Search

Summary: Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants are cold‐sensitive, and the fruit are susceptible to postharvest chilling injury when stored at low temperature. However, the mechanisms underlying cold stress responses in tomato are poorly understood. We demonstrate that SlGRAS4, encoding a transcription factor induced by low temperature, promotes chilling tolerance in tomato leaves and fruit. Combined genome‐wide ChIP‐seq and RNA‐seq approaches identified among cold stress‐associated genes those being direct targets of SlGRAS4 and protein studies revealed that SlGRAS4 forms a homodimer to self‐activate its own promoter. SlGRAS4 can also directly bind tomato SlCBF promoters to activate their transcription without inducing any growth retardation. The study identifies the SlGRAS4‐regulon as a new cold response pathway conferring cold stress tolerance in tomato independently of the ICE1‐CBF pathway. This provides new track for breeding strategies aiming to improve chilling tolerance of cultivated tomatoes and to preserve sensory qualities of tomato fruit often deteriorated by storage at low temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the link between fat detection threshold, the intensity of fat perception and weight status in young adult Algerian population. From 106 recruited young adults (aged 20 to 34), 80 were eligible to participate in the study. Weight, height and waist circumference were measured. According to oleic acid sensitivity (OA), individuals were classified as hyposensitive > 0.75 mM and hypersensitive < 0.75 mM. The fat ranking task consisted of ranking cheese samples in order of perceived ascending fat concentration and the participant received score out of five. The intensity of fat perception was evaluated using gLMS scale. Statistical analysis was performed with StatView. In total, 38.8% of adults were overweight and 61.2% had a normal weight. In women, detection thresholds for OA increased with BMI (P = 0.0085) and with waist circumference (P = 0.043). Overweight subjects were the least sensitive to OA compared to normal weight subjects (61.3% vs. 38.8%; P = 0.04). Lower sensitivity was associated to lower perception intensity (P = 0.01). The increase of fat identification scores was associated to better intensity perception (P = 0.04). Our findings from the present study confirmed the relation between detection threshold of OA and weight status of young Algerian adults. Overweight subjects were the least sensitive to OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare cancer with poor survival. We sought to identify prognostic factors and assess its clinical utility in postoperative management of nonmetastatic ACC. Methods: We included 65 patients who underwent adrenalectomy and clinicopathological diagnosed as European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumors (ENSAT) stage I–III ACC in our center from 2009 to 2017. Potential clinicopathological parameters were selected. The prognostic correlation, including overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS), was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier method and univariate and multivariate Cox model. Results: The 2-year and 5-year post-surgery survival rate were 54.6% (95%CI: 42.5–70.1%) and 33.5% (95%CI: 22.3–50.6%), respectively. 46 (70.8%) cases were symptomatic ACC. Tumor-related or hormone-related symptom was identified as independent prognostic factor in OS (HR = 5.5, 95%CI: 1.87–16.16) and RFS (HR = 3.62, 95%CI: 1.28–10.24). Higher tumor grade (Weiss score > 6 or Ki67 index ≥ 20%) was independently associated with poor OS (HR = 4.73, 95%CI: 2.15–10.43). R status (R1/R2/Rx) was independently correlated with worse RFS (HR = 2.56, 95%CI:1.21–5.43). Accordingly, patients with higher GRAS (Grade, R status, age, and symptoms) score were more likely to have poor prognosis (OS: HR = 2.7, 95%CI: 1.43–5.11 and RFS: HR = 3.31, 95%CI: 1.68–6.52, respectively). Conclusions: Symptoms, higher tumor grade and positive/unknown R status were independent risk factors in stage I–III ACC. Comprehensive consideration of GRAS parameters may optimize the prognostic assessment for postoperative patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Streptomyces rapamycinicus HCD1–10 effectively combats Monilinia fructicola infection. • HCD1–10 disrupts Monilinia fructicola mycelium and releases cellular contents. • HCD1–10 triggers the auxin signaling pathway to suppress peach brown rot. Monilinia spp. causing brown rot are fungal pathogens producing severe losses in worldwide stone fruit production, with high economic relevance (M€ 1.7/year). There are three main fungal species: Monilinia laxa, M. fructigena and M. fructicola. The pathogen infects aerial parts of host plants with a variety of symptoms, including blighting of blossoms, cankers on woody tissues and rotting of fruits, although the prevalent fruit losses are in the postharvest phase. Fungicide sprays in pre- and postharvest periods are usually used to control Monilinia spp. but, in Europe, no fungicide fruit treatments are allowed after harvest. Many studies conducted in recent years have defined three main research fields within the alternative methods for postharvest brown rot control: (1) biological control sensu strictum with microbial antagonists; (2) use of natural bioactive compounds; and (3) use of physicochemical methods. Although the reviewed results have reported a significant reduction of pesticide use, a multidisciplinary approach is recommended in the future, where biological products will be combined with low-risk chemical fungicides, natural antimicrobial substances and other physical means for an integrated strategy to control brown rot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) is a widely grown vegetable crop that is nutritious and flavorful and economically important for growers worldwide. A significant limiting factor in the postharvest storage and long-distance transport of peppers is gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea. The pathogen is widespread in nature, highly aggressive, and able to cause disease at cool refrigerated temperatures during transport and storage. Fungicides have been relied on in the past to reduce bell pepper rots in storage; however, concern over residues on the fruit and environmental degradation have heightened the importance of natural and generally recognized as safe (GRAS) solutions that effectively limit disease. Essential oils, plant extracts, inorganic chemicals, biocontrols, defense activators, hot water treatments, and modified storage conditions have been tested to reduce losses from gray mold. Despite significant amounts of research on natural methods of control of B. cinerea postharvest, research specific to gray mold in peppers is limited. The objective of this review is to summarize the research conducted with environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical fungicides to control this important pathogen of peppers postharvest. To ensure a steady supply of healthy and nutritious produce, more research is needed on the development, use, and application of non-hazardous Botrytis control methods. Until an effective solution is found, using a combined approach including environmental controls, sanitation, and GRAS products remain paramount to limit Botrytis fruit rot of peppers postharvest.

Several nutraceutical products require gastric protection against the hostile environment in the stomach. Currently marketed synthetic and semi-synthetic coatings suffer from major shortcomings such as poor gastric protection, slow-release response to pH change, and the use of artificial ingredients. The challenge of coating natural products is further exacerbated by the relatively high gastric pH in the fed state. In this work, a novel natural enteric coating is presented as a breakthrough alternative to current solutions. Two coating systems were devised: (i) a triple-layer coating that comprises a wax layer embedded between two alginate-based coatings, and (ii) a double-layer coating, where an overcoat of organic acids (fumaric or citric acid) is applied to an alginate-based coating. The multi-layer architecture did not impact the pH-responsive nature of the coating even when more biologically relevant Krebs bicarbonate buffer of lower buffer capacity was used. Interestingly, the gastric protection barrier of organic acid-based coating remained resistant at elevated gastric pH 2, 3, or 4 for 2 h. This is the first report of using an alginate-based coating to provide gastric protection against fed-state stomach conditions (pH 2–4). Being biodegradable, naturally occurring, and with no limit on daily intake, the reported novel coating provides a superior platform to current coating solutions for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products.

Résumé Introduction. Le goût est une modalité sensorielle chimique qui permet d'apprécier les saveurs d'une substance ingérée. Il joue un rôle essentiel dans la sélection des aliments. Objectif. Déterminer le niveau de sensibilité gustative aux goûts gras, sucré, salé et amer, à travers les préférences alimentaires et étudier le lien possible avec l’état pondéral. Matériel et méthodes. L’étude a porté sur 210 jeunes adultes (F/H, 157/53) âgés de 18 à 30 ans. Les mesures anthropométriques concernent le poids et la taille. Le questionnaire utilisé a permis l'évaluation des préférences alimentaires en relation avec différentes saveurs. Le niveau de sensibilité est estimé à partir des scores moyens de préférence attribués à chaque groupe d’aliments apportant le goût étudié. L’analyse statistique est réalisée avec le logiciel StatView. Résultats. Notre population compte 45,7% de sujets en surpoids dont 20% d’obèses. Le pourcentage du surpoids est plus élevé chez les femmes que chez les hommes (p=0,04). Une relation significative est trouvée entre la préférence au gras rajouté et l’état pondéral des adultes (p=0,0003). Aucune différence significative n’est trouvée entre le niveau de préférence ou de sensibilité pour les aliments sucrés, salés ou amers et l’état pondéral des adultes. Conclusion. Les adultes en surpoids présentent le niveau de préférence le plus faible et sont les moins sensibles par rapport au gras rajouté, ce qui peut influencer l’état pondéral par une consommation excessive d’aliments riches en gras. [ Abstract Introduction. Taste is a chemical sensory modality allowing to appreciate the flavors of an ingested substance. It plays an essential role in food choice. Objective. To define the level of taste sensitivity to fatty, sweet, salty and bitter tastes through food preferences and to study the possible link with weight status. Material and methods. The study focused on 210 young adults (W/M, 157/53) aged from 18 to 30 years. Anthropometric measures were weight and height. The questionnaire allowed the evaluation of food preferences in relation with different flavors. The level of sensitivity was estimated from the mean scores of preference assigned to each group of food providing the studied taste. Statistical analysis was performed with the StatView software. Results. Our population had 45.7% of overweight, 20% of them were obese. The percentage of overweight was higher in women than in men (p=0.04). A significant relationship was found between the preference of added fat and the adult weight status (p=0.0003). No significant difference was found between the preference level or sensitivity for food providing sweet, salty or bitter tastes and the weight status. Conclusion. Overweight adults have the lowest preference level and are the least sensitive to added fat, which can influence body weight through excessive consumption of high fat foods.]

Since OceanObs’09, the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) has evolved from its traditional focus on the ocean’s role in global climate. GOOS now also encompasses operational services and marine ecosystem health, from the open ocean into coastal environments where much of the world’s population resides. This has opened a field of opportunity for new collaborations—across regions, communities, and technologies—facilitating enhanced engagement in the global ocean observing enterprise to benefit all nations. Enhancement of collaboration is considered from the perspectives of regional alliances, global networks, national systems, in situ observing, remote sensing, oceanography, and meteorology. Reinvigoration of GOOS Regional Alliances has been important in connecting the power of this expanded remit to the needs of coastal populations and the capabilities of regional and national marine science communities. An assessment of progress is provided, including issues/challenges with the current structure, and opportunities to increase participation and impact. Meeting the expanded requirements of GOOS will entail new system networks. The Joint Technical Commission for Oceanography and Marine Meteorology Observations Coordination Group has been working with some communities to help assess their readiness, including high frequency radars, ocean gliders, and animal tracking. Much more needs to be done, with a range of strategies considered. Other opportunities include partnering with programs such as the Global Ocean Acidification Observing Network, engaging with mature and emerging national ocean observing programs, and learning from multinational projects such as Tropical Pacific Observing System 2020 and AtlantOS, which are bringing renewed rigor to the design and operation of regional observing systems. Consideration is given to the expansion and advancement that is coming in both in situ and remote sensing ocean observation platforms over the next decade. In combination they provide the potential to measure new Essential Ocean Variables routinely at global scale. Opportunities provided by the World Meteorological Organization Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS) in fostering a comprehensive and integrated approach across meteorology and oceanography are also considered. The focus of WIGOS on providing accurate, reliable and timely weather, climate, and related environmental observations and products sits well with the expanded requirements of GOOS, in climate, operational services, and marine ecosystem health.

Recently, several plant-made recombinant proteins received favorable regulatory review as food antibacterials in the United States through the Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) regulatory procedure, and applications for others are pending. These food antimicrobials, along with approved biopharmaceuticals and vaccines, represent new classes of products manufactured in green plants as production hosts. We present results of new research and development and summarize regulatory, economic and business aspects of the antibacterial proteins colicins and salmocins as new food processing aids.

Nanotechnology introduced as a novel ambidextrous way in medical treatment. Nanotechnology is the study of super-small structures. The potential to integrate drugs in Nano carriers provides a new drug delivery technology that could be used for drug targeting. Solid lipid nanoparticles therefore hold great promise to achieve the goal of safe and site-specific delivery of drugs and thus attracted broad attention of researchers. From last two decades, SLN have been captured the focus towards the cancer treatment. Nanoparticles were designed to increase their diffusion time in the bloodstream for optimum size and surface properties to enhance the bio distribution of cancer medications. This article reviews different aspects of SLNs including structure, composition, advantages and method of preparation and characterization of SLNs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grain size is an important factor in rice yield. Several genes related to grain size have been reported, but most of them are determined by quantitative trail loci (QTL) traits. Gene D26 is a novel site mutation of OsGRAS19 and involved in the brassinosteroid (BR) signalling pathway. However, whether D26 is involved in the process of rice reproductive development remains unclear. Here, gene cloning and functional analysis revealed that D26 has an obvious regulatory effect on grain size. Overexpression or CRISP/Cas9 mutant of D26 also showed that grain size was positively influenced. Cellular analyses show that D26 modulates grain size by promoting cell division and regulating the cell number in the upper epidermis of the glume. The overexpression results further suggest that the level of D26 expression positively impacts grain length and leaf angles and that the expression of several known grain size genes is involved in the regulation. Based on our results, D26 , as a transcription factor, effectively improves rice grain shape. Grain size and shape are one of the most important components of grain yield in rice. D26 was cloned and identified as a positive regulator of grain size and shape through overexpression and CRISP/Cas9 editing. The functional characterisation of D26 suggests that D26 may be a potential tool for improving grain yield in crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An internal charging (IC) analysis of the active measurement box of electrostatic risk (AMBER) instrument onboard Jason-3 in polar earth orbit (PEO) has been performed with a new dedicated modeling chain. The ExtendeD Gdml Editor (EDGE) application is in charge of the definition of the computer-aided design (CAD) model. The Modelling Of Radiation (MoORa) front end helps to configure, control, and postprocess the ESA/GRAS Monte Carlo simulation based on Geant4 to model the transport of space radiation environment. Finally, using the radiation results, the IC analysis, including internal electric fields and risk of discharge, is performed with the Spacecraft Plasma Interaction Software (SPIS)-IC 3-D time-dependent simulation code. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, several plant-made recombinant proteins received favorable regulatory review as food antibacterials in the United States through the Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) regulatory procedure, and applications for others are pending. These food antimicrobials, along with approved biopharmaceuticals and vaccines, represent new classes of products manufactured in green plants as production hosts. We present results of new research and development and summarize regulatory, economic and business aspects of the antibacterial proteins colicins and salmocins as new food processing aids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A battery of toxicological studies was conducted to aid in the safety assessment of an ethanolic extract of Ageratum conyzoides for use as an ingredient in food. In accordance with internationally accepted standards, a bacterial reverse mutation test, an in vitro mammalian chromosomal aberration test, an in vivo mammalian micronucleus test, and a 90-day repeated-dose oral toxicity study in rats were performed. In the first three applied test systems, no evidence of mutagenicity, clastogenicity or genotoxicity was revealed. Ageratum conyzoides did not cause mortality or toxic changes in Hsd.Han Wistar rats in the 90-day repeated dose oral (gavage) toxicity study at doses of 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg bw/d. The NOAEL was determined to be 2000 mg/kg bw/d for both male and female rats, the highest dose tested. Highlights • No evidence of mutagenicity, clastogenicity or genotoxicity was revealed in a battery of toxicological tests. • The no observed adverse effect level was the highest dose tested in a subchronic repeated-dose oral toxicity study in rats. • Results contrast with published research on extracts of Ageratum conyzoides containing the naturally occurring alkaloids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field evaluations of the efficiency of wheat genotypes and weed management treatments (pyroxsulam, isoproturon+diflufenican, mesosulfuron-methyl, hand weeding and control) and their interactive effects on wheat yield and associated weeds were performed during two successive seasons (2014/2015 and 2015/2016) at the agricultural experimental station of the National Research Centre, Nubaria, Egypt. Results showed that Gemmeiza-9 cultivar recorded the lowest values regarding dry weights of broadleaved, narrow-leaved and total weeds. Also, isoproturon+diflufenican achieved the maximum weed depression expressed in lowest dry material of broadleaved, narrow-leaved and whole weeds. The Gemmeiza-9 cultivar had the greatest plant height, number of spikes per m2, 1000 grains' weight, and grain and straw yields per hectare. Moreover, the maximum values of the yield parameter were obtained from isoproturon+diflufenican application, followed by pyroxsulam and mesosulfuron-methyl. Application of isoproturon+diflufenican led to considerable anatomical effects on the leaves of either wheat or its associated weeds. In general, herbicide treatments caused a cell wall thickening and reduction in leaf and midrib thickness either in wheat or its associated weeds. Post-emergence herbicides (isoproturon+diflufenican) integrated with the Gemmeiza-9 genotype gave the highest values of productivity of wheat under sandy soil conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In 2015, the Expert Panel of the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA) initiated a re-evaluation of the safety of over 250 natural flavor complexes (NFCs) used as flavoring ingredients. This publication is the first in a series and summarizes the evaluation of 54 Citrus -derived NFCs using the procedure outlined in Smith et al. (2005) and updated in Cohen et al. (2018) to evaluate the safety of naturally-occurring mixtures for their intended use as flavoring ingredients. The procedure relies on a complete chemical characterization of each NFC intended for commerce and organization of each NFC's chemical constituents into well-defined congeneric groups. The safety of the NFC is evaluated using the well-established and conservative threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) concept in addition to data on absorption, metabolism and toxicology of members of the congeneric groups and the NFC under evaluation. As a result of the application of the procedure, 54 natural flavor complexes derived from botanicals of the Citrus genus were affirmed as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) under their conditions of intended use as flavoring ingredients based on an evaluation of each NFC and the constituents and congeneric groups therein. Highlights • Safety evaluation of Citrus -derived flavoring ingredients. • Evaluation used procedure for naturals developed by the FEMA Expert Panel. • FEMA GRAS status determined/affirmed for 54 Citrus -derived natural flavor complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Heading date is an important agronomic trait affecting crop yield. The GRAS protein family is a plant‐specific super family extensively involved in plant growth and signal transduction. However, GRAS proteins are rarely reported have a role in regulating rice heading date. Here, we report a GRAS protein DHD1 (Delayed Heading Date1) delays heading and enhances yield in rice. Biochemical assays showed DHD1 physically interacts with OsHAP5C/D both in vitro and in vivo. DHD1 and OsHAP5C/D located in the nucleus and showed that rhythmic expression. Both DHD1 and OsHAP5C/D affect heading date by regulating expression of Ehd1. We propose that DHD1 interacts with OsHAP5C/D to delay heading date by inhibiting expression of Ehd1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GRAS (GAI, RGA and SCR) domain proteins are plant-specific transcriptional regulators that play roles in developmental processes and stress responses. However, the function and molecular regulatory networks of woody plant GRAS under various physiological conditions are still unclear. As a step toward understanding the GRAS function in plants under diverse environmental stimuli, a total of 12 GRAS genes from Tamarix hispida were identified and characterized. Sequence analysis showed that most of these ThGRASs contained a complete GRAS DNA-binding domain and a variable N-terminal region. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these GRAS members were divided into PAT1, SHR, LISCL, DLT and DELLA groups. The expressions of each individual GRAS under various abiotic stress conditions or hormone treatments were investigated by real-time quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). qRT-PCR results showed that these ThGRASs were all differentially expressed in the roots or leaves of T. hispida under abiotic stress and hormone treatment, especially ThGRAS3, ThGRAS5, ThGRAS6, ThGRAS7 and ThGRAS10 genes, indicating that these genes were involved in abiotic stress responses and signaling pathways. This study provides a basis for the elucidation of the function of GRAS genes for future works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, the transformation activity of the food industry results in the generation of a huge amount of daily discarded vegetables wastes. One of those undervalued by-products are produced during the post-harvesting and processing process of artichokes. In the present research, the potential of artichokes’ bracts and stalks have been evaluated as a natural source of phenolic compounds which could be used as bioactive food ingredients, among others. In this study, the bioactive composition of those wastes has been evaluated using recent advances in extraction and analytical technologies, concretely, pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) followed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to electrospray time-of flight mass spectrometry (ESI-TOF/MS) analysis. To achieve this goal, first, the extraction process was evaluated by a comparative study using GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) solvents (mixtures of ethanol and water) at different temperatures (40–200 °C). The second step was to deeply characterize the composition of individual polyphenols by HPLC-ESI-TOF/MS in order to establish a comparison among the different PLE conditions applied to extract the phenolic fraction. The analysis revealed a wide variety of phenolic-composition, mainly phenolic acids and flavonoids. The results also highlighted that high percentages of ethanol and medium-high temperatures pointed out to be useful PLE conditions for recovering this kind of phytochemicals, which could be used in different applications, such as functional food ingredients, cosmetics, or nutraceuticals.

How can some foods and food additives be regarded as novel and subject to patent claims and at the same time be obviously safe? In dealing with its responsibilities to ensure the safety of foods it looks like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) acts in ways that favor the manufacturers and expose consumers to unnecessary risk. The FDA uses the term GRAS, Generally Regarded as Safe, to identify products as not requiring further study to establish their safety. Any person may “notify” FDA that a product is GRAS. The FDA does not accept or agree with the notifier’s GRAS conclusion. Usually the FDA simply does not question the notifier’s claim. This peculiar approach to “regulation” by the FDA is illustrated here through examination of Evolve BioSystems’ new trademarked product, Evivo, claimed to be “the first and only probiotic powder clinically proven to restore the infant gut microbiome to its original, natural state.” Evivo is obviously a new and unfamiliar product. It is only because it is novel that Evolve Biosystems pursued patents relating to it. The FDA’s primary responsibility is to protect public health. The FDA’s refusing to accept a GRAS claim by a manufacturer would not be an assertion that it the product is unsafe. It would simply be an assertion that, as a matter of prudence, the safety of this product should be investigated by an objective agency both before and after it is marketed. That is not too much to ask, especially when the consumers are to be highly vulnerable children.

Copyright of Revue Archéologique de Picardie is the property of Revue Archeologique de Picardie and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) Bertoni, commonly known as stevia, is a plant native to South America that has been cultivated for hundreds of years. In 1995, FDA revised its import alert on stevia leaves and extracts to allow for their use as dietary ingredients in dietary supplements. In 2007, the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives established a safe level of intake and specifications for steviol glycosides that included a minimum purity of 95% of seven named steviol glycosides. In 2008, FDA responded without questions to a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) notice for the use of highly purified steviol glycosides obtained from stevia leaves as a general purpose sweetener in food. Due to the existing import alert, FDA filed, evaluated, and has not objected to more than 50 GRAS notices for the use of various high-purity steviol glycosides as sweeteners in food. In this paper, we highlight FDA's practices for filing and evaluating GRAS notices for steviol glycosides. We also provide a summary of the data and information presented in GRAS notices for steviol glycosides in the GRAS Notification program. FDA has received a new wave of GRAS notices that include alternative biotechnological methods for production of steviol glycosides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arbuscular mycorrhiza is one of the most common plant symbiotic interactions observed today. Due to their nearly ubiquitous occurrence and their beneficial impact on both partners it was suggested that this mutualistic interaction was crucial for plants to colonize the terrestrial habitat approximately 500 Ma ago. On the plant side the association is established via the common symbiotic pathway (CSP). This pathway allows the recognition of the fungal symbiotic partner, subsequent signaling to the nucleus, and initiation of the symbiotic program with respect to specific gene expression and cellular re-organization. The downstream part of the CSP is a regulatory network that coordinates the transcription of genes necessary to establish the symbiosis, comprising multiple GRAS transcription factors (TFs). These regulate their own expression as an intricate transcriptional network. Deduced from non-host genome data the loss of genes encoding CSP components coincides with the loss of the interaction itself. Here, we analyzed bryophyte species with special emphasis on the moss Physcomitrella patens , supposed to be a non-host, for the composition of the GRAS regulatory network components. We show lineage specific losses and expansions of several of these factors in bryophytes, potentially coinciding with the proposed host/non-host status of the lineages. We evaluate losses and expansions and infer clade-specific evolution of GRAS TFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citric acid is one of the extensively used organic acids in many industries. There is a worldwide demand for citric acid consumption due to their many industrial applications. It is also considered as a Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) compound. In this review, current developments in microbial fermentation processes for citric acid production have been discussed. In food, beverages, milk and sugar processing several biodegradable organic waste materials are generated in large quantities. These include sugarcane bagasse, grape pomace, apple pomace, pineapple pomace, vegetables, tapioca, coconut husk, banana peels, citrus peels, whey and decaying fruits are found to be potential substrates for citric acid production. A significant effect of substrate concentration, inorganic salts, initial sugar concentration, moisture and additives etc on citric acid production have been highlighted for further improvement in fermentation process. Recent developments in upstream and downstream processes for citric acid production are also deeply discussed. This review gives insights for future possibilities of cost effective fermentation process for citric acid production from several cheap raw materials. Formation of citric acid as an industrial byproduct will help to tackle waste disposal issue and also reduce the dependency of industry over other citric acid producers. Thus, the industry would be benefitted ecologically and economically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: This study was performed to clarify the strategies of Penicillium digitatum during pathogenesis on citrus, assessing, on albedo plugs, the effects of treatment with sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), at two different pH values (5 and 8.3), on cell‐wall‐degrading enzyme activity over a period of 72 h. RESULTS: Treatment with NaHCO3, under alkaline pH, delayed the polygalacturonase activity for 72 h, or 48 h in the case of the pectin lyase, compared with the control or the same treatment at pH 5. In contrast, pectin methyl esterase activity rapidly increased after 24 h, in plugs dipped in the same solution. In this case, the activity remained higher than untreated or pH 5‐treated plugs up to 72 h. CONCLUSION: The rapid increase in pectin methyl esterase activity under alkaline conditions is presumably the strategy of the pathogen to lower the pH, soon after the initiation of infection, in order to restore an optimal environment for the subsequent polygalacturonase and pectin lyase action. In fact, at the same time, a low pH delayed the enzymatic activity of polygalacturonase and pectin lyase, the two enzymes that actually cleave the α‐1,4‐linkages between the galacturonic acid residues. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Almonds provide a nutritious source of energy and are known to have led to positive health benefits when consumed. However, outbreaks of Salmonella spp. in raw almonds have led to reduced consumer confidence in the nut industry. Regulatory standards established by the FDA require almonds destined for consumption in the US to undergo a process treatment that reduces Salmonella spp., by 4.0 log 10  CFU/g. Four Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) surface disinfectants suchs as ethanol, hydrogen peroxide, acetic acid, and peracetic acid were tested on almonds inoculated with Enterococcus faecium NRRL B-2354. It was found that 70% ethanol has the most potential to achieve a high log 10  CFU/g reduction, while holding quality. The optimal spray process had the following parameters: (1) a spray quantity of 4.5% w/w (p < .05), (2) contact time of 1–30 min (3) use of 2 spray phases (p < .05). The use of radiofrequency (RF) heating and 70% ethanol in the heat-spray process achieved 5.8 log 10  CFU/g reductions. In this experimental mode, independent heat and spraying achieved 2.9 and 3.0 log 10  CFU/g reduction, which corresponds to a contribution of 50% each to the combined heat-spray process using RF heating. The RF experiments in the heat-double spray process achieved log 10 reductions of 6.7, 4.7, 3.8, and 3.5 log 10  CFU/g for almonds, pecans, pistachios, and walnuts, respectively. The implications of these findings are that both the heat-spray and heat-double spray process may become alternatives to current nut disinfection process to achieve high log 10 reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analysis and classification of the 2925 neutral binary organic cocrystals in the Cambridge Structural Database is reported, focusing specifically on those both showing polymorphism and containing an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). The search was confined to molecules having only C, H, N, O, S and halogens atoms. It was found that 400 out of 2925 cocrystals can be classified as pharmaceutical cocrystals, containing at least one API, and that of those, 56 can be classified as being polymorphic cocrystals. In general, the total number of polymorphic cocrystal systems of any type stands at 125. In addition, a new polymorph of the pharmaceutical cocrystal theophylline–3,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid (1/1), C7H8N4O2·C7H6O4, is reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein we review commercial bovine lactoferrin quality issues by describing an example of industrial production, the current status of global quality standardization, and quality-activity concerns for further discussion. Morinaga Milk Industry has been industrially producing bovine lactoferrin in Milei GmbH, Germany, since 1989. We delineate its production and quality as an example of safe and high-quality manufacturing. Currently, global standardization in the quality of bovine lactoferrin is progressing through Novel Food and GRAS in the EU and USA, respectively. Novel Food was applied or notified to seven lactoferrin manufacturers and GRAS was notified to three manufacturers, two of which are for infant use and one is for adult use, by the end of 2017. The specifications of these regulations are relatively high, including more than 95% lactoferrin purity in protein, which means that such companies can supply relatively high-grade lactoferrin. There appear to be several concerns regarding lactoferrin quality affecting activities, including contamination of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and angiogenin, purity, and degradation of lactoferrin sample. Although LPS is immunologically toxic when invading the body, it is distributed normally in foods and the gut. However, an industrial lactoferrin sample may contain LPS at a maximum LPS/lactoferrin molecule ratio = 1/1724, which means 99.9% of the lactoferrin molecule is LPS-free. It is difficult to speculate that LPS contained in a lactoferrin sample affects its activities. Finally in order to achieve good and reproducible results, we make proposals to researchers a use of high-grade lactoferrin, careful storage, and indication the manufacturers’ names and specifications in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An effective and thorough approach for the safety evaluation of natural flavor complexes (NFCs) was published in 2005 by the Expert Panel of the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA). An updated procedure is provided here, which maintains the essential concepts of the use of the congeneric group approach and the reliance on the threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) concept. The updated procedure emphasizes more rigorous considerations of unidentified constituents and the genotoxic potential of constituents. The update of the previously established procedure is the first step in a multi-year project to conduct safety re-evaluations for more than 250 NFCs that have uses that are currently considered Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FEMA Expert Panel. In addition, this procedure can be more generally employed in the safety evaluation of NFCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to assess in vitro antibacterial activity of barrier cream (EVB) formulations containing either calcium montmorillonite (CM) or lecithin-amended montmorillonite (CML). All ingredients were generally recognized as safe (GRAS), and clay minerals were specifically studied due to their known ability to adsorb numerous toxins of human clinical relevance. Characterization of the EVB formulations showed good spreadability, pH, appearance, unity, viscosity, and no evidence of phase separation. Colony forming, disk diffusion susceptibility, and agar dilution assays were used to determine the minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of total EVB formulations, as well as respective individual ingredients, against E. coli. Active ingredients within the base EVB formulation were found to be essential oils and zinc oxide. EVB-CML at 0.5–25 mg/mL dose-dependently and significantly (p ≤ 0.01) enhanced the antibacterial activity of the base EVB formulation. MBC values for EVB-CML were 2.5 mg/mL in the colony forming assay and 0.75 mg/mL in the agar dilution test, with a zone of inhibition. Both EVB and EVB-CML displayed stronger antibacterial activity than four antimicrobial creams currently marketed in the United States. Moreover, this effect was rapid, favored by high temperature, and product stability testing suggested a shelf life of at least 10 months. Taken together, these findings demonstrate the ability of CML to enhance the antibacterial effect of the base EVB formulation against E. coli. This novel EVB-CML formulation represents a promising advancement toward improved antibacterial efficacy beyond current industry standards for commercial skin creams and sunscreens. [Display omitted] • Antibacterial creams consist of GRAS ingredients and lecithin-montmorillonite clay. • Colony forming, disk diffusion, and agar dilution were used to test for E. coli. • EVB-CML showed highest and dose-dependent antibacterial activity at 2.5–0.75 mg/mL. • Active ingredients with additive effects included ZnO and lavender essential oil. • Mechanisms involve electrostatic/hydrophobic binding and blockage of respiration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional fungicides are used in IPM programs to manage fungal plant pathogens, but there are concerns about resistance development in target organisms, environmental contamination, and human health risks. This study explored the potential of calcium propionate (CaP), a common food preservative generally recognized as safe (GRAS) to control fungicide-resistant plant pathogens, mainly Botrytis cinerea , and botrytis blight in ornamentals. In-vitro experiments using mycelium growth inhibition indicated a mean EC 50 value for CaP (pH 6.0) of 527 mg/L for six isolates of Botrytis cinerea as well as 618, 1354, and 1310 mg/L for six isolates each of Monilinia fructicola, Alternaria alternata , and Colletotrichum acutatum. In vitro efficacy tests indicated CaP equally inhibited mycelium growth of fungal isolates sensitive and resistant to FRAC codes 1, 2, 3, 7, 9, 11, 12, and 17 fungicides. CaP at 0.1% (pH 6.0–6.5) reduced infection cushion (IC) formation in vitro, botrytis blight on petunia flowers, and botrytis blight of cut flower roses with little to no visible phytotoxicity. Although higher concentrations strongly inhibited infection cushion formation, they did not improve efficacy and exhibited phytotoxicity. We hypothesize that high concentrations may create tissue damage that facilitates direct fungal penetration without the need for infection cushion and subsequent appressoria formation. This study indicates the potential usefulness of CaP for blossom blight disease management in ornamentals if applied at concentrations low enough to avoid phytotoxicity. [Display omitted] • CaP inhibited B. cinerea isolates sensitive and resistant to FRAC codes 1, 2, 3, 7, 11, 12, and 17 • CaP reduced botrytis blight of petunias and cut flower roses at 0.1% (pH 6.0–6.5) with little to no phytotoxicity • At 0.1% CaP inhibited B. cinerea infection cushion formation by about 50% [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GRAS genes encode plant-specific transcription factors that play important roles in plant growth and development. However, little is known about the GRAS gene family in apple. In this study, 127 GRAS genes were identified in the apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) genome and named MdGRAS1 to MdGRAS127 according to their chromosomal locations. The chemical characteristics, gene structures and evolutionary relationships of the MdGRAS genes were investigated. The 127 MdGRAS genes could be grouped into eight subfamilies based on their structural features and phylogenetic relationships. Further analysis of gene structures, segmental and tandem duplication, gene phylogeny and tissue-specific expression with ArrayExpress database indicated their diversification in quantity, structure and function. We further examined the expression pattern of MdGRAS genes during apple flower induction with transcriptome sequencing. Eight higher MdGRAS (MdGRAS6, 26, 28, 44, 53, 64, 107, and 122) genes were surfaced. Further quantitative reverse transcription PCR indicated that the candidate eight genes showed distinct expression patterns among different tissues (leaves, stems, flowers, buds, and fruits). The transcription levels of eight genes were also investigated with various flowering related treatments (GA3, 6-BA, and sucrose) and different flowering varieties (Yanfu No. 6 and Nagafu No. 2). They all were affected by flowering-related circumstance and showed different expression level. Changes in response to these hormone or sugar related treatments indicated their potential involvement during apple flower induction. Taken together, our results provide rich resources for studying GRAS genes and their potential clues in genetic improvement of apple flowering, which enriches biological theories of GRAS genes in apple and their involvement in flower induction of fruit trees.

Bacterial biohybrid microswimmers aim at exploiting the inherent motion capabilities of bacteria (carriers) to transport objects (cargoes) at the microscale. One of the most desired properties of microswimmers is their ability to communicate with their immediate environment by processing the information and producing a useful response. Indeed, bacteria are naturally equipped with such communication skills. Hereby, two-component systems (TCSs) represent the key signal transducing machinery and enable bacteria to sense and respond to a variety of stimuli. We engineered a natural microswimmer based on the Gram-positive model bacterium Bacillus subtilis for the development of biohybrids with sensing abilities. B. subtilis naturally adhered to silica particles, giving rise to different motile biohybrids systems with variable ratios of carrier(s)-to-cargo(es). Genetically engineered TCS pathways allowed us to couple the binding to the inert particles with signaling the presence of antibiotics in their surroundings. Activation of the antibiotic-induced TCSs resulted in fluorescent bacterial carriers as a response readout. We demonstrate that the genetically engineered TCS-mediated signaling capabilities of B. subtilis allow for the custom design of bacterial hybrid microswimmers able to sense and signal the presence of target molecules in the environment. The generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status of B. subtilis makes it a promising candidate for human-related applications of these novel biohybrids.

Ethyl formate (EF) is a Generally Recognised As Safe (GRAS) alternative to methyl bromide, with potential to control surface pests on New Zealand avocados before export. 'Hass' avocados, two-spotted spider mites (TSM) and oleander scale (OS) insects were fumigated with 1.2% EF (240 g VAPORMATE™/m3) at 6°C for 1, 2 or 4 h. Fruit were then stored at 5°C for 3 weeks before external and internal fruit quality assessment. Survival of pest species was assessed 1 or 7 days later. Fumigation with 1.2% EF + 10% CO2 for 2 or 4 h controlled all life stages of non-diapausing TSM and all life stages of OS, apart from crawlers (0.3-0.7% survivorship). Diapausing TSM were harder to control (17% ± 4.8% mortality; 4-h treatment). Ethyl formate treatment resulted in damage to avocado skins (41% ± 5.3%- 91% ± 2.0%), and an increase in vascular browning and rots. The EF fumigations of avocado fruit at doses used here have potential to control non-diapausing mites and scale insects, but treated fruit were of unacceptable quality. Future studies could examine whether prior cool storage could reduce fruit damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lipases are used in detergent industries to minimise the use of phosphate-based chemicals in detergent formulations. The use of lipase in household laundry reduces environmental pollution and enhances the ability of detergent to remove tough oil or grease stains. Results: A lipase-producing indigenous Bacillus subtilis strain [accession no. KT985358] was isolated from the foothills of Trikuta mountain in Jammu and Kashmir, India. The lipase (BSK-L) produced by this strain expressed alkali and thermotolerance. Lipase has an optimal activity at pH 8.0 and temperature 37°C, whereas it is stable at pH 6.0-9.0 and showed active lipolytic activity at temperatures 30 to 60°C. Furthermore, lipase activity was found to be stimulated in the presence of the metal ions Mn2+, K+, Zn2+, Fe2+ and Ca2+. This lipase was resistant to surfactants, oxidising agents and commercial detergents, suggesting it as a potential candidate for detergent formulation. BSK-L displayed noticeable capability to remove oil stains when used in different washing solutions containing buffer, lipase and commercial detergent. The maximum olive oil removal percentage obtained was 68% when the optimum detergent concentration (Fena) was 0.3%. The oil removal percentage from olive oil-soiled cotton fabric increased with 40 U/mL of lipase. Conclusions: This BSK-L enzyme has the potential for removing oil stains by developing a pre-soaked solution for detergent formulation and was compatible with surfactants, oxidising agents and commercial detergents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Juvenile Yoshitomi tilapia is often infected by pathogens and results in low-level survival rate. Bacillus subtilis, as a probiotic, may have beneficial effects on Y. tilapia with compound 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), which has antibacterial activities. The effects of dietary probiotic supplementation on Y. tilapias were evaluated. Results: Juvenile Y. tilapia was fed with B. subtilis for 56 d. Y. tilapia was infected by Aeromonas hydrophila and survival rate was compared. Dietary B. subtilis increased weight gain rate, specific growth, food conversion ratios and food intake rate of Y. tilapia. The diet improved the cumulative survival rate (CSR) of juvenile Y. tilapia when the concentration of B. subtilis was more than 2.05 × 1010 cfu/kg and CSR reached a maximum rate when the concentration of bacillus was 4.23 × 1010 (P b 0.05). Meanwhile, B. subtilis improved total antioxidant capacity (TAC), spleen index, the activities of serum lysozyme, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) (P b 0.05). In contrast, B. subtilis reduced serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), malondialdehyde (MDA) and C3 complement (P b 0.05). DNJ was isolated from secondary metabolisms and proved to increase the levels of SOD, CAT and reduce the levels of AST, ALT and MDA at cell levels. After A. hydrophila infection, DNJ prevented the reduction in survival rate of Y. tilapia (P b 0.05). Conclusions: 1-Deoxynojirimycin from Bacillus subtilis can be used to improve the growth performance of juvenile Y. tilapia by affecting its antioxidant and antibacterial activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microalgae (including cyanobacteria) are promising organisms for sustainable products for use as feedstocks for food, feed, fine chemicals, and biofuels. They can synthesize a broad range of products with medium- to high-value market price such as β-1,3-glucan polysaccharide, single-cell-protein, carotenoids and phycobilin pigments, and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids that are commercialized in the food industry as dietary supplements and functional foods, in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries as cosmaceuticals and flavorants, and in the therapeutic field as nutraceutical compounds. These microorganisms are also exceptional producers of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic, docosahexaenoic, and arachidonic acids that have been linked to several human health benefits. The aim of this paper is to review the main existing high-value products that can be derived from microalgae with a particular focus on food science and technology applications. It also describes the gross and fine chemical composition of various algal species and details the nutritive importance of selected constituents. Finally, nutritional quality standards and legislative provisions to ensure food safety in the use of algal biomass are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Propionibacterium freudenreichii is an industrially important bacterium granted the Generally Recognized as Safe (the GRAS) status, due to its long safe use in food bioprocesses. Despite the recognized role in the food industry and in the production of vitamin B12, as well as its documented health-promoting potential, P. freudenreichii remained poorly characterised at the genomic level. At present, only three complete genome sequences are available for the species. Results: We used the PacBio RS II sequencing platform to generate complete genomes of 20 P. freudenreichii strains and compared them in detail. Comparative analyses revealed both sequence conservation and genome organisational diversity among the strains. Assembly from long reads resulted in the discovery of additional circular elements: two putative conjugative plasmids and three active, lysogenic bacteriophages. It also permitted characterisation of the CRISPR-Cas systems. The use of the PacBio sequencing platform allowed identification of DNA modifications, which in turn allowed characterisation of the restriction-modification systems together with their recognition motifs. The observed genomic differences suggested strain variation in surface piliation and specific mucus binding, which were validated by experimental studies. The phenotypic characterisation displayed large diversity between the strains in ability to utilise a range of carbohydrates, to grow at unfavourable conditions and to form a biofilm. Conclusion: The complete genome sequencing allowed detailed characterisation of the industrially important species, P. freudenreichii by facilitating the discovery of previously unknown features. The results presented here lay a solid foundation for future genetic and functional genomic investigations of this actinobacterial species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The roles of multiple GRAS transcription factors (TFs), which play key roles in diverse processes of growth and development, have been characterized in detail. However, the regulatory functions of one third of the GRAS members remain unknown. Here, we characterized the role of SCARECROW-LIKE 28 (SCL28) in the Arabidopsis root; nuclear localization and transcriptional activity indicated that SCL28 likely acts as a TF in the root. SCL28 overexpression ( SCL28-OX) promoted cell division and suppressed cell elongation in a zone-specific manner along the root axis. In the presence of the microtubule-destabilizing chemical propyzamide, SCL28-OX exhibited straight root growth, while scl28 roots showed left-handed helical growth similar to the wild type. Under salt and propyzamide treatments, scl28 roots grew straight, while SCL28-OX roots displayed exaggerated right-handed growth. Thus, SCL28 likely plays a role in the root growth response to stressinduced microtubule organization. Additionally, transcriptome analysis revealed that SCL28 regulated the transcription of diverse growth- and development-related genes in plants. In particular, SCL28 regulated the expression of various stressresponse genes. Taken together, our findings provide insight into the regulatory role of SCL28, which orchestrates the linked activity of cell division and elongation under various environmental conditions to achieve root growth plasticity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]