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In compatible interactions, biotrophic microbial phytopathogens rely on the supply of assimilates by the colonized host tissue. It has been found in rice that phloem localized SWEET sucrose transporters can be reprogrammed by bacterial effectors to establish compatibility. We observed that sweet11/sweet12 double mutants, but not single mutants, exhibited increased resistance toward the fungal hemibiotroph Colletotrichum higginsianum (Ch), both in the biotrophic and the necrotrophic colonization phase. We therefore investigated if the phloem localized transporters AtSWEET11 and AtSWEET12 represent additive susceptibility factors in the interaction of Arabidopsis with Ch. AtSWEET12-YFP fusion protein driven by the endogenous promoter strongly accumulated at Ch infection sites and in the vasculature upon challenge with Ch. However, susceptibility of sweet12 single mutants to Ch was comparable to wild type, indicating that the accumulation of AtSWEET12 at Ch infection sites does not play a major role for compatibility. AtSWEET12-YFP reporter protein was not detectable at the plant–pathogen interface, suggesting that AtSWEET12 is not targeted by Ch effectors. AtSWEET11-YFP accumulation in pAtSWEET11:AtSWEET11-YFP plants were similar in Ch infected and mock control leaves. A close inspection of major carbohydrate metabolism in non-infected control plants revealed that soluble sugar and starch content were substantially elevated in sweet11/sweet12 double mutants during the entire diurnal cycle, that diurnal soluble sugar turnover was increased more than twofold in sweet11/sweet12, and that accumulation of free hexoses and sucrose was strongly expedited in double mutant leaves compared to wild type and both single mutants during the course of Ch infection. After 2 days of treatment, free and conjugated SA levels were significantly increased in infected and mock control leaves of sweet11/sweet12 relative to all other genotypes, respectively. Induced genes in mock treated sweet11/sweet12 leaves were highly significantly enriched for several GO terms associated with SA signaling and response compared to mock treated wild-type leaves, indicating sugar-mediated priming of the SA pathway in the double mutant. Infection assays with salicylic acid deficient sweet11/sweet12/sid2 triple mutants demonstrated that reduced susceptibility observed in sweet11/sweet12 was entirely dependent on the SA pathway. We suggest a model how defects in phloem loading of sucrose can influence SA priming and hence, compatibility.

SWEET (Sugars Will Eventually be Exported Transporter) proteins mediate the translocation of sugars across cell membranes and play crucial roles in plant growth and development as well as stress responses. In this study, a total of 25 SWEET genes were identified from the Medicago truncatula genome and were divided into four clades based on the phylogenetic analysis. The MtSWEET genes are distributed unevenly on the M. truncatula chromosomes, and eight and 12 MtSWEET genes are segmentally and tandemly duplicated, respectively. Most MtSWEET genes contain five introns and encode proteins with seven transmembrane helices (TMHs). Besides, nearly all MtSWEET proteins have relatively conserved membrane domains, and contain conserved active sites. Analysis of microarray data showed that some MtSWEET genes are specifically expressed in disparate developmental stages or tissues, such as flowers, developing seeds and nodules. RNA-seq and qRT-PCR expression analysis indicated that many MtSWEET genes are responsive to various abiotic stresses such as cold, drought, and salt treatments. Functional analysis of six selected MtSWEETs in yeast revealed that they possess diverse transport activities for sucrose, fructose, glucose, galactose, and mannose. These results provide new insights into the characteristics of the MtSWEET genes, which lay a solid foundation for further investigating their functional roles in the developmental processes and stress responses of M. truncatula.

Gene editing is becoming the plant breeding tool of choice, but prior to targeting a gene for editing, a knowledge of the gene family members (GFMs) controlling yield is required in the specific crop plant. Critical to yield are components from senescing leaves. We targeted genes controlling senescence in Pisum sativum and the release and transport of carbohydrates and amino acids from the source leaves to the pods and seeds. The expression of GFMs for cytokinin biosynthesis (IPT) and destruction (CKX), sucrose transporters (SUT), Sugar Will Eventually be Exported Transporters (SWEET), amino acid permeases (AAP), and cell wall invertases, was determined using RT-qPCR. GFMs were differentially expressed in leaves of different ages. The expression of many gene family members was lower in the expanding sink leaves compared with the senescing leaves, with the exception of two PsAAP GFMs and PsCKX5, which were highly expressed. Expression of specific PsSWEETs, SUTs, and AAPs increased in the mature and/or senescing leaves. Expression of PsIPTs was least in the mature source leaves, but as strong in the senescing leaves as in the young source leaves. PsCKX7 was expressed in source and senescing leaves. We discuss the potential impact of the targeted reduction of specific PsCKX GFMs on source-sink relationships.

Sugar accumulation is a critical event during grape berry ripening that determines the grape market values. Berry cells are highly dependent on sugar transporters to mediate cross-membrane transport. However, the role of sugar transporters in improving sugar accumulation in berries is not well established in grapes. Herein we report that a Sugars Will Eventually be Exported Transporter (SWEET), that is, VvSWEET10, was strongly expressed at the onset of ripening (véraison) and can improve grape sugar content. VvSWEET10 encodes a plasma membrane-localized transporter, and the heterologous expression of VvSWEET10 indicates that VvSWEET10 is a hexose-affinity transporter and has a broad spectrum of sugar transport functions. VvSWEET10 overexpression in grapevine calli and tomatoes increased the glucose, fructose, and total sugar levels significantly. The RNA sequencing results of grapevine transgenic calli showed that many sugar transporter genes and invertase genes were upregulated and suggest that VvSWEET10 may mediate sugar accumulation. These findings elucidated the role of VvSWEET10 in sugar accumulation and will be beneficial for the improvement of grape berry quality in the future.

In retail settings, social perception of other peoples’ preferences is fundamental to successful interpersonal interactions (e.g., product recommendations, gift-giving). This type of perception must be made with little information, very often based solely on facial cues. Although people are capable of accurately predicting others’ preferences from facial cues, we do not yet know how such inferences are made by crossmodal correspondence (arbitrary sensory associations) between facial cues and inferred attributes. The crossmodal correspondence literature implies the existence of sensory associations between shapes and tastes, and people consistently match roundness and angularity to sweet and sour foods, respectively. Given that peoples’ faces have dimensions characterized by roundness and angularity, it may be plausible that people infer others’ preferences by relying on the correspondence between facial roundness and taste. Based on a crossmodal correspondence framework, this study aimed to reveal the role of shape–taste correspondences in social perception. We investigated whether Japanese participants infer others’ taste (sweet/sour) preferences based on facial shapes (roundness/angularity). The results showed that participants reliably inferred that round-faced (vs. angular-faced) individuals preferred sweet foods (Study 1). Round-faced individuals and sweet foods were well matched, and the matching mediated the inference of other person’s preferences (Study 2). An association between facial roundness and inference of sweet taste preferences was observed in more natural faces, and perceived obesity mediated this association (Study 3). These findings advance the applicability of crossmodal correspondences in social perception, and imply the pervasiveness of prejudicial bias in the marketplace.

Color, aroma, sweet, and bitter tastes contribute to the sensory perception of grapefruit juice. Consumers differ about liking grapefruit. A reason is the bitter taste that characterize the fruit. The objective was to determine the effect of varying the color (red or yellow), aroma (two levels), bitterness (three levels), and sweetness (three levels) of a grapefruit-like model beverage, on consumers’ liking and perception of its sensory properties. The sensory profiles of thirty-six grapefruit-like beverages, created on the basis of a factorial design, has been described. Consumers rated their liking of color, aroma, and flavor of the twelve most diverse beverages. Bitter and sweet levels of the beverages had a significant effect on the flavor and aftertaste attributes. Aroma concentration had a significant effect on the majority of the sensory attributes. Color had a significant effect on perception of some of the aroma attributes, as well as the grapefruit’s flavor intensity. Consumers liked the red beverages more than the yellow ones, and those with low aroma over the high aroma intensity. Consumers preferred the low bitter/high sweet beverages. Pungent and grapefruit aroma were found to be negative drivers for liking of the aroma. Sweet and citrus flavors were found to be positive drivers and sour and bitter flavors were found to be negative drivers of flavor-preferences (or liking) of the tested beverages.

Taste is influenced by several factors. However, whether habitual exercise level is associated with differences in taste perception has received little investigation. The aim of this study was to determine if habitual exercise is associated with differences in taste perception in men. Active (n = 16) and inactive (n = 14) males, between ages 18–55, underwent two days of sensory testing, using prototypical taste stimuli of high and low concentrations for sweet, salt, bitter, sour, umami, and carbohydrate (maltodextrin). Mean perceived intensity and hedonic ratings were recorded. Eating behaviour was assessed by the three factor eating questionnaire and food intake by EPIC food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). There were moderate to large differences between the two groups in perceived intensity for sweet taste at the high concentration and umami taste at both high and low concentrations, with active males recording a higher perceived intensity (p < 0.05 for all). The active group also recorded a greater dislike for umami low and carbohydrate low concentration (p < 0.01). Salt, bitter and sour perception did not significantly differ between the two groups. FFQ analysis showed no difference in % energy from macronutrients between the groups. Eating behaviour traits correlated with sweet taste intensity and umami taste liking, independent of activity status. Results indicated that sweet and umami taste perception differ in active compared to inactive males. Habitual exercise level should be considered in taste perception research and in product development. Whether differences in taste perception could be one factor influencing food intake and thus energy balance with habitual exercise warrants further investigation.

Objective: Research suggests a weaker sense of taste in people with obesity, with the assumption that a debilitated taste response increases the desire for more intensely tasting stimuli to compensate for decreased taste input. However, empirical testing of this supposition remains largely absent.Method: In a randomized, repeated measures design, 51 healthy subjects were treated with varying concentrations of a tea containing Gymnema sylvestre (GS), to temporarily and selectively diminish sweet taste perception, or a control tea. Following treatment in the four testing sessions, taste intensity ratings for various sweet stimuli were captured on the generalized Labeled Magnitude Scale (gLMS), liking for real foods assessed on the hedonic gLMS, and optimal level of sweetness quantified via an ad-libitum mixing task. Data were analyzed with mixed models assessing both treatment condition and each subject's resultant sweet response with various taste-related outcomes, controlling for covariates.Results: GS treatment diminished sweet intensity perception (p < 0.001), reduced liking for sweet foods (p < 0.001), and increased the desired sucrose content of these foods (p < 0.001). Regression modeling revealed a 1% reduction in sweet taste response was associated with a 0.40 g/L increase in optimal concentration of sucrose (p < 0.001).Discussion: Our results show that an attenuation in the perceived taste intensity of sweeteners correlates with shifted preference and altered hedonic response to select sweet foods. This suggests that those with a diminished sense of taste may desire more intense stimuli to attain a satisfactory level of reward, potentially influencing eating habits to compensate for a lower gustatory input. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sense of taste enables evaluation of food and is an important regulator of food consumption. In general, sweet is an attractive taste modality that leads to ingestion of nutritive food, while sour and bitter are aversive taste modalities that lead to avoidance of spoiled and toxic food. Recent studies suggest inter-connections between taste, emotion and cognition. Here we test the potential effects of two prototypical taste modalities, bitter and sweet, on emotions and on generalized avoidance behaviors, such as risk aversion and mistrust. Three experiments included over 250 participants who tasted, without swallowing, one of the following stimuli: water control, quinine solution, sucrose solution, quinine-sucrose mixture solution, or propylthiouracil (PROP) solution. The participants had to identify the taste, rank its intensity, perform seemingly unrelated behavioral tasks, and fill a PANAS mood questionnaire. Our results indicate that oral exposure to bitter compounds negatively correlates with mood scores; that the effect depends on perceiving the solution as bitter; that bitter mouth rinse can lower PANAS mood score and that there is a potential asymmetry in the effects of bitter and sweet taste modalities on mood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple recent reports have detailed the presence of adenosine receptors in sweet sensitive taste cells of mice. These receptors are activated by endogenous adenosine in the plasma to enhance sweet signals within the taste bud, before reporting to the primary afferent. As we commonly consume caffeine, a powerful antagonist for such receptors, in our daily lives, an intriguing question we sought to answer was whether the caffeine we habitually consume in coffee can inhibit the perception of sweet taste in humans. 107 panelists were randomly assigned to 2 groups, sampling decaffeinated coffee supplemented with either 200 mg of caffeine, about the level found in a strong cup of coffee, or an equally bitter concentration of quinine. Participants subsequently performed sensory testing, with the session repeated in the alternative condition in a second session on a separate day. Panelists rated both the sweetened coffee itself and subsequent sucrose solutions as less sweet in the caffeine condition, despite the treatment having no effect on bitter, sour, salty, or umami perception. Panelists were also unable to discern whether they had consumed the caffeinated or noncaffeinated coffee, with ratings of alertness increased equally, but no significant improvement in reaction times, highlighting coffee's powerful placebo effect. This work validates earlier observations in rodents in a human population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In compatible interactions, biotrophic microbial phytopathogens rely on the supply of assimilates by the colonized host tissue. It has been found in rice that phloem localized SWEET sucrose transporters can be reprogrammed by bacterial effectors to establish compatibility. We observed that sweet11/sweet12 double mutants, but not single mutants, exhibited increased resistance toward the fungal hemibiotroph Colletotrichum higginsianum (Ch), both in the biotrophic and the necrotrophic colonization phase. We therefore investigated if the phloem localized transporters AtSWEET11 and AtSWEET12 represent additive susceptibility factors in the interaction of Arabidopsis with Ch. AtSWEET12-YFP fusion protein driven by the endogenous promoter strongly accumulated at Ch infection sites and in the vasculature upon challenge with Ch. However, susceptibility of sweet12 single mutants to Ch was comparable to wild type, indicating that the accumulation of AtSWEET12 at Ch infection sites does not play a major role for compatibility. AtSWEET12-YFP reporter protein was not detectable at the plant-pathogen interface, suggesting that AtSWEET12 is not targeted by Ch effectors. AtSWEET11-YFP accumulation in pAtSWEET11:AtSWEET11-YFP plants were similar in Ch infected and mock control leaves. A close inspection of major carbohydrate metabolism in non-infected control plants revealed that soluble sugar and starch content were substantially elevated in sweet11/sweet12 double mutants during the entire diurnal cycle, that diurnal soluble sugar turnover was increased more than twofold in sweet11/sweet12, and that accumulation of free hexoses and sucrose was strongly expedited in double mutant leaves compared to wild type and both single mutants during the course of Ch infection. After 2 days of treatment, free and conjugated SA levels were significantly increased in infected and mock control leaves of sweet11/sweet12 relative to all other genotypes, respectively. Induced genes in mock treated sweet11/sweet12 leaves were highly significantly enriched for several GO terms associated with SA signaling and response compared to mock treated wild-type leaves, indicating sugar-mediated priming of the SA pathway in the double mutant. Infection assays with salicylic acid deficient sweet11/sweet12/sid2 triple mutants demonstrated that reduced susceptibility observed in sweet11/sweet12 was entirely dependent on the SA pathway. We suggest a model how defects in phloem loading of sucrose can influence SA priming and hence, compatibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the first years of life, the sweetness of sugars has a capacity to hinder or to help in laying a strong nutritional foundation for food preferences that often extend over a lifetime. Aside from supplying 4 g/kcal of energy, sugars are non-nutritive. However, sugars have a powerful attribute, sweetness, which strongly influences human food preference. A child's first relationship with sweet taste begins even before birth and continues to evolve throughout complementary feeding. The sweetness of breastmilk encourages consumption and soothes the neonate. Conversely, inappropriate introduction of non-milk solids and beverages that are sweet at 0-4 months of age raises the newborn's risk for later obesity and may discourage the acceptance of other bitter or sour foods. Although cereals, fruits, 100% fruit juices, and some grains have naturally occurring sugars that impart sweet flavor notes, there is no clear role for added sugars between 6 and 12 months of age. Yet, 60% of infants are introduced to foods and beverages containing added sugars, threatening diet quality. Pairing foods with naturally occurring sugars, such as fruits, with foods that tend to be resisted initially, such as vegetables, can mask bitterness and promote acceptance. Utilizing the infants' extraordinary capacity for sensory-motor exploration is another strategy to expose them repeatedly to challenging tastes and flavors. The transitional year, as breast milk and infant formula are withdrawn, is a time when nutritional needs are high and diet quality often precarious. Rapid growth, along with brain and cognitive development, demand high-quality nutrition. Snacks are necessary both for energy and valuable nutrients. However, the selection of snack foods often exposes toddlers to items that offer concentrated energy with low nutrient value. Recent trends suggest a rapid fall in added sugars among infants and toddlers. Parenting practices that use small amounts of sugars to promote nutrient-rich foods from all 5 food groups can enhance rather than hinder their child's emerging dietary pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our sense of taste allows us to evaluate the nutritive value of foods prior to ingesting them. Sweet taste signals the presence of sugars, and savory taste signals the presence of amino acids. The ability to identify these macronutrients in foods was likely crucial for the survival of our species when nourishing food sources were sparse. In modern, industrialized settings, taste perception continues to play an important role in human health as we attempt to prevent and treat conditions stemming from overnutrition. Recent research has revealed that type 1 taste receptors (T1Rs), which are largely responsible for sweet and umami taste, may also influence the absorption and metabolism of the foods we eat. Preliminary research shows that T1 Rs contribute to intestinal glucose absorption, blood sugar and insulin regulation, and the body's responses to excessive energy intake. In light of these findings, T1Rs have come to be understood as nutrient sensors, among other roles, that facilitate the selection, digestion, and metabolism of foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As most parents and caregivers are aware, feeding children a nutritionally balanced diet can be challenging. Children are born with a biological predisposition to prefer sweet and to avoid bitter foods such as green leafy vegetables. It has been hypothesized that this predisposition evolved to attract children to energy-dense foods while discouraging the consumption of toxins. Although this may have enhanced survival in environments historically characterized by food scarcity, it is clearly maladaptive in many of today's food environments where children are surrounded by an abundance of sweet-tasting, unhealthful foods and beverages that place them at risk for excessive weight gain. Because overweight or obese children tend to become overweight or obese adults who are at risk for a range of cardiovascular diseases, it is of primary importance to develop effective evidence-based strategies to promote the development of healthy eating styles. Fortunately, accumulating evidence suggests that, starting before birth and continuing throughout development, there are repeated and varied opportunities for children to learn to enjoy the flavors of healthful foods. Because flavors are transmitted from the maternal diet to amniotic fluid and breast milk, mothers who consume a variety of healthful foods throughout pregnancy and lactation provide their infants with an opportunity to learn to like these flavors. This in turn eases the transition to healthful foods at weaning. In contrast, infants fed formula learn to prefer its invariant flavor profile, which differs from breast milk, and may initially be less accepting of flavors not found in formula. This process can continue throughout weaning and into childhood if infants are repeatedly exposed to a variety of healthful foods, even if they initially dislike them. These early-life sensory experiences establish food preferences and dietary patterns that set the stage for lifelong dietary habits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sense of taste has a key role in nutrient sensing and food intake in animals. A standardized and simple method for determination of tastant-detection thresholds is required for chemosensory research in poultry. We established a 24-h, 2- alternative, forced-choice solution-consumption method and applied it to measure detection thresholds for 3 Gprotein- coupled receptor-mediated taste modalities— bitter, sweet, and umami—in chicken. Four parameters were used to determine a significant response: 1) tastant-solution consumption; 2) water (tasteless) consumption; 3) total consumption (tastant and water together); 4) ratio of tastant consumption to total consumption. Our results showed that assignment of the taste solutions and a water control to 2 bottles on random sides of the pen can be reliably used for broiler chicks, even though 47% of the chicks groups demonstrated a consistently preferred side. The detection thresholds for quinine (bitter), L-monosodium glutamate (MSG) (umami), and sucrose (sweet) were determined to be 0.3 mM, 300 mM, and 1 M, respectively. The threshold results for quinine were similar to those for humans and rodents, but the chicks were found to be less sensitive to sucrose and MSG. The described method is useful for studying detection thresholds for tastants that have the potential to affect feed and water consumption in chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately 75-80% of women at reproductive age had Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). The PMS symptom is the desire to eat sweet foods. Zinc deficiency is often found in women with PMS. Theoretically, there is an imbalance of estrogen and progesterone hormone at PMS lead to unsensitivity sweet taste as a result of decreased zinc intake This study want to know the correlations between serum zinc levels and sweet taste sensitivity in PMS women. This study was an experimental study, the sample used simple random sampling consisted 7 peoples who were selected based on criteria. The sample devided into two groups: one group of women with PMS and one group women with no experience of PMS. Research was done in luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. There was no differences of serum zinc levels between the groups p=0.362 (p> 0.05); there was no differences in the sensitivity of sweet taste between the groups p=0,079 (p> 0.05); there was no correlations between sweet taste sensitivity and serum zinc levels p=0,340 (p> 0.05). There were no differences and correlation between sweet taste sensitivity and serum zinc levels in PMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food preferences are for a large part determined by the macronutrient content and taste of foods, but may change depending on internal and external factors. Here, we discuss a newly developed food preference task, the Macronutrient and Taste Preference Ranking Task (MTPRT), in which participants rank groups of four food products according to how much they desire to eat the products. The MTPRT includes pictures of sweet and savory food products from four categories: high-carbohydrate, high-fat, high-protein and low-energy. A within-subjects study on sensory-specific satiety was conducted to assess the task’s reliability and validity. Sixty-nine healthy participants performed two test sessions that were at least one week apart. Participants ate either a sweet or a savory meal, which were similar in macronutrient content. Before and after eating the meal participants rated appetite and completed the MTPRT. In hungry state, preference scores for all food categories were significantly correlated between the two test sessions (all r > 0.68, all p < 0.001). Preference for sweet decreased after the sweet meal and increased after the savory meal. In addition, preference for protein decreased more after consuming the savory meal than it did after consuming the sweet meal. Preference for carbohydrate and fat decreased after meal consumption, regardless of taste. Preference for low-energy increased after meal consumption. These results show the MTPRT is a reliable and valid task for measuring food preferences. The MTPRT can be used for both hypothesis-driven and exploratory studies to examine the influence of different factors on changes in food preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The modern environment is characterized by an abundance of tempting food. One potential procedure to help consumers deal with food temptations is the pre-exposure procedure. It has been demonstrated that pre-exposing people to a tempting sweet product in a situation that subtly discourages consumption reduces their subsequent consumption of similar sweet temptations. This study investigated whether the pre-exposure effect could be observed with savory products as well, and whether the effect crossed from sweet to savory food and the other way around. The study exposed 144 participants to either salty sticks, chocolate sticks, or wooden sticks (control condition) in the context of geometric puzzles. Compliance with the task implied no consumption. Participants’ subsequent consumption of salty nuts or chocolate coated nuts was then measured in the context of a taste test that followed the initial puzzle task. The results revealed that pre-exposing participants to tasty sticks that they handled but did not consume, reduced their subsequent snack consumption compared to the control condition, irrespective of taste. This suggests that the pre-exposure effect generalizes to savory food products, and the consumption reduction effect crosses tastes. These findings are valuable for both researchers and practitioners interested in understanding and developing paradigms to reduce the consumption of high-caloric food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and AimsPisum sativum L. (pea) seed is a source of carbohydrate and protein for the developing plant. By studying pea seeds inoculated by the cytokinin-producing bacterium, Rhodococcus fascians, we sought to determine the impact of both an epiphytic (avirulent) strain and a pathogenic strain on source-sink activity within the cotyledons during and following germination. Methods Bacterial spread was monitored microscopically, and real-time reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was used to determine the expression of cytokinin biosynthesis, degradation and response regulator gene family members, along with expression of family members of SWEET, SUT, CWINV and AAP genes - gene families identified initially in pea by transcriptomic analysis. The endogenous cytokinin content was also determined. Key Results The cotyledons infected by the virulent strain remained intact and turned green, while multiple shoots were formed and root growth was reduced. The epiphytic strain had no such marked impact. Isopentenyl adenine was elevated in the cotyledons infected by the virulent strain. Strong expression of RfIPT, RfLOG and RfCKX was detected in the cotyledons infected by the virulent strain throughout the experiment, with elevated expression also observed for PsSWEET, PsSUT and PsINV gene family members. The epiphytic strain had some impact on the expression of these genes, especially at the later stages of reserve mobilization from the cotyledons. Conclusions The pathogenic strain retained the cotyledons as a sink tissue for the pathogen rather than the cotyledon converting completely to a source tissue for the germinating plant. We suggest that the interaction of cytokinins, CWINVs and SWEETs may lead to the loss of apical dominance and the appearance of multiple shoots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial blight caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae ( Xoo) is the most harmful bacterial disease of rice worldwide. Previously, we characterized major disease resistance ( MR) gene xa25, which confers race-specific resistance to Xoo strain PXO339. The xa25 is a recessive allele of the SWEET13 locus, but SWEET13's interaction with PXO339 and how efficiently using this locus for rice breeding still need to be defined. Here we show that the SWEET13 allele from rice Zhenshan 97 is a susceptibility gene to PXO339. Using this allele's promoter to regulate xa25 resulted in disease, suggesting that the promoter is a key determinant in SWEET13 caused disease in Zhanshan 97 after PXO339 infection. PXO339 transcriptionally induces SWEET13 to cause disease. Partial suppressing SWEET13 expression leads to a high level of resistance to PXO339. Thus, the transcriptionally suppressed SWEET13 functions as xa25 in resistance to PXO339. Hybrid rice is widely grown in many countries. However, recessive MR genes have not been efficiently used for disease resistance breeding in hybrid rice production for both parents of the hybrid have to carry the same recessive gene. However, the suppressed SWEET13 functions dominantly, which will have advantage to improve the resistance of hybrid rice to xa25-incomptible Xoo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taste intensity and quality affect the liking of foods, and determine food choice and consumption. We aimed to 1) classify commonly consumed foods based on recalled taste intensity for bitter, sweet, salty, sour, and fatty taste, and 2) examine the associations among recalled taste intensity, liking, and habitual consumption of foods. In Stage 1, 62 Canadian adults recalled the taste intensity of 120 common foods. Their responses were used to identify sets of 20-25 foods classified as strongly bitter, sweet, salty, sour or fatty-tasting. In Stage 2, 287 U.S. adults validated these selections, and let us reduce them to sets of 11-13 foods. Ratings of recalled taste intensity were consistent across age, sex and overweight status, with the exceptions that sweet, bitter and fatty-tasting foods were rated as more intense by women than by men. The recalled intensity ratings of the most bitter, salty and fatty foods (but not sour or sweet foods) were inversely correlated with liking and intake. The negative correlation between fatty taste intensity and fatty food liking was stronger among normal weight than among overweight participants. Our results suggest that the recalled taste intensity of foods is associated with food liking and habitual consumption, but the strength of these relationships varies by taste. The food lists based on taste intensity ratings provide a resource to efficiently calculate indices of exposure to the different tastes in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Symbiotic nitrogen fixation in legumes contributes greatly to the global nitrogen cycle on the earth. In nodules, resident rhizobia supply nitrogen nutrient fixed from atmospheric N2 to the host plant; in turn, the plant provides photosynthetic metabolites to bacteroids as a carbon source. In this process, various transporters are involved at different membrane systems; however, little is known at the molecular level about the flow of carbon from the host cells to the symbiotic bacteria. We have been studying transporters functioning in nodules of Lotus japonicus, and found that out of 13 SWEET genes in the L. japonicus genome LjSWEET3, amember of the SWEET transporter family, is highly expressed in nodules. The SWEET family was first identified in Arabidopsis, where members of the family are involved in phloem loading, nectar secretion, pollen nutrition and seed filling. The expression of LjSWEET3 strongly increased during nodule development and reached the highest level in mature nodules. Histochemical analysis using L. japonicus plants transformed with LjSWEET3 promoter:GUS (b-glucuronidase) showed strong expression in the vascular systems of nodules. Analysis of an LjSWEET3-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion expressed in Nicotiana banthamiana and Coptis japonica indicates that LjSWEET3 localizes to the plasma membrane. Together these data are consistent with a role for LjSWEET3 in sugar translocation towards nodules and also suggest the possible existence of multiple routes of carbon supply into nodules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

T1R2-T1R3 is a heteromeric receptor that binds sugars, high potency sweeteners, and sweet taste blockers. In rodents, T1R2-T1R3 is largely responsible for transducing sweet taste perception. T1R2-T1R3 is also expressed in non-taste tissues, and a growing body of evidence suggests that it helps regulate glucose and lipid metabolism. It was previously shown that clofibric acid, a blood lipid-lowering drug, binds T1R2-T1R3 and inhibits its activity in vitro. The purpose of this study was to determine whether clofibric acid inhibits sweetness perception in humans and is, therefore, a T1R2-T1R3 antagonist in vivo. Fourteen participants rated the sweetness intensity of 4 sweeteners (sucrose, sucralose, Na cyclamate, acesulfame K) across a broad range of concentrations. Each sweetener was prepared in solution neat and in mixture with either clofibric acid or lactisole. Clofibric acid inhibited sweetness of every sweetener. Consistent with competitive binding, inhibition by clofibric acid was diminished with increasing sweetener concentration. This study provides in vivo evidence that the lipid-lowering drug clofibric acid inhibits sweetness perception and is, therefore, a T1R carbohydrate receptor inhibitor. Our results are consistent with previous in vitro findings. Given that T1R2-T1R3 may in part regulate glucose and lipid metabolism, future studies should investigate the metabolic effects of T1R inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. The aim of the research is to evaluate the quality of innovative hot soufflé dessert from the standpoint of physiological needs of the child of preschool age by qualimetry methods. Materials and methods. The basis of the research was established by the methods of theoretical generalization, scientific induction and deduction, methods of systematic, structural, qualimetric and mathematical analysis of the dish quality. Results and discussion. Taking into consideration physiological needs norms of 4-6 years old child, the innovative hot sweet soufflé dessert was developed. The comprehensive evaluation was given to this dish, and it showed the benefits of an improved recipe in comparison with the traditional one. The hierarchical structure of quality indicators of the dish was improved and the scale of nodal values of quality indicators that characterize the critical point of the meal was created on its basis. Basic qualitative indexes (m) innovative hot sweet dessert of macronutrients, mineral matters and vitamins are the following: for proteins - 0,20; fats - 0,40; carbohydrates - 0,40; sodium - 0,10; potassium - 0,10; calcium - 0,10; zinc - 0,40; iron - 0,30; thiamine - 0,20; β-carotene - 20; riboflavin - 0,20; pyridoxine - 0,20; ascorbic acid - 0,20. The biggest value of the complex index (K0) is for: fats and carbohydrates - 0,4; zinc - 0,4; The minimum value is typical of calcium, potassium, sodium. Conclusion. The benefits of innovative hot sweet soufflé dessert in comparison with the prototype were established by methods of qualimetric quality analysis. The expediency of β-glucan usage in the dish recipe is proved by these methods to enhance nutrition value and to reduce the food energy value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trehalose 6-phosphate (Tre6P), the intermediate of trehalose biosynthesis, is an essential signal metabolite in plants, linking growth and development to carbon status. Our current understanding of Tre6P metabolism and signaling pathways in plants is based almost entirely on studies performed with Arabidopsis thaliana , a model plant that performs C 3 photosynthesis. Conversely, our knowledge on the molecular mechanisms involved in Tre6P regulation of carbon partitioning and metabolism in C 4 plants is scarce. This topic is especially relevant due to the agronomic importance of crops performing C 4 photosynthesis, such as maize, sorghum and sugarcane. In this review, we focused our attention on recent developments related to Tre6P metabolism in C 4 species and raised some open questions that should be addressed in the near future to improve the yield of economically important crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Sour exposure induced decreased amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF), namely reduced neural activation in the somatosensory cortex in the left post-central gyrus. • Sweet exposure led to increased neural activation (ALFF) in the bilateral putamen involved in reward processing. • In contrast to sweet taste, sour exposure showed increased brain activation in the right superior frontal gyrus, which has been linked to functioning in high-order cognitive control. Taste perception has been deeply explored from the behavioural level to delineating neural mechanisms. However, most previous studies about the neural underpinnings of taste perception have focused on task-related brain activation. Notably, evidence indicates that task-induced brain activation often involves interference from irrelevant task materials and only accounts for a small fraction of the brain's energy consumption. Investigation of the resting-state spontaneous brain activity would bring us a comprehensive understanding of the neural mechanism of taste perception. Here we acquired resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data from twenty-two participants immediately after they received sweet, sour and tasteless gustatory stimulation. Our results showed that, in contrast to the tasteless condition, the sour exposure induced decreased amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) in the somatosensory cortex in the left post-central gyrus, and the sweet exposure led to increased ALFF in the bilateral putamen involved in reward processing. Moreover, in contrast to the sweet stimulation condition, the sour stimulation condition showed increased ALFF in the right superior frontal gyrus, which has been linked to functioning in high-order cognitive control. Altogether, our data indicate that taste exposure may affect the spontaneous functional activity in brain regions, including the somatosensory areas, reward processing areas and high-order cognitive functioning areas. Our findings may contribute to a further understanding the neural network and mechanisms after taste exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The relationship between taste perception and eating disorders was investigated. • Taste impairments occurred differently in obese subjects with eating disorders. • Subjects with mixed eating disorders shown a reduced perception of salty stimuli. • Emotional and external eating characterized obese with eating disorders. • Targeting taste might be a promising strategy to personalize the dietary approach. Eating disorders (i.e., food addiction and binge eating) are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality and are considered one of the most common underlying causes of weight loss failure. Despite ongoing efforts to better understand dysregulated eating, the core phenomenon of the mechanisms underlying the perception of food properties and the possible sensory deficits in eating disorders remains scarcely investigated. This is surprising as the perception of food plays a central role in choosing what we eat and could be relevant in maintaining disordered eating behaviours in patients with obesity. To address this knowledge gap, we tested the hypothesis that taste response profiles are differentially linked to nutritional status and eating disorder types. In addition, a range of eating behavioural attitudes associated with over-consumption was also evaluated to assess their importance in driving abnormal eating. One hundred and twenty-two patients with obesity were studied (37 simple obese; 43 obese with food addiction; 42 obese with co-occurring food addiction and binge eating). Forty-three subjects were recruited as the control group. Sweet and salty taste thresholds (target stimuli associated with binge/compulsive eating) were measured with the 3-Alternative-Forced-Choice method, and eating habits (external, emotional, and restrained eating) were assessed by the Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire. Results generally showed that patients with obesity (with and without eating disorders) presented a significantly (p < 0.001) lower acuity to sweet and salty tastes compared to controls. In particular, patients with co-occurring food addiction and binge eating showed the highest salty threshold compared to the other groups. Moreover, this group had significantly (p < 0.001) higher emotional and external eating scores than the others. Our data suggest that targeting taste might be a novel approach toward weight control to prevent the risk of therapeutic failure, identify new intervention strategies and, above all, personalise the type of dietary approach to be adopted with the obesity endophenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The auditory characteristics of a musical composition can be matched in a congruent manner with the basic tastes affecting the way consumers perceive them. Based on this evidence, the present study was developed to extend the understanding of crossmodal interactions between gustatory and auditory stimuli—namely, the influence of music on sweet and sour basic tastes intensity. For this purpose, two musical compositions congruent with sweet and sour basic tastes were selected. The gustatory stimulus chosen was a real food (passion fruit mousse) having these two basic tastes. Sensory tests were performed upon a participants screening using basic tastes recognition tests and familiarization with the used scale. Each participant experienced the same dessert in three different conditions, in random order: i) control, in which the dessert was tasted in silence; ii) condition A, in which the dessert was tasted while listening to sweet music, that expectably would enhance the sweet taste and iii) condition B, in which the dessert was tasted while listening to sour music, that expectably would enhance the sour taste. Results demonstrated that the same dessert was perceived differently when participants were exposed to different auditory stimuli, validating the music's influence on the tasting experience. Furthermore, it was verified that crossmodal music-taste correspondences with the sour taste were stronger and showed a significant effect. Sweet music, by contrast, did not increase the sweet taste of the dessert. However, it decreased the intensity of sour taste, suggesting a different approach to crossmodal correspondences between music and taste. • The people did not perceive the same dessert similarly when exposed to different musical stimulus. • The music congruency with the taste was stronger regarding sour taste. • Sweet music did not evoke the sweetness of the dessert, but it decreased the intensity of sourness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) fungi receive photosynthetic products and sugars from plants in exchange for contributing to the uptake of minerals, especially phosphorus, from the soil. The identification of genes controlling AM symbiotic efficiency may have practical application in the creation of highly productive plant-microbe systems. The aim of our work was to evaluate the expression levels of SWEET sugar transporter genes, the only family in which sugar transporters specific to AM symbiosis can be detected. We have selected a unique "host plant-AM fungus" model system with high response to mycorrhization under medium phosphorus level. This includes a plant line which is highly responsive to inoculation by AM fungi, an ecologically obligate mycotrophic line MlS-1 from black medick (Medicago lupulina) and the AM fungus Rhizophagus irregularis strain RCAM00320, which has a high efficiency in a number of plant species. Using the selected model system, differences in the expression levels of 11 genes encoding SWEET transporters in the roots of the host plant were evaluated during the development of or in the absence of symbiosis of M. lupulina with R. irregularis at various stages of the host plant development in the presence of medium level of phosphorus available for plant nutrition in the substrate. At most stages of host plant development, mycorrhizal plants had higher expression levels of MlSWEET1b, MlSWEET3c, MlSWEET12 and MlSWEET13 compared to AM-less controls. Also, increased expression relative to control during mycorrhization was observed for MlSWEET11 at 2nd and 3rd leaf development stages, for MlSWEET15c at stemming (stooling) stage, for MlSWEET1a at 2nd leaf development, stemming and lateral branching stages. The MlSWEET1b gene can be confidently considered a good marker with specific expression for effective development of AM symbiosis between M. lupulina and R. irregularis in the presence of medium level of phosphorus available to plants in the substrate., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © AUTHORS.)

Background: The aim was to compare transhiatal esophagectomy via mediastinoscopy (TEM) with Sweet procedure for patients with T2 midpiece and distal esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC)., Materials and Methods: By virtue of propensity score matching, 42 T2 ESCC patients who underwent TEM ( n  = 21) and Sweet procedure ( n  = 21) were included. Both the short-term and long-term outcomes of these patients were observed., Results: Compared with the Sweet procedure, the TEM procedure showed less operation time (133.8 ± 30.4 vs 171.2 ± 30.3 min, p  = 0.038), reduced drainage volume in 24 h (83.8 ± 142.3 vs 665.2 ± 220.0 mL, p  < 0.001), shorter reserving time of chest tube (26.2 ± 26.3 vs 82.8 ± 49.8 h, p  < 0.001) and less dissected lymph nodes (12.4 ± 6.1 vs 17.0 ± 6.5, p  = 0.041). The average survival period was 62.6 months for TEM group and 62.5 months for Sweet group ( p  = 0.753). The COX regression showed that the nodal staging could be regarded as an independent prognostic factor ( p  = 0.013), not the surgical method ( p  = 0. 754)., Conclusions: The TEM procedure could reduce operative trauma compared with the Sweet procedure. The long-term survival rate of TEM group was acceptable. The lymph node resection was a major disadvantage of TEM procedure. The TEM procedure might be an alternate choice for T2 midpiece and distal ESCC patients, especially for patients who cannot tolerate transthoracic esophagectomy.

In the developing seeds of all higher plants, filial cells are symplastically isolated from the maternal tissue supplying photosynthate to the reproductive structure. Photoassimilates must be transported apoplastically, crossing several membrane barriers, a process facilitated by sugar transporters. Sugars Will Eventually be Exported Transporters (SWEETs) have been proposed to play a crucial role in apoplastic sugar transport during phloem unloading and the post-phloem pathway in sink tissues. Evidence for this is presented here for developing seeds of the C4 model grass Setaria viridis. Using immunolocalization, SvSWEET4 was detected in various maternal and filial tissues within the seed along the sugar transport pathway, in the vascular parenchyma of the pedicel, and in the xylem parenchyma of the stem. Expression of SvSWEET4a in Xenopus laevis oocytes indicated that it functions as a high-capacity glucose and sucrose transporter. Carbohydrate and transcriptional profiling of Setaria seed heads showed that there were some developmental shifts in hexose and sucrose content and consistent expression of SvSWEET4 homologues. Collectively, these results provide evidence for the involvement of SWEETs in the apoplastic transport pathway of sink tissues and allow a pathway for post-phloem sugar transport into the seed to be proposed., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Experimental Biology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

SWEET (Sugars will eventually be exported transporter) proteins are a group of sugar transporters that are involved in sugar efflux, phloem loading, reproductive development, plant senescence, and stress responses. In this study, 23 SWEET transporter members were identified in the Medicago polymorpha genome, heterogeneously distributed on seven chromosomes. These MpSWEET genes were divided into four subfamilies, which showed similar gene structure and motif composition within the same subfamily. Seventeen MpSWEET genes encode seven transmembrane helices (TMHs), and all MpSWEET proteins possess conserved membrane domains and putative serine phosphorylation sites. Four and three pairs of MpSWEET genes were predicted to be segmentally and tandemly duplicated, respectively, which may have contributed to their evolution of M. polymorpha . The results of microarray and RNA-Seq data showed that some MpSWEET genes were specifically expressed in disparate developmental stages (including seedling stage, early flowering stage, and late flowering stage) or tissues such as flower and large pod. Based on protein network interaction and expression patterns of MpSWEET genes, six MpSWEET genes were selected for further quantitative real-time PCR validation in different stress treatments. qRT-PCR results showed that MpSWEET05 , MpSWEET07 , MpSWEET12 , MpSWEET15 , and MpSWEET21 were significantly upregulated for at least two of the three abiotic stress treatments. These findings provide new insights into the complex transcriptional regulation of MpSWEET genes, which facilitates future research to elucidate the function of MpSWEET genes in M. polymorpha and other legume crops.

Functional analysis of large gene families in plant pathogens can be cumbersome using classical insertional mutagenesis. Additionally, Cas9 toxicity has limited the application of CRISPR-Cas9 for directed mutagenesis in bacteria. Here, we successfully applied a CRISPR interference strategy to investigate the cryptic role of the transcription activator-like effector (tale) multigene family in several plant-pathogenic Xanthomonas bacterial species, owing to their contribution to pathogen virulence. Single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) designed against Xanthomonas phaseoli pv manihotis tale conserved gene sequences efficiently silenced expression of all tales, with concomitant decrease in virulence and TALE-induced host gene expression. The system is readily translatable to other Xanthomonas species infecting rice, citrus, Brassica, and cassava, silencing up to 16 tales in a given strain using a single sgRNA. Complementation with plasmid-borne designer tales lacking the sgRNA-targeted sequence restored molecular and virulence phenotypes in all pathosystems. Our results evidenced that X. campestris pv campestris CN08 tales are relevant for symptom development in cauliflower. They also show that the MeSWEET10a sugar transporter is surprisingly targeted by the nonvascular cassava pathogen X. cassavae, highlighting a new example of TALE functional convergence between phylogenetically distant Xanthomonas. Overall, this novel technology provides a platform for discovery and rapid functional understanding of highly conserved gene families., (© 2023 The Authors. New Phytologist © 2023 New Phytologist Foundation.)

Although sweeteners are widely used additives in beverages, taste interaction between sweeteners and minerals in water is rarely reported. The objective was to investigate the influence of different concentrations of iron and water hardness on taste perception of sweetened beverages and characterize the corresponding emotional profiles. Taste interaction was developed by dissolving five natural and artificial sweeteners [sucrose, honey, sucralose, saccharin, and acesulfame potassium (ace-K)] into four synthetic waters [soft water (0 mg Fe/L), moderate hard water (0.3 mg Fe/L), hard water (1 mg Fe/L) and very hard water (3 mg Fe/L)], respectively. Sweet and metallic taste intensity of different combinations were compared by pairwise ranking tests. Acceptability and emotional response on sucrose sweetened beverage with and without the addition of iron was evaluated by 9-point hedonic score test and check-all-that-apply emotional term ballot. Iron (Fe 2+ ) created metallic flavor in drinking water and produced bored and disgusted feelings for consumers. Other minerals such as Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ and Na + at subthresholds impacted taste perception of water. Sweetness of sweeteners was varied with different concentrations of minerals in water and with different types of sweeteners. High concentration of iron and water hardness significantly increased (p < 0.05) the sweetness of sucrose, honey and ace-K. Sweet-metallic taste interaction between sucrose and ferrous ions significantly (p < 0.05) increased the acceptance of very hard water (3 mg Fe/L), and created a unique emotional profile- “mild”. Distribution of emotional profiles could be different between samples with the same hedonic scores and provide more in-depth information than acceptance test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retronasal co-experience of odours with sweet tastes and thick textures have been shown to result in attribution of sweetness and thickness to odours when they are subsequently sniffed. Orosensory thickness and creaminess are also associated with expectations that a product will be filling. Here we test for the first time whether co-experience of odours with orosensory thickness and sweetness results in transfer of satiety expectations to these odours when subsequently sniffed. Eighty healthy volunteers evaluated the hedonic and sensory characteristics of odours, and expectations that products with the same flavour as the odour would be filling, before and after disguised co-experience of odours with sweetness (sucrose), thickness (tara gum solution) or the combination of sweet/thick, as well as untrained (control) odours. Odours paired with tara gum were subsequently rated as smelling thicker and more creamy, while odours paired with sucrose smelled sweeter. Pairing odours with tara gum increased the expectation that products predicted to have the same flavour as the sniffed odour would be more filling, and this was enhanced by sweetness, while pairing odours with tara-gum increased the expectation that products with that odour would reduce later hunger. Liking for odours paired with sweetness increased, but pairing with thickness alone reduced liking. These data suggest that satiety-consonant sensory characteristics can transfer to associated odours, and that this process is independent of changes in liking. This raises the possibility of using satiety-associated odour cues to manipulate consumer satiety expectations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Sweet potato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci Gen. (B. tabaci), is one of the most important pests of various greenhouse crops in Iran. Nowadays, chemical insecticides are broadly used for control of the pests that causes risk to consumer's health. For the first time, contact toxicity of Pelargonium roseum Andrews and Artemisia sieberi Besser essential oils on B. tabaci and its possible application against the whitefly was evaluated in 2012. Materials and Methods: Essential oil with concentrations of 2500, 1250, 125, and 12 ppm were used. Infested leaves of greenhouse cucumber were treated by mentioned concentrations. After 24 hours, mortality of B. tabaci was recorded and compared after correcting by Abbot's formula. Results: Results showed that all concentrations of the essential oil could significantly reduce population of B. tabaci compared with the control treatment. Phytotoxicity of the treated leaves were recorded after 24, 48, and 72 hours and compared with the control. Concentrations of 2500, 1250, and 125 ppm caused severe phytotoxicity on greenhouse cucumber leaves and therefore are not suitable for greenhouse application. Phytotoxicity of 12 ppm was relatively low. Conclusions: This data implicated suitable protective effects of the essential oils to the pest infestation. Therefore, essential oils distillated from Geranium and Artemisia could be applied to control B. tabaci in greenhouse cucumber at V/V 12 ppm.

Sucrose is the principal transported product of photosynthesis from source leaves to sink organs. SUTs/SUCs (sucrose transporters or sucrose carriers) and SWEETs (Sugars Will Eventually be Exported Transporters) play significant central roles in phloem loading and unloading. SUTs/SUCs and SWEETs are key players in sucrose translocation and are associated with crop yields. The SUT/SUC and SWEET genes have been characterized in several plant species, but a comprehensive analysis of these two gene families in oilseed rape has not yet been reported. In our study, 22 and 68 members of the SUT/SUCs and SWEET gene families, respectively, were identified in the oilseed rape (Brassica napus) genome through homology searches. An analysis of the chromosomal distribution, phylogenetic relationships, gene structures, motifs and the cis-acting regulatory elements in the promoters of BnSUC and BnSWEET genes were analysed. Furthermore, we examined the expression of the 18 BnSUC and 16 BnSWEET genes in different tissues of ‘ZS11’ and the expression of 9 BnSUC and 7 BnSWEET genes in ‘ZS11’ under various conditions, including biotic stress (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum), abiotic stresses (drought, salt and heat), and hormone treatments (abscisic acid, auxin, cytokinin, brassinolide, gibberellin and salicylic acid). In conclusion, our study provides the first comprehensive analysis of the oilseed rape SUC and SWEET gene families. Information regarding the phylogenetic relationships, gene structure and expression profiles of the SUC and SWEET genes in the different tissues of oilseed rape helps to identify candidates with potential roles in specific developmental processes. Our study advances our understanding of the important roles of sucrose transport in oilseed rape.

Flavescence dorée, caused by the quarantine phytoplasma FDp, represents the most devastating of the grapevine yellows diseases in Europe. In an integrated study we have explored the FDp–grapevine interaction in infected grapevines of cv. ‘Modra frankinja’ under natural conditions in the vineyard. In FDp-infected leaf vein-enriched tissues, the seasonal transcriptional profiles of 14 genes selected from various metabolic pathways showed an FDp-specific plant response compared to other grapevine yellows and uncovered a new association of the SWEET17a vacuolar transporter of fructose with pathogens. Non-targeted metabolome analysis from leaf vein-enriched tissues identified 22 significantly changed compounds with increased levels during infection. Several metabolites corroborated the gene expression study. Detailed investigation of the dynamics of carbohydrate metabolism revealed significant accumulation of sucrose and starch in the mesophyll of FDp-infected leaves, as well as significant up-regulation of genes involved in their biosynthesis. In addition, infected leaves had high activities of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase and, more significantly, sucrose synthase. The data support the conclusion that FDp infection inhibits phloem transport, resulting in accumulation of carbohydrates and secondary metabolites that provoke a source-sink transition and defence response status.

The neutrophilic dermatoses are a group of disorders characterized by skin lesions for which histological examination reveals intense epidermal and/or dermal inflammatory infiltrates composed primarily of neutrophils without evidence of infection. The myelodysplastic syndromes consist of a heterogeneous group of malignant hematopoietic stem cell disorders characterized by dysplastic and inadequate blood cell production with a variable risk of transformation to acute leukemia. Rarely, histiocytoid Sweet’s syndrome occurring in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome has been described. We present a case of a 66-year-old woman with a history of myelodysplastic syndrome who developed histiocytoid Sweet’s syndrome. We also review the literature and characterize patients with myelodysplastic syndrome who have developed histiocytoid Sweet’s syndrome.