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Selected AbstractsAgricultural Biotechnology and Regime Formation: A Constructivist Assessment of the ProspectsINTERNATIONAL STUDIES QUARTERLY, Issue 4 2002William D. Coleman Controversies surrounding the appropriate use and diffusion of agricultural biotechnologies are giving rise to questions about governance at the international level. This article investigates the likelihood that a single, international regime or multiple regimes governing this technology will form by way of negotiation. We show that four normative,institutional arrangements, organized around distinct general principles, have a potential governance role: world food security and safety, liberalized trade, protection of intellectual property, and conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. We argue that an adequate amount of compatibility between the principles and norms of these arrangements is required to support the type of communicative action or truth,seeking needed to develop the intersubjective understanding for a regime. Using a framework for assessing normative compatibility, we find not one, but two nascent understandings rooted in the trade and biodiversity areas competing to form the foundation for governance. Further analysis of levels of institutional density between the two developing regimes reveals they are presently too low to support a negotiated resolution of normative conflict. Finally, we demonstrate that recent framing attempts at the international level to decrease areas of tension and incompatibility in principles/norms between the regimes have neglected to create the crucial normative background conditions needed to avert a scenario of increased political conflict in the near future. [source] Family support, perceived self-efficacy and self-care behaviour of Turkish patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 8 2007Magfiret Kara Ka Aim., The purpose of this study was to describe family support, self-efficacy perception and self-care behaviour among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and to ascertain the relationship between these variables. Background., It is important to work at improving confidence in the patients' ability to follow a self-care regimen by increasing self-efficacy. Family support also plays an important role in self-care activities. Method and design., The study design is descriptive and correlational. Of 230 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who were recruited for the study, 200 agreed to participate. The patients were recruited by the first author from an outpatient clinic in the Department of Chest Disease of a university hospital and a pulmonary hospital in Erzurum, eastern Turkey. Data were collected by using a demographic data form, the Perceived Social Support from Family Scale, the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Self-efficacy Scale and the Alberto Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Self-care Behaviour Inventory. Results., Although most participants (91·5%) perceived that they had family support and more than three quarters (73·0%) of the participants engaged in an adequate amount of self-care behaviours, only twenty five participants' (12·5%) perceived self-efficacy as high. There were statistically significant positive relationships between family support and self-care behaviour (r = 0·302; p = 0·01) and between self-efficacy and self-care behaviour (r = 0·186; p = 0·01). There was also a statistically significant positive relationship between family support and self-efficacy (r = 0·412; p = 0·01). Conclusion., The results of the study demonstrated weak to moderate, but statistically significant, relationships between family support and self-care behaviours, self-efficacy and self-care behaviour and family support and self-efficacy in Turkish patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Relevance to clinical practice., The assessment of the family support, self-efficacy and self-care behaviours of the patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease should be an essential part of nursing practice. The study also provides the foundation for the conduct of future studies of self-care training for managing patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. [source] PROPERTIES OF IDLI BATTER DURING ITS FERMENTATION TIMEJOURNAL OF FOOD PROCESSING AND PRESERVATION, Issue 1 2007S. BALASUBRAMANIAN ABSTRACT Idli is a traditional fermented rice and black gram-based breakfast food of South India. Idli batter was prepared from soaking polished parboiled rice and decorticated black gram for 4 h at 30 ± 1C in water. The soaked mass was ground to 0.5- to 0.7-mm particle size batter using wet grinder with adequate amount of water. The blend ratios of 2:1, 3:1 and 4:1 (v/v) batter were allowed for fermentation (0, 6, 12, 18 and 24 h) adding 2% of salt. The idli batter parameters viz. bulk density, pH, percent total acidity, flow behavior index and consistency coefficient were studied for different fermentation times and blend ratios. The bulk density, pH and percentage total acidity of batter during different fermentation times and blend ratios ranged between 0.94 and 0.59 g/cm3, 5.9 and 4.1 and 0.443 and 0.910%, respectively. The consistency coefficient at any fermentation time shows increasing trend as the rice to black gram ratio increased. The flow behavior index indicated strong non-Newtonian fluid behavior (pseudoplastic) of idli batter at different fermentation times and blend ratios. [source] Percolated perpendicular medium of FePt-MgO/MgO bilayer films for ultra-high magnetic recordingPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (C) - CURRENT TOPICS IN SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 12 2007An-Cheng Sun Abstract Percolated perpendicular (FePt)100,x -(MgO)x thin films with x = 0,10.07 vol.% were fabricated on glass substrate with MgO(200)underlayer. When the substrate temperature was 580 oC, a significant enhancement in coercivity was observed at 1.23 vol.% of MgO, which was due to the precipitation of MgO in FePt film causing the hindrance in domain wall motion. As the amount of MgO was increased above 1.23 vol.%, the percolated perpendicular structure began to transform into granular perpendicular structure. Meanwhile, the MgO was found to segregate along grain boundaries of FePt grains, leading to the reduction of FePt grain size. As a result the coercivity and ordering parameter became smaller. In this study the percolated perpendicular medium using FePt film with doping adequate amount of MgO has shown possibility to be an efficient method to increase recording density if the film processing conditions are optimized further. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Editing as a psychological practiceTHE JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 3 2006John Beebe Abstract:, The experience of the Jungian analyst in the role of editor of manuscripts by creative colleagues is examined. Historical precedents include Michael Fordham's editorial correspondence with Jung around the latter's synchronicity essay; Jung's handling of manuscripts submitted by Sabina Spielrein to the Jahrbuch für psychoanalytische und psychopathologische Forschungen and various authors to the Zentralblatt für Psychotherapie und ihre Grenzgebiete, and the author's close editing of a paper submitted by Andrew Samuels to the Journal of Analytical Psychology. In addition to mustering an adequate amount of generosity, erudition, and availability, the analytic editor must know how to clarify a psychological argument and to gauge the psychological impact of the written text. Notwithstanding transference/countertransference phenomena that can emerge around issues of competition, envy, and territoriality when author and editor are also fellow-authors working in the same field, the editor needs to be comfortable about serving as the author's selfobject and midwife. From an analytic perspective, although communicating decisions about the best way to put ideas into words can sometimes attract transference to the editor, the more profound transference that analysts experience in the editing situation is toward the text being edited, which helps to motivate donated time spent caring for journal manuscripts. [source] Expression and Purification of ZNF191(243,368) in Three Expression SystemsCHINESE JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY, Issue 11 2007Dong-Xin ZHAO Abstract ZNF191(243,368), a new human zinc finger protein, probably relates to some hereditary diseases and cancers. To obtain adequate amount of ZNF191(243,368) for the study of its property, structure and function, three different expression systems of inclusion-body, glutathione S-transferase (GST), and hexahistidine (6×His) were used and compared. Among these systems, the expression level of ZNF191(243,368) was increased in inclusion body system under a higher isopropylthio- , - D -galactoside (IPTG) concentration, but the non-target proteins were also increased more, which made its purification more difficult and the yield lower. The expression of His-tag fusion protein was almost not affected by IPTG concentration, temperature and inducing time. At a high IPTG concentration the highest expression yield for GST fusion protein was obtained. And the fusion proteins can be partially purified by a single affinity chromatography step. The fusion protein systems show advantages for expression of these proteins. [source] Incision design in implant dentistry based on vascularization of the mucosaCLINICAL ORAL IMPLANTS RESEARCH, Issue 5 2005Johannes Kleinheinz Abstract Objectives: The delivery of an adequate amount of blood to the tissue capillaries for normal functioning of the organ is the primary purpose of the vascular system. Preserving the viability of the soft tissue segment depends on the soft tissue incision being properly designed in order to prevent impairment of the circulation. A knowledge of the course of the vessels as well as of their supply area are crucial to the decision of the incision. The aim of this study was to visualize the course of the arteries using different techniques, to perform macroscopic- and microscopic analyses, and to develop recommendations for incisions in implant dentistry. Material and methods: The vascular systems of seven edentulous human cadavers were flushed out and filled with either red-colored rubber bond or Indian ink and formalin mixture. After fixation a macroscopic preparation was performed to reveal the course, distribution and supply area of the major vessels. In the area of the edentulous alveolar ridge specimens of the mucosa were taken and analyzed microscopically. Results: The analyses revealed the major features of mucosal vascularization. The main course of the supplying arteries is from posterior to anterior, main vessels run parallel to the alveolar ridge in the vestibulum and the crestal area of the edentulous alveolar ridge is covered by a avascular zone with no anastomoses crossing the alveolar ridge. Conclusion: The results suggest midline incisions on the alveolar ridge, marginal incisions in dentated areas, releasing incisions only at the anterior border of the entire incision line, and avoidance of incisions crossing the alveolar ridge. Résumé Fournir une quantité adéquate de sang aux capillaires pour un fonctionnement normal de l'organe est le but premier du système vasculaire. Préserver la viabilité du segment de tissu mou dépend de l'incision du tissu mou qui doit être effectuée de manière précise pour prévenir la détérioration de la circulation. Une connaissance de géographie des vaisseaux ainsi que de leurs aires de réserve sont essentiels pour la décision de l'incision. Le but de cette étude a été de visualiser les artères en utilisant différentes techniques afin d'effectuer des analyses tant macro- que microscopiques et pour developper des recommandations pour les incisions lors de la pose d'implants dentaires. Les systèmes vasculaires de sept cadavres humains édentés ont été vidés et remplis avec soit de l'encre de Chine ou une solution rouge et du formol. Après fixation une préparation macroscopique a été effectuée pour mettre en évidence le cours, la distribution et l'aire de réserve des principaux vaisseaux. Dans la zone du rebord alvéoaire édenté des spécimens des muqueuses ont été prélevés et analysés microscopiquement. Les analyses ont mis en évidence les principaux caractères de la vascularisation de la muqueuse. Le cours principal des artères converge de l'arrière vers l'avant, les vaisseaux principaux courent parallèlement au rebord alvéolaire dans le vestibule et l'aire crestale des rebords alvéolaires édentés et sont couverts par une zone non-vascularisée sans anastomose traversant le rebord alvéolaire. Ces résultats suggèrent donc des incisions au milieu de la ligne du rebord alvéolaire, des incisions marginales dans les zones dentées, des incisions d'accès seulement dans la frontière antérieure de la ligne d'incision générale et l'abstention d'incision traversant la crête alvéolaire. Zusammenfassung Ziele: Das erste Ziel des Gefässsystems ist es, eine adäquate Menge Blut zu den Kapillaren zu führen, um eine normale Funktion des Organs zu gewährleisten. Der Erhalt der Lebensfähigkeit des Weichteilsegments hängt von der Weichgewebsinzision ab, welche sauber gestaltet sein sollte, um die Zirkulation nicht zu beeinträchtigen. Die Kenntnis des Verlaufs und der Versorgungsgebiete der Gefässe ist für die Wahl der Inzision entscheidend. Das Ziel dieser Studie war, den Verlauf der Arterien mittels verschiedener Techniken sichtbar zu machen, um makroskopische und mikroskopische Analysen durchführen zu können und um Empfehlungen für Inzisionen in der oralen Implantatchirurgie zu entwickeln. Material und Methoden: Das Gefässsystem von 7 zahnlosen menschlichen Kadavern wurde ausgespült und entweder mit rot gefärbter Gummiflüssigkeit oder mit indischer Tinte und einer Formalinmixtur aufgefüllt. Nach der Fixierung wurde eine makroskopische Präparation durchgeführt, um den Verlauf, die Verteilung und die Versorgungsgebiete der grossen Gefässe aufzuzeigen. Im Bereich des zahnlosen Alveolarkammes wurden Proben der Mukosa entnommen und mikroskopisch analysiert. Resultate: Die Analysen zeigten die generellen Eigenschaften der Vaskularisation von Schleimhäuten. Die Hauptrichtung der versorgenden Gefässe verläuft von posterior nach anterior, die Hauptgefässe liegen parallel zum Alveolarkamm im Vestibulum und die Kammregion des zahnlosen Alveolarkammes wird durch eine avaskuläre Zone ohne den Alveolarkamm überkreuzende Anastomosen bedeckt. Schlussfolgerung: Aufgrund der Resultate werden Inzisionen im Bereich der Kammmitte des zahnlosen Alveolarkammes und marginale Inzisionen im bezahnten Bereich vorgeschlagen. Entlastungsschnitte sollten nur an der anterioren Grenze der gesamten Inzisionslinie gelegt werden. Inzisionen, welche den Alveolarkamm überkreuzen, sollten vermieden werden. Resumen Objetivos: El suministro de una cantidad adecuada de sangre a los capilares tisulares para el funcionamiento normal de un órgano es el propósito primario del sistema vascular. La preservación de la viabilidad del segmento de tejido blando depende en la incisión del tejido blando que debe estar debidamente diseñada en orden a prevenir mermas en la circulación. Un conocimiento del curso de los vasos al igual que del área de suministro es crucial para la decisión de la incisión. La intención de este estudio fue visualizar el curso de las arterias usando diferentes técnicas, para realizar análisis macro- y microscópicos, y desarrollar recomendaciones para incisiones en odontología de implantes. Material y métodos: Se vaciaron los sistemas vasculares de 7 cadáveres humanos edéntulos y rellenados con pegamento de goma de color rojo o con una mezcla de tinta india y formalina. Tras la fijación se llevó a cabo una preparación macroscópica para revelar el curso, distribución y área de suministro de los vasos principales. En el área de la cresta alveolar edéntula se tomaron especímenes y se analizaron microscópicamente. Resultados: Los análisis revelaron las principales características de la vascularización mucosa. El curso principal de las arterias de suministro as desde posterior a anterior, los vasos principales corren paralelos a la cresta alveolar en el vestíbulo y el área crestal de la cresta alveolar esta cubierta por una zona avascular sin anastomosis que crucen la cresta alveolar. Conclusión: Los resultados sugieren incisiones en la cresta alveolar, incisiones marginales en áreas dentadas, incisiones liberadoras solo en el borde anterior de la línea completa de incisión, y evitar las incisiones que crucen la cresta alveolar. [source] Thiazolidinediones and the preservation of ,-cell function, cellular proliferation and apoptosisDIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM, Issue 8 2008Michael Decker The thiazolidinediones (TZDs) or glitazones are pharmaceutical agents that have profound effects on energy expenditure and conservation. They also exert significant anti-inflammatory effects and influence cell proliferation and cell death. The drugs are primarily used in clinical practice in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, a disorder of insulin resistance that occurs when the pancreatic ,-cells are unable to produce adequate amounts of insulin to maintain euglycaemia. Loss of pancreatic ,-cell function in type 2 diabetes is progressive and often precedes overt diabetes by 10 years or more, as was shown by the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study. Any therapeutic or preventive approach that would limit or reverse loss of ,-cell function in diabetes would have profound effects on the morbidity associated with this widespread disease. Evidence suggesting a potential role of TZDs in preserving ,-cell function in type 2 diabetes as well as the ability of these agents to exert anti-inflammatory and proapoptotic anticancer effects, and their ability to promote cellular proliferation in various organs is reviewed. [source] Selenium Deficiency Associated with Cardiomyopathy: A Complication of the Ketogenic DietEPILEPSIA, Issue 4 2003A. G. Christina Bergqvist Summary: ,Purpose: The ketogenic diet (KD) is an efficacious treatment for intractable epilepsy, associated with infrequent side effects. The KD is known to be deficient in most vitamins and minerals and may be deficient in trace minerals. We report biochemical selenium deficiency in nine patients on the KD, including one who developed cardiomyopathy. Methods: A whole-blood selenium level was obtained on the symptomatic patient after noting the patient's poor appearance on physical examination. Children already treated and children beginning the KD were then evaluated prospectively for selenium status by measuring whole-blood or serum selenium as part of routine laboratory evaluation every 3 months. Results: The index case had no detectable whole-blood selenium. Cardiac physical examination and ECG were normal, but the echocardiogram revealed cardiomyopathy. Thirty-nine additional children had the selenium status evaluated. Eight had selenium levels below the normal range (six initially, and two developed low selenium levels on serial testing). They were referred for cardiology evaluations, which were normal. Selenium supplementation improved levels in all children. Low levels were seen in some children after only a few months of treatment. Conclusions: The nutrient adequacy of the currently used KD has not been fully evaluated. The nutrient content of KD with usual supplements may not meet Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for selenium and may not provide other trace minerals in adequate amounts. At our center, selenium deficiency was found in 20% of the patients evaluated. Screening for selenium deficiency is suggested if the patient KD regimen does not meet ,75% of the RDA or if the child is symptomatic. Nutrient supplementation should provide adequate trace elements for children treated with the KD. The KD requires close monitoring of the overall nutritional status. [source] Safety and supply of haemophilia products: worldwide perspectivesHAEMOPHILIA, Issue 4 2004A. Farrugia Summary., The survival and well-being of people with haemophilia depends on the supply of safe therapeutic products. Safety and supply are entirely intertwined principles; in the absence of adequate amounts of coagulation products, safety measures may be compromised in order to enhance supply, leading to risks which may result in morbidity and mortality. As haemophilia therapy has emerged through the development of blood transfusion and plasma fractionation, the safety of the blood supply in general has had a strong effect on haemophilia care. Despite the gradual detachment of haemophilia care from blood transfusion through the use of recombinant products, the majority of the world's population with haemophilia in the developing world will be reliant on blood products for the foreseeable future. It is, therefore, important to continue efforts for a safe and sufficient blood supply worldwide. As such a blood supply develops, possibly in tandem with an independent plasma fractionation industry, the level of haemophilia care should improve with the gradual introduction of concentrates for the ultimate goal of covering all aspects of care. Constant vigilance for the threat of blood-borne pathogens should be linked to considerations of how these products are to be manufactured. This should be governed entirely by considerations of safety and pharmaceutical competence. Of equal importance is a governmental capacity to oversee the entry and maintenance of these products on the market. While it is not possible for all countries to have a regulatory authority of the same status as that of the developed countries, it is perfectly feasible to develop a set of basic principles which allow an assessment of basic product safety, quality and efficacy to be made. [source] Drainage and salinity assessment in the Huinong Canal Irrigation District, Ningxia, China,IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE, Issue 2 2005Peter Hollanders irrigation; drainage; salinisation; développement durable Abstract In the Huinong Canal Irrigation District, Ningxia, China, annually almost half of the amount of irrigation water, which is supplied from the Yellow River, is drained back to the river through an open drainage system. Waterlogging and salinization occur in parts of the irrigated area and part of the water drains to the surrounding desert. While 85,90% of inflow to the area is irrigation water there are good possibilities for water saving. To analyse water movement at field level and resulting drainage needs, from autumn 1998 until spring 2001 observations were made in two experimental areas: Pingluo and Huinong. The data were used for the calibration and validation of three computer models: SWAP, MODFLOW and DUFLOW. Different scenarios of water and salt behaviour in the unsaturated and saturated zone were simulated, as well as the flow through one of the main drains. The effects of various irrigation amounts and groundwater tables on crop growth, percolation and drainage needs were analysed. The present average irrigation water application during the growing season is 630,mm. On average 15% of the supplied water (665 million m3,yr,1) remains in the area. This is mainly irrigation water that was not used by the crops and did not reach the drainage system. It was found that an irrigation level of 75% of the present practice with a groundwater table of 1.0,m below the surface during the growing season gave the best results. Under such a practice the soil salinity will fluctuate around 3,3.5,dS,m,1, resulting in a good growth of wheat and a yield reduction for maize of about 20%. When adequate amounts of irrigation water are supplied in combination with local drainage improvements, the areas with middle and low-yielding crops can be reduced, as well as the area of wasteland. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Annuellement presque la moitié de la quantité d'eau d'irrigation dans le district d'irrigation du canal Huinong, Ningxia, Chine, alimenté par la Rivière Jaune, est retournée à la rivière par un système de drainage à ciel ouvert. Des cas de saturation d'eau et de salinisation surgissent dans certaines parties de la zone irriguée et une partie de l'eau suinte vers le désert environnant. Comme 85,90% de l'entrée de l'eau dans la zone est de l'eau d'irrigation il y a de bonnes possibilités pour économiser de l'eau. Pour analyser la circulation de l'eau au niveau du champ et la nécessité de drainage des observations ont été effectuées pendant la période d'automne 1998 jusqu'au printemps 2001 dans deux zones expérimentales, Pingluo et Huinong. Les données rassemblées ont servi pour le calibrage et la validation de trois modèles informatiques: SWAP, MODFLOW et DUFLOW. Ces modèles ont été employés pour simuler plusieurs scénarios de comportement de l'eau et du sel dans la zone non saturée et dans la zone saturée tout comme l'écoulement par un des tuyaux d'écoulement principaux: le cinquième tuyau d'écoulement. L'effet de l'apport de différentes quantités d'eau d'irrigation, de différents niveaux de la nappe phréatique sur la croissance des cultures, la percolation et la nécessité de drainage a été analysé. L'actuel apport d'eau d'irrigation est de 630,mm en moyenne pendant la saison de croissance. Quinze pour cent en moyenne de l'eau fournie (665 millions m3/année) reste dans la zone, principalement de l'eau d'irrigation qui n'a pas servi aux cultures et qui n'a pas atteint le système de drainage. Un niveau d'irrigation représentant 75% des valeurs actuelles et une surface de la nappe phréatique de 1.0,m sous la surface donnent les meilleurs résultats pendant la saison de croissance. De tels apports entretiennent une salinisation du sol qui fluctuera entre environ 3 et 3.5,dS,m,1, donnant un bon résultat de la croissance du blé et une diminution du rendement pour le maïs d'environ 20%. Lorsque l'alimentation par des quantités adéquates d'eau d'irrigation sera assurée en combinaison avec des améliorations du drainage local, la zone donnant des récoltes moyennes et basses peut être réduite ainsi que les zones incultes. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Probiotics and health: a review of the evidenceNUTRITION BULLETIN, Issue 4 2009E. Weichselbaum Summary Probiotics are live microorganisms , mainly bacteria , which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host. There is rising interest in this area, but reports in the media are often conflicting. The aim of this review is to consider the current evidence on the effects of probiotics on health, focusing on gut-related health issues and the immune system, with the objective to provide a clearer picture of whether and how probiotics can be beneficial for health. The outcomes of this review are based on more than 100 original studies, meta-analyses and systematic reviews. A variety of different strains have been used in studies on probiotics, and it is important to remember that the effectiveness of probiotics is strain-specific, which means that each single probiotic strain has to be tested to assess its potential health benefits. Overall, despite the diversity of strains used in the studies included in this review, there is evidence that probiotics have the potential to be beneficial for our health. Studies in patients with inflammatory bowel disease show probiotic strains to be able to decrease the recurrence of ulcerative colitis and occurrence and recurrence of pouchitis, however, current evidence suggests that probiotics are ineffective in treating patients with Crohn's disease. Patients with irritable bowel syndrome show a reduction in symptoms when treated with selected probiotic strains, but high placebo effects have been reported as well. The evidence of the efficacy of probiotics in patients suffering from constipation is limited, but the evidence seems promising for some strains to bring relief to patients suffering from constipation. There is good evidence that a number of probiotic strains are effective in preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. The most commonly studied strains are Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and Saccharomyces boulardii, but other strains and mixtures of strains seem to be effective as well. There is also promising evidence of a preventive effect of probiotics in Clostridium difficile -associated diarrhoea, although some studies have been too small to obtain statistically significant findings. The effect of probiotics in acute diarrhoea, particularly in children, is well studied. Selected probiotic strains seem to be effective in reducing the duration of acute diarrhoea. LGG and S. boulardii are again the most commonly used strains and a number of studies have shown them to be effective, although one meta-analysis showed that the effect of LGG was only significant in children in Western countries, not in children in developing countries, which may be due to different causes of diarrhoea in these regions. Studies investigating the preventive effect of probiotics in the context of common cold and flu infections show that the studied strains failed to lower the incidence of episodes but that they have the potential to decrease the duration of episodes, which suggests that the immune system may be more efficient in fighting off common cold and flu infections after consuming these strains. The evidence so far does not suggest that probiotics are effective in preventing or treating allergies or in treating eczema. However, some probiotic strains seem to lower the risk of developing eczema if taken by pregnant women and their infants in early life. [source] | |||||||||||||