Multiple copies of the transforming gene were not scattered throughout the host genome but were integrated as a concatemer at one or a very few sites in the host chromosome. Independent transformants contained the donated genes in different chromosomes. The orientation of the gene copies within the concatemer was not random; rather, the copies were organized as tandem head-to-tail arrays. By analyzing transformants obtained by coinjecting two vectors which were identical except that in one a portion of the vector was inverted, we were able to conclude that the head-to-tail concatemers were generated predominantly by homologous recombination. Surprisingly, these head-to-tail concatemers were found in transformants obtained by injecting either supercoiled or linear plasmid DNA. Even though we demonstrated that cultured mammalian cells contain the enzymes for ligating two DNA molecules very efficiently irrespective of the sequences or topology at their ends, we found that even linear plasmid DNA was recruited into the concatemer by homologous recombination.', 'en_US'),
(2438, 'The Cartagena Protocol and GMOs', NULL, 'en_US'),
(2439, 'Non-target impacts of forest defoliator management options: Decision for no spraying may have worse impacts on non-target Lepidoptera than Bacillus thuringiensis insecticides.', 'Management programs for major forest defoliators such as gypsy moths or forest tent caterpillars, and crop pests such as the European corn borer have shifted from broad-spectrum insecticides to more environmentally benign microbial pesticides such as Bacillus thuringiensis (foliage sprays and transgenic toxin expression in plant tissues). Phytochemically resistant host plants and natural enemies have been used as alternative pest management strategies (including generalist tachinid flies such as Compsilura, viruses, microsporidians, and fungi), but all of these have some non-target impacts, as described from literature review. A sequence of lab and field studies were conducted to determine non-target impacts on native Lepidoptera in North America. The conclusions reached are that a decision not to spray Bt pesticides (i.e. to allow defoliation and natural pest outbreaks to run their course) could be as bad or worse for non-target Lepidoptera as the microbial insecticides would be. The important concept that must be maintained is that all pest management programs have some risk of negative non-target impacts, but it is the magnitude and relative importance that will remain the most critical issue for environmental impacts and pest management.', 'en_US'),
(2440, 'Genetically engineered salmon, ecological risk, and environmental policy.', 'Patented, genetically engineered salmon are proposed for deployment in commercial aquaculture. If released accidentally into ecosystems, these novel organisms would have uncertain effects on ecological processes. Proponents suggest that ecosystems are fundamentally balanced and resilient and therefore that risks are negligible because of transgenic fishes'' reduced ecological fitness. Opponents maintain that ecosystems are characterized by instability and contingency rather than equilibrium and that a small number of ecologically fit organisms may change the state of an ecosystem if conditions are favorable. Current U.S. federal regulations hamper public discussion about potential risks, limit the role of agencies with the greatest expertise in fisheries and ecological sciences, and make precautionary action difficult without proof of harm. Field interviews and regulatory materials support the view that the U.S. regulatory system does not adequately address ecological and social issues, nor is current scientific knowledge sufficient for evaluation of potential risks to native ecosystems. Four elements are essential: independent scientific research before introduction that addresses uncertainties about potential impacts; regulatory systems with clearer standards and modified burdens of proof; opportunities for the public, including scientists, to participate meaningfully in decision processes; and for any introduction, experimental approaches that include hypothesis formulation, testing, and monitoring.', 'en_US');
INSERT INTO `bibliography_bibliography_i18n` (`id`, `title`, `abstract`, `locale`) VALUES
(2441, 'Biosafety assessment of transgenic plants in the greenhouse and the  field -- a case study of transgenic cucumber.', 'We have developed transgenic cucumber plants Cucumis sativus L. resistant to gray mold (Botrytis cinerea) by the expression of rice chitinase cDNA (Tabei et al. 1998). These transgenic plants were obtained by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, and the introduced rice chitinase cDNA was driven by the CaMV 35S promoter. The biosafety assessment of the transformed cucumber plants was carefully performed to confirm that their characteristics are equivalent to those of non-transgenic plants except for harboring gray mold resistance. The biosafety assessment was carried out successively in full-containment greenhouse, semi-containment greenhouse, isolated field, and finally in ordinary field trials. The following items were compared between transgenic and non-transgenic cucumber plants: (1) morphological characteristics of plants and fruits; (2) reproductive characteristics, e.g. pollen morphology and fertility, longevity of the pollen, pollen dispersal by wind, and seed fertilities; (3) possibility of harmful influences on the environment due to the production of detrimental substances i.e. volatile compounds, plant parts and root secreta; (4) influence on soil microflora and; (5) presence of remaining Agrobacterium tumefaciens, which was used as a vector in the production of the transgenic cucumber. Throughout the biosafety assessment, we did not find any substantial differences except the expression of rice chitinase gene and resistance to gray mold between transgenic and non-transgenic cucumber plants.', 'en_US'),
(2442, 'New resistance mechanism in Helicoverpa armigera threatens transgenic crops expressing Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ac toxin.', 'In Australia, the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera, has a long history of resistance to conventional insecticides. Transgenic cotton (expressing the Bacillus thuringiensis toxin Cry1Ac) has been grown for H. armigera control since 1996. It is demonstrated here that a population of Australian H. armigera has developed resistance to Cry1Ac toxin (275-fold). Some 70% of resistant H. armigera larvae were able to survive on Cry1Ac transgenic cotton (Ingard) The resistance phenotype is inherited as an autosomal semidominant trait. Resistance was associated with elevated esterase levels, which cosegregated with resistance. In vitro studies employing surface plasmon resonance technology and other biochemical techniques demonstrated that resistant strain esterase could bind to Cry1Ac protoxin and activated toxin. In vivo studies showed that Cry1Ac-resistant larvae fed Cy1Ac transgenic cotton or Cry1Ac-treated artificial diet had lower esterase activity than non-Cry1Ac-fed larvae. A resistance mechanism in which esterase sequesters Cry1Ac is proposed.', 'en_US'),
(2443, 'Human safety and genetically modified plants: a review of antibiotic resistance markers and future transformation selection technologies.', 'The first generation of genetically modified plants suitable for agriculture was largely produced using antibiotic resistance markers (ARMs) for the preparation of plant transformation vectors or for the plant transformation process itself.  In some instances, the ARM gene remains in the finished commercial plant product. Theoretical concerns regarding the risks posed by such markers have resulted in a demand for the production of commercial plants free of ARMs. This, in turn, has resulted in the development of technologies which avoid the use of ARMs or which allow for the efficient excision of such markers following the initial transformation process, but in advance of the selection of commercial plant lines. We review the current status of ARM safety information relevant to existing genetically modified crops as well as reviewing in some detail the available alternatives to ARM use, the utility of these technologies for commercial production, and the issues that might pertain to the use of these alternative technologies for the production of commercial genetically modified crops. Many of the alternative techniques have the potential to be commercially viable, and one or more will necessarily be used for the future production of genetically modified plants free of ARMs. Nonetheless, existing ARM-containing products will remain in the market for the foreseeable future, and the safety of these products therefore remains a relevant issue. Further, the ease of use, cost, availability, safety profile, regulatory status, and utility of alternative techniques should be kept in proper perspective relative to the long history of safe use of ARMs in plant biotechnology.', 'en_US'),
(2444, 'Potential failsafe mechanisms against the spread and introgression of transgenic hypervirulent biocontrol fungi.', 'Microbial biocontrol agents are typically inefficient owing to the evolutionary necessity to be in balance with their hosts to survive. If transgenetically rendered hypervirulent, however, they could be competitive alternatives to pesticides. Potential means are delineated to prevent, contain or mitigate uncontrollable spread of hypervirulent biocontrol organisms, mutations that increase their host range, and the sexual or asexual introgression of hypervirulence genes into pathogens of other organisms. The use of asporogenic deletion mutants as a platform for generating transgenic hypervirulent biopesticides would prevent such spread. Hypervirulence genes flanked with available ''transgenetic mitigator'' (TM) genes (genes that are neutral or positive to the biocontrol agent but deleterious to recombinants) would decrease virulence to non-target species.', 'en_US'),
(2445, 'Comparative safety assessment for biotech crops.', 'Since the first discussions on strategies to assess the food safety of genetically modified (GM) crop plants, assessment of GM plants and derived tissues has been based on comparisons with their traditionally bred counterparts. This was termed the Principle of Substantial Equivalence. However, implementation of the principle led to controversy and hampered the precision of the actual safety assessment. Here, we propose the principle be rephrased into the Comparative Safety Assessment strategy. This describes the analytical nature of the first step of the entire (GM) food safety assessment in combination with consecutive toxicological and nutritional evaluations. Further development of advanced analytical methods will help to improve the efficacy of assessment strategies.', 'en_US'),
(2446, 'Quantitative exposure assessment for confinement of maize biogenic systems.', 'The development of transgenic crops as production platforms for biogenic agents will largely depend on the success of efforts to confine the genes and their expressed proteins in field environments. We have used quantitative exposure assessment to evaluate how management practices affect materials escape due to outcrossing by pollen flow or grain loss during harvest operations. Specifically, we study the use of maize to produce biogenic agents within field-confined systems. Decision trees representing simplified schemes of fully conforming (designed to comply with current regulatory standards for field confined trials), partially conforming, and non-conforming management practices were developed. Exemplifying assumptions and published data for conformance and material fate probabilities were used in Monte Carlo simulations to forecast materials escape by pollen outcrossing and harvest operations from a 1 ha source field. Deterministic analyses showed fully conforming confinement management restricted materials loss to low levels (for this example, outcrossing produced <1 in 106 kernels in receptor fields). The corresponding high-end (90th percentile) probabilistic result was 16- and 4333-fold higher (relative to deterministic outcrossing = 1) for outcrossing and harvest loss, respectively. For partially conforming practice, high-end outcrossing ranged from 100- to >15 000-fold over the base result in receptor fields, and harvest loss was >10 000-fold over the base result. For non-conforming practice, high-end outcrossing produced >15 000-fold greater kernels in receptor fields and high-end harvest loss was at least 19 000-fold greater. Deterministic estimates of off-field loss by machine transfer are as much as 30 000-fold higher for non-conforming operations relative to the base case of pollen outcrossing. Better knowledge of failure frequencies for confinement management practices, improved physical models of materials flows, refined analysis of confinement loss probabilities using quantitative tools, and decision analysis to improve and audit management system performance are all needed to extend understanding of confinement integrity beyond the exemplifying case used here.', 'en_US'),
(2447, 'Spider web survey or whole plant visual sampling? Impact assessment of Bt corn on non-target predatory insects with two concurrent methods.', 'Impact assessment studies rely on relevant sampling methods. Correct evaluation of methods can be done by their concurrent use in the same sampling site and period. Collecting webs of Theridion impressum L. Koch (Araneae: Theridiidae) may serve as an arthropod sampling method: empty cuticles of prey items remain attached to the back side of the leaves with adhesive silk. Our study aimed to compare the applicability of the two methods concurrently (spider web survey and whole plant visual sampling) in a risk assessment study. The spider web survey recorded more predatory insect families than the whole plant visual sampling. Both methods were able to detect significant differences in the quantity of predatory insects in Bt vs. isogenic plots, but not in the same taxa (Nabidae: spider-web, 2001, Bt > Iso; Coccinellidae: plant sampling, 2001, Iso > Bt; Welsh-test, P < 0.05); thus, they could not confirm each other. The lack of confirmation can be explained by differences in the sensitivity and selectivity of the two methods. A web survey of T. impressum has the practical advantage that although we concentrate only on the one species during field sampling, we gain additional information on a wide range of foliage-dwelling arthropods. Due to several biological uncertainties, interpretation and explanation of the results remain problematic. Thus, additional research - based on in-situ observation and recording of T. impressum-prey interactions - is necessary before we could propose web survey method as a complementary tool in ecological impact assessment.', 'en_US'),
(2448, 'An alternative strategy for sustainable pest resistance in genetically enhanced crops.', 'Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) crystal protein genes encode insecticidal -endotoxins that are widely used for the development of insect-resistant crops. In this article, we describe an alternative transgenic strategy that has the potential to generate broader and more sustainable levels of resistance against insect pests. Our strategy involves engineering plants with a fusion protein combining the -endotoxin Cry1Ac with the galactose-binding domain of the nontoxic ricin B-chain (RB). This fusion, designated BtRB, provides the toxin with additional, binding domains, thus increasing the potential number of interactions at the molecular level in target insects. Transgenic rice and maize plants engineered to express the fusion protein were significantly more toxic in insect bioassays than those containing the Bt gene alone. They were also resistant to a wider range of insects, including important pests that are not normally susceptible to Bt toxins. The potential impact of fusion genes such as BtRB in terms of crop improvement, resistance sustainability, and biosafety is discussed.', 'en_US'),
(2449, 'Gene flow of oilseed rape (Brassica napus) according to isolation distance and buffer zone.', 'The introduction of genetically modified (GM) crops in the EU has raised questions concerning gene dispersal and co-existence with non-GM-farming. Quantitative estimates of the gene dispersal from fields with GM-crops to fields with conspecific non-GM-crops (conventional or organic) are therefore needed in order to suggest isolation distances and other management strategies to keep GM-pollination below acceptable threshold values. A meta-analysis of available gene-flow data for oilseed rape (Brassica napus) was performed. The probability distribution that seeds of non-GM-oilseed rape are fertilised by foreign pollen grains from a neighbouring field of GM-oilseed rape is modelled as functions of the width of the recipient (i.e. pollen receiving) field and the distance to the pollen donor fields. Furthermore, the significance of using a buffer zone (removal of a 1?5 m border of a recipient field parallel to the pollen donor field) to reduce GM-pollination of the crop, is quantified and discussed. The predicted median and 95% credibility level of the probability of foreign pollination is calculated as a function of the width of the recipient field and the buffer zone, as well as the distance between fields. Analysis of different management strategies shows that an increasing isolation distance is more effective to reduce GM-pollen dispersal than the use of a buffer zone, especially for small recipient fields. The analysis shows that increasing the width of a recipient oilseed rape field, relative to the pollen donor field, will have a large effect on reducing the average level of fertilisation by foreign pollen within the recipient field. The results indicate that a GM-pollination percentage <0.1% will be possible if the isolation distance exceeds 100 m and the width of the non-GM-field is larger than 200 m. If a threshold value of 0.3% is acceptable, an isolation distance of 50 m should be sufficient even for smaller fields. The use of a 5 m discarded buffer zone surrounding the non-GM-field is expected to reduce GM-pollination by about a third. The implications of the results for field management in conventional and organic farming are discussed.', 'en_US'),
(2450, 'Corporate control over seeds: limiting access and farmers'' rights.', NULL, 'en_US'),
(2451, 'Concurrent use of transgenic plants expressing a single and two Bacillus thuringiensis genes speeds insect adaptation to pyramided plants.', 'Transgenic plants expressing insecticidal proteins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) were grown on over 13 million ha in the United States and 22.4 million ha worldwide in 2004. Preventing or slowing the evolution of resistance by insects (''resistance management'') is critical for the sustainable use of Bt crops. Plants containing two dissimilar Bt toxin genes in the same plant (''pyramided'') have the potential to delay insect resistance. However, the advantage of pyramided Bt plants for resistance management may be compromised if they share similar toxins with single-gene plants that are deployed simultaneously. We tested this hypothesis using a unique model system composed of broccoli plants transformed to express different Cry toxins (Cry1Ac, Cry1C, or both) and a synthetic population of the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) carrying genes for resistance to Cry1Ac and Cry1C at frequencies of 0.10 and 0.34, respectively. After 24?26 generations of selection in the greenhouse, the concurrent use of one- and two-gene plants resulted in control failure of both types of Bt plants. When only two-gene plants were used in the selection, no or few insects survived on one- or two-gene Bt plants, indicating that concurrent use of transgenic plants expressing a single and two Bt genes will select for resistance to two-gene plants more rapidly than the use of two-gene plants alone. The results of this experiment agree with the predictions of a Mendelian deterministic simulation model and have important implications for the regulation and deployment of pyramided Bt plants.', 'en_US'),
(2452, 'Competitive ability and mortality of growth-enhanced transgenic coho  salmon fry and parr when foraging for food.', 'Coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch were genetically altered to produce growth hormone without regulation, causing them grow 11 times larger (on average) than control fish after 14 months. This technology has potential benefits for the aquaculture industry, but the environmental risk associated with the escape of transgenic fish into the wild is not known. To partially address this issue, we experimentally investigated how well transgenic salmon survive when given a choice to consume food in a predator''s presence. If transgenic salmon are to retain their growth advantage, we predict that they must also be more effective at competing for food than wild salmon and be willing to suffer higher mortality rates when foraging. The relative competitive abilities of transgenic and control salmon at two different ages were tested with an unequal competitors ideal free distribution. A larger proportion of transgenic salmon fed within the system, although they were not overrepresented at a higher-quantity food source. When feeding in the presence of a predator, there was no measurable difference in mortality rates between transgenic and control salmon at both the fry and parr stages. These data indicate that, under the limited environmental conditions we tested transgenic coho salmon are at least competitively equal to control fish and do not suffer higher rates of mortality to acquire food resources and maintain their enhanced growth.', 'en_US'),
(2453, 'Reductions in insecticide use from adoption of Bt cotton in South Africa: impacts on economic performance and toxic load to the environment.', 'The study reported presents the findings relating to commercial growing of genetically-modified Bt cotton in South Africa by a large sample of smallholder farmers over three seasons (1998/99, 1999/2000, 2000/01) following adoption. The analysis presents constructs and compares groupwise differences for key variables in Bt v. non-Bt technology and uses regressions to further analyse the production and profit impacts of Bt adoption. Analysis of the distribution of benefits between farmers due to the technology is also presented. In parallel with these socio-economic measures, the toxic loads being presented to the environment following the introduction of Bt cotton are monitored in terms of insecticide active ingredient (ai) and the Biocide Index. The latter adjusts ai to allow for differing persistence and toxicity of insecticides.Results show substantial and significant financial benefits to smallholder cotton growers of adopting Bt cotton over three seasons in terms of increased yields, lower insecticide spray costs and higher gross margins. This includes one particularly wet, poor growing season. In addition, those with the smaller holdings appeared to benefit proportionately more from the technology (in terms of higher gross margins) than those with larger holdings. Analysis using the Gini-coefficient suggests that the Bt technology has helped to reduce inequality amongst smallholder cotton growers in Makhathini compared to what may have been the position if they had grown conventional cotton. However, while Bt growers applied lower amounts of insecticide and had lower Biocide Indices (per ha) than growers of non-Bt cotton, some of this advantage was due to a reduction in non-bollworm insecticide. Indeed, the Biocide Index for all farmers in the population actually increased with the introduction of Bt cotton.The results indicate the complexity of such studies on the socio-economic and environmental impacts of GM varieties in the developing world.', 'en_US'),
(2454, 'Pollination biology of oilseed poppy, Papaver somniferum L.', 'Although poppies (Papaver somniferum L.) are one of the oldest cultivated plants relatively little is known of their pollination biology. We have investigated the relative importance of wind and insects in the pollination of poppies and identified potential insect pollinators. Wind pollination was found to be negligible, insect pollination was responsible for the majority of out-crossing, and self-pollination was the dominant mode of poppy fertilisation. Honeybees and flies were identified as the main potential cross-pollinators of Tasmanian poppies. Using a transgenic poppy field trial in which approximately 50% of the pollen grains produced were transgenic, we have determined the level of pollen-mediated gene flow by scoring over 50 000 seeds for the presence of a selectable marker gene. Gene flow was measured using a 10-m buffer area that surrounded the field trial. It was highest at 0.1 m with 3.26% of seeds found to be transgenic and declined over distance with 1.73% transgenic seeds at 0.5 m, 1.80% at 1 m, 0.86% at 2 m, 0.34% at 5 m, 0.12% at 9 m, and 0.18% at 10 m. These results demonstrate that under Tasmanian conditions, pollen-mediated gene flow occurs at modest levels in poppies that are in close proximity to each other and is most probably mediated by honeybees and flies.', 'en_US'),
(2455, 'Science, law, and politics in FDA''s genetically engineered foods policy: scientific concerns and uncertainties', 'The Food and Drug Administration''s (FDA''s) 1992 policy statement granted genetically engineered foods presumptive GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status. Since then, divergent views have been expressed concerning the scientific support for this policy. This paper examines four sources to better understand the basis for these claims: 1) internal FDA correspondence; 2) reports from the National Academy of Sciences; 3) research funded by US Department of Agriculture from 1981 to 2002; and 4) FDA''s proposed rules issued in 2001. These sources reveal that little research has been conducted on unintended compositional changes from genetic engineering. Profiling techniques now make this feasible, but the new debate centers on the functional meaning of compositional changes.', 'en_US'),
(2456, 'Need for an ''integrated safety assessment'' of GMOs, linking food safety and environmental considerations.', 'Evidence for substantial environmental influences on health and food safety comes from work with environmental health indicators which show that agroenvironmental practices have direct and indirect effects on human health, concluding that ''the quality of the environment influences the quality and safety of foods'' [Fennema, O. Environ. Health Perspect. 1990, 86, 229-232). In the field of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), Codex principles have been established for the assessment of GM food safety and the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety outlines international principles for an environmental assessment of living modified organisms. Both concepts also contain starting points for an assessment of health/food safety effects of GMOs in cases when the environment is involved in the chain of events that could lead to hazards. The environment can act as a route of unintentional entry of GMOs into the food supply, such as in the case of gene flow via pollen or seeds from GM cropss, but the environment can also be involved in changes of GMO-induced agricultural practices with relevance for health/food safety. Examples for this include potential regional changes of pesticide uses and reduction in pesticide poisonings resulting from the use of Bt crops or influences on immune responses via cross-reactivity. Clearly, modern methods of biotechnology in breeding are involved in the reasons behind the rapid reduction of local varieties in agrodiversity, which constitute an identified hazard for food safety and food security. The health/food safety assessment of GM foods in cases when the environment is involved needs to be informed by data from environmental assessment. Such data might be especially important for hazard identification and exposure assessment. International organizations working in these areas will very likely be needed to initiate and enable cooperation between those institutions responsible for the different assessments, as well as for exchange and analysis of information. An integrated assessment might help to focus and save capacities in highly technical areas such as molecular characterization or profiling, which are often necessary for both assessments. In the area of establishing international standards for traded foods, such as for the newly created Standards in Trade and Development Facility (STDF), an integrated assessment might help in the consideration of important environmental aspects involved in health and food safety. Furthermore, an established integrated view on GMOs may create greater consumer confidence in the technology.', 'en_US'),
(2457, 'Farm-scale evaluation of the impacts of transgenic cotton on biodiversity, pesticide use, and yield.', 'Higher yields and reduced pesticide impacts are needed to mitigate the effects of agricultural intensification. A 2-year farm-scale evaluation of 81 commercial fields in Arizona show that use of transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton reduced insecticide use, whereas transgenic cotton with Bt protein and herbicide resistance (BtHr) did not affect herbicide use. Transgenic cotton had higher yield than nontransgenic cotton for any given number of insecticide applications. However, nontransgenic, Bt and BtHr cotton had similar yields overall, largely because higher insecticide use with nontransgenic cotton improved control of key pests. Unlike Bt and BtHr cotton, insecticides reduced the diversity of nontarget insects. Several other agronomic and ecological factors also affected biodiversity. Nevertheless, pairwise comparisons of diversity of nontarget insects in cotton fields with diversity in adjacent noncultivated sites revealed similar effects of cultivation of transgenic and nontransgenic cotton on biodiversity. The results indicate that impacts of agricultural intensification can be reduced when replacement of broad-spectrum insecticides by narrow-spectrum Bt crops does not reduce control of pests not affected by Bt crops.', 'en_US'),
(2458, 'Managing reproductive isolation in hybrid seed corn production.', 'Production of hybrid corn (Zea mays L) depends on cross-pollination between male and female inbred parents. As such, reproductive isolation of seed fields is required to ensure genetic purity of the hybrid progeny. Customer demand for improved genetic purity prompted the seed industry to examine the level of genetic purity resulting from current isolation practices. A 3-yr study was conducted to monitor purity of hybrid seed produced in 315 fields from 24 seed companies in North America. Each field was near a commercial corn field shedding pollen synchronously with the seed parent: a worse case scenario. Seed samples were collected at five locations along a 200-m transect established perpendicular to the nearest potential adventitious pollen source, and 100 seed from each location were subjected to isozyme analysis to determine percent out-crossing. Isolation distance, seed field size, field block size, number of border rows, adventitious field size, male:female row ratio, male population, and male pollen class were analyzed as continuous predictors and as variable class predictors of out-crossing at the field margins and field midpoints. Year had a significant (p less than or equal to 0.05) impact on observed out-crossing. Isolation distance, border rows, and male pollen class were significant predictors of out-crossing at the field margin but not at the field midpoint. A significant interaction between isolation distance and border rows was observed at both the field margin and midpoint. There also was an interaction between male:female ratio and male pollen class on out-crossing at the field margin. These results indicate that current practices used to isolate hybrid seed fields often achieve the goal of producing greater than or equal to 99% genetically pure seed, but much higher levels of out-crossing can and do occur. Because out-crossing generally was greater and more variable at the field margins than at the field midpoint, adjustments to field management that focus on minimizing out-crossing at the field margins should lead to consistently high levels of genetic purity from hybrid seed fields.', 'en_US'),
(2459, 'Perceptions of the risks and benefits of genetically-modified foods and their influence on willingness to consume.', 'There has been debate in the literature as to whether: (1) the risks and benefits of genetically-modified (GM) food and agriculture are considered and determined by individuals separately or whether they are jointly determined by attitudes; (2) consumer acceptance is determined by individuals weighing up their risk and benefit perceptions in a rational, even-handed manner, or if benefit perceptions are more important than risk perceptions, and (3) certain types of risk and benefit are more important than others. Against this background, this paper assesses the categories of risks and benefits and their relative importance in determining willingness to consume. A survey was carried out to collect data on the categories of risks and benefits in the US, UK and France, and the relative importance of selected perceived risk and benefit dimensions was estimated. The findings show: risk and benefit perceptions are negatively correlated, but not perfectly and, given that regressions we performed support the proposition that benefits are more important than risks in determining willingness to consume, a strong case can be made for measuring risks and benefits separately. Almost 2/3 of consumers perceive medium to high potential benefits from GM, though the proportion is slightly lower in the UK and down to 40% in France. Nevertheless, this suggests a much higher level of support for the technology than is normally assumed. From the study, benefits are more important for consumers'' willingness to consume than perceived risks, and slightly more interviewees scored above than below the mean on willingness to consume GM food.', 'en_US'),
(2460, 'Environmental Risk Assessment of Genetically Modified Organisms, Volume 2: A Case Study of Bt Cotton in Brazil', 'Many international forums have identified the need for comprehensive, scientific methods for the pre-release testing and post-release monitoring of transgenic plants to ensure their environmental safety and sustainable use. In response to this requirement, a GMO Guidelines Project was established under the aegis of the International Organization for Biological Control, to develop biosafety testing guidelines for transgenic plants. This second volume focuses on transgenic cotton in Brazil and addresses both environmental and agricultural impacts. It draws out some general risk assessment guidelines and demonstrates the need for case-by-case analysis.', 'en_US'),
(2461, 'Seed and pollen flow in expanding a species'' range.', 'The distinct processes of gene flow via seeds and pollen in hermaphrodite plants provide a biological basis for interpreting their different roles in expanding a species'' range. A species'' range is primarily expanded through the colonization process by seed dispersal and followed by the joint effects of both seed and pollen flow. Here we examined the effects of seed and pollen flow on shaping a species'' distribution in one-dimensional space. Our results demonstrate that pollen flow can enhance range expansion when immigrating genes are adaptive to recipient populations, but can shrink a species'' range when immigrating genes are maladaptive. The incompletely purging of maladaptive genes from immigrating pollen grains at the gametophyte stage can reinforce the biological barrier to range expansion. The linkage disequilibria attained by immigrating seeds and pollen grains indirectly amplify the effects of the reaction component and further limit a species'' range. The cumulative effect from multiple loci each with a small effect can be substantial on altering a species'' range when these genes are maladaptive. These theoretical predictions can help understand the role of pollen flow that is incapable of colonizing new habitats in range expansion.', 'en_US'),
(2462, 'Who does the public trust? The case of genetically modified food in the United States.', 'Trust is important for the perception of many types of risk, including those relating to genetically modified (GM) food. Who the public trusts in any given circumstance, however, is not well understood. In this study of public trust regarding GM food, an exploratory factor analysis with Promax rotation reveals public classification of three common institutional types?evaluators, watchdogs, and merchants. The structure of relationships among these stakeholders can act to enable or constrain public support for this new technology. Evaluators?scientists, universities, and medical professionals?are the most trusted. Watchdogs?consumer advocacy organizations, environmental organizations, and media sources?are moderately trusted. Merchants?grocers and grocery stores, industry, and farmers?are least trusted. While the federal government is seen as closest to being an evaluator, it is not highly correlated with any of the factors. The lack of trust in the organizations with the greatest resources and responsibilities for ensuring the safety of GM food should be seen as an important obstacle to the adoption of the technology.', 'en_US'),
(2463, 'Pollen dispersal of oilseed rape: estimation of the dispersal function and effects of field dimension.', '1.  Debate continues regarding the ecological impacts of genetically modified (GM) crops and their coexistence with non-GM crops in Europe. In this debate, quantitative predictions of gene dispersal by pollen are necessary, and as a result numerous plot-to-plot gene flow experiments have been performed with various crops. However, plot-to-plot cross-pollination rates (CPR) depend on spatial configuration of plots, implying that (i) they are difficult to compare among experiments and (ii) functions directly fitted on CPR data are inappropriate for predictions in other spatial contexts. 2.  Modelling pollen dispersal via an individual dispersal function (IDF) circumvents these problems by accounting for spatial designs. We detail for oilseed rape how this approach can be used to both estimate an IDF from field data and predict CPR between two neighbouring fields of various sizes and shapes. Predictions were used to investigate the sensitivity of CPR to the family of IDF, the uncertainty in parameter estimates and the effects of field dimensions and isolation distances. 3.  We fitted a range of families of IDF, including several types of tails, on previously published data. The best IDF was a fat-tailed power-law function, meaning frequent long-distance dispersal. 4.  The choice of IDF appeared crucial when predicting CPR between fields, occasionally being even more important than the distance between fields. Width of the source field and depth of the recipient field were next in importance. When approximated CPR were calculated without considering field dimensions, using distance between field centres gave better performance than field margins. 5.  Synthesis and applications. This study demonstrates the value of IDF for quantitative predictions of pollen flow in variable spatial configurations. A spatially explicit model of agro-ecosystems used to define management rules for the commercial release of GM crops in Europe already employs IDF but underestimates long-distance dispersal for oilseed rape. These new parameter estimates will refine the performance of these models. Moreover, the detailed guidelines for estimating an IDF should encourage such statistical analysis of other dispersal data, enabling comparisons of dispersal data obtained for different environments and species and providing new IDF for management models.', 'en_US'),
(2464, 'The Bioengineered Forest: Challenges for Science and Society.', 'Bioengineering offers many opportunities for forestry. Bioengineered trees can produce more valuable wood, help reclaim contaminated land, improve the health of urban trees, and facilitate pest management. But the ecological risks are complex, and public views about the ethical acceptability of genetic engineering vary widely.Unique in its breadth and diversity, The Bioengineered Forest begins with a survey of the range of forestry practices for which the use of biotechnologies might be appropriate. Scholars representing diverse academic perspectives and viewpoints examine in depth the economic and environmental rationale for forest biotechnologies and the current state of technology with respect to gene performance and safety. They consider the contemporary political and economic environment in which bioengineering is being introduced and where the ?genomic revolution? might take forestry and genetic engineering in the future. The Bioengineered Forest presents compelling arguments in favor of genetic engineering. Just as powerfully, it examines the significant technical and legal hurdles involved in genetic engineering, the undesirable environmental and social consequences that might result from its misapplication, and the risks for businesses that are looking too exclusively for near-term benefits.', 'en_US'),
(2465, 'Methodological scheme for designing the monitoring of genetically modified crops at the regional scale.', 'According to EC regulations the deliberate release of genetically modified (GM) crops into the agro-environment needs to be accompanied by environmental monitoring to detect potential adverse effects, e.g. unacceptable levels of gene flow from GM to non-GM crops, or adverse effects on single species or species groups thus reducing biodiversity. There is, however, considerable scientific and public debate on how GM crops should be monitored with sufficient accuracy, discussing questions of potential adverse effects, agro-environmental variables or indicators to be monitored and respective detection methods; another basic component, the appropriate number and location of monitoring sites, is hardly considered. Currently, no consistent GM crop monitoring approach combines these components systematically. This study focuses on and integrates spatial agro-environmental aspects at a landscape level in order to design monitoring networks. Based on examples of environmental variables associated with the cropping of Bt-Maize (Zea maize L.), herbicide-tolerant (HT) winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.), HT sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.), and starch-modified potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), we develop a transferable framework and assessment scheme that comprises anticipated adverse environmental effects, variables to be measured and monitoring methods.  These we integrate with a rule-based GIS (geographic information system) analysis, applying widely available spatial area and point information from existing environmental networks. This is used to develop scenarios with optimised regional GM crop monitoring networks.', 'en_US'),
(2466, 'Australia''s regulation of genetically modified crops: are we risking sustainability?', NULL, 'en_US'),
(2467, 'Stakeholder attitudes toward GMOs in the Philippines, Mexico, and South Africa: the issue of public trust.', 'This paper investigates stakeholder perceptions and interests in the public debates on the risks and benefits of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in developing countries. The surveys conducted in Mexico, the Philippines, and South Africa showed that most local stakeholders in these countries tend to have pragmatic views toward the use of GMOs. Yet, they also revealed a trend toward political polarization that is linked to the transatlantic dispute on GMOs. We argue that it is not just power politics but also the increasing competition for public trust that explains why European stakeholders turned out to be so successful in influencing attitudes and regulation on GMOs in developing countries. National academia, which proved to be the most trusted stakeholder in all three countries and less involved in foreign-funded advocacy work, may be crucial in abating political polarization and facilitate pragmatic political action.', 'en_US'),
(2468, 'The use of life cycle assessment to compare the environmental impact of production and feeding of conventional and genetically modified maize for broiler production in Argentina', 'The paper presents the methods and results of a life-cycle assessment (LCA) applied to the production of maize grain from a conventional variety compared with maize grain from a variety genetically modified to be herbicide tolerant and insect protected and to contain an enhanced oil and lysine content, and its impact when fed to broiler chickens. The findings show that there are both environmental and human health benefits of growing GM maize including lower impacts on global warming, ozone depletion, freshwater ecotoxicity and human toxicity. However, when considered in terms of the use of maize as a feed input to broiler chicken production, the benefits of the GM alternative become negligible compared to the use of conventional maize.', 'en_US'),
(2469, 'Environmental impact of transgenic crops. II. Impact of recombinant traits. [Original Title: Impact environnemental des cultures transgeniques. II. L''impact des caracteres recombinants.]', NULL, 'en_US'),
(2470, 'Environmental impact of transgenic crops. I. Transgene migration. [Original Title: Impact environnemental des cultures transgeniques. I. La migration des transgenes.]', NULL, 'en_US'),
(2471, 'Risk Assessment for Transgenic Sorghum in Africa: Crop-to-Crop Gene Flow in Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench', 'A crop-to-crop gene flow risk assessment study was conducted with Sorghum bicolor subsp. bicolor to estimate the impact of transgenic sorghum in (South) Africa. The trial was conducted with a central sorghum field (30 x 30 m) with male fertile donor plants that was surrounded by eight arms planted with male sterile recipient plants at a distance of 13 to 158 m from the central field. Gene flow was relatively high within the first 40 m and relatively low beyond that distance, but gene flow was detected even at the greatest distance investigated (158 m). The average hybridization or outcrossing rate for male sterile plants was 2.54% at 13 m, below 1% at a distance of 26 m or greater, and eventually dropping to 0.06% at 158 m. Outcrossing rates are expected to be even lower for male fertile plants, which were not investigated in this study. Mathematical models were used to estimate the maximum gene flow distance that is expected to be between approximately 200 and 700 m. These values are in line with observational data from sorghum plant breeders, who use an isolation distance of 100 m to achieve less than 1% genetic pollution. On the basis of the presence of fully fertile crop wild relatives and the weedy relative johnsongrass [S. halepense (L.) Pers.], which may form hybrids with crop sorghum, and on the fact that gene flow takes place, there is strong evidence that introgression of genetically modified- (GM)-sorghum into crops and crop wild relatives will take place once GM-sorghum is deployed.', 'en_US'),
(2472, 'Detection of transgenic and endogenous plant DNA in digesta and tissues of sheep and pigs fed Roundup Ready canola meal.', 'The persistence of plant-derived recombinant DNA in sheep and pigs fed genetically modified (Roundup Ready) canola was assessed by PCR and Southern hybridization analysis of DNA extracted from digesta, gastrointestinal (GI) tract tissues, and visceral organs. Sheep (n = 11) and pigs (n = 36) were fed to slaughter on diets containing 6.5 or 15% Roundup Ready canola. Native plant DNA (high- and low-copy-number gene fragments) and the cp4 epsps transgene that encodes 5-enolpyruvyl shikimate-3-phosphate synthase were tracked in ruminal, abomasal, and large intestinal digesta and in tissue from the esophagus, rumen, abomasum, small and large intestine, liver, and kidney of sheep and in cecal content and tissue from the duodenum, cecum, liver, spleen, and kidney of pigs. High-copy chloroplast-specific DNA (a 520-bp fragment) was detected in all digesta samples, the majority (89-100%) of intestinal tissues, and at least one of each visceral organ sample (frequencies of 3-27%) from sheep and swine. Low-copy rubisco fragments (186- and 540-bp sequences from the small subunit) were present at slightly lower, variable frequencies in digesta (18-82%) and intestinal tissues (9-27% of ovine and 17-25% of porcine samples) and infrequently in visceral organs (1 of 88 ovine samples; 3 of 216 porcine samples). Each of the five cp4 epsps transgene fragments (179-527 bp) surveyed was present in at least 27% of ovine large intestinal content samples (maximum = 64%) and at least 33% of porcine cecal content samples (maximum = 75%). In sheep, transgene fragments were more common in intestinal digesta than in ruminal or abomasal content. Transgene fragments were detected in 0 (esophagus) to 3 (large intestine) GI tract tissues from the 11 sheep and in 0-10 of the duodenal and cecal tissues collected from 36 pigs. The feed-ingested recombinant DNA was not detected in visceral tissues (liver, kidney) of lambs or in the spleen from pigs. Of note, however, one liver and one kidney sample from the pigs (different animals) were positive for a 278-bp fragment of the transgenic cp4 epsps (denoted F3). Examination of genomic libraries from these tissues yielded no conclusive information regarding integration of the fragment into porcine DNA. This study confirms that feed-ingested DNA fragments (endogenous and transgenic) do survive to the terminal GI tract and that uptake into gut epithelial tissues does occur. A very low frequency of transmittance to visceral tissue was confirmed in pigs, but not in sheep. It is recognized that the low copy number of transgenes in GM feeds is a challenge to their detection in tissues, but there was no evidence to suggest that recombinant DNA would be processed in the gut in any manner different from endogenous feed-ingested genetic material.', 'en_US'),
(2473, 'A preliminary comparison of the retail level effects of genetically modified food labelling policies in Canada and France', 'Most developed countries have adopted labelling policies for genetically modified (GM) food. In April 2004, Canada implemented a voluntary labelling policy for GM and non-GM food, while France adopted the European Union''s new extended mandatory labelling of GM food. I present the result of a qualitative survey of GM and non-GM food labels in supermarkets in Canada and France, five months after the introduction of the new policies. I find that there are almost no GM labelled products in France and non-GM labelled products in Canada. Each policy tends to crowd out the targeted label attribute. However, Canadian consumers can choose between GM and non-GM organic products, whereas there are only non-GM products in French supermarkets. Recent political developments in Quebec suggest that the labelling landscape may change in Canada, either with an increase in the number of non-GM products at the retail level or a transition towards a mandatory labelling policy like in France.', 'en_US'),
(2474, 'Outcrossing frequencies and distribution of transgenic oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) in the nearest neighbourhood.', 'The outcrossing of transgenic oilseed rape in the neighbourhood is of major concern with regard to the actual EU labelling threshold of 0.9% for transgenic contamination in food and feed and the regulations for the co-existence of cultivation of genetically modified crops, conventional and organic farming. In a two-year field trial, the outcrossing frequencies and distribution from plots with different ratios of transgenic plants (100%, 1.0% and 0.1%) containing the pat-gene for resistance towards the broad-range herbicide glufosinate-ammonium were determined in surrounding acceptor plots within a distance of 3?11 m. Randomly distributed outcrossing with isolated pollination events became apparent, and an average gene flow of 0.28%, 0.01% and 0.0065% was detected for 100%, 1.0% and 0.1% transgenic donor plots, respectively. Significant effects on the distribution of outcrossing were found for distance, but not for the prevailing wind direction. The random distribution in combination with the behaviour of honey-bees and bumble-bees gives strong evidence that insects play an important role for short distance gene dispersal. A curve fit assuming an exponential decline was performed with the experimental outcrossing data as a function of distance and was applied to the actual EU labelling threshold. The contamination limit of 0.9% in food and feed could be kept without cultivation distances to the transgenic source. The impact of effective detection limits of analytical methods on the establishment of specific rules for the co-existence is discussed.', 'en_US');
INSERT INTO `bibliography_bibliography_i18n` (`id`, `title`, `abstract`, `locale`) VALUES
(2475, 'An application of life-cycle assessment for environmental planning and management: the potential environmental and human health impacts of growing genetically-modified herbicide-tolerant sugar beet.', 'Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) was used to assess the potential environmental and human health impacts of growing genetically-modified (GM), herbicide-tolerant sugar beet in the UK and Germany compared with conventional sugar beet varieties. The GM variety results in lower potential environmental impacts on global warming, airborne nutrification, ecotoxicity (of soil and water) and watercourse enrichment, and lower potential human health impacts in terms of production of toxic particulates, summer smog, carcinogens and ozone depletion. Although the overall contribution of GM sugar beet to reducing harmful emissions to the environment would be relatively small, the potential for GM crops to reduce pollution from agriculture, including diffuse water pollution, is highlighted.', 'en_US'),
(2476, 'Growth performance and organ development in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L. parr fed genetically modified (GM) soybean and maize', 'Although the inclusion of genetically modified (GM) plants in diets fed to fish is a contentious issue, there are few empirical data. The present study addressed nutritional value and potential risks of four maize types (two traditional and two GM maize varieties) and two soy types (one traditional and one Roundup Ready® soy) included at moderate levels in diets fed to Atlantic salmon parr (initial mean weight ± SD; 0.21 ± 0.02 g) during the first 8 months of feeding (March to October), which included the parr-smolt transformation. The GM-maize varieties [Dekalb 1 (D1) and Pioneer 1 (P1)] were hybrids of traditional maize variants [Dekalb 2 (D2) and Pioneer 2 (P2)] and the GM maize MON810®. Four maize diets, two soy diets and one Standard fishmeal-based diet were formulated and fed to fish in triplicate. The maize diets were formulated with 121 g kg-1 GM maize (P1 and D1) or 121 g kg-1 of the traditional untransformed line (nGM-maize, P2 and D2) and the soy diets were formulated with 125 g kg-1 GM soy or 125 g kg-1 of the traditional untransformed line (nGM-soy), all of equivalent nutrient composition. All diets supported good growth and showed no evidence of diet-related mortality. Based on samplings every 6th week, growth was within the normal range and at conclusion of the study body weight did not differ among any of the treatments (range 101?116 g). Besides minor differences on heptatosomatic index (HSI), plasma triacylglycerol (TAG) values and thermal growth coefficient (TGC), body composition, relative organ weights, plasma nutrient concentrations and enzyme activities did not vary among treatments at any sampling. The present findings indicate that the inclusion of GM plants at the given level in salmonid diets poses little, or no, adverse risk to the health of first feeding Atlantic salmon parr and promote normal growth. The paper presents the production related data of this feeding study. Results regarding structure and function of intestinal segments and intestinal organs are presented in Sanden et al.', 'en_US'),
(2477, 'Bt maize pollen exposure and impact on the garden spider, Araneus diadematus', 'Concerns have been raised that Bt maize pollen may have adverse effects on non-target organisms; consequently, there is a general call for Bt maize risk assessment evaluating lethal and sublethal side effects. Spiders play an important economic and ecological role as pest predators in various crops, including maize. Web-building spiders, especially, may be exposed to the Cry1Ab toxin of Bt maize by the ingestion of pollen via ''recycling'' of pollen-dusted webs and intentional pollen feeding. In this study, the potential Bt maize pollen exposure of orb-web spiders was quantified in maize fields and adjacent field margins, and laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the possible effects of Bt maize pollen consumption on juvenile garden spiders, Araneus diadematus (Clerck) (Araneae: Araneidae). In maize fields and neighbouring field margins, web-building spiders were exposed to high amounts of Bt maize pollen. However, a laboratory bioassay showed no effects of Bt maize pollen on weight increase, survival, moult frequency, reaction time, and various web variables of A. diadematus. A pyrethroid insecticide (Baythroid) application affected weight increase, survival, and reaction time of spiders negatively. In conclusion, the insecticide tested showed adverse effects on the garden spider, whereas the consumption of Bt maize pollen did not. This study is the first one on Bt maize effects on orb-web spiders, and additional research is recommended in order to account for further spider species, relative fitness parameters, prey-mediated effects, and possible long-term chronic consequences of Bt exposure.', 'en_US'),
(2478, 'Assessing environmental risks of transgenic plants', 'By the end of the 1980s, a broad consensus had developed that there were potential environmental risks of transgenic plants requiring assessment and that this assessment must be done on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the transgene, recipient organism, intended environment of release, and the frequency and scale of the intended introduction. Since 1990, there have been gradual but substantial changes in the environmental risk assessment process. In this review, we focus on changes in the assessment of risks associated with non-target species and biodiversity, gene flow, and the evolution of resistance. Non-target risk assessment now focuses on risks of transgenic plants to the intended local environment of release. Measurements of gene flow indicate that it occurs at higher rates than believed in the early 1990s, mathematical theory is beginning to clarify expectations of risks associated with gene flow, and management methods are being developed to reduce gene flow and possibly mitigate its effects. Insect pest resistance risks are now managed using a high-dose/refuge or a refuge-only strategy, and the present research focuses on monitoring for resistance and encouraging compliance to requirements. We synthesize previous models for tiering risk assessment and propose a general model for tiering. Future transgenic crops are likely to pose greater challenges for risk assessment, and meeting these challenges will be crucial in developing a scientifically coherent risk assessment framework. Scientific understanding of the factors affecting environmental risk is still nascent, and environmental scientists need to help improve environmental risk assessment.', 'en_US'),
(2479, 'Effects of insect-resistance transgenes on fecundity in rice (Oryza sativa, Poaceae): a test for underlying costs', 'Understanding the balance between yield benefits and possible underlying yield costs that are associated with transgenic cultivars is useful for evaluating crop performance and the fitness of crop-wild hybrid progeny, but few researchers have tested for such costs under rigorous experimental conditions. We examined shifts in net costs and benefits of insect-resistance transgenes in cultivated rice (Oryza sativa) using two levels of insect pressure (low vs. moderate) and two types of competition (pure vs. mixed lines). We compared the growth and fecundity of potted rice plants from three transgenic lines, Bt, CpTI, and Bt/CpTI, relative to isogenic control plants at outdoor locations in Fuzhou, China. Net yield costs were detected, but only in Bt/CpTI plants in mixed-line competition with low insect pressure. These plants produced 16% fewer tillers, 6% smaller seeds, and 30% fewer seeds than competing control plants. Under moderate insect pressure, Bt and Bt/CpTI plants produced 36?65% more seeds than controls, but the net benefit for Bt/CpTI plants disappeared in mixed-line competition pots. To our knowledge, this is the first report of yield costs in cultivars with transgenic insect resistance. Our results suggest that these costs may be negligible in monotypic rice fields, especially when target insects are abundant.', 'en_US'),
(2480, 'Influence of Planting Papaya Ringspot Virus Resistant Transgenic Papaya on Soil Microbial Biodiversity', 'To investigate the influence of papaya ringspot virus resistant transgenic papaya on soil microorganisms, upper (0-15 cm) and lower layers (15-30 cm) of soil samples were collected around transgenic papaya planting area and nontransgenic papaya planting area and from soils in which plants had not been grown. The moisture content, pH value, total organic carbon content, and total nitrogen content were not significantly different among groups. The populations of total count, fungi, and actinomycete were highest in upper layer soils around transgenic papaya planting area and lowest in lower layer soils in which plants had not been grown. The microbial populations were all higher in upper layer of soils. Amplified fragment length polymorphism, amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis, terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism, and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analyses indicated that the similarity of soil microorganisms of upper layer soils around transgenic papaya planting area and around nontransgenic papaya planting area was >80%. A similar result was observed in lower layer soils. Thus, planting transgenic papayas does have a limited impact on soil microorganisms.', 'en_US'),
(2481, 'Results of a 90-day safety assurance study with rats fed grain from corn rootworm-protected corn', 'The results of a 90-day rat feeding study with YieldGard® (YieldGard Rootworm Corn is a registered trademark of Monsanto Technology, LLC.) Rootworm corn (MON 863) grain that is protected against feeding damage caused by corn rootworm larvae are presented. Corn rootworm-protection was accomplished through the introduction of a cry3Bb1 coding sequence into the corn genome for in planta production of a modified Cry3Bb1 protein from Bacillus thuringiensis. Grain from MON 863 and its near isogenic control were separately formulated into rodent diets at levels of 11% and 33% (w/w) by Purina Mills, Inc. Additionally, six groups of rats were fed diets containing grain from different conventional (non-biotechnology-derived) reference varieties. The responses of rats fed diets containing MON 863 were compared to those of rats fed grain from conventional corn varieties. All diets were nutritionally balanced and conformed to Purina Mills, Inc. specifications for Certified LabDiet 5002. There were a total of 400 rats in the study divided into 10 groups of 20 rats/sex/group. Overall health, body weight gain, food consumption, clinical pathology parameters (hematology, blood chemistry, urinalysis), organ weights, gross and microscopic appearance of tissues were comparable between groups fed diets containing MON 863 and conventional corn varieties. This study complements extensive agronomic, compositional and farm animal feeding studies with MON 863 grain, confirming that it is as safe and nutritious as existing conventional corn varieties.', 'en_US'),
(2482, 'The Value of Short Amino Acid Sequence Matches for Prediction of Protein Allergenicity', 'Typically, genetically engineered crops contain traits encoded by one or a few newly expressed proteins. The allergenicity assessment of newly expressed proteins is an important component in the safety evaluation of genetically engineered plants. One aspect of this assessment involves sequence searches that compare the amino acid sequence of the protein to all known allergens. Analyses are performed to determine the potential for immunologically based cross-reactivity where IgE directed against a known allergen could bind to the protein and elicit a clinical reaction in sensitized individuals. Bioinformatic searches are designed to detect global sequence similarity and short contiguous amino acid sequence identity. It has been suggested that potential allergen cross-reactivity may be predicted by identifying matches as short as six to eight contiguous amino acids between the protein of interest and a known allergen. A series of analyses were performed, and match probabilities were calculated for different size peptides to determine if there was a scientifically justified search window size that identified allergen sequence characteristics. Four probability modeling methods were tested: (1) a mock protein and a mock allergen database, (2) a mock protein and genuine allergen database, (3) a genuine allergen and genuine protein database, and (4) a genuine allergen and genuine protein database combined with a correction for repeating peptides. These analyses indicated that searches for short amino acid sequence matches of eight amino acids or fewer to identify proteins as potential cross-reactive allergens is a product of chance and adds little value to allergy assessments for newly expressed proteins.', 'en_US'),
(2483, 'Decomposition processes under Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) maize: Results of a multi-site experiment', 'The effects of maize expressing the Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ab protein (Bt maize) on decomposition processes under three different European climatic conditions were assessed in the field. Farming practices using Bt maize were compared with conventional farming practices using near-isogenic non-Bt maize lines under realistic agricultural practices. The litter-bag method was used to study litter decomposition and nitrogen mineralization dynamics of wheat straw. After 4 months incubation in the field, decomposition and mineralization were mainly influenced by climatic conditions with no negative effect of the Bt toxin on decomposition processes.', 'en_US'),
(2484, 'Safety and Public Acceptance of Transgenic Products', 'In this article, the terms transgenic, genetically engineered, and genetically modified are used synonymously to mean organisms in which genetic material has been introduced through recombinant DNA technology.Public acceptance of transgenic (genetically engineered, GE) products is influenced by the perception of direct or indirect risks and benefits and the credibility of regulatory agencies that evaluate food and environmental safety. In North America acceptance of GE foods is holding steady, while knowledge about them remains low. Development of transgenic foods with improved nutritional properties or other quality factors will likely be better received than products that primarily benefit the grower or developer of the product. There is continuing unease about biopharming and the association, by some members of the public, of GE crops with corporate agriculture. Several recent reports have reviewed the U.S. regulatory system for transgenic crops and called for a more coordinated and transparent process that allows for greater public participation. For society to benefit from GE crops, we must move away from the polarized positions that have defined the transgenic debate in the past, to positions of mutual respect that allow a rational discussion of the technology''s merits and risks.', 'en_US'),
(2485, 'The detection and decay of Cry1Ab Bt-endotoxins within non-target slugs, Deroceras reticulatum (Mollusca: Pulmonata), following consumption of transgenic corn', 'With greater acreages being planted to transgenic crops, the exposure of non-target species to bioengineered material is increasing. Although the slug, Deroceras reticulatum (Müller), is a major agricultural pest throughout the world, Bacillus thuringiensis crops were not intended to target these species. Molluscs are readily consumed by many generalist predators; if these Cry1Ab-endotoxins are taken up by slugs during feeding on transgenic plants, predators would therefore be exposed to elevated endotoxin concentrations. Using a biochemical assay, we tested the hypothesis that slugs fed transgenic corn would accumulate detectable quantities of Cry1Ab-endotoxins for prolonged periods of time. Characterization indicated that at low dilution rates, Cry1Ab-endotoxins were detectable in slugs fed Bt-corn but no reactivity was elicited by specimens fed non-transgenic food. It was possible to detect Cry1Ab-endotoxins in slugs for 95.9 h after consumption of Bt-corn. Although quantities were small, these long detection periods indicated potential exposure of generalist predators to low concentrations of transgenic insecticidal toxins in the field.', 'en_US'),
(2486, 'Assessing the risk of releasing transgenic Cucurbita spp. in Mexico', 'A methodology to assess potential risks of releasing genetically modified organisms (GMO) to the environment was developed for the genus Cucurbita. Analysis of species biology (GMO, wild, and domesticated relatives) and their spatial distribution were considered. Biological information including reproductive systems, flowering and fructification patterns, pollination and dispersal mechanisms, genetic variability, hybridization and traits of the introduced gene, as well as environmental variables for the species were obtained. Spatial distributional patterns for these species were generated using distributed databases of herbaria specimens, environmental digital maps, and genetic algorithms. The risk of introducing a GMO of Cucurbita pepo in various localities of Mexico was analyzed for 15 taxa of this genus. A map of the potential spatial distribution of ''hot-spots'' for the genus was obtained. Likewise, maps of the potential distribution of fertile progeny (F1) resulting from a theoretical random crossing over of the native species of Cucurbita were also obtained. Results showed there are regions where up to seven wild and domesticated species can converge, mainly in Tamaulipas, Veracruz, and the eastern and central parts of San Luis Potosí. The intended sites for release of virus resistant squash were located where several wild and domesticated species of cucurbits coexist. Results showed that the localities with greater risk are in Nuevo León, Sinaloa, and Guanajuato. These localities harbor wild relatives (free-living C. pepo, C. moschata, C. argyrosperma ssp. sororia, C. fraterna, and C. ficifolia) that are sexually compatible with the virus resistant squash. Therefore, any escape of the genetically modified squash would greatly affect the wild and domesticated species. Finally, the usefulness of this type of analysis for limiting releases of GMO within geographic areas of potential regions of crop domestication was discussed.', 'en_US'),
(2487, 'Sub-chronic (13-week) oral toxicity study in rats with recombinant human lactoferrin produced in the milk of transgenic cows', 'The oral toxicity of recombinant human lactoferrin (rhLF) produced in the milk of transgenic cows was investigated in Wistar rats by daily administration via oral gavage for 13 consecutive weeks, 7 days per week. The study used four groups of 20 rats/sex/dose. The control group received physiological saline and the three test groups received daily doses of 200, 600 and 2000 mg of rhLF per kg body weight. Clinical observations, growth, food consumption, food conversion efficiency, water consumption, neurobehavioural testing, ophthalmoscopy, haematology, clinical chemistry, renal concentration test, urinalysis, organ weights and gross examination at necropsy and microscopic examination of various organs and tissues were used as criteria for detecting the effects of treatment. Overall, no treatment-related, toxicologically significant changes were observed. The few findings that may be related to the treatment (lower cholesterol in high-dose females, lower urinary pH in high-dose males and females and very slightly higher kidney weight in high-dose females) were considered of no toxicological significance.Based on the absence of treatment-related, toxicologically relevant changes, the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) was considered to be at least 2000 mg/kg body weight/day.', 'en_US'),
(2488, 'Scientific and regulatory considerations on the immunogenicity of biologics', 'Immune responses against non-vaccine biologics can affect their efficacy and safety, resulting in adverse events that could include administration reactions, hypersensitivity, deficiency syndromes and lack of a clinical response in treated patients. With the relatively recent development of numerous biologics, immunogenicity testing has become a key component in the demonstration of clinical safety and efficacy; in fact, it is highly unlikely that regulatory approval would be granted for a biologic without an assessment of its immunogenicity. However, recommendations from regulatory agencies regarding the requirements for when and how to carry out immunogenicity testing are dispersed among numerous guidance documents. To enable the evaluation of the effects of immunogenicity on safety and efficacy, the authors have consolidated recommendations from the regulatory guidelines, and present current approaches and future directions for the assessment of immunogenicity.', 'en_US'),
(2489, 'Attitudes towards genetically modified and organic foods', 'Finnish students (N=3261) filled out a questionnaire on attitudes towards genetically modified and organic food, plus the rational-experiential inventory, the magical thinking about food and health scale, Schwartz''s value survey and the behavioural inhibition scale. In addition, they reported their eating of meat. Structural equation modelling of these measures had greater explanatory power for attitudes towards genetically modified (GM) foods than for attitudes towards organic foods (OF). GM attitudes were best predicted by natural science education and magical food and health beliefs, which mediated the influence of thinking styles. Positive attitudes towards organic food, on the other hand, were more directly related to such individual differences as thinking styles and set of values. The results of the study indicate that OF attitudes are rooted in more fundamental personal attributes than GM attitudes, which are embedded in a more complex but also in a more modifiable network of characteristics.', 'en_US'),
(2490, 'Recent developments and future prospects in insect pest control in transgenic crops', 'The adoption of insect-resistant transgenic crops has been increasing annually at double-digit rates since the commercial release of first-generation maize and cotton expressing a single modified Bacillus thuringiensis toxin (Bt) nine years ago. Studies have shown that these Bt crops can be successfully deployed in agriculture, which has led to a decrease in pesticide usage, and that they are environmentally benign. However, the sustainability and durability of pest resistance continues to be discussed. In this review, we focus on the science that underpins second- and third-generation insect-resistant transgenic plants and examine the appropriateness and relevance of models that are currently being used to determine deployment strategies to maximize sustainability and durability. We also review strategies that are being developed for novel approaches to transgenic insect pest control.', 'en_US'),
(2491, 'Valuing Crop Biodiversity: On-Farm Genetic Resources and Economic Change', 'This book examines the challenges faced by farmers trying to maintain crop biodiversity in developing and transitional economies. Using a collection of empirical case studies of farmers and crop scientists across a range of agricultural economies and income levels, it presents economic tools and methods for valuing and managing crop biodiversity. It discusses the economic benefits of crop biodiversity for farmers and suggests ways in which crop biodiversity can be supported by national policies. The book provides an indispensable ''tool kit'' for all those concerned with the development of strategies to facilitate sustainable management and conservation of crop genetic diversity for future generations.', 'en_US'),
(2492, 'Safety and Public Acceptance of Transgenic Products', 'Public acceptance of transgenic (genetically engineered, GE) products is influenced by the perception of direct or indirect risks and benefits and the credibility of regulatory agencies that evaluate food and environmental safety. In North America acceptance of GE foods is holding steady, while knowledge about them remains low. Development of transgenic foods with improved nutritional properties or other quality factors will likely be better received than products that primarily benefit the grower or developer of the product. There is continuing unease about biopharming and the association, by some members of the public, of GE crops with corporate agriculture. Several recent reports have reviewed the U.S. regulatory system for transgenic crops and called for a more coordinated and transparent process that allows for greater public participation. For society to benefit from GE crops, we must move away from the polarized positions that have defined the transgenic debate in the past, to positions of mutual respect that allow a rational discussion of the technology''s merits and risks.', 'en_US'),
(2493, 'SEED PHYSIOLOGY, PRODUCTION & TECHNOLOGY - Managing Reproductive Isolation in Hybrid Seed Corn Production', 'Production of hybrid corn (Zea mays L) depends on cross-pollination between male and female inbred parents. As such, reproductive isolation of seed fields is required to ensure genetic purity of the hybrid progeny. Customer demand for improved genetic purity prompted the seed industry to examine the level of genetic purity resulting from current isolation practices. A 3-yr study was conducted to monitor purity of hybrid seed produced in 315 fields from 24 seed companies in North America. Each field was near a commercial corn field shedding pollen synchronously with the seed parent: a worse case scenario. Seed samples were collected at five locations along a 200-m transect established perpendicular to the nearest potential adventitious pollen source, and 100 seed from each location were subjected to isozyme analysis to determine percent out-crossing. Isolation distance, seed field size, field block size, number of border rows, adventitious field size, male:female row ratio, male population, and male pollen class were analyzed as continuous predictors and as variable class predictors of out-crossing at the field margins and field midpoints. Year had a significant (p [less-than or equal to] 0.05) impact on observed out-crossing. Isolation distance, border rows, and male pollen class were significant predictors of out-crossing at the field margin but not at the field midpoint. A significant interaction between isolation distance and border rows was observed at both the field margin and midpoint. There also was an interaction between male:female ratio and male pollen class on out-crossing at the field margin. These results indicate that current practices used to isolate hybrid seed fields often achieve the goal of producing [greater-than or equal to] 99% genetically pure seed, but much higher levels of out-crossing can and do occur. Because out-crossing generally was greater and more variable at the field margins than at the field midpoint, adjustments to field management that focus on minimizing out-crossing at the field margins should lead to consistently high levels of genetic purity from hybrid seed fields.', 'en_US'),
(2494, 'Aphid alarm pheromone produced by transgenic plants affects aphid and parasitoid behavior', 'The alarm pheromone for many species of aphids, which causes dispersion in response to attack by predators or parasitoids, consists of the sesquiterpene (E)-â -farnesene (Eâ f). We used high levels of expression in Arabidopsis thaliana plants of an Eâf synthase gene cloned from Mentha x piperita to cause emission of pure Eâf. These plants elicited potent effects on behavior of the aphid Myzus persicae (alarm and repellent responses) and its parasitoid Diaeretiella rapae (an arrestant response). Here, we report the transformation of a plant to produce an insect pheromone and demonstrate that the resulting emission affects behavioral responses at two trophic levels.', 'en_US'),
(2495, 'Food Allergy: A Practice Parameter.', NULL, 'en_US'),
(2496, 'Long term feeding of Bt-corn - a ten-generation study with quails', 'A ten-generation experiment with growing and laying quails were carried out to test diets with 40 (starter) or 50% (grower, layer) isogenic or transgenic (Bt 176) corn. Feeding of diets containing genetically-modified corn did not significantly influence health and performance of quails nor did it affect DNA-transfer and quality of meat and eggs of quails compared with the isogenic counterpart.', 'en_US'),
(2497, 'Translational Fusion Hybrid Bt Genes Confer Resistance against Yellow Stem Borer in Transgenic Elite Vietnamese Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Cultivars', 'We have shown the efficacies of translationally fused gene (cry1Ab-1B) under the control of maize ubiquitin promoter and hybrid Bt gene (cry1A/cry1Ac) driven by rice Actin-1 promoter against the yellow stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas Walker, YSB) insect in rice (Oryza sativa L.). The integration, expression, and functionality of the transgenes were confirmed by Southern, western, and insect bioassay. The bioassay results correlated with the molecular data. The amount of Bt protein (within the range of 0.8?1.3% of the total soluble protein) in the transgenics was sufficient to cause 100% mortality of the neonate larvae of YSB within 1 wk of infestation. The transgenic plants expressing the foreign Bt protein were normal in phenotype with as good seed setting as the nontransgenic control plants.', 'en_US'),
(2498, 'Regulatory region of the vitellogenin receptor gene sufficient for high-level, germ line cell-specific ovarian expression in transgenic Aedes aegypti mosquitoes', 'Vitellogenin receptor (VgR) is responsible for the receptor-mediated endocytosis of vitellogenin (Vg) in the egg formation of an oviparous animal, including insects. Little is known about regulation of VgR gene expression. We analyzed the upstream region of the VgR gene from Aedes aegypti (AaVgR) to identify regulatory elements responsible for its expression in germ cell-specific ovarian expression. Experiments with genetic transformation using the transgene containing the 1.5-Kb upstream portion of the AaVgR gene fused with DsRed and the piggyBac vector showed that this regulatory region is sufficient for correct female and ovary-specific expression of the transgene. This 1.5-Kb upstream region contained binding sites for the ecdysone regulatory hierarchy early gene products E74 and BR-C, as well as transcription factors determining correct tissue- and stage-specific expression of GATA and HNF3/fkh. In situ hybridization demonstrated that in the ovaries of transgenic females DsRed mRNA was present in ovarian germ cells and nurse cells of mature ovarian follicles, together with VgR mRNA. In contrast, DsRed mRNA was absent in the oocyte that had a high level of endogenous VgR mRNA. Although the 1.5-Kb upstream region was sufficient to drive a high-level germ line cell-specific expression of the reporter, additional signals were required for translocation of exogenous mRNA from nurse cells into the oocyte.', 'en_US'),
(2499, 'Coherence between Legal Requirements and Approaches for Detection of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and Their Derived Products', 'Analytical methods for the qualitative and quantitative detection of genetically modified (GM) products may serve multiple purposes. Legal requirements differ among jurisdictions, ranging from no requirements to mandatory use of event-specific quantitation and implementation of production chain traceability. Although efforts have been taken to harmonize the analytical methodology at national, regional, and international levels, no normative international standards have yet been established. Lack of coherence between analytical methodologies and their applicabilities, on the one hand, and legislation, on the other hand, is a major problem. Here, key points where coherence is lacking are discussed. These include the definition of units of measurements, expression of GM material quantities, terminology, and inconsistent legal status of products derived from related but slightly different transformation routes. Finally, recommendations to improve the coherence are brought forward, including guidance to stakeholders for prediction of product-specific GM material quantities from gene ratios in the originating seed.', 'en_US'),
(2500, 'Consequences for Protaphorura armata (Collembola: Onychiuridae) following exposure to genetically modified Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) maize and non-Bt maize', 'Studies on the effect of genetically modified Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) crops on true soil dwelling non-target arthropods are scarce. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of a 4-week exposure to two Bt maize varieties (Cry1Ab) Cascade and MEB307 on the collembolan Protaphorura armata. For comparison three non-Bt maize varieties, Rivaldo (isogenic to Cascade), Monumental (isogenic to MEB307) and DK242, and two control diets based on baker''s yeast (uncontaminated and contaminated with Bt toxin Cry1Ab) were also tested. Due to a lower C:N ratio, individuals reared on yeast performed significantly better in all of the measured endpoints than those reared on maize. P. armata performed equally well when reared on two Bt and three non-Bt maize varieties. Although there were no negative effects of Bt maize in this experiment, we recommend future studies on Bt crops to focus on species interactions in long-term, multi-species experiments.', 'en_US'),
(2501, 'Biodiversity in environmental assessment-current practice and tools for prediction', 'Habitat loss and fragmentation are major threats to biodiversity. Environmental impact assessment and strategic environmental assessment are essential instruments used in physical planning to address such problems. Yet there are no well-developed methods for quantifying and predicting impacts of fragmentation on biodiversity. In this study, a literature review was conducted on GIS-based ecological models that have potential as prediction tools for biodiversity assessment. Further, a review of environmental impact statements for road and railway projects from four European countries was performed, to study how impact prediction concerning biodiversity issues was addressed. The results of the study showed the existing gap between research in GIS-based ecological modelling and current practice in biodiversity assessment within environmental assessment.', 'en_US'),
(2502, 'Biosafety assessment protocols for new organisms in New Zealand: Can they apply internationally to emerging technologies?', 'An analysis of established biosafety protocols for release into the environment of exotic plants and biological control agents for weeds and arthropod pests has been carried out to determine whether such protocols can be applied to relatively new and emerging technologies intended for the primary production industries, such as transgenic plants. Example case studies are described to indicate the scope of issues considered by regulators who make decisions on new organism releases. No transgenic plants have been released to date in New Zealand, but two field test approvals are described as examples. An analysis of the biosafety protocols has shown that, while many of the risk criteria considered for decision-making by regulators are similar for all new organisms, a case-by-case examination of risks and potential impacts is required in order to fully assess risk. The value of post-release monitoring and validation of decisions made by regulators is emphasised.', 'en_US'),
(2503, 'Number of consumers necessary for sensory acceptability tests.', 'Basic concepts necessary to estimate the number of consumers necessary for sensory acceptability studies (N), variability data on previous consumer studies and estimations of N for different values of Type I and Type II errors are presented. The standard error of the experiment, reported as the root mean square error from the analysis of variance, was similar over 108 reported studies conducted in five countries over a wide range of food products. This allowed estimating the number of consumers necessary for future studies. These estimations are presented in a table. Considering the average standard error, an alpha value (Type I error) of 5%, a beta value (Type II error) of 10% and a difference between sample means of 10% of the sensory scale, gave an N value of 112 consumers for this particular set of parameters.', 'en_US'),
(2504, 'Expression of cholera toxin B subunit and the B chain of human insulin as a fusion protein in transgenic tobacco plants', 'A DNA construct containing the cholera toxin B subunit (CTB) gene genetically fused to a nucleotide sequence encoding three copies of tandemly repeated diabetes-associated autoantigen, the B chain of human insulin, was produced and transferred into low-nicotine tobaccos by Agrobacterium. Integration of the fusion gene into the plant genome was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The results of immunoblot analysis verified the synthesis and assembly of the fusion protein into pentamers in transgenic tobacco. GM1?ELISA showed that the plant-derived fusion protein retained GM1?ganglioside receptor binding specificity. The fusion protein accounted for 0.11% of the total leaf protein. The production of transgenic plants expressing CTB?InsB3 offers a new opportunity to test plant-based oral antigen therapy against autoimmune diabetes by inducing oral tolerance.', 'en_US'),
(2505, 'Novel foods and food allergies: A review of the issues.', 'This review identifies and explores the current issues around different types of novel foods and allergy concerns. An important issue relates to the observation that risk estimates associated with novel foods may differ depending on whether more emphasis is placed by the individual on the results of technical risk assessment or on an individual''s perceptions of risk associated with different hazards. Consumer perceptions of benefits associated with novel foods also vary. Perceptions of what constitutes both risk and benefit appear to be important determinants of consumer acceptability of particular products. One conclusion that can be made is that novel foods have the potential to contribute to food allergy management, but that consumer acceptance is likely to differ according to the preferences of individual consumers. It is concluded that some novel foods may result in improvements on the quality of life of food allergic patients, whereas others may result in the development of further socio-economic problems.', 'en_US'),
(2506, 'Can Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) corn residues and Bt-corn plants affect life-history traits in the earthworm Aporrectodea caliginosa?', 'Bt-corn is genetically engineered to express proteins from the common soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis which presents specific toxicity to targeted insect pests. One type of Bt-corn expresses the Cry1Ab protein that provides protection against certain lepidopteran pests, mainly the European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis) and the Mediterranean stalk borer (Sesamia nonagroides). Vast areas of agricultural soils worldwide are grown with transgenic Bt-corn. With such widespread use of Bt-corn, it is important to evaluate the potential risks of Bt-protein to non-target organisms in agro-ecosystems such as earthworms. In this study, we investigated the effects of Bt-corn on important life-history traits (survival, reproduction and growth) of the earthworm Aporrectodea caliginosa under various experimental conditions. Finely ground Bt-corn leaves added to soil had no deleterious effects on survival, growth, development or reproduction in A. caliginosa, even in high concentrations that could be considered as a worst-case scenario. Also, growth of juvenile A. caliginosa was unaffected when worms were kept in pots with a growing Bt-corn plant. Only when considering cocoon hatchability did we see a slight, but statistically significant, negative effect of Bt-corn residues. The implications of these results for risk assessment of Bt-corn are discussed.', 'en_US'),
(2507, 'Considerations for the Safety Assessment of Animal Feedstuffs Derived from Genetically Modified Plants.', 'This document addresses considerations in the safety assessment of GM feedstuffs, including the fate of DNA and protein in animal feeding, animal feeding studies, and future GM feedstuffs. As well, there is background material on the various organisms and traits constituting GM plants used as animal feeds.', 'en_US'),
(2508, 'Transgenic crop trial''s gene flow turns weeds into wimps.', NULL, 'en_US'),
(2509, 'Production of plant secondary metabolites: a historical perspective.', 'Studies on plant secondary metabolites have been increasing over the last 50 years. These molecules are known to play a major role in the adaptation of plants to their environment, but also represent an important source of active pharmaceuticals. Plant cell culture technologies were introduced at the end of the 1960s as a possible tool for both studying and producing plant secondary metabolites. Different strategies, using in vitro systems, have been extensively studied with the objective of improving the production of secondary plant compounds. Undifferentiated cell cultures have been mainly studied, but a large interest has also been shown in hairy roots and other organ cultures. Specific processes have been designed to meet the requirements of plant cell and organ cultures in bioreactors. Despite all of these efforts of the last 30 years, plant biotechnologies have led to very few commercial successes for the production of valuable secondary compounds. Compared to other biotechnological fields such as microorganisms or mammalian cell cultures, this can be explained by a lack of basic knowledge about biosynthetic pathways, or insufficiently adapted reactor facilities. More recently, the emergence of recombinant DNA technology has opened a new field with the possibility of directly modifying the expression of genes related to biosyntheses. It is now possible to manipulate the pathways that lead to secondary plant compounds. Many research projects are now currently being carried out and should give a promising future for plant metabolic engineering.', 'en_US'),
(2510, 'Relative fitness of glyphosate resistant creeping bentgrass lines in Kentucky Bluegrass.', 'Genetically transformed cultivars of creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L. syn. Agrostis palustris Huds.) that are resistant to glyphosate have been developed by a collaboration of the Scotts and Monsanto companies. Prior to commercial release, we desired to determine if the transformed plants behave similarly to traditional creeping bentgrass except for the effects expected from the inserted gene, i.e., resistance to glyphosate. Therefore, studies were initiated on 23 June 2000 in Marysville, Ohio; 14 July 2000 in Middleton, N.J.; and 20 June 2000 in Gervais, Ore., to examine the relative lateral spread and competitive ability of several transformed lines of creeping bentgrass, non-transformed controls, and reference cultivars. Vegetative plugs of creeping bentgrass were transplanted into a mature stand of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) or a uniform mixture of Kentucky bluegrass with perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). The plots were watered as needed to prevent moisture stress. Competitive ability of the transformed plants and reference cultivars were determined monthly by measuring the average diameter of the creeping bentgrass patch. On all observation dates, the transgenic lines, as a group, were smaller in average diameter (5.1?7.6 cm) compared to the reference cultivars (5.4?14.2 cm) and non-transformed control lines (5.9?10.2 cm). At the end of the observation period (Aug. 2001), no differences (P = 0.05) in lateral spread were observed between individual lines of transgenic bentgrass. Three lines of interest, ASR365, ASR368, and ASR333, had lateral spread rates that are similar to, or less than, that of their non-transformed parent and the conventional creeping bentgrass cultivars tested. Chemical names used: N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine (glyphosate).', 'en_US'),
(2511, 'Have Transgenes Will Travel - Issues Raised by Gene Flow from Genetically Engineered Crops.', 'Brief summarizes economic and ecological concerns about gene flow from transgenic crops.', 'en_US'),
(2512, 'Biodiversity and Agricultural Biotechnology - A Review of the Impact of Agricultural Biotechnology on Biodiversity.', 'This paper gives an overview of biodiversity and how it is impacted by agricultural biotechnology, building upon chapters on the impact of biotechnology on biodiversity for the European Federation of Biotechnology (Braun & Bennett, 2001) and UNESCO (Braun & Ammann, 2002). Biodiversity encompasses the fundamental bases of life on earth, including genetic, species and ecosystem diversity. There is a need to better understand biodiversity in terms of its fundamental components (genes and taxa), the interrelatedness of these components (ecology), their importance for human life and life in general, and the factors that threaten biodiversity. Within the tropics, Biodiversity is still concentrated in unmanaged habitats. In temperate zones, particularly in the European Union, almost 50% of the landscape is agricultural, and agricultural lands contain a significant portion of the biodiversity in these zones. The greatest threats to biodiversity are destruction and deterioration of habitats, particularly in tropical developing countries, and introductions of exotic species. Maintaining biodiversity requires addressing these threats.', 'en_US'),
(2513, 'Evidence for Gene Flow Via Seed Dispersal From Crop to Wild Relatives in Beta vulgaris (Chenopodiaceae): Consequences for the Release of Genetically Modified Crop Species with Weedy Lineages', 'Gene flow and introgression from cultivated to wild plant populations have important evolutionary and ecological consequences and require detailed investigations for risk assessments of transgene escape into natural ecosystems. Sugar beets (Beta vulgaris ssp. vulgaris) are of particular concern because: (i) they are cross-compatible with their wild relatives (the sea beet, B. vulgaris ssp. maritima); (ii) crop-to-wild gene flow is likely to occur via weedy lineages resulting from hybridization events and locally infesting fields. Using a chloroplastic marker and a set of nuclear microsatellite loci, the occurrence of crop-to-wild gene flow was investigated in the French sugar beet production area within a ''contact-zone'' in between coastal wild populations and sugar beet fields. The results did not reveal large pollen dispersal from weed to wild beets. However, several pieces of evidence clearly show an escape of weedy lineages from fields via seed flow. Since most studies involving the assessment of transgene escape from crops to wild outcrossing relatives generally focused only on pollen dispersal, this last result was unexpected: it points out the key role of a long-lived seed bank and highlights support for transgene escape via man-mediated long-distance dispersal events.', 'en_US'),
(2514, 'No credible scientific evidence is presented to support claims that transgenic DNA was introgressed into traditional maize landraces in Oaxaca, Mexico.', NULL, 'en_US'),
(2515, 'Environmental impact of biotech crops.', 'Agriculture will inevitably always have a significant impact on the environment. For biotech crops to be accepted by the regulatory process, it is a statutory requirement in most countries to complete an environmental impact assessment. The assessment includes determining the frequency and potential impact of gene flow by pollination, the effects on friendly nontarget organisms within the environment, the consequences of introducing particular genes, and, in some countries, a consideration of the effect of biotech crops on wildlife biodiversity. Assessing environmental impact raises many important challenges, because frequently we are required to make assessments of a kind that have rarely been carried out for conventionally bred crops. Debates about how we measure environmental impact most effectively have highlighted the illogicality of detailed environmental assessments of biotech crops and little or no comparable assessment of conventionally bred crops. It is important that all kinds of agricultural crops are evaluated against an evolving vision for the future of agriculture and the environment over the coming decades. Biotech crops have the potential to aggravate or to alleviate the environment of the future. This can be through direct effects of the crop on the environment or through changes in management required to grow them. Our challenge is to develop biotechnology actively for the benefit of humankind and the environment.', 'en_US');
INSERT INTO `bibliography_bibliography_i18n` (`id`, `title`, `abstract`, `locale`) VALUES
(2516, 'Containment and mitigation of transgene flow from crops.', 'The proceedings from this inaugural congress held in Glasgow, UK include all four keynote presentations plus all the platform and poster paper presentations.The programme was designed around three major themes:Crop protection - all aspects of crop protection in both temperate and tropical climates were addressed. This included weed science and pest & disease issues. Advances in spray application technology and precision crop management were also covered;Crop production and the food chain - this theme addressed topics such as minimising the risk of pesticide residues in food, crop performance with reduced input systems and biotechnology approaches to optimise crop development and quality. Farmland biodiversity and the impact of an enlarged EU community also featured;Environment & regulation - the environmental impact of GM crops remains a contentious issue, so the costs , benefits , safety aspects and regulation a decade after their commercialisation provided much debate.', 'en_US'),
(2517, 'Rapid degradation of a binary, PS149B1, ä-endotoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis in soil, and a novel mathematical model for fitting curve-linear decay.', 'A novel, binary ä-endotoxin from Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) strain PS149B1 has been identified, and the two genes that code for the peptides that make up the binary insecticidal crystal protein (bICP) have been inserted into maize plants, Zea mays L. Transformed maize plants that express the proteins are resistant to western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, a major pest of maize. A laboratory study was conducted to better understand the degradation of the bICP in soil. Insect bioassays using southern corn rootworm, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi Barber, were used to track degradation. A first-order kinetic model using a truncated data set predicts a half-life of <4 d, indicating a rapid rate of decay in soil. The degradation pattern for the complete data set exhibits systematic departures from a first-order kinetic model. A novel 3-parameter degradation model was developed and validated with 23 additional degradation data sets representing both Bt proteins and synthetic organic molecules. This new model often fits degradation patterns better than a first-order model and a 3-parameter, biexponential (biphasic) model. The new model also retains an additional degree of freedom in the analyses compared with the biexponential model, making it especially useful when modeling small data sets. The time until 50% dissipation of the bICP was estimated at <2 d based on this new model.', 'en_US'),
(2518, 'Rapid degradation of Cry1F delta-endotoxin in soil.', 'Dow AgroSciences has modified cotton plants (Gossypium hirsutum L.) by inserting a gene from Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner subsp. aizawai that produces an insect-active, full-length Cry1F delta-endotoxin, and is planning to commercialize insect-resistant cotton lines expressing this protein. These cotton lines control tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (F.), along with other lepidopteran larvae. A laboratory study was conducted to better understand the degradation of Cry1F protein in a representative soil from the midsouth cotton-growing area of the United States. Bioassay results with tobacco budworm were used to measure the relative titer of the protein in the soil after a series of incubation periods. Based on the decrease in toxicity over time, the half-life of the microbial Cry1F delta-endotoxin was estimated to be less than 1 d under laboratory conditions, indicating a rapid decay rate in soil.', 'en_US'),
(2519, 'Isolation distances for minimizing out-crossing in spring wheat.', 'Currently recommended isolation distances of 3 or 10 m for pedigreed seed production of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) may not be sufficient for cultivars with high out-crossing (OC) rates. The detection of higher than expected OC rates in wheat has directed this research to reassess currently recommended minimum isolation distances. The objective of this study was to determine if increased isolation distances are needed for cultivars that exhibit higher than normal levels of out-crossing. In each of 2 yr, OC rates were determined for four Canadian spring wheat cultivars at each of 15 distances (0?33 m) from a blue aleurone pollen source. Cultivars were grown in rows perpendicular to the pollinator block to the north, south, west, and east. Target rows were replicated four times within each direction. Out-crossing in ''Katepwa'' and ''Biggar'' was not detected beyond 3 m. Cultivars ''Roblin'' and ''Oslo'' exhibited higher than normal OC at distances of up to 27 m. For Roblin and Oslo, an isolation distance of 30 m is recommended to mitigate OC-derived off-types in the subsequent generation of pedigreed seed.', 'en_US'),
(2520, 'Assessment of the non-target effects of transgenic Bt corn pollen and anthers on the milkweed tiger moth, Euchatias egle Drury (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae).', 'Many non-target lepidopteran species are potentially at risk from transgenic corn tissues (i.e., pollen and anthers) expressing a Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner derived toxin, however, risk assessment data is currently lacking for most species. A laboratory experiment examining the effect of transgenic Bt corn tissue on Euchatias egle Drury (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae) showed no larval mortality following a 48-hour exposure to Bt corn tissues on its food source, Asclepias syriaca (Asclepiadacea). Two Bt corn events were used; 176, which expressed 1.60 µg Bt/g of pollen and anther tissue; and Bt11, which expressed 0.39 µg Bt/g pollen and anther tissue. One of 15 larvae exposed to non-Bt corn tissue died compared to no mortality of the larvae exposed to either Bt11 or 176 Bt corn tissues. Based on these results it appears that E. egle will not be adversely affected by the wide-scale planting of Bt corn.', 'en_US'),
(2521, 'Bt Corn Not a Threat to Monarchs', NULL, 'en_US'),
(2522, 'Biomonitoring the genotoxicity of environmental factors with transgenic plants.', 'All organisms must react to constantly changing surroundings. Environmental factors are thus powerful forces continuously shaping the genomes of all species. Induced genetic changes can be followed using a biomonitor ? a living organism that reacts to a given compound in the environment. A vital but challenging task is identifying organisms with which to study the influence of changing environmental conditions. Plants are especially valuable biomonitors. Here, we describe the use of transgenic plant systems to evaluate the genotoxicity of chemical and radiological compounds. We evaluate the potential of further transgene-based systems for studying somatic and germ-line mutations.', 'en_US'),
(2523, 'Assessing responses of soil microorganisms to GM plants.', 'Risk assessment concerns and recent advances in microbial ecology have spurred a wave of research on the impact of genetically modified (GM) crops on soil-borne microbial community structure and function. Effects have often been observed, but these usually pale in comparison with ''normal'' sources of variation. In spite of our incomplete knowledge of the microbial communities and processes in plant?soil systems, recent technological and conceptual improvements do offer a way forward. We propose a case-by-case approach within a framework that targets both potentially vulnerable indicators as well as general community parameters for assessing the impact of GM plants on soil microorganisms.', 'en_US'),
(2524, 'Herbicide-resistant genetically-modified crop: its risks with an emphasis on gene flow.', 'Herbicide-resistant genetically-modified (GM) crops are the most widely cultivated worldwide, representing 78% of GM crops in 1999, followed by insect-resistant GM crops with Bt gene. Gene flow is the most touching risk arising from GM crops, and is categorized as three types: within species, between species and between GM crop and other organisms. This review shows that gene flow is a reality in the plant kingdom with evolutionary change. Herbicide resistance evolves naturally and spreads dynamically in weeds. One of the most concerning crop in relation to gene flow is Brassica napus, which has a high outcrossing rate and many relative species. In contrast, frequency of gene flow via outcrossing is relatively low in inbreeding cereal crops such as rice, wheat and barley, but published reports have shown that substantial gene flow is possible. Another possible and immediate risk is herbicide-resistant GM crops becoming volunteer weeds. Dry direct-seeded rice is one of the most likely crops in this respect. Stacking different resistance genes in a crop would accelerate multiple resistance evolution in weeds. Multiple resistance to three major herbicides has already been observed in oilseed rape cultivation. More efforts must be made for long-term risk assessment on GM crops in the natural ecosystem. More studies on weed biology and ecology, particularly reproductive processes in weeds, are essential for better understanding of gene flow and systematic management strategy. We hope that this review motivates researchers to analyze data available now, to collect fundamental information on crops and weeds in agro-ecosystem, and to lead to better risk assessment and management.', 'en_US'),
(2525, 'Using seed purity data to estimate an average pollen mediated gene flow from crops to wild relatives.', 'Gene flow from crops to wild related species has been recently under focus in risk-assessment studies of the ecological consequences of growing transgenic crops. However, experimental studies addressing this question are usually temporally or spatially limited. Indirect population-structure approaches can provide more global estimates of gene flow, but their assumptions appear inappropriate in an agricultural context. In an attempt to help the committees providing advice on the release of transgenic crops, we present a new method to estimate the quantity of genes migrating from crops to populations of related wild plants by way of pollen dispersal. This method provides an average estimate at a landscape level. Its originality is based on the measure of the inverse gene flow, i.e. gene flow from the wild plants to the crop. Such gene flow results in an observed level of impurities from wild plants in crop seeds. This level of impurity is usually known by the seed producers and, in any case, its measure is easier than a direct screen of wild populations because crop seeds are abundant and their genetic profile is known. By assuming that wild and cultivated plants have a similar individual pollen dispersal function, we infer the level of pollen-mediated gene flow from a crop to the surrounding wild populations from this observed level of impurity. We present an example for sugar beet data. Results suggest that under conditions of seed production in France (isolation distance of 1,000 m) wild beets produce high numbers of seeds fathered by cultivated plants.', 'en_US'),
(2526, 'Evaluation of noncorn host plants as a refuge in a resistance management program for european corn borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) on Bt-corn.', 'Studies in New York and Pennsylvania compared egg mass recruitment and larval survival on corn and other hosts of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (H[umlaut]ubner), to assess the potential of these plants to act as a refuge in a resistance management program. Assessments were made on replicated plantings and natural plant stands in the field and under controlled conditions in the laboratory. Scouting of mixed field plantings revealed more egg masses on corn than any other crop or weed species. At least twice as many larvae per plant were recovered from naturally infested corn compared with the next best host plant across both years. Larval recovery from noncorn host plants varied widely. Fewer adults emerged from overwintering weed stubble than from corn stubble, and the parasitoid Macrocentris grandii (Goidanich) was found associated only with corn stubble. Survival on plants infested with corn borer larvae was consistently higher on corn than on other plants. In a laboratory study, the number of corn borer tunnels in corn was double the next best host, ragweed. Noncorn hosts appear unlikely to provide a substantial number of corn borer individuals susceptible to B. thuringiensis (Berliner) in comparison with the number expected from the 20% planting refuge mandated by EPA registration of Bt-corn. Evidence from these studies do not support a recommendation of reduced refuge planting areas in the northeastern United States.', 'en_US'),
(2527, 'Diversity of arthropod communities in transgenic Bt cotton and nontransgenic cotton agroecosystems.', 'In a 3-yr field experiment, possible effects of Bt transgenic cotton plants expressing cry1A(c) gene from Bacillus thrungiensis Berliner variety kurstaki on diversities of arthropod communities and pest and natural enemy sub-communities were assessed in insecticide treated and untreated cotton fields, as measured by the Shannon-Weaver diversity index. The treatments included: 1) nontransgenic cotton with no insecticide treatment (nontransgenic), 2) nontransgenic cotton with insecticide treatments (nontransgenic+insecticide), 3) transgenic Bt-cotton with no insecticide treatment (Bt-cotton), and 4) transgenic Bt-cotton with insecticide treatments (Bt-cotton+insecticide). The results indicated that Bt-cotton increased the diversity of arthropod communities and pest sub-communities; however, it decreased the diversities of natural enemy sub-communities. Insecticide treatments increased diversities of communities and sub-communities of arthropods in both transgenic Bt-cotton and nontransgenic cotton agroecosystems, but the increase may be an artifact of increased evenness through mortality of insecticide-targeted species.', 'en_US'),
(2528, 'Biocomplexity: the post-genome challenge in ecotoxicology.', 'There are four crucial challenges for environmental toxicologists in the next decade: (1) understanding the mechanisms of molecular and subcellular interactions with pollutant chemicals, including genomic and proteomic aspects; (2) the development of predictive simulation models of toxic effects on complex cellular and physiological processes; (3) linking molecular, cellular and patho-pysiological ''endpoints'' with higher level ecological consequences; and (4) precautionary anticipation of possible harmful impacts of novel developments in industrial processes, including biotechnology and nanotechnology. One of the major difficulties in ecotoxicology is to link harmful effects of chemical pollutants in individual animals and plants with the ecological consequences. Consequently, this obstacle has resulted in a ''knowledge-gap'' for those seeking to develop policies for sustainable use of resources and environmental protection. The overall problem is: how to develop effective procedures for environmental/ecological impact and risk assessment? However, the use of diagnostic ''clinical-type'' tests or ''biomarkers'' has started to provide information on the health-status of populations based on relatively small samples of individuals. Also, biomarkers can now be used to begin to link processes of molecular and cellular damage through to the higher levels (i.e. prognostic capability), where they can result in reduced performance and reproductive success. Research effort to meet this challenge must be inter-disciplinary in character, since the key questions mainly involve complex interfacial problems. These include effects of physico-chemical speciation on uptake and toxicity, the toxicity of complex mixtures; and linking the impact of pollutants through the various hierarchical levels of biological organisation to ecosystem and human health. Finally, the development and use of process-based computational simulation models (i.e. ''virtual'' cells, organs and animals), illustrated using an endosomal/lysosomal uptake and cell injury model, will facilitate the development of a predictive capacity for estimating risk associated with the possibility of future environmental events.', 'en_US'),
(2529, 'Vertical movement in soil of insecticidal Cry1Ab protein from Bacillus thuringiensis.', 'The effects of montmorillonite (M) or kaolinite (K) on the vertical movement of the insecticidal Cry1Ab protein of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki (Bt) were studied in repacked soil columns. The protein was added to the columns either in a purified form, as root exudates from growing plants of Bt corn, or within the biomass of residues of Bt corn. The soil was amended to 0, 3, 6, 9, or 12% (vol vol-1) with the clays. Vertical movement of the protein generally decreased as the content of either clay was increased, and the amount of protein recovered in leachates increased as the concentration of purified protein added was increased. The largest amount of purified protein (ca. 75%) was leached from soil not amended with clay, whereas the lowest amount (ca. 16%) was recovered from columns containing soil amended to 12% with M or K. The Cry1Ab protein was also present in leachates from soil columns in which various hybrids of Bt corn were grown or to which biomass of Bt corn had been added, whereas it was absent in leachates from columns in which the respective isolines of non-Bt corn were grown or to which biomass of non-Bt corn had been added. The Cry1Ab protein exhibited stronger binding and higher persistence, as well as remaining nearer the soil surface, in soil that contained the higher clay concentrations (i.e. had a higher cation-exchange capacity and specific surface area), indicating that it could be transported to surface waters via runoff and erosion. In contrast, the protein was more readily leached through soil with lower clay concentrations, indicating that it could contaminate groundwater.', 'en_US'),
(2530, 'Prospects of biodiversity in herbicide-resistant crops.', 'Long-term and large-scale field tests with different weed control methods and agricultural vegetation surveys provide an appropriate tool for an evaluation of the effects on biodiversity of different weed control strategies. In this paper, the toxicological effects, amounts and frequencies of applications, and changes in farming practice are described and compared. The test results are discussed in relation to the question of whether environmental benefits can be achieved by the herbicide-resistance technique. Cropping history and the absence of beneficial plant species invading from the vicinity often override the effects of actual farming practice. Thus long-term strategies are necessary in order to increase biodiversity.', 'en_US'),
(2531, 'The mammalian safety of Bacillus thuringiensis- based insecticides.', 'The United States Environmental Protection Agency between the years 1961 and 1995 registered 177 products containing viable Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Numerous laboratory studies have demonstrated that Bt and Bt products are noninfectious and are toxic to mammals only at a dose ¡Ý108 colony forming units (cfu) per mouse (a human equivalent based on the weight of >1011 cfu). In contrast, as few as three vegetative cells of Bacillus anthracis can kill mice (a human equivalent of >103 cfu). There are only two literature reports of Bt infection in man between the year 1997 and the present, and all infected individuals had experienced either extensive burns or a blast injury, which predisposed them to infection. Two epidemiology studies conducted during large-scale aerial Bt serovar kurstaki spray campaigns reported no increased incidence of illness. Some recent papers have expressed concern about the production of Bacillus cereus enterotoxins by Bt isolates. Laboratory studies found no evidence of illness in rats and sheep fed Bt products, nor have epidemiology studies found increased incidence of diarrhea during Bt aerial spray campaigns. Increases in human antibody levels following exposure to Bt products have been reported but there was no increased incidence in asthma or other illness. Based on laboratory studies and field experience, Bt insecticides have an excellent safety record.', 'en_US'),
(2532, 'Life history traits of Hilecoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on non-Bt and Bt transgenic corn hybrids in eastern North Carolina.', 'Transgenic varieties of field corn that express the Cry1Ab B. thuringiensis (Bt) toxin in ear tissue present the potential of reducing ear feeding by the corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), and for reducing the size of populations of the insect infesting other host crops. Life history parameters of H. zea feeding on ears of conventional and Bt field corn varieties were measured in field plots in eastern North Carolina in 1997 and 1998. Transformation events investigated were Mon-810 and Bt-11. Bt corn was found to cause a steady mortality of larvae during development, but permitted 15-40% survival to the prepupal stage compared with non-Bt corn. Mortality of prepupae and pupae from Bt corn was also higher than from non-Bt corn, reducing overall adult production by 65-95%. The larvae that did survive grew more slowly on Bt than on non-Bt corn, and produced pupae that weighed 33% less. Pupation and adult eclosion were delayed by 6-10 d by feeding on Bt corn ears. Corn varieties expressing Bt in ear tissue have the potential to reduce H. zea ear feeding by up to 80%, and the potential to reduce populations emerging from ear-stage corn fields to infest cotton, soybean and other crops by around 75%. To have a measurable effect on area-wide populations, Bt corn varieties would need to be planted in large proportions of corn fields. Extensive planting of varieties such as those tested here, having only moderate effects on H. zea, would raise concerns about rapid evolution of resistance.', 'en_US'),
(2533, 'The population/biodiversity paradox. Agricultural efficiency to save wilderness.', '''I know of no time which is lost more thoroughly than that devoted to arguing on matters of fact with a disputant who has no facts but only very strong convictions'' (Simon, 1996). The comment aptly summarizes a common experience (including my own) in dealing with technophobes. In one sense, the genetic manipulation (GM) debate can only be conducted on a level in which the participants are prepared to enlarge their knowledge and refine their views accordingly. I consequently have tried in this article to provide plenty of facts that can be used in discussion with reasonable participants. My recommendation is to forget those who are not prepared to modify in any way a prepared (i.e. ideological) position. My own view of GM is that its primary use to mankind must come initially in helping to solve fundamental problems that currently present themselves. These outstanding problems concern population, global warming, and biodiversity. In a longer version of this article I have tried also to provide some critique of current trends toward placing ecological views into agriculture in the hope of generating reasoned discussion. The full version of this article is on my web site (www.ed.ac.uk/~ebot40/main.html). All the information below can be obtained from the referenced articles, although I have not always indicated where.', 'en_US'),
(2534, 'Preventing food allergy:  Emerging technologies.', 'Food allergy represents a largely avoidable threat. Technologies are presently available or are under development that better define the molecules (allergens) responsible for food allergy, better detect the presence of allergens, and can reduce or even eliminate specific allergens from the food supply. The incidence of food allergy and fatal anaphylaxis triggered by food allergens is expected to decline as a result of the application of a combination of key technologies such as biotechnology, bioinformatics and immunodiagnostics, and of the Internet, as well as following the development of well-defined science-based public health policies.', 'en_US'),
(2535, 'Stability of food allergens to digestion in vitro.', 'An integral part of the safety assessment of genetically modified plants is consideration of possible human health effects, especially food allergy. Prospective testing for allergenicity of proteins obtained from sources with no prior history of causing allergy has been difficult because of the absence of valid methods and models. Food allergens may share physicochemical properties that distinguish them from nonallergens, properties that may be used as a tool to predict the inherent allergenicity of proteins newly introduced into the food supply by genetic engineering. One candidate property is stability to digestion. We have systematically evaluated the stability of food allergens that are active via the gastrointestinal tract in a simple model of gastric digestion, emphasizing the major allergens of plant-derived foods such as legumes (peanuts and soybean). Important food allergens were stable to digestion in the gastric model (simulated gastric fluid). For example, soybean -conglycinin was stable for 60 min. In contrast, nonallergenic food proteins, such as spinach ribulose bis-phosphate carboxylase/oxygenase, were digested in simulated gastric fluid within 15 sec. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that food allergens must exhibit sufficient gastric stability to reach the intestinal mucosa where absorption and sensitization (development of atopy) can occur. Thus, the stability to digestion is a significant and valid parameter that distinguishes food allergens from nonallergens.', 'en_US'),
(2536, 'Digestive stability in the context of assessing the potential allergenicity of food proteins.', NULL, 'en_US'),
(2537, 'Allergenicity test of genetically modified soybean in Sprague Dawley rats.', 'Allergenicitv of genetically-modified (GM) soybean was evaluated in male Sprague Dawley rats. To confirm the GM in this study, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed using the chromosomal DNA of soybeans. The PCR result provided the clear discrimination of genetically-modified (GM) soybeans. To evaluate the allergenicity of GM soybean and non-GM control the soybean homogenate was inoculated subcutaneously 3 times in 3 weeks. The doses of soybean were 0, 2 and 20mg/kg of  protein. A week after the last inoculation, antisera were recovered from individual animals. When the sera were injected intradermally on the clipped back of unsensitized rats with at various dilutions, followed by a challenge with 20mg/kg of soybean homogenate containing 1% Evans blue, no sign of passive cutaneous anaphylactic reaction was detected. In addition, when the sera were treated in cultures of peritoneal mast cells, the increase of histamine released by GM soybean anti-sera was not observed when compared to that by non-GM soybean anti-sera. The present results indicate that the GM soybean might not act as a strong allergen in male Sprague Dawley rats.', 'en_US'),
(2538, 'Notice - Statement of Policy: Foods Derived from New Plant Varieties.', 'The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is issuing a policy statement on foods derived from new plant varieties, including plants developed by recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) techniques.  This policy statement is a clarification of FDA''s interpretation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the act), with respect to new technologies to produce foods, and reflects FDA''s current judgment based on new plant varieties now under development in agricultural research.  This action is being taken to ensure that relevant scientific, safety, and regulatory issues are resolved prior to the introduction of such products into the marketplace.', 'en_US'),
(2539, 'Bioinformatic methods for identifying known or potential allergens in the safety assessment of genetically modified crops.', NULL, 'en_US'),
(2540, 'Guidelines for the Safety Assessment of Novel Foods.  VOLUME I - Preamble and Guidance Scheme for Notification and VOLUME II - Genetically Modified Microorganisms and Plants.', 'Please note that these guidelines are posted for historical reference purposes only, as they are no longer in force. If you are looking for the latest version, please see the current guidelines instead.', 'en_US'),
(2541, 'Guidelines for the Safety Assessment of Novel Foods.', 'This document replaces the Guidelines for the Safety Assessment of Novel Foods (Volumes I and II) originally published in September, 1994.', 'en_US'),
(2542, 'Recombinant food allergens.', 'Allergenic (glyco)proteins are the elicitors of food allergies and can cause acute severe hypersensitivity reactions. Recombinant food allergens are available in standardised quantity and constant quality. Therefore, they offer new perspectives to overcome current difficulties in the diagnosis, treatment and investigation of food allergies. This review summarises the expression strategies and characteristics of more than 40 recombinant food allergens that have been produced until today. Their IgE-binding properties are compared to those of their natural counterparts, in addition their application as diagnostic tools, the generation of hypoallergenic recombinant isoforms and mutants for therapeutic purposes, the determination of epitopes and cross-reactive structures are described.', 'en_US'),
(2543, 'Comparison of the nutritional profile of glyphosate-tolerant corn Event NK603 with that of conventional corn (Zea mays L.).', 'The composition of glyphosate-tolerant (Roundup Ready) corn event NK603 was compared with that of conventional corn grown in the United States in 1998 and in the European Union in 1999 to assess compositional equivalence. Grain and forage samples were collected from both replicated and nonreplicated field trials, and compositional analyses were performed to measure proximates, fiber, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamin E, nine minerals, phytic acid, trypsin inhibitor, and secondary metabolites in grain as well as proximates and fiber in forage. Statistical analysis of the data was conducted to assess statistical significance at the p < 0.05 level. The values for all of the biochemical components assessed for corn event NK603 were similar to those of the nontransgenic control or were within the published range observed for nontransgenic commercial corn hybrids. In addition, the compositional profile of Roundup Ready corn event NK603 was compared with that of traditional corn hybrids grown in Europe by calculating a 99% tolerance interval to describe compositional variability in the population of traditional corn varieties in the marketplace. These comparisons, together with the history of the safe use of corn as a common component of animal feed and human food, support the conclusion that Roundup Ready corn event NK603 is compositionally equivalent to, and as safe and nutritious as, conventional corn hybrids grown commercially today.', 'en_US'),
(2544, 'A comparative study of the allergenic potency of wild-type and glyphosate-tolerant gene-modified soybean cultivars.', 'A large proportion of soybean cultivars grown in the USA are now genetically modified varieties and concern has been raised about the safety of these products for consumers. A study of the impact on allergenic potency in soybeans, comparable except for the newly introduced gene (CP4 EPSPS), was performed using soybean-sensitized patients. The allergenicity of 18 different (10 GM and 8 WT) soybean extracts was examined blindly by the following three methods: A) Sera from patients with specific IgE against soybean were used to determine concentrations inducing 50% RAST inhibition; B) Histamine release induced by the extracts was examined using blood from sensitized patients; C) SPT was performed on sensitized patients with all 18 extracts. All three methods showed variations in the allergenic potency between the individual extracts but allergenic potential was not affected by presence of the transgene. By using standard in vitro methods and SPT for determination of allergenicity we were not able to detect any significant difference in the allergenic potency between GM and WT soybeans.', 'en_US'),
(2545, 'Factors affecting the determination of threshold doses for allergenic foods: How much is too much?', 'Background: Ingestion of small amounts of an offending food can elicit adverse reactions in individuals with IgE-mediated food allergies. The threshold dose for provocation of such reactions is often considered to be zero. However, because of various practical limitations in food production and processing, foods may occasionally contain trace residues of the offending food. Are these very low, residual quantities hazardous to allergic consumers? How much of the offending food is too much? Very little quantitative information exists to allow any risk assessments to be conducted by the food industry. Objective: We sought to determine whether the quality and quantity of existing clinical data on threshold doses for commonly allergenic foods were sufficient to allow consensus to be reached on establishment of threshold doses for specific foods. Methods: In September 1999, 12 clinical allergists and other interested parties were invited to participate in a roundtable conference to share existing data on threshold doses and to discuss clinical approaches that would allow the acquisition of that information. Results: Considerable data were identified in clinical files relating to the threshold doses for peanut, cows'' milk, and egg; limited data were available for other foods, such as fish and mustard. Conclusions: Because these data were often obtained by means of different protocols, the estimation of a threshold dose was very difficult. Development of a standardized protocol for clinical experiments to allow determination of the threshold dose is needed.', 'en_US'),
(2546, 'Antibiotic Resistance Markers in Genetically Modified (GM) Crops.', 'The use of marker genes for resistance to certain antibiotics in the development of genetically modified (GM) crops has given rise to considerable public concern. This briefing paper reviews what they are and why they are used, how the safety of GM crops is regulated and the possible alternatives to their use. The overall aim is to provide balanced information and advance public debate. This paper results from the combined contributions of scientists, industrialists, and governmental and public interest organisations across Europe.', 'en_US'),
(2547, 'ACNFP factsheet on the use of antibiotic resistance marker genes (ARMs) in GM plants.', '2005: This factsheet explains how and why antibiotic resistance marker genes (ARMs) are used in GM crop production and what is being done to ensure that foods derived from them are as safe to eat as conventional foods.', 'en_US'),
(2548, 'Using inactivated microbial biomass as fertilizer: the fate of antibiotic resistance genes in the environment.', 'The waste product produced by Novo Nordisk A/S from microbial fermentations is used as agricultural fertilizer in Denmark (NovoGro?) after being treated by heat and chemicals to destroy the microorganisms. The fertilizer contains DNA fragments from the genetically modified microorganisms used in industrial production. This DNA contains genes coding for the desired industrial products as well as genes used as genetic selection markers during production strain development. The antibiotic resistance markers used as genetic selection markers are chloramphenicol (Cm), kanamycin (Km) and ampicillin (Ap). The aim of the present study was to examine whether DNA and intact genes were present in NovoGro and whether horizontal transfer of DNA isolated from inactivated production strains occurred either in the laboratory or in the fields treated with NovoGro. DNA isolated from NovoGro was analysed by PCR and intact genes coding for a protease and chloramphenicol resistance were amplified. This isolated DNA was used for in vitro experiments including electroporation and transformation but no transfer of DNA to Escherichia coli or Bacillus subtilis was observed. The antibiotic resistance profile of the indigenous bacterial population in the fields treated with NovoGro compared with fields treated with inorganic fertilizers showed no differences. In addition, DNA isolated directly from the fields treated with NovoGro for up to 7 years was analysed by PCR and no specific production gene constructs could be detected.', 'en_US'),
(2549, 'An assessment of the risks associated with the use of antibiotic resistance genes in genetically modified plants: report of the Working Party of the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy.', 'Development of genetically modified (GM) plants is contentious, in part because bacterial antibiotic resistance (AR) genes are used in their construction and often become part of the plant genome. This arouses concern that cultivation of GM plants might provide a reservoir of AR genes that could power the evolution of new drug-resistant bacteria. We have considered bacterial DNA transfer systems (conjugation, transduction and transformation) and mechanisms of recombination (homologous recombination, transposition, site-specific recombination and DNA repair) that together might productively transfer AR genes from GM plants to bacterial cells, but are unable to identify a credible scenario whereby new drug-resistant bacteria would be created. However, we cannot entirely rule out the possibility of rare transfer events that involve novel mechanisms. Hence, we also considered if occasional transfers of AR genes (blaTEM, aph(3''), aadA) from GM plants into bacteria would pose a threat to public health. These AR genes are common in many bacteria and each is found on mobile genetic elements that have moved extensively between DNA molecules and bacterial cells. This gene mobility has already severely compromised clinical use of antibiotics to which resistance is conferred. Accordingly, the argument that occasional transfer of these particular resistance genes from GM plants to bacteria would pose an unacceptable risk to human or animal health has little substance. We conclude that the risk of transfer of AR genes from GM plants to bacteria is remote, and that the hazard arising from any such gene transfer is, at worst, slight.', 'en_US'),
(2550, 'The fate of antibiotic resistance marker genes in transgenic plant feed material fed to chickens.', 'We have examined the fate of an antibiotic resistance marker, incorporated into transgenic maize when fed to chicks. Plant-derived markers were found in the crops of five birds fed transgenic maize and in the stomach contents of two birds. The plant-derived marker gene was not found in the intestines. The survival of the antibiotic resistance marker gene mirrored that of plant DNA targets, demonstrating that it survives no better than other DNA and indicating that it is very unlikely that bacteria in the gut of chickens will be transformed to ampicillin resistance when the birds are fed transgenic maize.', 'en_US'),
(2551, 'Assessment of the risks of transferring antibiotic resistance determinants from transgenic plants to micro-organisms.', 'In the production of genetically modified (GM) plants, genes conferring ''desirable'' traits are identified and are then assembled in bacteria before delivery into the target plants. The assembly of genes in bacteria is made simple by including antibiotic resistance marker genes. The presence of a gene that codes for resistance to an antibiotic in a single bacterial cell means that, by adding the appropriate antibiotic to a culture, the single cell can be isolated from millions or even billions of bacteria lacking the resistance gene present in the same culture. By linking a gene that confers antibiotic resistance on its host bacterium to the genes that are to be inserted into plants, sufficient quantities of DNA can be harvested from a bacterial culture to allow the novel DNA to be delivered easily to the plant. One marker gene commonly used in the early days of GM crop development, called blaTEM, confers resistance to antibiotics such as ampicillin and amoxycillin. This gene causes the production of an enzyme, known as a â-lactamase, which breaks down the structure of these antibiotics, rendering them ineffective against bacteria. Although the bacteria that live in animal and human guts frequently carry blaTEM, which occurs naturally at a high frequency, this project is designed to examine the risk that blaTEM from GM maize can pass from the modified plant tissues into microbes in animals that are fed GM maize.', 'en_US'),
(2552, 'GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS - Widening the Debate on Health and Safety.  The OECD Edinburgh Conference on the Scientific and Health Aspects of Genetically Modified Foods (2000).  OECD Consultation with Non-governmental Organisations on Biotechnology and Ot', 'This publication contains the contributions of the OECD Directorate for Science, Technology and Industry (DSTI), prepared in response to the request of the G8 Heads of State and Government that the OECD ''undertake a study of the implications of biotechnology and other aspects of food safety...'' (G8 Summit in Cologne, June 1999).These DSTI reports are part of the complete OECD response to the G8 request, whose precise terms of reference were defined by the OECD Council in late Autumn 1999. This response consists of five sets of reports, mostly written by committees of officials from Member countries, which were co-ordinated by the Environment Directorate and the Directorate for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries. Mr. Michael Oborne, Head of the Internal Co-ordination Group on Biotechnology, was in charge of overall co-ordination of the OECD response. The complete list of OECD documents submitted to the G8 summit in Okinawa (July 2000) is attached in Annex. The reports are also available on the Web site: http://www.oecd.org/subject/biotech/g8_docs.htm.', 'en_US'),
(2553, 'Consensus Document on Compositional Considerations for New Varieties of Sugar Beet - Key Food and Feed Nutrients and Anti-Nutrients. OECD. Joint Meeting of the Chemicals Committee and the Working Party on Chemicals, Pesticides and Biotechnology.', 'The OECD''s Task Force for the Safety of Novel Foods and Feeds decided at its first session, in 1999, to focus its work on the development of science-based consensus documents, which are mutually acceptable among member countries. These consensus documents contain information for use during the regulatory assessment of a particular food/feed product. In the area of food and feed safety, consensus documents are being published on the nutrients, anti-nutrients or toxicants, information of its use as a food/feed and other relevant information.This consensus document addresses compositional considerations for new varieties of sugar beet by identifying the key food and feed nutrients and anti-nutrients. A general description of these components is provided. As well, there is background material on the growing, processing and uses of sugar beet and considerations to be taken when assessing new sugar beet varieties.Germany served as the lead country in the preparation of this document.The Joint Meeting of the Chemicals Committee and the Working Party on Chemicals, Pesticides and Biotechnology has recommended that this document be made available to the public. It is published on the authority of the Secretary-General of the OECD.', 'en_US'),
(2554, 'Safety assessment for genetically modified sweet pepper and tomato.', 'The coat protein (CP) gene of cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) was cloned from a Chinese CMV isolate, the CaMV promoter and NOS terminator added and the gene construct was transformed into both sweet pepper and tomato plants to confer resistance to CMV. Safety assessments of these genetically modified (GM) plants were conducted. It was found that these two GM products showed no genotoxicity either in vitro or in vivo by the micronucleus test, sperm aberration test and Ames test. Animal feeding studies showed no significant differences in growth, body weight gain, food consumption, hematology, blood biochemical indices, organ weights and histopathology between rats or mice of either sex fed with either GM sweet pepper or tomato diets compared with those with non-GM diets. These results demonstrate that the CMV-resistant sweet pepper and tomato are comparable to the non-GM counterparts in terms of food safety.', 'en_US'),
(2555, 'Biotechnology-derived, perennial turf and forage grasses - criteria for evaluation.', 'Following a 2-day workshop sponsored jointly by CAST and the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, an 11-member task force undertook the writing of this publication to present in summarized form the contributions made by the diverse group of workshop participants, as well as those who submitted comments before and after the formal meetings. Major sections include: principles supporting ecological risk assessment and regulatory decision making; background information on perennial grasses; gene migration and weed management of biotechnology-derived (BD) perennial grasses; criteria for evaluating BD grasses; and a summary of workshop responses and public comments.', 'en_US'),
(2556, 'Consensus Document on Key Nutrients and Key Toxicants in Low Erucic Acid Rapeseed (Canola).OECD. Joint Meeting of the Chemicals Committee and the Working Party on Chemicals, Pesticides and Biotechnology.', 'The OECD''s Task Force for the Safety of Novel Foods and Feeds decided at its first session, in 1999, to focus its work on the development of science-based consensus documents, which are mutually acceptable among member countries. These consensus documents contain information for use during the regulatory assessment of a particular food/feed product. In the area of food and feed safety, consensus documents are being published on the nutrients, anti-nutrients or toxicants, information of the product''s use as a food/feed and other relevant information.This consensus document identifies the key nutrients, toxicants, and other constituents that may contribute to the nutritional or anti-nutritional properties of low erucic acid rapeseed (canola). It contains a general description of the use of low erucic acid rapeseed as both a food and a feed product. The main nutrients, toxicants, and other constituents in both low erucic acid rapeseed oil and low erucic acid rapeseed meal are presented for consideration in any proposed changes to the composition of these products.In preparation of this document, Canada served as the lead country.The Joint Meeting of the Chemicals Committee and the Working Party on Chemicals, Pesticides and Biotechnology has recommended that this document be made available to the public. It is published on the authority of the Secretary-General of the OECD.', 'en_US'),
(2557, 'Multiple herbicide-resistant canola can be controlled by alternative herbicides.', 'Unintentional herbicide resistance gene stacking in canola may alter the sensitivity of volunteers to herbicides of alternative modes of action commonly used for their control. Greenhouse experiments were conducted to investigate the response of three single-herbicide?resistant (HR) cultivars (glyphosate, glufosinate, imidazolinone), one non-HR cultivar, and seven multiple (double or triple)?HR experimental lines to 2,4-D (amine and ester), MCPA ester, and metribuzin applied at the two- to three-leaf stage and of one non-HR and four HR cultivars (glyphosate, glufosinate, imidazolinone, bromoxynil) to 2,4-D amine applied at two growth stages (two- to three-leaf stage and five- to six-leaf stage). All canola cultivars or lines treated at the two- to three-leaf stage responded similarly to increasing doses of each of the three herbicides. At the five- to six-leaf stage, however, the bromoxynil HR cultivar was less sensitive to 2,4-D than the other cultivars. The results of this study suggest that canola with multiple-herbicide?resistance traits does not differ from cultivars that are non-HR or single HR in its sensitivity to herbicides commonly used to control volunteers. All volunteers, whether non-HR, single HR, or multiple HR, should be treated when plants are most sensitive to herbicides (two- to four-leaf stage) to reduce their interference against crops and their perpetuation of gene flow.', 'en_US');
INSERT INTO `bibliography_bibliography_i18n` (`id`, `title`, `abstract`, `locale`) VALUES
(2558, 'Life cycle and potential gene flow of volunteer oilseed rape in different tillage systems.', 'The study examined the effect of tillage (intensive vs. zero tillage) on potential gene flow during the life cycle of oilseed rape volunteers between July 2002 and August 2003. After growing oilseed rape, 4?29% of the seeds lost during harvest entered the soil seedbank when stubble tillage was performed immediately after the seed input. The seedbank was small (0?3%) when stubble tillage was delayed. Zero tillage resulted in seedbanks from 1 to 17% of the initial seed input. The seeds were distributed mainly in the upper soil layers after zero tillage or primary tillage with a rigid tine cultivator, whereas ploughing shifted most of the seeds into deeper layers. The highest number of volunteers (1 plant m2) emerged and flowered in the following crop of winter wheat either when a large soil seedbank existed and/or the seedbank was located mainly in the upper soil layer. Outcrossing with other rape crops was unlikely as volunteers flowered 1 month later than rape crops sown at the normal timing. These volunteers produced a maximum of 8 viable seeds m2. Ploughing preserved seeds in deep soil layers transferring the risk of gene flow to the future, whereas non-inversion tillage can cause gene flow from high numbers of flowering volunteers within the first year following oilseed rape cultivation.', 'en_US'),
(2559, 'Effects of herbicide-tolerant transgenic oilseed rape genotypes on honey bees and other pollinating insects under field conditions.', 'Field experiments were carried out to compare the diversity and density of pollinators foraging on two winter oilseed rape varieties, ''Falcon'' and ''Artus'', and their respective transgenic counterparts ''Falcon pat'' and ''Artus LL'', which are tolerant to glufosinate, a non-specific herbicide. The number of insects per 1000 available flowers was counted for the four main pollinators: honeybees, bumblebees, solitary bees, and Diptera. Additionally, on ''Falcon''/''Falcon pat'' the foraging behaviour of the main pollinating insects, i.e., honeybees and bumblebees, was observed (number of flowers visited per min, foraging postures, intervariety flights). A pleiotropic effect could affect nectar and pollen production, therefore we measured nectar volume, nectar sugar concentration, and composition for the four plant genotypes, and on ''Falcon'' and ''Falcon pat'' pollen production was also estimated. The diversity and density of the foraging insect population observed on the transgenic genotypes were similar to that on the non-transgenic controls. Moreover, the foraging behaviour strategy was similar on ''Falcon'' and ''Falcon pat'', and honeybees flew indifferently across these two genotypes. No difference was found in nectar and pollen between the genotypes. Thus, we may assume that the insects do not discriminate between conventional and transgenic oilseed rape specifically resistant to glufosinate. A case-by-case approach is recommended for other genetic modifications to plants potentially visited by bees.', 'en_US'),
(2560, 'Comparison of genetically modified and conventionally derived herbicide tolerance in oilseed rape: A case study.', 'Oilseed rape (Brassica napus) is an important source of oils for industrial and food processes. Agriculturally it is a useful break crop in cereal rotations but suffers from competition from broad-leaved weeds that can be difficult to control. To extend the range and efficacy of weed control options, herbicide-tolerant oilseed rape cultivars have been developed through both conventional and transgenic genetic modification processes. Here we compare the success of these approaches and discuss the implications of the new herbicide tolerance traits in agricultural production of oilseed rape. We conclude that the impact of HT traits on the agri-environment will be dependent on the nature of the trait and the management strategies under which it is employed. We find no evidence that the technology used in the production of HT cultivars has any influence on their performance as crops. In fact transgenic HT cultivars are simpler to monitor for agricultural and environmental impact than are conventional HT cultivars.', 'en_US'),
(2561, 'Consensus Document on Compositional Considerations for New Varieties of Maize - Zea mays - Key Food and Feed Nutrients, Anti-Nutrients and Secondary Plant Metabolites.', 'The OECD''s Task Force for the Safety of Novel Foods and Feeds decided at its first session, in1999, to focus its work on the development of science-based consensus documents, which are mutually acceptable among member countries. These consensus documents contain information for use during the regulatory assessment of a particular food/feed product. In the area of food and feed safety, consensus documents are being published on the nutrients, anti-nutrients or toxicants, information of its use as a food/feed and other relevant information.This consensus document addresses compositional considerations for new varieties of maize by identifying the key food and feed nutrients, anti-nutrients and secondary plant metabolites. A general description of these components is provided. Also included are considerations to be taken when assessing new maize varieties, including suggested analyses.The Netherlands and the United States served as the lead countries in the preparation of thisdocument.The Joint Meeting of the Chemicals Committee and the Working Party on Chemicals, Pesticides and Biotechnology has recommended that this document be made available to the public. It is published on the authority of the Secretary-General of the OECD.', 'en_US'),
(2562, 'Effect of Bt corn expressing the Cry3Bb1 toxin for corn rootworm control on aboveground nontarget arthropods.', 'The western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is a major pest of corn in Kansas. Planting Bt corn hybrids resistant to this pest is being tested for control of the larval stage of corn rootworms. These hybrids express the Cry3Bb1 toxin and are expected to only directly impact chrysomelids and possibly related taxa. A 2-yr study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Bt corn expressing the Cry3Bb1 toxin on foliar and ground-dwelling nontarget arthropods in Kansas. Visual inspections of adult and immature Coleomegilla maculata (DeGeer), Orius insidiosus (Say), Hippodamia convergens Gurin-Meneville, and Scymnus spp. occurring in Bt corn and its isoline were made at eight locations in Kansas in 2000 and three locations in 2001. Pitfall traps were installed at three locations in 2000 and two locations in 2001 to collect ground-dwelling arthropods in Bt corn and its isoline. In general, no significant differences in numbers of C. maculata, O. insidiosus, H. convergens, and Scymnus spp. were detected between Bt corn and its non-Bt isoline. There were also no significant differences in number of insects collected in pitfall traps installed in plots of Bt corn and its isoline. Bt corn for corn rootworm control had no deleterious effects on beneficial and other nontarget arthropods sampled in this study.', 'en_US'),
(2563, 'Composition and technological value of genetically modified and conventional maize (Zea mays L.) grains.', 'An important aspect of the safety assessment of genetically modified crops to be used for human food and animal feed is the product composition and suitability to industrial processes (technological value). Four maize hybrids that have been modified genetically to confer levels of resistance to European maize borer and/or tolerance to glufosinate or glyphosate herbicides were investigated in comparison with their respective parental lines. Samples of maize grain were processed in a dry-milling pilot plant at a 150-kg scale into milling fractions such as hominy, grits, semolina and germs. The composition of the maize grain and milling fractions of each genetically modified hybrid was compared to that of the parent variety and to published values for conventional commercial maize hybrids. The nutrients measured on grains were: starch, cellulose, proteins and lipids. Amino acid and fatty acid profiles were also determined on grains. Physical characteristics of grains were: kernel weight, specific weight, kernel size, Promatest, hominy and semolina yields. Milling fractions were submitted to conventional processing at a pilot scale: semolina was processed into extruded products, grits were fermented and processed into beer; maize oil was extracted from germs. Technological parameters of the processes were recorded and intermediate and end products were analyzed using methods common to maize products. On the basis of the whole set of data collected, the results indicate that each genetically transformed hybrid is compositionally and technologically equivalent to the parental line and that all samples fall into the range of conventional maize hybrids.', 'en_US'),
(2564, 'Co-existence of GM and non GM Crops - Case Study of Maize Grown in Spain. Foundation for the Application of New Technology in Agriculture.', 'Given that GM (Bt) maize is in its sixth year of cultivation in Spain, this offers a unique (in the EU context) case study of whether approved GM, conventional and organic crops can co-exist.  This paper examines the issue.', 'en_US'),
(2565, 'Effect of Insect Damage on Fusarium Ear Rot and Fumonisin Concentration in Bt and Non-Bt Corn Hybrids.', NULL, 'en_US'),
(2566, 'Reduction of Fungal and Fumonisin Levels in Bt Corn.', NULL, 'en_US'),
(2567, 'Assessing the potential for unintended effects in genetically modified potatoes perturbed in metabolic and developmental processes. Targeted analysis of key nutrients and anti-nutrients.', 'Targeted compositional analysis was carried out on transgenic potato tubers of either cultivar (cv.) Record or cv. Desireé to assess the potential for unintended effects caused by the genetic modification process. The range of transgenic lines analysed included those modified in primary carbohydrate metabolism, polyamine biosynthesis and glycoprotein processing. Controls included wildtype tubers, tubers produced from plants regenerated through tissue culture (including a callus phase) and tubers derived from transformation with the ''empty vector'' i.e. no specific target gene included (with the exception of the kanamycin resistance gene as a selectable marker). Metabolite analysis included soluble carbohydrates, glycoalkaloids, vitamin C, total nitrogen and fatty acids.  Trypsin inhibitor activity was also assayed. These cover the major compounds recommended by the OECD in their Consensus Document on Compositional Considerations for New Varieties of Potatoes:  Key Food and Feed Nutrients, Anti-Nutrients and Toxicants (2002). Data was statistically analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) for individual compounds and, where applicable, principal component analysis (PCA). In general, targeted compositional analysis revealed no consistent differences between GM lines and respective controls. No construct specifically induced unintended effects.  Statistically significant differences between wildtype controls and specific GM lines did occur but appeared to be random and not associated with any specific construct. Indeed such significant differences were also found between wildtypes and both tissue culture derived tubers and tubers derived fromtransformation with the empty vector. This raises the possibility that somaclonal variation (known to occur significantly in potato, depending on genotype) may be responsible for an unknown proportion of any differences observed between specific GM lines and the wildtype. The most obvious differences seen in GC-MS profiles were between the two potato varieties used in the study.', 'en_US'),
(2568, 'Concentration of moniliformin produced by Fusarium species in grains of transgenic Bt maize hybrids compared to their isogenic counterparts and commercial varieties under European corn borer pressure.', 'The European corn borer (ECB), Ostrinia nubilalis Hb., is a major pest of maize in Central Europe and is suspected to promote infection of maize with Fusarium species. The objectives of this study were to (1) determine moniliformin (MON) concentration in early maturing European Bt maize hybrids, their isogenic counterparts, commercial cultivars and experimental hybrids, (2) evaluate the association between MON concentration and ECB resistance and (3) correlate MON concentration with concentrations of other mycotoxins determined from the same plant materials. The field experiments were performed at five locations in Germany. MON concentration was significantly higher with manual infestation of ECB larvae (296 ìg/kg) than under insecticide protection (66 ìg/kg). Bt hybrids showed significantly lower MON concentrations and higher grain yields under manual ECB infestation than their corresponding isogenic counterparts, as well as commercial and experimental hybrids. All ECB resistance traits and grain yield under ECB infestation were significantly correlated with MON concentration. Correlations between concentrations of MON and other Fusarium mycotoxins were not significant. The use of Bt maize hybrids or insecticides to control ECB reduces the contamination of maize grains with MON in Central Europe. The presence of resistance genes against Fusarium species in the current elite maize germplasm was indicated by ECB susceptible non-Bt hybrids with low-MON concentrations.', 'en_US'),
(2569, 'Relationship between European corn borer resistance and concentration of mycotoxins produced by Fusarium spp. in grains of transgenic Bt maize hybrids, their isogenic counterparts, and commercial varieties.', 'The European corn borer (ECB), Ostrinia nubilalis Hb., is a major pest of maize in central Europe and promotes the infection of maize with Fusarium spp. In this study, transgenic Bt maize hybrids were compared with their isogenic counterparts, and with commercial hybrids from the recommended list with regard to their level of ECB resistance and their concentration of deoxynivalenol (DON), its 15-acetyl (15-A-DON) and 3-acetyl (3-A-DON) derivatives, nivalenol (NIV), fusarenon-X (FUS-X), fumonisins (FUM), and zearalenon (ZEN) in harvested grains. The field experiments were performed in Germany at four locations in 1999 and at five locations in 2000. Transgenic Bt hybrids showed significantly lower means than their corresponding isogenic counterparts and than commercial hybrids for all resistance traits: damage rating of stalks, number of larvae per plant, number of larvae per ear, and percentage of damaged plants or ears under infestation. Among all mycotoxins analysed, DON consistently showed the highest concentration across all year × location combinations. Mycotoxin concentrations varied significantly between locations, years and genotypes, whereas mycotoxin concentrations were not significantly different between infested and protected plots. Associations between ECB resistance traits and mycotoxin concentrations were not consistent across years. It is concluded that under central European conditions, the use of Bt maize hybrids will only slightly reduce the contamination of maize kernels with mycotoxins produced by Fusarium spp.', 'en_US'),
(2570, 'Nontarget effects of Bt corn on pathogenic and toxigenic fungi.', 'There may be nontarget effects of transgenic corn hybrids, positive and negative, on fungi that interact with the targeted pests. What are the effects of Bt corn on fungi that are associated with corn plants and their insect pests?', 'en_US'),
(2571, 'Indigenous plants and weeds on the Makhathini Flats as refuge hosts to maintain bollworm population susceptibility to transgenic cotton (Bollgard?).', 'The Makhathini Flats is mainly a small-scale farming area, with many farmers planting cotton varieties that have been modified to contain the Bt gene derived from Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Bollgard?). This gene produces an endotoxin that provides resistance to attack from the bollworm complex. Cotton growers who plant transgenic cotton are required to plant a refuge area of non-transgenic cotton, as stated in the license agreement for Bollgard?. In addition to this requirement, indigenous plants and weeds were investigated as an additional refuge for bollworms. Scouting was used to monitor the number of bollworms (American or ''African'' bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner), spiny bollworms Earias biplaga Walker and Earias insulana Boisduval and the red bollworm Diparopsis castanea Hampson). Bollworm larvae were found to be present in high numbers on nine plant species that may serve as refuges. Abutilon austro-africanum Hochr. and A. sonneratianum (Cav.) Sweet, appeared to be the preferred alternative host plants of spiny bollworm.', 'en_US'),
(2572, 'Consensus Document on Compositional Considerations for New Varieties of Potatoes - Key Food and Feed Nutrients, Anti-Nutrients and Toxicants.', 'Food and feed products of modern biotechnology are being commercialised and marketed in OECD Member countries. The need has been identified for detailed technical work aimed at establishing appropriate approaches to the safety assessment of these products.At a Workshop held in Aussois, France (OECD, 1997), it was recognised that a consistent approach to the establishment of substantial equivalence might be improved through consensus on the appropriate components (e.g., key nutrients, key toxicants and anti-nutritional compounds) on a crop-bycrop basis, which should be considered in the comparison. It is recognised that the components may differ from crop to crop. The Task Force therefore decided to develop consensus documents on compositional data. These data are used to identify similarities and differences following a comparative approach as part of a food and feed safety assessment. They should be useful to the development of guidelines, both national and international and to encourage information sharing among OECD Member countries. These documents are a compilation of current information that is important in food and feed safety assessment. They provide a technical tool for regulatory officials as a general guide and reference source, and also for industry and other interested parties and will complement those of the Working Group on Harmonisation of Regulatory Oversight in Biotechnology. They are mutually acceptable to, but not legally binding on, Member countries. They are not intended to be a comprehensive description of all issues considered to be necessary for a safety assessment, but a base set for an individual product that supports the comparative approach. In assessing an individual product, additional components may be required depending on the specific case in question.In order to ensure that scientific and technical developments are taken into account, Member countries have agreed that these consensus documents will be reviewed periodically and updated as necessary. Users of these documents are invited to provide the OECD with new scientific and technical information, and to make proposals for additional areas to be considered.', 'en_US'),
(2573, 'Spread of recombinant DNA by roots and pollen of transgenic potato plants, identified by highly specific biomonitoring using natural transformation of an Acinetobacter sp.', 'Transgenic potato plants with the nptII gene coding for neomycin phosphotransferase (kanamycin resistance) as a selection marker were examined for the spread of recombinant DNA into the environment. We used the recombinant fusion of nptII with the tg4 terminator for a novel biomonitoring technique. This depended on natural transformation of Acinetobacter sp. strain BD413 cells having in their genomes a terminally truncated nptII gene (nptII''; kanamycin sensitivity) followed by the tg4 terminator. Integration of the recombinant fusion DNA by homologous recombination in nptII'' and tg4 restored nptII, leading to kanamycin-resistant transformants. DNA of the transgenic potato was detectable with high sensitivity, while no transformants were obtained with the DNA of other transgenic plants harboring nptII in different genetic contexts. The recombinant DNA was frequently found in rhizosphere extracts of transgenic potato plants from field plots. In a series of field plot and greenhouse experiments we identified two sources of this DNA: spread by roots during plant growth and by pollen during flowering. Both sources also contributed to the spread of the transgene into the rhizospheres of nontransgenic plants in the vicinity. The longest persistence of transforming DNA in field soil was observed with soil from a potato field in 1997 sampled in the following year in April and then stored moist at 4°C in the dark for 4 years prior to extract preparation and transformation. In this study natural transformation is used as a reliable laboratory technique to detect recombinant DNA but is not used for monitoring horizontal gene transfer in the environment.', 'en_US'),
(2574, 'Ecological impacts of genetically modified crops - Experiences from ten years of experimental field research and commercial cultivation.', 'The Swiss Expert Committee for Biosafety SECB advises on issues related to the protection of people and the environment in the areas of biotechnology and gene technology.  Consequently, the SECB counsels the authorities on permit applications for field trials and commercial cultivation of genetically modified (GM) crops and issues statements on safety aspects of GM crops.The SECB has appointed the Agroscope Reckenholz-Tänikon Research Station ART to review the available scientific data on ecological effects of commercially grown GM crops to enable the Committee to apply the results obtained from the worldwide experience with GM crops as a basis for its decision-making process. The present study focuses on insect-resistant maize and herbicide-tolerant soybean and oilseed rape, respectively, representing three of the major GM crops of significance for Swiss agriculture, and their possible impact on the environment. Peer-reviewed journals, scientific books and reports from international organizations have been the main source of data for the study.We believe that the study offers a science-based and broad overview of the worldwide situation of possible impacts of GM crops on the environment. We regret, however, that most of the data originate from large-scale field trials rather than from commercial cultivation. This lack of data from commercial cultivation is mostly due to the fact that legal requirements for a post-market monitoring of GM crops are missing in the major GM crop-producing countries. Furthermore, the conventional farming practices in those countries differ largely from the integrated-production system mainly applied in Switzerland, which makes the transferability of data difficult, especially when internationally recognized baselines for the comparison of environmental effects of GM crops in the context of modern agricultural systems are not available.Some committee members would have preferred a stronger focus on remaining uncertainties and knowledge gaps, as well as on the controversial discussions among scientists concerning the interpretation of scientific data. Therefore, the study does not represent the position of all committee members. A minority of the committee members dissents with the conclusion that the data available up to now do not provide any scientific evidence for harm caused to the environment by commercial cultivation of GM crops.Nevertheless, we believe that the Committee will profit from the worldwide experience drawn from the cultivation of GM crops reviewed in this study when assessing the risk of field trials with GM crops, taking into account the precautionary approach and a sustainable agricultural development in Switzerland. We hope that this study contributes to a sound discussion on benefits and risks of GM crops.', 'en_US'),
(2575, 'Glyphosate-tolerant alfalfa is compositionally equivalent to conventional alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.).', 'Glyphosate-tolerant alfalfa (GTA) was developed to withstand over-the-top applications of glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup agricultural herbicides. As a part of the safety assessment, GTA (designated J101 × J163) was grown under controlled field conditions at geographically diverse locations within the United States during the 2001 and 2003 field seasons along with control and other conventional alfalfa varieties for compositional assessment. Field trials were conducted using a randomized complete block design with four replication blocks at each site. Alfalfa forage was harvested at the late bud to early bloom stage from each plot at five field sites in 2001 (establishment year) and from four field sites in 2003 (third year of stand). The concentration of proximate constituents, fibers, amino acids, coumestrol, and minerals in the forage was measured. The results showed that the forage from GTA J101 × J163 is compositionally equivalent to forage from the control and conventional alfalfa varieties.', 'en_US'),
(2576, 'Plant biotechnology: ecological case studies on herbicide resistance.', 'The emerging field of molecular ecology aims to improve the ecological predictability of transgenic crop plants. The most widely cultivated lines are Roundup-Ready® plants, which are genetically modified to be resistant to the broad-spectrum herbicide glyphosate. Recent publications demonstrate two ecological effects that were not anticipated: the widespread emergence of glyphosate-resistant weed biotypes and the formation of a metabolic herbicidal residue. Both effects appear to be due to the increased use of glyphosate rather than the genetic modification in the transgenic crop plant. With one prominent exception, opinions collected from the literature point towards a certain degree of resistance mismanagement and an inadequate testing of the ecological effects of extensive glyphosate use.', 'en_US'),
(2577, 'GMO (Bt-Cry1Ac gene) cottonseed meal is similar to non-GMO low free gossypol cottonseed meal for growth performance of broiler chickens.', 'A study, of 7 weeks duration, was conducted for comparative evaluation of feeding value of diets containing cottonseed meals obtained from two types of cotton seeds, i.e. transgenic Bt (JKC-738) and its normal isoline (non-Bt) seeds obtained from J.K. Seeds, Hyderabad (India) in broiler chicken for optimum performance and carcass yield. The two types of cottonseeds were first processed for solvent extraction to obtain solvent-extracted cottonseed meals (CSM). The total and free gossypol (g kg-1) contents of different types of seeds were 32.7 and 11.3 in Bt and 38.7 and 13.5 in non-Bt type. The corresponding values of total and free gossypol contents of meals (solvent extracted) were 12.5 and 0.7 in Bt, and 12.5 and 0.4 g kg-1 in non-Bt, respectively.Day-old broiler chicks (n = 120) were divided into 12 groups of 10 each. Three experimental diets (iso-nitrogenous- 230 and 210 g kg-1 CP and iso-caloric- 12.15 and 12.35 MJ ME/kg for 0-4 and 4-7 weeks for starting and finishing phases, respectively) were formulated. Diet D1 was a typical maize-soyabean meal-based control diet. Two other diets were prepared by incorporating 100 g kg-1 each of Bt CSM (D2) and non-Bt CSM (D3) in the control diet. The calcium, available phosphorus and all the limiting amino acids for poultry, namely lysine, methionine, cystine, threonine and arginine were similar in all the diets in both growth phases (0-4 weeks starting and 4-7 weeks finishing phases). Each dietary treatment was offered to four replicated groups of birds from day old to 7 weeks of age. The birds were reared in battery cages with group wise brooding, feeding and watering facilities. The management and vaccination practices were kept identical for all the dietary treatments. Birds were weighed at weekly intervals and data of feed intake were also recorded simultaneously. At the end of seventh week of age, eight birds per treatment (two birds/replicate) were slaughtered to study the effect of feeding CSM types on different carcass traits and development of digestive and immune organs.Body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion efficiency, did not differ statistically (P>0.05) either at starting (0-4 weeks), or overall (0-7 weeks) phases. However, during finishing phase (4-7 weeks), significantly (P<0.01) lower feed intake with better (P<0.05) FCR was observed in chicks fed Bt CSM diet. The carcass traits also remained statistically (P>0.05) similar due to various dietary treatments except for thigh (P<0.05). The dry matter metabolizability, nitrogen retention and blood biochemical constituents, viz. plasma protein, total cholesterol and haemoglobin did not differ statistically due to dietary treatments.The study concluded that neither the gossypol content nor transgenic gene/protein in Bt CSM had any deleterious effect on growth performance, blood biochemicals and various carcass characteristics of growing broiler chickens and therefore GMO (Bt-Cry1Ac gene) cottonseed meal is similar in growth performance to broilers as non-GMO low free gossypol cottonseed meal and could safely be included up to 100 g kg-1 level in maize-soybean meal-based diet up to 0-7 weeks of age of broiler chicken. ', 'en_US'),
(2578, 'Shall I compare thee to a GM potato?', 'A fundamental issue in the safety assessment of genetically modified crops is the question of whether unintentional changes have occurred in the crop plant as a consequence of the genetic modification. This question was addressed recently by using a powerful metabolite fingerprinting and metabolite profiling method to assess whether genetically modified potatoes are substantially similar to their corresponding conventional cultivars.', 'en_US'),
(2579, 'Investigation on possible allergenicity of 19 different commercial enzymes used in the food industry.', 'The aim of the study was to investigate the safety to allergic patients of 19 commercially available and authority-approved enzymes used in the food industry. Enzymes produced by genetically modified organisms were included. Four hundred consecutive adult patients with a diagnosed allergy to inhalation allergens, food allergens, bee or wasp were included. All had at least one positive skin prick test to the above allergens.Skin prick testing with the 19 enzymes was performed on the forearm and if positive (in 13 patients), in vitro histamine release from blood basophils were performed. Patients with positive results in skin prick test were subsequently reinvestigated with further purified enzymes and finally challenged orally with the enzymes in a double-blind, placebo-controlled protocol. Only one reaction to a placebo challenge was seen.In some instances a positive skin prick test result or a positive histamine release was seen elicited by the enzymes, but since none of the patients were positive to any of the commercial enzymes in the subsequent oral challenges using exaggerated dosages of the enzymes compared to normal daily intake, the findings are without clinical relevance.A wide variety of enzyme classes and origins was included in the study. Because there were no allergenic findings of clinical relevance it is concluded that ingestion of food enzymes in general is not considered to be a concern with regard to food allergy.', 'en_US'),
(2580, 'Carotenoid-Biofortified Maize Maintains Adequate Vitamin A Status in Mongolian Gerbils.', 'Efforts to biofortify maize with provitamin A carotenoids have been successful, but the impact on vitamin A (VA) status has not been determined. We conducted two studies that investigated the bioefficacy of provitamin A carotenoids from maize and compared maize percentage and carotenoid concentrations on VA status in VA-depleted Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). Gerbils (n = 40/study) were fed a white maize diet 4 wk prior to treatment. In study 1, treatments (n = 10/group) included oil control, 60% high-ß-carotene maize, and ß-carotene or VA supplements (matched to high-ß-carotene maize). In study 2, gerbils were fed 30 or 60% orange or yellow maize diets. Gerbils were killed after 4 wk. In study 1, liver VA concentrations, compared with the high-ß-carotene maize group (0.25 ± 0.15 µmol/g), were higher in the VA group (0.56 ± 0.15 µmol/g, P < 0.05), lower in the control (0.10 ± 0.04 µmol/g, P < 0.05), and did not differ in the ß-carotene group (0.25 ± 0.08 µmol/g). Bioconversion was ~3 µg ß-carotene to 1 µg retinol (1.5 mol ß-carotene to 1 mol retinol). The liver ß-carotene content was greater in the high-ß-carotene maize group (26.4 ± 6.0 nmol) than in the ß-carotene supplement group (14.1 ± 6.0 nmol; P < 0.05). In study 2, the gerbils'' VA status improved with increasing dietary ß-carotene. Liver VA in gerbils fed orange maize was greater than in those fed yellow maize, regardless of maize percentage (P < 0.05). Biofortified maize adequately maintained VA status in Mongolian gerbils and was as efficacious as ß-carotene supplementation. In populations consuming maize as a staple food, using orange instead of white maize could dramatically affect VA status.', 'en_US'),
(2581, 'Impacts of insect-resistant transgenic potatoes on the survival and fecundity of a parasitoid and an insect predator.', 'The impacts of selected transgenic potato lines expressing either the cry1Ac9 or cry9Aa2 gene were evaluated in the laboratory on two beneficial insects, a parasitoid, Apanteles subandinus, and a predator, the Tasmanian lacewing, Micromus tasmaniae. Potato tuberworm larvae (Phthorimaea operculella) reared on transgenic or non-transgenic tubers were exposed to the parasitoid, and then reared to pupae. Percentage parasitism was similar for hosts reared on transgenic or non-transgenic tubers. Male and female adult parasitoids that emerged from hosts reared on transgenic or non-transgenic tubers were paired and released into containers with a non-transgenic tuber infested with P. operculella larvae. There was no significant difference in the percentage of female progeny from parasitoid parents that had developed in larval hosts reared on transgenic tubers compared to those from hosts reared on non-transgenic tubers of the same cultivar. M. tasmaniae larvae were fed green peach aphids, Myzus persicae, reared on transgenic or non-transgenic plants. There was no marked difference in survival of larvae to adults (70?80%) for lacewings fed aphids reared on transgenic or non-transgenic foliage. There was no significant difference between the two treatments for lacewing fecundity. The compatibility of using insect-resistant transgenic potatoes with integrated pest management is discussed.', 'en_US'),
(2582, 'Gene flow in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).', 'This study was conducted in Brazil in order to assess the potential risk posed by gene escape from transgenic into non-transgenic plants and wild populations. A new methodology was applied to evaluate the gene flow between common bean cultivars, by means of a specially delineated experiment in two stages. The first stage consisted of the planting of one cultivar with violet flowers (BB) as pollen source (''Diamante Negro''), and a receiver (''Talismã'') with white flowers (bb), at different distances. The source was sown in the center of the area. The pollen receiver cultivar was sown, in concentrical squares around it. At maturity, the rows were sampled at varied distances from the source in the four cardinal directions. In the second stage, the sampled seeds of the previous stage were sown, and the percentage of outcrossing was evaluated during flowering through the presence of violet flowers (Bb). The highest frequency of natural hybrids, 0.136%, occurred at a distance of 0.5 m between the cultivars. The natural outcrossing rate was practically zero beyond a distance of 3.25 m.', 'en_US'),
(2583, 'A review of the detection and fate of novel plant molecules derived from biotechnology in livestock production.', 'Since the commercialization of the first genetically modified (GM) crop in 1996, the amount of arable land dedicated to the production of GM feed has increased significantly. Despite widespread adoption of GM foods and feeds, public perception of their safety remains mixed. To provide consumers the opportunity for choice, some countries have adopted mandatory labeling of GM foods and feeds when their adventitious presence exceeds a defined threshold percentage. Methods for detecting and quantifying GM plants in feeds include protein- and DNA-based assays, but their sensitivity may be influenced by the techniques used in feed processing. Interest in the consumption of transgenic protein and DNA has prompted investigations of their fate within the gastrointestinal tract of livestock and the potential to which transgenes or their products may be incorporated into tissues. Transgenic protein has not been detected in any animal tissues or products. Fragments of DNA from endogenous, high-copy number chloroplast genes from plants have been detected in poultry, pig and ruminant tissues. Low-copy endogenous and transgenic DNA in animal tissues have been detected but to a lesser extent than high-copy genes. Current research suggests that the passage of dietary DNA fragments across the intestinal wall is a natural physiological event, the likelihood of which is dependent on their concentration in the feed. To date, the transgenic traits approved for expression in crops used as feeds have not posed a safety concern for livestock.', 'en_US'),
(2584, 'Studies on feeds from genetically modified plants (GMP) - Contributions to nutritional and safety assessment.', 'Since 1997, 18 studies with feeds from genetically modified plants (GMP) in the nutrition of dairy cows, growing bulls, growing and finishing pigs, laying hens, chicken for finishing as well as growing and laying quails were conducted at the Federal Agricultural Research Centre (FAL) in Braunschweig (Germany).The majority of the experiments (16) were undertaken with GMP of the so-called first generation (plants with input traits and without substantial changes in composition) such as Bt-maize, Pat-maize, Pat-sugar beet, Gt-soybean, Gt-potatoes and Bt-potatoes. Two studies were carried out with GMP of the second generation (plants with output traits or with substantial changes in their chemical composition) such as an altered fatty acids profile in rapeseed or inulin potatoes. In all experiments, feeds from GMP were compared with their isogenic counterparts.The iso- and transgenic feeds were analysed for their composition (proximates, fibre fraction, amino acids, fatty acid pattern, minerals) and undesirable substances (e.g., mycotoxins). Animal studies were carried out for nutritional and safety assessment such as digestibility, feed intake, health and performance of target animal species and quality of food of animal origin. Reproduction was studied in a 10-generation experiment with quails and a 4-generation experiment with laying hens. Duration of experiments and number of animals were limited in some cases due to small amounts of GM-feed available for experimentation.Attention was drawn to the fate of DNA during feed processing (silage making, oil extraction), in the digestive tract of animals (slaughtering of animals 0, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h after feeding) and in the animal body (samples from several organs and tissues).In agreement with more than 100 animal studies available to date, results show no significant differences in the nutritional value of feeds from GMP of the first generation in comparison with non-GMP varieties. To date, no fragments of recombinant DNA have been found in any organ or tissue sample from animals fed GMP. The lower content of mycotoxins in Bt-maize and side effects in GMP of the second generation are of safety concern.The results indicate that routine feeding studies with target animal species add little to nutritional assessment of feed from GMP of the first generation, but they are of public interest and important for safety assessment. These studies will play a more important role in nutritional and safety assessment of feeds from GMP with output traits. Proposals for such studies were made on the basis of previous experiments', 'en_US'),
(2585, 'Local genetic diversity of sorghum in a village in northern Cameroon: structure and dynamics of landraces.', 'We present the first study of patterns of genetic diversity of sorghum landraces at the local scale. Understanding landrace diversity aids in deciphering evolutionary forces under domestication, and has applications in the conservation of genetic resources and their use in breeding programs. Duupa farmers in a village in Northern Cameroon distinguished 59 named sorghum taxa, representing 46 landraces. In each field, seeds are sown as a mixture of landraces (mean of 12 landraces per field), giving the potential for extensive gene flow. What level of genetic diversity underlies the great morphological diversity observed among landraces? Given the potential for gene flow, how well defined genetically is each landrace? To answer these questions, we recorded spatial patterns of planting and farmers'' perceptions of landraces, and characterized 21 landraces using SSR markers. Analysis using distance and clustering methods grouped the 21 landraces studied into four clusters. These clusters correspond to functionally and ecologically distinct groups of landraces. Within-landrace genetic variation accounted for 30% of total variation. The average F is over landraces was 0.68, suggesting high inbreeding within landraces. Differentiation among landraces was substantial and significant (F st = 0.36). Historical factors, variation in breeding systems, and farmers'' practices all affected patterns of genetic variation. Farmers'' practices are key to the maintenance, despite gene flow, of landraces with different combinations of agronomically and ecologically pertinent traits. They must be taken into account in strategies of conservation and use of genetic resources.', 'en_US'),
(2586, 'How does scientific risk assessment of GM crops fit within the wider risk analysis?', 'The debate concerning genetically modified crops illustrates confusion between the role of scientists and that of wider society in regulatory decision making. We identify two fundamental misunderstandings, which, if rectified, would allow progress with confidence. First, scientific risk assessment needs to test well-defined hypotheses, not simply collect data. Second, risk assessments need to be placed in the wider context of risk analysis to enable the wider ''non-scientific'' questions to be considered in regulatory decision making. Such integration and understanding is urgently required because the challenges to regulation will escalate as scientific progress advances.', 'en_US'),
(2587, 'Molecular farming on the rise - GMO regulators still walking a tightrope.', 'Recent increases in EU commercial and academic activities in molecular farming, and the proximity to market-stage of the first plant-made pharmaceuticals, represent a call to action for EU regulators. Drawing on the North American debate on molecular farming, it will be argued that both the rationale and the risks of molecular farming will differ significantly from those of first generation GM crops. Based on these differences, the suitability of the existing regulatory frameworks, which were developed in response to the arrival of earlier products, is discussed, and specific options for adapting the already complex EU regulatory system to cater for molecular farming are examined.', 'en_US'),
(2588, 'Characterization of Soybean Exhibiting High Expression of a Synthetic Bacillus thuringiensis cry1A Transgene That Confers a High Degree of Resistance to Lepidopteran Pests.', 'We report the generation of transgenic soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] via Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfers of a cry1A gene (tic107) from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) that exhibits a high degree of resistance against the lepidopteran pests Pseudoplusia includens (Walker) (soybean looper), Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (soybean podworm), and Anticarsia gemmatalis Hübner (velvetbean caterpillar). Three transgenic soybean lines (862, 726, and 781) were evaluated for expression, molecular composition, efficacy against target pests, and agronomic characteristics. We have designed and tested an expression cassette that consistently and reproducibly generates transgenic soybeans that accumulate the tic107 protein at levels as high as 6.12 µg mg?1 of total extractable protein. Expression levels of this magnitude of a Bt insecticidal protein have never been reported in soybean. Previous reports have indicated expression levels 100-fold lower in the highest-expressing lines. In addition, the phenotypes of these high-expressing lines were indistinguishable from their negative segregant and the transformation parent (Asgrow var. ''A3237''). Insect bioassay data demonstrate complete protection against soybean looper, soybean podworm, and velvetbean caterpillar when negative controls exhibited defoliation as high as 98%. Unlike previous reports of transgenic soybeans, we report here highly efficacious, single-copy, and normal phenotypes of transgenic soybean plants containing the highly expressed cry1A gene.', 'en_US'),
(2589, 'A 90-day safety study of genetically modified rice expressing Cry1Ab protein (Bacillus thuringiensis toxin) in Wistar rats', 'An animal model for safety assessment of genetically modified foods was tested as part of the SAFOTEST project. In a 90-day feeding study on Wistar rats, the transgenic KMD1 rice expressing Cry1Ab protein was compared to its non-transgenic parental wild type, Xiushui 11. The KMD1 rice contained 15 mg Bt toxin/kg and based on the average feed consumption the daily intake was 0.54 mg Bt toxin/kg body weight.No adverse effects on animal behaviour or weight gain were observed during the study. Blood samples collected one week prior to sacrifice were analyzed and compared for standard haematological and biochemical parameters. A few parameters were significantly different, but all within the normal reference intervals for rats of this breed and age and not in relation to any other findings, thus not considered treatment related. Upon sacrifice a large number of organs were weighed, macroscopic and histopathological examinations were performed with only minor changes to report. The aim of the study was to use a known animal model in performance of safety assessment of a GM crop, in this case KMD1 rice. The results show no adverse or toxic effects of KMD1 rice when tested in the design used in this 90-day study. Nevertheless the experiences from this study lead to the overall conclusion that safety assessment for unintended effects of a GM crop cannot be done without additional test group(s).', 'en_US'),
(2590, 'Perceptions of the Impacts of Genetically Modified Cotton Varieties: A Case Study of the Cotton Industry in Gujarat, India.', 'The paper reports the findings of a study designed to consider the impact of the adoption of Bt cotton on markets, businesses, and institutional arrangements in India. Given that evidence to date suggests that widespread adoption of Bt cotton by farmers is likely to increase production, this study aims to assess possible implications for markets (access to inputs, prices of inputs and outputs, etc.) and local industries and to identify potential winners and losers. The results suggest that there are impacts on the cotton industry following from the release of Bt hybrids, and so far the impacts are most noticeable ''upstream'' (i.e., the input suppliers), where companies are rapidly moving away from the sale of bollworm insecticide and attempting to sell Bt seeds. Seed companies are looking for partnerships with Monsanto, the owner of the Bt gene. One reason that companies are keen to move away from insecticide is so they can avoid the need for credit supply to their customers. Seed purchase is not normally through credit, whereas insecticide purchase is. Issues for companies ''downstream'' (gins, textile manufacturers) relate more to the better quality of Bt cotton and the need for adequate segregation of Bt and non-Bt cotton.', 'en_US'),
(2591, 'Toxic secondary metabolite production in genetically modified potatoes in response to stress.', 'Potatoes produce a number of toxic secondary metabolites, which are divided into two groups: the sesquiterpenes and the glycoalkaloids (PGAs): whereas PGAs are largely preformed and present in toxic quantities in both the foliage and ''green'' potatoes, it is well documented that the levels of PGAs and sesquiterpenes are effected by many biotic an abiotic stresses. The development of genetically modified potato varieties has made it prudent to ascertain whether there may be changes in the amounts or types of these secondary metabolites either as a direct effect of the transgene or due to its interactions with environmental variables. Transgenic potato lines were exposed, along with nontransgenic lines, to a range of biotic and abiotic stresses and a range of environmental conditions in the field and store. Following stressing, a comparison was made of levels of potato glycoalkaloid and sesquiterpene levels between the two groups. Significant differences were observed in the levels of both glycoalkaloid and sesquiterpene levels between transgenic and control material and between infected and noninfected material.', 'en_US');
