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A different perspective on GM food
... Genetically modified fish grow larger, and pigs are grown with less body fat [40]. Other studies have reported increased beneficial nutritional profiles, such as increased levels of antioxidant compounds in GMOs that may provide health benefits to humans [41], and provide useful medicines, such as insulin for treating diabetes, from genetically engineered bacteria [42]. ...
... The introduction of genetically modified food in the market has raised some serious questions regarding human health, environmental economics, and legal issues. For instance, it has been reported that the transfer of genes poses serious genetic hazards and is associated with possible food toxicity [41]. Once GMOs are produced and released into the environment, they can be difficult to control [171] and any harmful products produced by these organisms will remain metabolically active as long as they survive and multiply [171]. ...
Genetic transformation has emerged as an important tool for the genetic improvement of valuable plants by incorporating new genes with desirable traits. These strategies are useful especially in crops to increase yields, disease resistance, tolerance to environmental stress (cold, heat, drought, salinity, herbicides, and insects) and increase biomass and medicinal values of plants. The production of healthy plants with more desirable products and yields can contribute to sustainable development goals. The introduction of genetically modified food into the market has raised potential risks. A proper assessment of their impact on the environment and biosafety is an important step before their commercialization. In this paper, we summarize and discuss the risks and benefits of genetically modified plants and products, human health hazards by genetically transformed plants, environmental effects, Biosafety regulations of GMO foods and products, and improvement of medicinal values of plants by the genetic transformation process. The mechanisms of action of those products, their sources, and their applications to the healthcare challenges are presented. The present studies pointed out the existence of several controversies in the use of GMOs, mainly related to the human health, nutritions, environmental issues. Willingness to accept genetically modified (GM) products and the adoption of biosafety regulations varies from country to country. Knowledge about the gene engineering technology, debate between the government agencies, scientist, environmentalist and related NGOs on the GM products are the major factors for low adoptions of biosafety regulation. Therefore, the genetic transformation will help in the advancement of plant species in the future; however, more research and detailed studies are required.
... Health concerns are an important risk dimension associated with GM food (Martinez-Poveda, Molla-Bauza, del Campo Gomis, & Martinez, 2009). Some scholars point to concerns around the unpredictable nature of biological developments and the risk of inducing toxic, allergenic compounds through genetically modified crops (Gupta, 2004;Martinez-Poveda et al., 2009;Miles, Ueland, & Frewer, 2005;Schubert, 2002;Smits & Zaboroski, 2001). One of the other controversial concerns of agro-biotechnology has been linked to the stable introduction of the genetic material of foreign organisms (e.g. ...
... Agricultural biotechnology (even some of the first-generation GM crops) deliver some health benefits (Barrows et al., 2014) GM food enhances human nutrition (Kishore & Shewmaker, 1999) Extremely low health risks of GM food (Bennett, Phipps, Strange, & Grey, 2004;European Food Safety Authority, 2004) Agricultural biotechnology lowers pollution emissions (due to less chemicals) from production and hence lowers nitrification and water acidification (Bennett et al., 2004) There is concern about possible toxicity in GM food (Knowles et al., 2007) Critics assert that GM food may induce allergenicity (Stirling & Mayer, 1999). There are some concerns about unknown risks (Miles & Frewer, 2001;Schubert, 2002) Genes transfer from the product to human's genome content (Myskja, 2006;Verhoog, 2003;Wolfenbarger & Phifer, 2000) Environmental issues ...
This thesis contributes to knowledge about consumer decision-making and risk
perception related to the use of biotechnology in food production. Paper I presents a
meta-analysis that examined the systematic evidence from existing research on
consumers’ evaluation of biotechnology in food products. The results indicated that
genetically modified (GM) food with agronomic benefits is considered an inferior
alternative to unmodified food products, but its direct consumer benefits were considered
more desirable. Furthermore, consumer evaluation of biotechnology was largely
insensitive to the type of food product. However, the type of gene modification was
important for consumers’ evaluation. Using artefactual field experiments, Papers II-IV
explore the effect of context on Swedish consumer behaviour in relation to a GM food
with direct tangible benefits. Papers II and III examine the interdependency in consumer
decision-making, with the focus of Paper III shifting towards satisfaction as the outcome
of the decision-making process. Paper II shows that the policy regulations in place had a
decisive influence on consumer acceptance and that the policy context itself may induce
opposition to GM food. The greatest consumer opposition was found in the most
restrictive policy scenarios. The aim of Paper III was to extend the Kano model of
satisfaction and use it to assess consumer satisfaction in relation to decisions taken by
upstream actors in the food value chain (FVC) with respect to GM food. The findings
suggest that both consumer choices and satisfaction were dependent on the degree of
unanimous stances adopted by upstream food value chain actors in supporting the GM
food product. Actors’ consistent rejection of GM food resulted in lower consumer
acceptance of GM food and greater overall satisfaction. In contrast, consumers were
more receptive to and satisfied with GM foods when the FVC actors consistently took
supportive stances. This suggests that being pro-GM food is probably not a stable trait.
In addition, the analysis lent support to a general preference for and higher satisfaction
under a mandatory labelling regime. Paper IV explores the role of food policy regulations
in cognitive information processing and deliberation of consumers’ own risk
responsibility related to GM food, and whether the effect is dependent on the type of risk.
The findings suggest that consumers who have health concerns show less willingness to
assign responsibility to themselves in situations where GM products are introduced.
... As shown in Table 1, the literature on consumer attitudes and perceptions regarding GM food reports that consumer concerns fall into four major dimensions: human health and food safety risks, environmental risks, socio-economic risks, and ethical concerns [9,[41][42][43][44]. The human health risk dimension includes concerns regarding toxicity, allergenicity, nutrition effects, and long-running unknown effects [45,46]. The environmental risk dimension refers to anxieties related to loss of biodiversity, gene escape and persistence, chemical use, and unexpected effects [44,47,48]. ...
... Based on the above discussions, Fig 1 outlines the conceptual model used for determining the effect of policy scenarios on self-risk responsibility through perceived risk and self-control. [45,50] ◾ Biodiversity loss [48,51] ◾ Gene drift [42] ◾ Gene persistence [52] ◾ Non-target species effects [47] ◾ Increased use of chemicals [48,51] ◾ Uncertainties regarding long-term effects [53][54][55] ◾ Intellectual property rights [42] ◾ Farmers' rights [51,56] ◾ Monopolies [57] ◾ Reduced freedom of choice [55] ◾ Public welfare debate [41] The risk dimensions (RD) are modelled as a moderator, meaning that the effect of the policy scenario on self-risk responsibility may depend on the characteristics of the moderator. This analysis can therefore establish the boundary conditions, or the circumstances, in which changes in policy relate to risk responsibility. ...
The use of agro-biotechnology has raised consumer concerns about environmental, health, socio-economic and ethical risks. This study examines how regulatory policies regarding genetically modified (GM) food production affect consumers’ cognitive information processing, in terms of perceived risk, self-control, and risk responsibility. There is further analysis of whether the effect of policy design is moderated by risk type. Data was generated in a field experiment (n = 547), including four different policy scenario treatments (banned, research and development, import, and full commercialization). The results reveal that policy scenarios where GM food is available on the market are associated with higher levels of perceived risk and lower levels of self-control compared with policies where GM food is banned. There was no evidence of policy scenarios affecting consumer willingness to assign personal risk responsibility. However, among participants who indicated health risks as their main concern, there was an effect from the policy scenario on self-risk responsibility as mediated through perceived risk and self-control. The results suggest that health-conscious consumers tend to attribute less responsibility to themselves in situations where a genetically modified product was commercialized. These findings indicate a need to clarify guideline recommendations for health-related risks associated with foods derived from biotechnology.
... Undernourishment is very communal in third world countries where poor people trust in a single crop such as rice for the main staple of their diet. However, rice does not contain adequate amounts of all essential nutrients to avert malnutrition [20,21]. If rice could be genetically engineered to contain additional vitamins and minerals with an adequate nutraceutical (physiological and biochemical) significance, nutrient shortages could be relieved [6,22,23]. ...
... Through a process called "pharming," it is possible to produce certain proteins and vaccines, along with other pharmaceutical goods, thanks to the use of genetic modifications. The vaccines that we need to protect ourselves from dangerous diseases, along with certain medications that are useful for daily living, can be introduced into the very foods that we eat every day thanks to modern GMO practices [8,9,20]. This would make it cheaper for people to have the medication access they need and could change how a visit to the doctor is handled in the future. ...
Genetically modified foods are organisms (i.e. plants or animals) in which the genetic material (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination. Combining genes from different organisms is known as recombinant Deoxyribonucleic Acid technology and the resulting organism is said to be ‘Genetically Modified’, ‘Genetically Engineered’ or ‘Transgenic’. Crops grown commercially and/or field-tested are resistant to a virus that could destroy most of the African harvest, other crops with increased iron and vitamins that may alleviate chronic malnutrition and a variety of plants that are able to survive weather extremes. There are fruits that produce human vaccines against infectious diseases such as hepatitis B, fish that mature more quickly, fruit and nut trees that yield years earlier and plants that produce new plastics with unique properties. Controversies and public concern surrounding Genetically Modified foods and crops commonly focus on human and environmental safety, ethics, food security, poverty reduction and environmental conservation. With this new technology on gene manipulation there are the risks of tampering with nature, effects will have on the environment, the health concerns that consumers should be aware of, and effects related with recombinant technology. This review addresses the major concerns about the safety, environmental and legal issues which are collectively infer health hazards of Genetically Modified foods and recombinant technology in different perspective.
... Einschleusung definierter Gensequenzen von anderen Spezies in das Genom der Pflanze sollen die Pflanzeneigenschaften gezielt verändert werden (Brandt 2004 , Schubert 2002. ...
... Schwieriger wird es, wenn mindestens eines der oben für den "Normalfall" aufgeführten Kriterien jeweils mit "hoch" zu bewerten ist, es also große Ungewissheiten bezüglich der erwar- (Hilbeck et al. 2008, Jänsch et al. 2005 • Eintrittswahrscheinlichkeiten und Schadensausmaß sind ebenso wie die räumliche und zeitliche Dimension schwer quantifizierbar, was auch in der großen Variabilität von Natur-und Agrarräumen begründet ist, in denen je nach Resilienz Veränderungen unterschiedlich stark auftreten können. Erfahrungswerte fehlen weitgehend und werden in Regionen, in denen ein GVO-Anbau bereits stattfindet, erst allmählich sichtbar (Benbrook 2012 (Lappé et al. 1999, Schubert 2002. ...
The thesis at hand comprises different impacts arising when introducing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into agricultural landscapes. Different to natural plants, GMOs exhibit biological features that cannot be attained by conventional plant breeding. These traits include resistance against certain pests, e.g. the corn borer, or herbicides like glyphosates. In contrast to the contained use for technical or medical applications, GMOs are released in open agricultural systems implying particular requirements and measures for risk assessment in the course of the approval process. Deliberate release in the environment should only be allowed after innocuousness is assured. According regulations are defined in the directive 2001/18/EC by the European Parliament. In this context, the thesis deals with issues having been rather disregarded in the past, i.e. the landscape ecological analysis whether and to what extent unwanted large-scale impacts are possible in relation to certain cultivation patterns and different environmental frameworks. Possible impacts include coexistence issues, freedom of choice for both producers and consumers, and unwanted effects on agricultural and natural environment. By means of dispersal models, geographic information systems (GIS) and geostatistical measures the analyses revealed that the legal regulations, prescribing isolation distances of 150 m for GMO fields to conventional fields and 300 m to organic farming, are not applicable in any case, especially for complex cultivation patterns which are characteristic for certain federal states in Germany like Schleswig-Holstein or Lower Saxony. Even an isolation distance of 300 m to organic maize fields should not prevent from contamination rates of more than 0.9 % being the threshold for labelling the harvested crops as genetically modified. On the other hand, increased isolation distances cannot always be realized without restricting the producer’s freedom of choice cultivating conventional or genetically modified crops since this would imply unreasonable efforts for neighborhood arrangement. Additionally, it became clear that a holistic assessment approach should also consider socio-economic aspects, e.g., the benefit of the introduction of a new cultivation technique for the whole society. Finally, it is mandatory that the data provided by the applicant for risk assessment should be disclosed to allow safety evaluation by independent scientists.
Die vorliegende Arbeit beschäftigt sich mit möglichen Folgen eines Anbaus von gentechnisch veränderten Organismen (GVO) in der Landwirtschaft (Grüne Gentechnik). Anders als bei der konventionellen Pflanzenzüchtung werden Kulturpflanzen Eigenschaften übertragen, die auf natürlichem Weg nicht möglich wären. Hierzu zählen Unempfindlichkeiten gegenüber bestimmten Pflanzenschutzmitteln oder die Resistenz gegenüber Fraßschädlingen wie dem Maiszünsler. Da die gentechnisch veränderten Konstrukte – anders als bei medizinischen oder technischen Anwendungen – im Zuge der landwirtschaftlichen Produktion in offene, natürliche Systeme verbracht werden, gibt es besondere Anforderungen an die Risikoanalyse im Rahmen des Zulassungsverfahrens. Erst nach umfangreichen Untersuchungen zu möglichen Auswirkungen eines flächenhaften Anbaus eines spezifischen GVO darf dieser in den Verkehr gebracht werden. Entsprechende Bestimmungen sind EU-weit in einer entsprechenden Freisetzungsrichtlinie formuliert. Die Arbeit beleuchtet hierbei ein bislang eher vernachlässigter Aspekt des Anbaus von GVO, nämlich die landschaftsökologische Analyse, ob und wie unterschiedlich strukturierte regionale Anbausituationen die Ausbreitung von GVO und damit das Auftreten unerwünschter Effekte im Sinne einer landwirtschaftlichen Koexistenz, der Wahlfreiheit des Konsumenten sowie einer Beeinträchtigung des Naturhaushalts bedingen. Die mit Hilfe von Ausbreitungsmodellen, Geographischen Informationssystemen sowie geostatistischen Verfahren gewonnenen Ergebnisse haben u.a. gezeigt, dass die gesetzlichen Regelungen, die Mindestabstände von 150 m zu konventionellen Äckern und von 300 m zu ökologisch bewirtschafteten Maisfeldern vorschreiben, nicht immer greifen. Gerade für kleinräumige Agrarstrukturen, wie sie etwa für Schleswig-Holstein oder Niedersachsen charakteristisch sind, sind sie mit hoher Wahrscheinlichkeit nicht sachgemäß zielführend. So würde bei bestimmten räumlichen Anbaukonstellationen selbst bei einem Sicherheitsabstand von 300 m noch ein erheblicher Anteil konventioneller Maisfelder durch eine Einkreuzung von GV-Mais oberhalb der Kennzeichnungsschwelle von 0,9 % gefährdet sein. Würden dagegen zur Sicherung der Koexistenz größere Sicherheitsabstände eingeführt, käme es in einigen besonders intensiv bewirtschafteten Agrarräumen zu Problemen in der freien Wahl des Anbausystems, da entsprechende Entscheidungen aufgrund der komplexen Nachbarschaftsverhältnisse nur noch mit erheblichem Abstimmungsaufwand getroffen werden könnten. Daneben wurde deutlich, dass für eine umfassende Risikobewertung auch sozio-ökonomische Aspekte (z.B. der gesamtgesellschaftliche Nutzen) berücksichtigt werden sollten. Und schließlich ist es erforderlich, dass die mit den Zulassungsanträgen vorzulegenden Forschungsdaten frei zugänglich gemacht werden, um eine Überprüfung durch unabhängige Wissenschaftlicher zu ermöglichen.
... Understandably, large segments of the public have an image of scientists who have sacrificed objectivity and normal scientific protocols of transparency, failed to publish negative research results, and should have sought wider public debate before the products of the new technology were used extensively. One such scientist is Schubert (2002) a cell biologist at the Salk Institute and earlier a colleague of Francis Crick. It is difficult to avoid the conclusion that some scientists have become selfserving and that consequently society as a whole has not benefited from the new knowledge and technology. ...
The productivity veterinary services, which include disease control
and management of reproduction, udder health and nutrition, are
not practised in smallholder dairy farms although they are proven
to increase milk production in large dairy herds. We introduced an
on-farm service with the participation of farmer associations where
individual veterinarians made a scheduled visit to perform preventive
and emergency cattle health care, reproduction, and feed management. We examined 1 849 animals on 862 farms guided by specific
forms, a breeding calendar and a herd summary generated from data
of the initial visit by using a Microsoft Access based computer application. On average, 53% anoestrous heifers and 67% anoestrous
cows resumed their oestrous cycle when treated with hormones,
vitamin AD3E or nutritional supplements. Forty percent of cows with
uterine infections conceived when treated with intrauterine antibiotics or prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) was injected intramuscularly before
artificial insemination (AI) was done. When GnRH was injected at
the time of AI, 73% repeat breeder cows conceived. About 78%
of cows recovered from mastitis and 88% of sick animals recovered
when treatment was given based on clinical diagnosis. A database on
common cattle diseases was established. More than 75% of farms
that received the service had an income increase ranging from US$1
to US$40.7/month/cow. Productivity veterinary services can increase
farmers’ incomes and the number of cows available for breeding.
... The application of recombinant DNA techniques demonstrated the ability of genetically modified microorganisms to be used to pollinate soil, seeds, or water. This is done by improving the genetically modified microorganisms as they are able to raise agricultural crops production and clean the environment from pollutants (Birkenhead et al., 1988;Schubert, 2002;Prakash et al., 2011). Different incubation time in vitro and different incubation time in situ during winter and summer in Mowas River in Zagazig city Sharkia government in 2020. ...
The present study aimed to study the fitness between a trans-conjugant (recombinant strain) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria with its parents after transferring genetic material by conjugation mechanism. Whereas, environmental fitness expresses the interaction of an organism with its environment therefore it is considered a good indicator for the assessment of genetically engineered microorganisms (GEM) released into nature. Incubation time was carried out in vitro and incubating time in situ in Mowas River Zagazig city during winter and summer. Accordingly, the fitness of the parents and the recombinant strain was studied. The three strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PAO1, MAM2 and PU21) were tested on chloramphenicol and tetracycline. Strain MAM2 was resistant to chloramphenicol 1200 μg/ml while was sensitive to tetracycline and has been used as the recipient. While strain PAO1 was resistant to tetracycline 200 μg/ml and was sensitive to chloramphenicol and has been used as the donor. Results proofed the presence of the plasmid in the donor and trans conjugant strains. The donor was treated with acridine orange to match the results obtained with the results at the molecular level. It was observed that bacterial fitness continued for up to 35 days in vitro, while in situ during the summer it did not last at the site for only 21 days. While it lasted 28 days during the summer. So, the risks that may be caused by releasing the genetically modified microorganisms into environments have been canceled. In addition to its ability to preserve the new genetic material, it may be able to transfer this new genetic material to other strains and species that may be live in the same ecosystem, as it is largely stable in the environment. In genetically modified microorganisms that are added to the environments for agricultural uses such as increasing soil fertility (bio-fertilizer) or biodegradation for a harmful substance such as pesticides, the soil must be re-inoculated in winter every 21 days and during summer every 28 days due to the loss of the plasmid, which carries some important genes.
... The application of recombinant DNA techniques demonstrated the ability of genetically modified microorganisms to be used to pollinate soil, seeds, or water. This is done by improving the genetically modified microorganisms as they are able to raise agricultural crops production and clean the environment from pollutants (Birkenhead et al., 1988;Schubert, 2002;Prakash et al., 2011). Different incubation time in vitro and different incubation time in situ during winter and summer in Mowas River in Zagazig city Sharkia government in 2020. ...
The present study aimed to study the fitness between a trans-conjugant (recombinant strain) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria with its parents after transferring genetic material by conjugation mechanism. Whereas, environmental fitness expresses the interaction of an organism with its environment therefore it is considered a good indicator for the assessment of genetically engineered microorganisms (GEM) released into nature. Incubation time was carried out in vitro and incubating time in situ in Mowas River Zagazig city during winter and summer. Accordingly, the fitness of the parents and the recombinant strain was studied. The three strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PAO1, MAM2 and PU21) were tested on chloramphenicol and tetracycline. Strain MAM2 was resistant to chloramphenicol 1200 µg/ml while was sensitive to tetracycline and has been used as the recipient. While strain PAO1 was resistant to tetracycline 200 µg/ml and was sensitive to chloramphenicol and has been used as the donor. Results proofed the presence of the plasmid in the donor and trans conjugant strains. The donor was treated with acridine orange to match the results obtained with the results at the molecular level. It was observed that bacterial fitness continued for up to 35 days in vitro, while in situ during the summer it did not last at the site for only 21 days. While it lasted 28 days during the summer. So, the risks that may be caused by releasing the genetically modified microorganisms into environments have been canceled. In addition to its ability to preserve the new genetic material, it may be able to transfer this new genetic material to other strains and species that may be live in the same ecosystem, as it is largely stable in the environment. In genetically modified microorganisms that are added to the environments for agricultural uses such as increasing soil fertility (bio-fertilizer) or biodegradation for a harmful substance such as pesticides, the soil must be re-inoculated in
... Smith (2006Smith ( , 2007 revelan y denuncian, con ejemplos específicos, deficiencias fundamentales críticas en las regulaciones de los alimentos genéticamente alterados, así como manipulaciones, omisiones y ocultamientos de resultados de las pruebas toxicológicas practicadas con animales por parte de ciertas compañías transnacionales involucradas en esta materia. m) La necesidad de considerar los riesgos que pueden tener los alimentos transgénicos para la salud humana, considerando entre otros temas la posibilidad de su relación con alergias, resistencia a antibióticos, alteración del contenido nutritivo de los alimentos, o potenciales efectos tóxicos, tal y como se documenta en las producciones audiovisuales "¿Qué comeremos mañana?" (Garcia, 2004a), "El riesgo de los alimentos transgénicos: el caso Arpad Pusztai" (Grahlman, s.f.), y "El caso de las intoxicaciones con el suplemento alimentario L-triptófano producido con bacterias genéticamente alteradas" (Haycox, s.f.), "La conjura genética: tras la pista" (Ladwig, 2006) 5 , así como en diversas publicaciones (Alliance for Bio-Integrity (s.f.); Anderson, 2001;Fagan, 1997;IDEAA, 2007;Kaczewer, 2001;Lappé et al., 1999;Madeley, 2003; OMS citada por Herbert et al., 2006;Pusztai, 2001;Pusztai y Bardocz, 2011;Schubert, 2002;Séralini et al., 2007Séralini et al., , 2012Spendeler, 2005;Spök et al., 2005;Velimirov et al., 2008). ...
Un gramo de prevención vale más que toneladas de curación" Refrán popular
Resumen: Se exponen considerandos de diverso tipo, basados en evidencias concretas, que justifican la necesidad y urgencia de realizar declaratorias de territorios libres de organismos genéticamente alterados (transgénicos), haciendo un énfasis en la situación de Costa Rica. Los razonamientos descritos están ampliamente respaldados en los hechos concretos analizados en el contenido de las referencias bibliográficas del caso, así como en las pruebas documentales presentadas.
... Algunos de los párrafos anteriores dejan ver la incertidumbre actual existente alrededor de este tema, la cual es compartida también por otros autores (Riechmann 2000, vazquez et al. 2000, Kaczewer 2001, Schubert 2002, Hansen 2003, Hart 2003, Herbert 2003, Ho y Ching 2003, Pryme y Lembcke 2003, Pusztai et al. 2003, Teitel y Wilson 2003, Cummins y Lilliston 2004, iSP 2004, Soil Association 2004, Bravo 2005, Prescott et al. 2005, Spök et al. 2005. ...
Genetically modified crops: promises and good intentions are not enough (refutation to Espinoza et al. 2004, Rev. Biol. Trop. 52 (3): 727-732).
The arguments presented by Espinoza et al. in their paper "Relationship of genetically modified crops with the environment and health of the Costa Rican human population" published in this journal are questioned and refuted. The arguments are confronted with evidence offered by scientists and national and international independent organizations around the world (e.g. World Health Organization, Consumers international, Physicians and Scientists for Responsible Application of Science and Technology, international Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, the Council of the University of Costa Rica, and the independent Science Panel) showing the current uncertainty and limitations of science in this area, as well as those of proposed and applied biosafety approaches. Environment, biodiversity and food security are so important and basic matters, that there is need of serious testing, particularly when promises seem to be based on environmentally dangerous ideas promoted half a century ago by the so called "green revolution". Debate should continue, based on a holistic analysis of facts and with ethical reasoning, avoiding emotional positions that can confuse virtual reality with reality.
Rev. Biol. Trop. 55 (2): 347-364. Epub 2007 June, 29.
... Algunos estudiosos han señalado que esta modalidad alimenticia amenaza la salud del ser humano (Benbrook, 2012), (Carrasco et al., 2010), (Schubert, 2002), (Seralini, 2012), otros aluden a la forma en que su producción afecta la biodiversidad de los lugares donde se está impulsando la siembra de estas semillas (Batllori S, 2012); unos más han mencionado la posibilidad de que este mercado de producción se monopolice. Estos y otros riesgos han sido señalados por especialistas de distintas disciplinas, como resultado de la siembra y el uso de los transgénicos en investigaciones recientes; sin embargo este trabajo no pretende centrarse en dichas problemáticas, aunque asume su importancia. ...
En este libro se presentan temas diversos que tienen como elemento común, la
preocupación por la conservación de los diferentes tipos de Patrimonio y la necesidad de
un Desarrollo Sustentable. Es interesante cómo se describen los usos de los diferentes elementos de la naturaleza en pro de la conservación de la misma, así cómo iniciativas para desarrollar turismo de una manera sustentable.
El tema de la recolección de medicamentos caducos es un ejemplo de que la conservación del patrimonio se puede atacar desde diferentes disciplinas.
Por lo anterior, la riqueza de este libro consiste en su multidisciplinaridad, misma que
permitirá al lector tener diferentes enfoques de este tema tan rico y actual que es el
Patrimonio y Desarrollo Sustentable.
... There has always been a cloud of controversy over the acceptance of these GMOs. It can be rightly the resulting GM crop, which might prove toxic or have other detrimental effects like allergies and nutritional disturbances, as well as unforeseen effects on the environmental balance (Wilson et al., 2006;Schubert 2002). Just a single transformation at the level of the DNA can produce multiple pleiotropic effects with unknown outcomes because genes interact with one another and are regulated by a highly complex, multi-layered network of genetic and epigenetic development within the organism (Wilson et al., 2006). ...
... breeding are what have prevented researchers from developing Golden Rice suitable for commercialization (Schubert 2002;Wilson et al. 2006). ...
https://www.independentsciencenews.org/health/goodbye-golden-rice-gm-trait-leads-to-drastic-yield-loss/
Synopsis: For nearly 20 years, GMO Golden Rice has been promoted as a potent tool to alleviate vitamin A deficiency. Golden Rice has never been commercialised, however, and its failure to reach the market has been blamed on “over-regulation” and on “anti-GMO” opposition. Recent research by Indian scientists shows that introducing Golden Rice transgenes had unexpected detrimental effects. Their high yielding and agronomically superior Indian rice variety became pale and stunted, with yields so reduced it was unsuitable for cultivation (Bollinedi et al. 2017). This research has obvious implications for Golden Rice, particularly by suggesting that nutritionally useful GMO Golden Rice may be an impossibility. As Dr Wilson explains, it also throws a substantial shadow over the general feasibility of nutritional enhancement by GMO technology.
... Aun así, existen estudios que han demostrado que las proteínas Cry pueden ser alergénicas y disruptoras del sistema inmune de mamíferos (Vázquez-Padrón et al., 2000, Schubert, 2002, mientras que en algunos estudios de alimentación de ratas con este tipo de proteína o con el maíz transgénico que la produce se han reportado cambios metabólicos significativos (Finamore et al., 2008;Spiroux de Vendomois et al., 2009). Estos datos ponen de manifiesto que es fundamental avanzar en los conocimientos necesarios para predecir la alergenicidad de las proteínas y en mejorar su evaluación en modelos experimentales animales, así como discutir los criterios de evaluación de inocuidad de cultivos transgénicos, en particular con respecto a los efectos de su consumo crónico o subcrónico (Séralini et al., , 2012. ...
En octubre de 2009 se aprobaron las primeras siembras experimen-tales de maíz transgénico en México desde la moratoria de facto implementada en 1998, por lo que actualmente estamos frente a la posibilidad de que se apruebe la liberación en el campo mexicano de líneas de maíz transgénico al ambiente en extensiones mayores. Las con-sideraciones sobre lo deseable y seguro de esta tecnología para nuestro país han sido guiadas por intereses políticos y económicos privados, más que por estudios científicos concluyentes, y mucho menos por consideraciones sociales o ambientales. Estos intereses han moldeado y apresurado un marco regulatorio (la Ley de Bioseguridad de Orga-nismos Genéticamente Modificados, LBOGM, en vigor desde 2006 y el reglamento que de ella emana) encaminado a posibilitar la liberación en el campo mexicano de las líneas comerciales de maíz transgénico disponibles. En este escenario, es importante llevar a cabo una reflexión entorno a la liberación de organismos transgénicos en el ambiente, la cual desencadena riesgos y peligros anidados que dependerán del con-texto en el cual ocurra la liberación y del tipo de transgénico.
... There has always been a cloud of controversy over the acceptance of these GMOs. It can be rightly the resulting GM crop, which might prove toxic or have other detrimental effects like allergies and nutritional disturbances, as well as unforeseen effects on the environmental balance (Wilson et al., 2006;Schubert 2002). Just a single transformation at the level of the DNA can produce multiple pleiotropic effects with unknown outcomes because genes interact with one another and are regulated by a highly complex, multi-layered network of genetic and epigenetic development within the organism (Wilson et al., 2006). ...
Biotechnology is a modern science with old roots. It can be considered a
game changer in many ways as it has inherent solutions for many hurdles
modern society is facing today. One of the most important branches of
Biotechnology is Green or Agro-biotechnology, which is the application of
biotechnological tools and techniques to genetically improve organisms, crops
for the betterment of ever burgeoning population. Green biotechnology holds
promise in producing crops with high yields and nutritional content, insect
resistance, longer shelf life, and various other traits like production of vaccines
(edible vaccines), monoclonal antibodies phytoremediation and so on. Biotech
crops are supposed to need lesser water, fertilizers, herbicides, almost nil
tillage requirement, lesser need to spray so less fuel consumption, reduced
CO2
and N2O emissions. Inspite of all these advantages, the acceptance of
genetically modified plants have become mired in controversies regarding
their safety, applicability and their effects on the environment. This review
deals with various positive and negative aspects of green biotechnology, trying
to shed an unbiased light on the actual scenario because this technology
actually has the potential to feed millions of poverty stricken, undernourished
people on the earth. How far this goal is reached, still remains to be seen.
... Moreover, also claiming that DNA-splicing is "more precise" -which is true -is no guarantee of safe results: we should not forget that massive phenotypic consequences -frequently undesirable -can derive from even the slightest change in an organism's genotype. We will name this clever remark "Schubert's warning", from the name of the biologist who called attention to it [Schubert, 2002]. Sadly, this scientist did not clarify a crucial corollary of his correct statement: that such risk of failures from even little tweaks to a genome applies to each and any intervention, not only to "GMOs". ...
“Genetically Modified Organisms” are not a consistent category: it is impossible to discuss such a miscellaneous bunch of products, deriving from various biotech methods, as if they had a common denominator. Critics are too often pre-emptively suspicious of peculiar risks for health or the environment linked to this ill-assorted ensemble of microorganisms, plants or animals: yet, even before being unscientific, the expression “GMO(s)” has very poor semantic value.
Similarly, claims that recombinant DNA technology is always safe are a misjudgement: many unsatisfactory “GMOs” have been discarded, as has happened also for innumerable agri-food outcomes, obtained via more or less traditional field and lab methods.
The scientific consensus, i.e. the widespread accord among geneticists, biologists and agriculturalists, maintains that every biotech invention has to be examined case by case, evaluating the unique profile of each new organism (“GMO” or otherwise): to assess its safety, the technique(s) used to produce it are irrelevant.
Therefore, in considering “green” biotechnologies, a triple mantra should be kept in mind: 1. product, not process; 2. singular, not plural; 3. a posteriori, not a priori.
Both people’s and law-makers’ attitude to agricultural biotechnologies should be reoriented, and this is an interesting task for science communicators: they should explain how meaningless and misleading the “GMO” frame is, debunking a historical, ongoing socio-political blunder, clarifying to the public what most life scientists have been recommending for several decades.
... There has been a strong debate on the safety of genetically modified plants ever since the introduction of transgenic plant products into the market. This debate is still very much alive and several issues were raised, including the safety of transgenic food and the environmental impact of transgenic plants (Schubert 2002;Dale et al. 2002;Liu et al. 2005). However, the potential development of resistance to the Bt toxin by insect pests and the indirect damage of Bt toxins to non-target species are major concerns related to their use. ...
Introduction of GM crops into agricultural production systems increased public concern and renewed interest in research on the possible environmental consequences of growing GM crops including human health and ecosystem functioning. Globally, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton occupies 15 million ha which comprised 43 % of the total cotton area of 35 million ha. Bt cotton was developed by incorporating the cry gene of the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis. This gene expresses the protein endotoxin (Cry) that has insecticidal activity against the common cotton lepidopteran insect pests. While the benefits of Bt cotton are well known, there is a wide spread concern about growing transgenic cotton. This stems from the fact that the Bt toxin produced in leaves, stems and roots of Bt cotton is introduced in soil which might affect general soil health. Several workers have studied the effects of transgene products and transgenic cotton on the soil biological properties. Quite a few studies assessed the risk of growing Bt cotton on flora and fauna in diverse agro-ecosystems. This chapter attempts to review the work done so far related to growing transgenic Bt cotton on the soil microbial diversity and other related soil functions.
... En este mismo sentido, Alliance for Bio-Integrity (s.f.); Cummins (2004) 13. La necesidad de considerar los riesgos que pueden tener los alimentos transgénicos para la salud humana, considerando entre otros temas la posibilidad de su relación con alergias, resistencia a antibióticos, alteración del contenido nutritivo de los alimentos, o potenciales efectos tóxicos, tal y como se documenta en las producciones audiovisuales "¿Qué comeremos mañana?" (García, 2004a), "El riesgo de los alimentos transgénicos: el caso Arpad Pusztai" (Grahlman, s.f.), y "El caso de las intoxicaciones con el suplemento alimentario L-triptófano producido con bacterias genéticamente alteradas" (Haycox, s.f.), "La conjura genética: tras la pista" (Ladwig, 2006) 4 , así como en diversas publicaciones (Alliance for Bio-Integrity (s.f.); Anderson, 2001;Fagan, 1997;IDEAA, 2007;Kaczewer, 2001;Lappé et al., 1999;OMS citada por Herbert et al., 2006;Pusztai, 2001;Schubert, 2002;Séralini et al., 2007;Spök et al., 2005). ...
Resumen Se exponen los considerandos de diverso tipo que justifican la declaratoria de territorios libres de organismos genéticamente alterados (transgénicos), haciendo un énfasis en la situación de Costa Rica. Los razonamientos descritos están ampliamente respaldados en los hechos concretos analizados en el contenido de las referencias bibliográficas del caso. Abstract Diverse considerations are presented that justify the declaration of territories as transgenic-free zones, with emphasis on the situation in Costa Rica. The arguments described are supported by the concrete facts analyzed in the contents of the bibliographic references.
... Note that recombination can also be used to insert genes from conspecifics, that is, it need not be used only for transgene insertion. Organisms produced in this way are usually not considered genetically modified, especially informal/general public contexts, even though some of the concerns about genetically modified organisms arise from uncertainties in recombination itself (Schubert 2002). ISOGENE and, more precisely, CONVENTIONAL ISOGENE are used to refer to an organism that is, other than the transgene itself, genetically identical to a particular transgenic organism. ...
This paper examines the scientific controversy over the yields of genetically modified [GM] crops as a case study in epistemologically deep disagreements. Appeals to "the evidence" are inadequate to resolve such disagreements; not because the interlocutors have radically different metaphysical views (as in cases of incommensurability), but instead because they assume rival epistemological frameworks and so have incompatible views about what kinds of research methods and claims count as evidence. Specifically, I show that, in the yield debate, proponents and opponents of GM crops cite two different sets of claims as evidence, which correspond to two rival epistemological frameworks, classical experimental epistemology and Nancy Cartwright's evidence for use. I go on to argue that, even if both sides of the debate accepted Cartwright's view, they might still disagree over what counts as evidence, because evidence for use ties standards of evidence to what is sometimes called the "context of application."
Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
... Transgenic (genetically modified) crops continue to elicit controversy despite over a decade of widespread cultivation. Although contemporary genetic engineering techniques appear to induce small genomic perturbations relative to widely accepted conventional technologies (e.g., genetic crosses between wild relatives and cultivated varieties, somaclonal variation, and mutation breeding), enduring concern focuses on the unknown potential for transgenic technologies to generate unintended effects in ecosystems and food composition (Beachy et al., 2002;Schubert, 2002;Brookes and Barfoot, 2006;Hoekenga, 2008). The possibility of detecting such unintended effects is complicated by a lack of comprehensive knowledge as to the range of "normal" biochemical phenotypes that occur in important crop species. ...
While the greatest strength of systems biology may be to measure tens of thousands of variables across different genotypes, this simultaneously presents an enormous challenge to statistical analysis that cannot be completely solved with conventional approaches that identify and rank differences. Here we examine a diverse panel of conventional and transgenic, field-grown tomato fruits (Solanum lycopersicum L.) by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) metabolic fingerprinting. We used a progression of statistics to examine phenotypic variation observed. While clear trends were found by principal component analysis (PCA) related to genetic background and ripeness, it could not detect differences between transgenic genotypes and their nontransgenic parent variety. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), a supervised method, identified 15 metabolic features of potential interest, but only five were significantly different between the transgenic lines and their nontransgenic parent. Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) recognized relationships among these features and others, suggesting that a small suite of highly correlated compounds accumulated to significantly lower levels in the transgenic genotypes. We assert that metabolic fingerprinting with a series of statistical methods is an efficient and powerful approach to examine both large and small genetic effects on phenotypes of high value or interest.
... Lastly, at the present time, excitement about genetic engineering dominates the literature and global management strategies; nevertheless, nothing will have been learned from past experiences if genetic engineering prevails over all of the other technologies that are also blossoming (Kogan, 1998). Like in the "dark ages," we do not have enough knowledge about the risks that genetic engineered crops could pose for wild plant populations (e.g. through gene flow; Ellstrand, 2003;Andersson & de Vicente, 2010;Dyer et al., 2009), nontarget organisms (Dale et al., 2002;Hilbeck & Schmith, 2006), and human health (Schubert, 2002;Finamore et al., 2008;Spiroux de Vendomois et al., 2009). ...
... The complexity of GM foods makes their biological testing difficult even when funding for such studies can be obtained. Thus, any protocol that may be devised must take into account that, in addition to the generally recognised importance of testing for the direct effects of the expression of the transgene, its insertion into the plant genome via a gene construct may also cause significant, indirect and unintended physiological effects by disturbing the functionality of the plant's own genes (Ewen & Pusztai 1999a;Schubert 2002, Freese & Schubert 2003Wilson et al. 2004) and special testing methods are needed to recognise these. The number of copies of the construct inserted and their location in the plant genome (positioning effect) are also of importance. ...
... Reed means the Bt toxin, which is not inserted into a plant; instead, the Cry gene complex that translates into toxins is inserted. Secondly, the toxin is released throughout the transgenic plant's life, and in all its tissues-from the roots to the pollen, causes ecological concern, no less than the concern for unintended effects of imprecise control of transgene regulation events (Schubert 2002). Failure to understand this ecological concern is likely to construe the anti-GM movement as a Luddite fad against techno-industrial advancements. ...
... Understandably, large segments of the public have an image of scientists who have sacrificed objectivity and normal scientific protocols of transparency, failed to publish negative research results, and should have sought wider public debate before the products of the new technology were used extensively. One such scientist is Schubert (2002) a cell biologist at the Salk Institute and earlier a colleague of Francis Crick. It is difficult to avoid the conclusion that some scientists have become self-serving and that consequently society as a whole has not benefited from the new knowledge and technology. ...
Molecular genetics is a new scientific discipline offering the technology to transfer exotic genes into livestock species. Scientific and business interests aim to apply this technology in the near future to make genetically modified (GM) livestock for the food chain. In Europe there is a strong move by citizens against milk and meat products from GM livestock. The possibility of using the technology on livestock in the developing world is under consideration as advocates claim that it would be a major contributor to world food security. This paper presents the opposite view. There are several sets of reasons against using this new technology at this time that are explored here. First, scientific knowledge of the mammalian genome is inadequate and a vast amount of research is needed before success will be ensured without negative consequences for humans and animals. Second, livestock are an essential resource for survival of billions of rural poor in the developing world and they should not be exposed to risk. Third, ethical considerations are not evident but are essential because the plans are so radical and affect public interest at many levels. Scientists today show lack of wisdom in failing to see the consequences of using their limited knowledge. Reasons for this absence of wisdom are explored in a brief review of the historic development of science. Livestock scientists need to learn lessons from the sagas of GM crops and mad cow disease (BSE). Other ways to empower the poor to increase food security are described. Scientists are urged to continue research and to seek a moratorium against GM livestock being used for food until objective and tested results enable stakeholders to decide.
... Furthermore, this position is founded on a belief in the discredited (see Bossdorf, Richards, & Pigliucci, 2008;Gibbs, 2003;Mattick, 2003) 'central dogma' that one gene codes for the production of one specific protein, which creates one distinct and stable trait in the organism On the test-material question, ZKBS argues that Bøhn et al. (2008) should have used species-appropriate feed material 'spiked' with active Bt protein purified from bacterial sources. However, using food spiked in this way would fail to take account Environmental governance of biotechnology 329 of any unintended and unknown changes that may take place, as discussed above, within a GM plant as a result of the GM process itself (particularly the random nature of construct insertion and integration) (see Saxena & Stotzky, 2001), as well as the differences that may arise in the way proteins are expressed and processed in different host contexts, for example plants vs. bacteria (Schubert, 2002). Both of these could be significant for toxicological potential, thus risk. ...
This paper discusses entanglements of science and ethics in the regulation of
genetically modified crops. Using the 2009 German ban of genetically modified maize MON810
and debates concerning the quality of science cited to support it, the paper highlights how values
are tacitly embedded in science for policy and how ethical questions permeate the way this science
is developed, quality-controlled, and given authority in the European regulation of biotechnology.
We argue that a lack of recognition and inadequate treatment of such value-commitments
influencing science, and through this policy, impinges upon and weakens the ethical standards
involved. This has particular significance as Europe debates genetically modified crop legislative
reform.
... Environmental applications of microorganisms are wide and varied, ranging from bioremediation, biopesticides, nitrogen fixation, plant growth promoter, to biocontrol of plant diseases, and other such agricultural practices. The sensible application of recombinant DNA techniques has shown the potential for genetically improved microorganisms to be used as soil or seed inoculants [5][6][7][8]. However, when introduced into the environment, they could have unintended environmental consequences and may play more pronounced ecological roles than the wild types [9][10][11]. ...
Commercial potential of biotechnology is immense since the scope of its activity covers the entire spectrum of human life. The most potent biotechnological approach is the transfer of specifically constructed gene assemblies through various techniques. However, this deliberate modification and the resulting entities thereof have become the bone of contention all over the world. Benefits aside, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have always been considered a threat to environment and human health. In view of this, it has been considered necessary by biosafety regulations of individual countries to test the feasibility of GMOs in contained and controlled environments for any potential risks they may pose. This paper describes the various aspects of risk, its assessment, and management which are imperative in decision making regarding the safe use of GMOs. Efficient efforts are necessary for implementation of regulations. Importance of the risk assessment, management, and precautionary approach in environmental agreements and activism is also discussed.
... Some claim that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) avoid problems of intensive agriculture and lead to beneficial outcomes in economic and environmental terms, such as higher profits for farmers given lower input costs, more environmentally benign use of pesticides and herbicides, and even higher yields in some places (Qaim, 2005;Brookes and Barfoot, 2009;Ervin et al., 2010;Dannenberg et al., 2011). Others draw attention to the potential negative impacts of GM crops on human health and biodiversity, and argue that GMOs are driven not by need but by corporate profit (Altieri and Rosset, 1999;Shiva 2001, Schubert, 2002. Overall, the uncertainty surrounding GMOs continue to generate agricultural policy dilemmas in national and international arenas. ...
This paper analyzes the decisions to approve and adopt genetically modified (GM) cotton farming in Turkey by using social multi-criteria evaluation. Four different methods—business as usual (BAU), ecological (ECO), GM, and good agricultural practices (GAP)—were assessed via environmental, social, and economic criteria. Results showed that GM was preferred when only economic concerns were considered, and ECO was the method of choice when only the social dimension was prioritized. When economic and social dimensions were jointly considered, GAP was the compromise solution. Findings of the study help understand motives, decision mechanisms, and policy outcomes in the GMO context.
... The potential for such effects forms an important part of the safety assessment process for new GM foods. An article in the October issue of Nature Biotechnology (Schubert, 2002) offered several concerns: ...
... Con un enfoque citológico, la penetración de plantas GM en los mercados alimentarios representa también dos tipos de riesgo: 1. El mismo gen en dos tipos de células puede codificar proteínas diferentes 2. Las rutas enzimáticas introducidas para sintetizar pequeñas moléculas pueden interactuar con rutas endógenas (Schubert, 2002;Bakshi, 2003). Los genes parecen operar en batería y no individualmente, cada uno desde su locus. ...
... Algunos de los párrafos anteriores dejan ver la incertidumbre actual existente alrededor de este tema, la cual es compartida también por otros autores (Riechmann 2000, vazquez et al. 2000, Kaczewer 2001, Schubert 2002, Hansen 2003, Hart 2003, Herbert 2003, Ho y Ching 2003, Pryme y Lembcke 2003, Pusztai et al. 2003, Teitel y Wilson 2003, Cummins y Lilliston 2004, iSP 2004, Soil Association 2004, Bravo 2005, Prescott et al. 2005, Spök et al. 2005. ...
Genetically modified crops: promises and good intentions are not enough (refutation to Espinoza et al. 2004, Rev. Biol. Trop. 52 (3): 727-732). The arguments presented by Espinoza et al. in their paper "Relationship of genetically modified crops with the environment and health of the Costa Rican human population" published in this journal (Rev. Biol. Trop. 52: 727-732, 2004) are questioned and refuted. The arguments are confronted with evidence offered by scientists and national and international independent orga - nizations around the world (e.g. World Health Organization, Consumers international, Physicians and Scientists for Responsible Application of Science and Technology, international Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, the Council of the University of Costa Rica, and the independent Science Panel) showing the current uncertainty and limitations of science in this area, as well as those of proposed and applied biosafety approaches. Environment, biodiversity and food security are so important and basic matters, that there is need of serious testing, particularly when promises seem to be based on environmentally dangerous ideas promoted half a century ago by the so called "green revolution". Debate should continue, based on a holistic analysis of facts and with ethical reasoning, avoiding emotional positions that can confuse virtual reality with reality. Rev. Biol. Trop. 55 (2): 347-364. Epub 2007 June, 29.
... On the other hand, some scientists remain concerned that our current knowledge of genetic interactions does not reflect the optimism or precision implied by the foregoing quote. For example, Schubert's (2002) commentary in the Nature Biotechnology journal considers that the introduction of GMOs requires thorough toxicological testing akin to that carried out before drug releases. He considers that insufficient attention is being given to the possibility that the same gene introduced to different cells could produce different protein molecules, change overall gene expression, and that biochemical pathways could interact to produce novel molecules. ...
... La incertidumbre y los cuestionamientos críticos reconocidos por la OMS han sido planteados en lo pasado tanto por organizaciones de la sociedad civil y de consumidores alrededor del mundo, como por científicos independientes (Ewen y Pusztai, 1999;Fox, 1992;Freese y Schubert, 2004;Hansen, 2003;GCI, 2003;Herbert, 2005;Ho, 2001;Ho y Steinbrecher, s.f.;Kaczewer, 2001;Madeley, 2003;Pusztai, 2001;PSRAST, s.f.;Riechmann y Tickner, 2002;Schubert, 2002;Spök et al., 2005;Suzuki y Knudtson, 1991). ...
ABSTRACT
Objective: To get the perception of clinical struggles faced by left handed dental students and practitioners of dental colleges of twin
cities of Pakistan during routine dental practice.
Study Design: Cross-sectional Survey
Place and Duration of Study: Six dental colleges of Twin cities of Pakistan from September 2017 to February 2018.
Material and Methods: Study participants included third year and final year students, postgraduate trainee and senior faculty. The
snowballing strategy used by each college assisted in enlisting a large number of left-handed students. Questionnaires from a prior
study on a relevant issue were sent to the study population and completed voluntarily. Statistical analysis for frequency of clinical
difficulties was computed using SPSS software version 21.
Results: Out of 53 participants, 24.5% (13) were male and 75.5% (40) were female. The participants' ages ranged from 21 to 39,
with a mean of 26.53. Around 24.5 percent of left-handed dentists had no trouble performing dental work, whereas the majority,
62.26 percent, had issues. The participants' ages ranged from 21 to 39 years, with a mean of 26.53 years. Around 24.5 percent of
left-handed dentists had no trouble performing dental work, whereas the majority, 62.26 percent, had issues. Two third of the
participants felt discriminated when working with left hand and felt that their performance could be improved had they been right
handed. About 80% felt they were at higher risk of developing musculoskeletal risk for back and neck region using armamentarium
designed for their right handed colleagues compared to the dentists working with their right hands using right sided dental units.
Conclusion: Our findings show that a considerable percentage of left-handed dentists have difficulty performing ordinary dental
work, as well as having right-handed instructors, the majority of whom are students and house officers. They were feeling left out
in the environment and equipment that is only suitable for right handed dentists without having much help from seniors regarding
their issues
It has been clear for many years that agriculture in Europe needs to become more sustainable and requires fundamental change. In recent years, more and more “innovative” techniques or products have been presented as THE one big solution – examples include precision farming, indoor farming, new genetic engineering or carbon farming. It is often suggested that the problems of the agricultural system can now be solved, although only partial areas are affected. Can carbon farming make agriculture climate-friendly? Is indoor farming sustainable? Can new genetic engineering be used to breed more resistant plants? Does precision farming solve the issue of over-fertilisation?
This study takes a closer look at some of the currently prominently discussed technical “sustainability solutions” and asks critical questions about their effectiveness. Do techno-fixes prominently discussed in policy papers and the media bring agriculture into harmony with ecosystems, animal welfare and societal needs?
In the past few years the government of India has taken a strong pro-active stance towards introduction of new technologies for improving agricultural productivity and sustainability. Genetically Modified (GM) crops is one such technology with high economic and social stakes, as evident from debates about the utility of technology after the introduction of Bt cotton in 2002. Strong positivistic approach underscores the potentiality that GM technology can help address for food security, agricultural productivity, sustainable agriculture, etc. On the other hand, opposition has ranged from extreme stance (a strong precautionary approach) of disallowing GM technology in India to calling for a long-gestation period before scientific evidence emerges to strengthen the
regulatory process. Issues of high royalty of Bt cotton, seed unavailability for non-GM cotton growers, and field trials being too restricted to properly assess the impact of this technology on environment, health, and food supply have further complicated this debate. Due to extensive public criticism, Bt brinjal in spite of getting regulatory approval was finally not introduced. An episode of regulatory failure, which is visible again in the indigenously developed GM mustard recently.
This study has revisited the GM debate in India by examining some of these issues through the lens of systems approach, social constructionism, and strategic management. The examination was based on close reading of literature and a focused field study. India epitomizes to a large extent the emerging/developing country’s challenges and thus the study has a larger relevance for innovation and policy. The study underscores that policy articulations should be made simultaneously with strong institutional changes in the regulatory process. This, the study argues can provide a useful platform for resolving the conflicting stance among the different stakeholders,
including bench-level scientists for improved decision making, and helping address the
information asymmetry in the regulatory process.
In Unearthed: The Economic Roots of Our Environmental Crisis, Kenneth M. Sayre argues that the only way to resolve our current environmental crisis is to reduce our energy consumption to a level where the entropy (degraded energy and organization) produced by that consumption no longer exceeds the biosphere's ability to dispose of it. Tangible illustrations of this entropy buildup include global warming, ozone depletion, loss of species diversity, and unmanageable amounts of nonbiodegradable waste. Degradation of the biosphere is tied directly to human energy use, which has been increasing exponentially since the Industrial Revolution. Energy use, in turn, is directly correlated with economic production. Sayre shows how these three factors are invariably bound together. The unavoidable conclusion is that the only way to resolve our environmental crisis is to reverse the present pattern of growth in the world economy. Economic growth is motivated by social values. Key among them are the desire for wealth and consumer values including gratification, convenience, and acquisition of goods. Sayre maintains that economic growth can be reversed only by eliminating these social values in favor of others more conducive to environmental health. Eliminating these values will involve major changes in lifestyle within industrial societies generally. Only with such changes in lifestyle, he argues, does human society as we know it have a chance of survival. Clearly written and thoroughly documented, this book provides a comprehensive overview of our complex environmental predicament.
This chapter summarizes diagnostic test methods for the identification of genetically modified (GM) organisms (GMOs) and their potential and limitations. Assessing the risk that a GM food poses to human health is based on comparing its chemical composition to that of an unmodified food-if the composition is similar, it is considered safe for human consumption. This concept of substantial equivalence is based on relatively easy and inexpensive tests. The commonly used methods for diagnosing GMOs are Western blot, ELISA, lateral flow strip, quality PCR, DNA microarrays, and DNA sensors. A tiered approach is employed using qualitative PCR for GMO detection to respond to global regulations requiring food labeling. If no GMO is detected using a validated qualitative method, the product is evaluated for the presence of protein. If no protein is detected, the product is presumed not detectable. If the qualitative PCR shows a positive result, the product is considered ''non-approved GMO," and a validated real-time PCR is used to detect the level of GMO. If the level is above an established threshold, the product is considered a non-approved GMO and is not labeled if it is below the threshold. The high sensitivity and specificity of PCR methods and their ability to be applied to different food matrices make them suitable for diagnosing GMOs at low thresholds in various foods.
Prominent scientists and policymakers assert with confidence that there is no scientific controversy over the health effects of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)—that genetically modified crops currently in commercial use and those yet to be commercialized are inherently safe for human consumption and do not have to be tested. Those who disagree are cast as “GMO deniers.” This article examines scientific reviews and papers on GMOs, compares the findings of professional societies, and discusses the treatment of scientists who have reported adverse effects in animal feeding experiments. This article concludes by exploring the role that politics and corporate interests have had in distorting an honest inquiry into the health effects of GMO crops.
Cultivation of genetically modified (GM) crops has been banned in many countries because of fears about their effects on human health and the environment. One reason cited by critics of these crops is the use of bacterial antibiotic resistance genes or herbicide resistance genes as selectable markers. To avoid using such genes, I employed the Arabidopsis thaliana gene encoding UDP-N-acetylglucosamine:dolichol phosphate N-acetylglucosamine-1-P transferase (GPT) as a selection marker in transformation of Arabidopsis. GPT catalyzes the initial reaction for the synthesis of asparagine-linked glycans that is inhibited by tunicamycin. Using the GPT gene in combination with tunicamycin functioned efficiently in the selection of transformed Arabidopsis. In addition, this selection was able to identify transformants at a very early stage post germination compared with the selection by kanamaycin. Application of this strategy to produce GM crops may help their acceptance by the public.
This paper frames the GM cotton approval debate in Turkey in the context of a socio-political process in which conflicts must be resolved between competing interests and among people who hold different value systems and have different priorities. Four different cotton farming alternatives—business as usual (BAU), ecological farming (ECO), GM farming (GM), and good agricultural practices (GAP)—are assessed and evaluated via a set of environmental, social, and economic criteria chosen on the basis of an extensive review of the cotton production and genetically modified organism (GMO) literatures, and in-depth interviews with several key stakeholders and experts in Turkey. The results show that when economic concerns are considered primary, GM farming is the preferred practice. In contrast, when only the social dimension is prioritised, the ECO alternative performs best. Finally, when the economic and social dimensions are appraised together, GAP emerges as a compromise solution. This study reveals that the decision to approve GM farming is not only complex but also value-laden and interest-based.
Abstract The Aristotelian ideas of nature (physis) and technology (techné) are taken as a starting point for understanding what it would mean for technology to be truly living. Heidegger's critique of the conflation of scientific and technological thinking in the current era is accepted as demonstrating that humanity does not have a deep enough appreciation of the nature of life to harness its essence safely. Could the vision of harnessing life be realized, which we strongly doubt, living technology would give selected humans transforming powers that could be expected to exacerbate, rather than solve, current global problems. The source of human purposefulness, and hence of both technology and ethics, is identified in nature's emergent capability to instantiate informational representations in material forms. Ethics that are properly grounded in an appreciation of intrinsic value, especially that of life, demand that proposals to give humanity the capabilities of living technology address the social, political, economic, and environmental problems inherent in its development and potential deployment. Before any development is embarked on, steps must be taken to avoid living technology, whatever the term eventually designates, becoming available for destructive or antisocial purposes such as those that might devastate humanity or irrevocably damage the natural world.
The intensive pursuit of biological efficiency has dominated animal science over recent decades. This paradigm is driven largely by economic criteria for lower resource input, increased output of livestock products, faster turnover and reduced costs to the consumer. Science has broken many economic boundaries. But disturbing stability always exacts a price: hidden costs, health, environment, welfare, biodiversity, the rural poor and the carbon footprint. The scientific mission to enhance food production is now facing new horizons at the molecular level for radical change in the life processes of animals. This quest for the genetic modification of livestock is unchartered territory and will also have widespread negative consequences. Two types of boundaries are challenged: ancient Biological boundaries and ancient Man-Made boundaries. The key biological boundary is between species and is now violated by genetic modification; key Man-Made boundaries include recognition of moral autonomy, rule of law and the qualitative difference between humanity and other species. All these ancient boundaries are foundational to sustainable societies and have been tested over huge time spans. Dissolution of these boundaries needs more caution than currently being exercised. Why? Because the scientific models of the genome used for genetic modification are proving to be wrong and inadequate. Emerging genome research reveals that control of gene expression is far more complex than the models used so far. Food products from genetically modified livestock are now in preparation for the human food chain without adequate testing and regulation and against the expressed wishes of consumers. Can the species produced by millions of years of natural selection be redesigned safely with inadequate knowledge? Do scientists have to redesign the inner molecular universe simply because we have the tools? Are unsubstantiated short-term economic arguments sufficient to justify dissolution of ancient boundaries and stable genomes that have stood the test of time in sustaining life? There must be a deeper answer if only because we are no more likely than natural selection to achieve new adaptive stability without enormous cost. Breaching these biological boundaries goes beyond biology and economics by opening the door to transhumanism which already has a dark history. Genetic modification of animals presents issues of risk, accountability, authority, power, ownership, and morality, the nature of animals and the meaning and purpose of humanity — all of which are explored. Scientists are called to recognize and act upon their social responsibilities.
Human-induced climate change is resulting in less and more erratic rainfall, especially in regions where food security is very low. The poor in rural and dry areas will suffer the most and will require cheap and accessible strategies to adapt to erratic weather. This adaptation will need to take into account not only less water and droughts, but also the increased chance of extreme events like floods.
Biodiversity and a healthy soil are central to ecological approaches to making farming more drought-resistant and more resilient to extreme events. Resilience is the capacity to deal with change and recover after it. Practices that make soils better able to hold soil moisture and reduce erosion and that increase biodiversity in the system help in making farm production and income more resilient and stable.
Building a healthy soil is a crucial element in helping farms cope with drought. There are many proven practices available to farmers right now to help build healthy soils. Cover crops and crop residues that protect soils from wind and water erosion, and legume intercrops, manure and composts that build soil rich in organic matter, enhancing soil structure, are all ways to help increase water infiltration, hold water once it gets there, and make nutrients more accessible to the plant.
In order to feed humanity and secure ecological resilience it is essential to increase productivity in rain-fed areas where poor farmers implement current know-how on water and soil conservation. Ecological farms that work with biodiversity and are knowledge-intensive rather than chemical input-intensive might be the most resilient options under a drier and more erratic climate.
In addition to the ecological farming methods described above, continued breeding of crop varieties that can withstand drought stresses and still produce a reliable yield is needed. Many new drought-tolerant seeds are being developed using advanced conventional breeding, without the need of genetic engineering. There are already examples of drought-resistant soybean, maize, wheat and rice varieties that farmers could start taking advantage of right now. On the other hand, genetic engineering technology is not well suited for developing drought-resistant seeds. Drought tolerance is a complex trait, often involving the interaction of many genes, and thus beyond the capability of a rudimentary technology based on high expression of few well characterised genes. There is no evidence that genetically engineered (GE) crops can play a role in increasing food security under a changing climate.
The chapter presents a study on the potential benefits and risks of genetically modified organisms (GMO) in animal nutrition. As there are only small compositional differences between the “substantially equivalent” genetically modified (GM) and non-GM crops, these have little biological significance. Most GM and parental line crops fall short of the definition of “substantial equivalence,” which is a concept that has outlived its previously claimed usefulness. Thus, novel biological concepts and methods to probe into the safety of gene splicing are needed. The chapter presents a critical examination of the previously published animal studies in the light of a newly suggested testing protocol, in which the safety of GM crops is established from the effects of the GM ingredients on the physiology, pathohistology, immunology and bacterial flora of the gastrointestinal tract of young animals and the metabolic consequences of these effects. In genetic modification the intended gene is incorporated into the genome of a crop, using a vector containing several other genes, including as a minimum: viral promoters, transcription terminators, antibiotic resistance or other marker genes and reporter genes. The importance of the analysis of such unintended effects in GM foods however, has recently been recognized by including them in the Codex Alimentarius guidelines.
Recent studies showed that the Alzheimer amyloid precursor (APP) occurs as the core protein of a chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (appican) in C6 glioma cells. In the present study we show that appican is present in both human and rat brain tissue. Cortical rat brain cell cultures were used to identify appican-producing cells. Soluble secreted and cell-associated appican was produced by mixed glial cultures but not by primary neuronal cultures. Among the three major glial cell types, astrocytes produced high levels of appican, while oligodendrocytes failed to produce any. Only low levels of this molecule were occasionally detected in microglial cultures. Expression of appican in astrocyte cultures was regulated by the composition of the growth media. N2a neuroblastoma cells also produced appican; however, treatment with dibutyryl cAMP which promotes neuronal differentiation in these cells inhibited its production without inhibiting synthesis of APP. In contrast to the restricted expression of appican, APP was present in all cultures, and its production was independent of appican synthesis. Neuronal cultures produced mainly APP695 while glial cultures produced the Kunitz type protease inhibitor containing APP. The astrocyte-specific expression of appican suggests a function distinct from the function of APP. Brain appicans may play a role in the development of Alzheimer disease neuropathology.
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common lethal recessive disease affecting children in the U.S. and Europe. For this reason, a number of ongoing attempts are being made to treat the disease either by gene therapy or pharmacotherapy. Several phase 1 gene therapy trials have been completed, and a phase 2 clinical trial with the xanthine drug CPX is in progress. The protein coded by the principal CFTR mutation, DeltaF508-CFTR, fails to traffic efficiently from the endoplasmic reticulum to the plasma membrane, and is the pathogenic basis for the missing cAMP-activated plasma membrane chloride channel. CPX acts by binding to the mutant DeltaF508-CFTR and correcting the trafficking deficit. CPX also activates mutant CFTR channels. The comparative genomics of wild-type and mutant CFTR has not previously been studied. However, we have hypothesized that the gene expression patterns of human cells expressing mutant or wild-type CFTR might differ, and that a drug such as CPX might convert the mutant gene expression pattern into one more characteristic of wild-type CFTR. To the extent that this is true, a pharmacogenomic profile for such corrective drugs might be deduced that could simplify the process of drug discovery for CF.
To test this hypothesis we used cDNA microarrays to study global gene expression in human cells permanently transfected with either wild-type or mutant CFTR. We also tested the effects of CPX on global gene expression when incubated with cells expressing either mutant or wild-type CFTR.
Wild-type and mutant DeltaF508-CFTR induce distinct and differential changes in cDNA microarrays, significantly affecting up to 5% of the total genes in the array. CPX also induces substantial mutation-dependent and -independent changes in gene expression. Some of these changes involve movement of gene expression in mutant cells in a direction resembling expression in wild-type cells.
These data clearly demonstrate that cDNA array analysis of cystic fibrosis cells can yield useful pharmacogenomic information with significant relevance to both gene and pharmacological therapy. We suggest that this approach may provide a paradigm for genome-based surrogate endpoint testing of CF therapeutics prior to human administration.
Flavonoids are nearly ubiquitous in plants and are recognized as the pigments responsible for the colors of leaves, especially in autumn. They are rich in seeds, citrus fruits, olive oil, tea, and red wine. They are low molecular weight compounds composed of a three-ring structure with various substitutions. This basic structure is shared by tocopherols (vitamin E). Flavonoids can be subdivided according to the presence of an oxy group at position 4, a double bond between carbon atoms 2 and 3, or a hydroxyl group in position 3 of the C (middle) ring. These characteristics appear to also be required for best activity, especially antioxidant and antiproliferative, in the systems studied. The particular hydroxylation pattern of the B ring of the flavonoles increases their activities, especially in inhibition of mast cell secretion. Certain plants and spices containing flavonoids have been used for thousands of years in traditional Eastern medicine. In spite of the voluminous literature available, however, Western medicine has not yet used flavonoids therapeutically, even though their safety record is exceptional. Suggestions are made where such possibilities may be worth pursuing.
In the past few years our understanding of nuclear receptor (NR) action has been dramatically improved. This is due to to advancements in three fields, (i) 3D structure determination, (ii) analysis of the complexes formed between nuclear receptors and co-regulatory molecules, and (iii) the genetic analysis of nuclear receptor signalling by gene "knock out" and "knock in" technologies. The elucidation of the crystal structure of apo-, holo (agonist)- and antagonist-NR ligand-binding domain (LBD) complexes is of outstanding importance for our understanding of the structural principles, in particular of the ligand-induced allosteric alterations, that are at the basis of receptor action. The concomitant identification and functional analysis of co-regulators (TIFs, coactivators and co-repressors) previously predicted from squelching studies have provided the possibility to understand the propagation of the original signal from ligand binding through intramolecular allosteric effects to intermolecular interactions. Recent crystal data of receptor LBD heterodimers and LBD-agonist complexes with nuclear receptor interacting peptides of co-activators have provided molecular insights into receptor dimerization and receptor-coactivator interaction. Finally, analysis of the signalling compexes established over nuclear receptors, assembling enzymatic activities that can alter the acetylation status of chromatin at the promoter regions of target genes and (de)acetylate other transcription regulatory factors paves the way to a comprehension of receptor action at the chromatin level. But much remains to be learnt and the recent studies have pointed towards an enormous complexity of this signalling system. Insights into the mechanistic basis of promyelocytic leukemia and the role of retinoic acid in differentiation therapy have been obtained as a consequence of the above studies, justified the efforts and led to an increasing awareness of the nuclear receptor signalling systems in basic and applied research. Here we will review recent data with the focus on what we have learnt about the interplay between NR structure and function to provide a view of the early steps of nuclear receptor action.
Polygalacturonases (PGs) cleave runs of unesterified GalUA that form homogalacturonan regions along the backbone of pectin. Homogalacturonan-rich pectin is commonly found in the middle lamella region of the wall where two adjacent cells abut and its integrity is important for cell adhesion. Transgenic apple (Malus domestica Borkh. cv Royal Gala) trees were produced that contained additional copies of a fruit-specific apple PG gene under a constitutive promoter. In contrast to previous studies in transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) where PG overexpression had no effect on the plant (K.W. Osteryoung, K. Toenjes, B. Hall, V. Winkler, A.B. Bennett [1990] Plant Cell 2: 1239-1248), PG overexpression in transgenic apple led to a range of novel phenotypes. These phenotypes included silvery colored leaves and premature leaf shedding due to reduced cell adhesion in leaf abscission zones. Mature leaves had malformed and malfunctioning stomata that perturbed water relations and contributed to a brittle leaf phenotype. Chemical and ultrastructural analyses were used to relate the phenotypic changes to pectin changes in the leaf cell walls. The modification of apple trees by a single PG gene has offered a new and unexpected perspective on the role of pectin and cell wall adhesion in leaf morphology and stomatal development.
The growing clinical interest in and use of soybean-based food products or extracts to increase dietary phytoestrogen intake makes the precise composition of the key biologically active ingredients of soybeans, notably genistin and daidzin, of substantial medical interest. Conventional soybeans are increasingly being replaced by genetically modified varieties. We analyzed the phytoestrogen concentrations in two varieties of genetically modified, herbicide-tolerant soybeans and their isogenic conventional counterparts grown under similar conditions. An overall reduction in phytoestrogen levels of 12-14% was observed in the genetically altered soybean strains, mostly attributable to reductions in the concentrations of genistin and, to a lesser extent, in daidzin. Significant sample-to-sample variability in these two phytoestrogens, but not in glycitin, was evident in the genetically altered soybeans. Given the high biological potency of isoflavones and their metabolic conversion products, these data suggest that genetically modified soybeans may be less potent sources of clinically relevant phytoestrogens than their conventional precursors. These observations, if confirmed in other soybean varieties, heighten the importance of establishing baselines of expected isoflavone levels in transgenic and conventional soy products to ensure uniformity of clinical results. Disclosure of the origins and isoflavone composition of soyfood products would be a valuable adjunct to clinical decision-making.
Progressive cerebral deposition of β-amyloid peptide either in blood vessels or around neurites is one of the most important features of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The β-peptide, known as Aβ or A4, is produced by proteolytic cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein (APP). Two APP processing pathways have been proposed as physiological alternatives; only one of which leads to the production of Aβ or amyloidogenic peptides. However, we have little information regarding these processing pathways in the brain, or on whether posttranslational modifications such as glycosylation affect APP processing in vivo. Furthermore, the physiological function(s) of this protein in nervous tissue remains unclear, although modulatory roles in cell adhesion and neuritic extension have been suggested. It has been reported that APP may be glycosylated as a proteoglycan. We purified this APP population from human brain, and our data indicate that PG-APP supports neurite extension of hippocampal neurons. Neurons grown on this substratum showed an increased capacity to elongate neurites and increased neuritic “branching” compared to culture on laminin. These effects were enhanced with PG-APP samples obtained from AD brains. Our results suggest that this APP population may act as a neurite outgrowth and branching promoter and may thus play a role in some pathological conditions. These findings may have significant implications in understanding normal brain development and pathological situations (such as AD). J. Neurosci. Res. 60:87–97, 2000 © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
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