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Concentrations of anthocyanins and tannins after extraction from berries in wines and from skin macerations in model solutions have been studied for two grape varieties, two maturation levels and two vintages berries. Characterization of the cell wall polysaccharides has also been performed, the classical method based on the analysis of the neutral sugars after depolymerization being completed by a comprehensive microarray polymer profiling (CoMPP). Extraction was lower in model solutions than in wines, with the same ranking: non acylated anthocyanins> tannins > p-coumaroylated anthocyanins. The polysaccharidic composition suggested a role of homogalacturonans, rhamnogalacturonans and extensins in the extraction process. A global explanation of the interactions between anthocyanins, tannins and polysaccharides is proposed., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Background: During red winemaking, diffusion of phenolic compounds from the grape berry cells into the liquid phase occurs simultaneously with the adsorption of the same compounds onto the pulp. In previous studies, we quantified the proportions of polyphenols diffusing from the skins and then assessed the amounts that can be fixed by the pulp. In this work, we added the impact of seeds, also present during vinification, by carrying out macerations in a model medium with the following berry compartments: skins, seeds, skins + seeds, skins + seeds + pulp., Results: Interestingly, the seeds alone released a rather high amount of polyphenols. As soon as they were in the presence of cell walls of skin/flesh, and/or anthocyanins, the concentration of seed tannins in the solution dropped dramatically, due to a combined effect of adsorption and/or precipitation and/or chemical reactions. The pulp certainly adsorbed tannins, but they also tended to shift the extraction equilibria, and it seems that more tannins could be extracted from skins and seeds when pulp was present. Polyphenol amounts extracted in model systems with skins + seeds + pulp were close to what was extracted in microvinification., Conclusion: These model experiments reflect relatively well extraction during microvinification experiments and highlight the respective impact of the grape berry's different compartments in the wine's final phenolic composition as well as some of the mechanisms involved. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry., (© 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.)

In order to obtain information on the oxidative behavior of red wines, oxygen consumption rates and electrochemical changes (cyclic voltammetry) were measured for nine red wines subject to three different accelerated ageing tests: chemical (with hydrogen peroxide), enzymatic (with laccase from Trametes versicolor ), and temperature (at 60 °C). Oxidative behavior depended both on the wine sample and accelerated ageing test type. A good correlation was observed between electrochemical parameters of charges for reference/non-oxidized wines, in accordance with their antioxidant capacity, and the variation of charges after enzymatic and temperature tests, meaning that cyclic voltammetry could be used in order to predict these two oxidation tests and reflect the wine sensitivity towards respective oxidation targets. However, it was not possible to predict wine chemical oxidation test based on hydrogen peroxide from the electrochemical measurements.

Efficient anthocyanin extraction from emerging food matrices is essential in food technology and requires a precise, consistent, and clear extraction method. This study aimed to develop a decision-tree tool for selecting the optimal anthocyanin extraction technique. A comprehensive data synthesis covering the years 2018 to 2023 was conducted using leading academic databases, including Web of Science, Scopus, Medline, and SciELO. A combination of systematic and non-systematic approaches was employed to guide the decision-making process. The keywords used included "anthocyanin extraction methods," and studies with more than 10 citations were prioritized, along with recent and relevant publications. Thirty-six articles were analyzed according to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines for systematic reviews. While ultrasound and microwave-assisted methods were predominantly featured, accounting for 46% of the reviewed studies, other methods such as enzyme-assisted extraction, deep eutectic solvents, and ionic liquid extraction were also evaluated for their comparative efficiency and suitability across various matrices. Fruits were the primary matrix, with a focus on the pericarp. While fruits, particularly the pericarp, was the primary matrix studied, the decision-tree tool is designed to be applicable across various food matrices, demonstrating its versatility and generalizability beyond fruits. The decision-tree tool was successfully applied to matrices with different structures, showcasing its adaptability. Integration of this tool could streamline selection processes, resulting in significant time and resource savings. In conclusion, this study highlights the influence of plant morpho-anatomical structures and extraction parameters on anthocyanin yield. It demonstrates how the decision-tree approach enhances efficiency and productivity, validated through blackberry and purple sweet potato matrices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports the synthesis of aminoazobenzene compounds derived from 3,5-dimethylaniline (1a–1f) via a diazo-coupling reaction with aromatic amines. These aminoazobenzenes were acylated with maleic anhydride to obtain the corresponding maleimides (2a–2f). The maleimides were then used as dienophiles in a Dies–Alder cycloaddition reaction with furan as the diene, yielding the adducts (3a–3f). All synthesized compounds were characterized using FTIR, 1H, and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Additionally, electrochemical studies using cyclic voltammetry were conducted to determine the oxidation–reduction reactions present in the compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Proanthocyanidins (PAs), or condensed tannins, are flavonoid polymers, widespread throughout the plant kingdom, which provide protection against herbivores while conferring organoleptic and nutritive values to plant-derived foods, such as wine. However, the genetic basis of qualitative and quantitative PA composition variation is still poorly understood. To elucidate the genetic architecture of the complex grape PA composition, we first carried out quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis on a 191-individual pseudo-F1 progeny. Three categories of PA variables were assessed: total content, percentages of constitutive subunits and composite ratio variables. For nine functional candidate genes, among which eight co-located with QTLs, we performed association analyses using a diversity panel of 141 grapevine cultivars in order to identify causal SNPs., Results: Multiple QTL analysis revealed a total of 103 and 43 QTLs, respectively for seed and skin PA variables. Loci were mainly of additive effect while some loci were primarily of dominant effect. Results also showed a large involvement of pairwise epistatic interactions in shaping PA composition. QTLs for PA variables in skin and seeds differed in number, position, involvement of epistatic interaction and allelic effect, thus revealing different genetic determinisms for grape PA composition in seeds and skin. Association results were consistent with QTL analyses in most cases: four out of nine tested candidate genes (VvLAR1, VvMYBPA2, VvCHI1, VvMYBPA1) showed at least one significant association with PA variables, especially VvLAR1 revealed as of great interest for further functional investigation. Some SNP-phenotype associations were observed only in the diversity panel., Conclusions: This study presents the first QTL analysis on grape berry PA composition with a comparison between skin and seeds, together with an association study. Our results suggest a complex genetic control for PA traits and different genetic architectures for grape PA composition between berry skin and seeds. This work also uncovers novel genomic regions for further investigation in order to increase our knowledge of the genetic basis of PA composition.

Background: Selecting an appropriate extraction technique and optimization of extraction conditions must be done to improve the efficiency and productivity of natural colorant. Methods: Flesh and peels of four different raw materials viz., beetroot, carrot, pomegranate and grape were extracted independently using 100% ethyl alcohol using cold solvent extraction method adopting 1: 1 and 1: 2 w/v solid to solvent ratio for 24 and 48 hrs, forming 8 treatments replicated thrice in three factorial CRD. The collected extracts were evaporated at 60°C; per cent yield and pigment content were calculated. Result: Extract yield and pigment content were significantly influenced by raw material, solid to solvent ratio and duration of extraction. Extract yield was higher in flesh of carrot and beetroot as well as in peels of grape and pomegranate. Anthocyanin content in grape and pomegranate and betalain content in beetroot were high in peel where as ß-carotene content was higher in carrot flesh extract. Per cent yield and pigment content increased with increased duration of extraction and solid to solvent ratio. Requirement of more solvent and longer extraction time are the drawback of conventional extraction methods and there is a growing demand for non-conventional techniques to enhance yield and maintain pigment stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of the ultrasound technique (US) in the production of rosé and red wines has demonstrated that the aromatic composition of rose wine can be affected and that it contributes to increasing the color of red wines without increasing the extraction of astringent tannins. The ultrasound treatment has favored the extraction of anthocyanins, which has had an impact on the increase in color density (C.D.) and has allowed greater color stability over time. Moreover, significant differences have been found between the two US systems applied, with continuous treatment being more effective in the extraction of phenolic compounds than pulsed treatment. The application system of the US also affects the aromatic composition of the wines. These results are of interest, as some esters have been described as important odorants in wines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flow cytometry (FCM) is a widely used technique to study genome size (C-value), but recalcitrant metabolites in grapevines often hinder its efficiency in grapevine research. The aim of the present study was (i) to develop a novel buffer tailormade for the nuclei isolation of grapevines and (ii) to characterize a Cypriot germplasm collection based on C-values. A local cultivar "Xinisteri" was used as a pilot test to evaluate a Sorbitol-based buffer, while sprouting, young, and fully matured leaves were examined to evaluate the developmental parameter. The novel Sorbitol buffer was shown to have a coefficient of variation (CV) of 4.06%, indicating improved properties compared to other commonly used FCM buffers [WPB (7.69%), LB01 (6.69%), and LB (7.13%), respectively]. In addition, a significant variation in genome size between genotypes was found in a comprehensive application with 24 grape varieties. Nucleic content (2C) ranged from 0.577/1C pg for the "Assyrtiko" cultivar up to 0.597/1C pg for the "Spourtiko" cultivar, revealing a 17.6/1C Mbp difference. The lowest coefficient of variation (CV) across all entries was found in the variety "Ofthalmo" (2.29%), while the highest was observed in "Pinot Noir" (3.44%). Anova analysis revealed several distinct clusters, showing that in several cases, C-values can be used as a simple method to distinguish grapevine cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Voltammetry has been used in many industries and has been a popular method for food analysis in recent years. Its high sensitivity, rapid analysis, usability in a wide variety of concentrations and temperatures have positive potential in the wine industry. With standardized methods for food analysis being too work-intensive and time-consuming for the fast market demand, the main purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the possible benefits that voltammetry can provide to the wine industry. This review paper focused its discussion on the different voltammetric methods, parametric conditions, and electrochemical behavior of essential compounds from wine as the main substance of interest. In particular, the limit of detection (LOD), initial voltage peak, pH levels, working electrodes, and their respective reagents were taken into account to determine the applicable methods that can be utilized in the wine industry. This study could serve as a point of reference for future research into the topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital control systems are well established in many industries and could find application in the wine sector. Of critical importance to red wine quality, the efficient and targeted extraction of polyphenols from red grape solids during alcoholic fermentation could be a focus for automation. Smart technologies such as model predictive control (MPC) or fuzzy logic appear ideal for application in a complex process such as wine polyphenol extraction, but require mathematical models that accurately describe the system. The aim of this study was to derive and validate a model describing the extraction of catechin (a representative polyphenol) from red grape solids under simulated fermentation conditions. The impact of ethanol, fermentable sugar, and temperature on extraction rate was determined, with factor conditions chosen to emulate those present in industry practice. A first-order approach was used to generate an extraction model based on mass conservation that incorporated temperature and sugar dependency. Coefficients of determination (R2) for all test scenarios exceeded 0.94, indicating a good fit to the experimental data. Sensitivity analysis for the extraction rate and internal cross-validation showed the model to be robust, with a small standard error in cross-validation (SECV) of 0.11 and a high residual predictive deviation (RPD) of 17.68. The model that was developed is well suited to digital technologies where low computational overheads are desirable, and industrial application scenarios are presented for future implementation of the work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grape is one of the most valuable sources of polyphenols that act as radical scavengers and stress suppressors. This study discussed the polyphenolic and the organic acid composition regarding ecology and secondary metabolism of red grapes of two Vitis vinifera varieties (Sülün Kara and Tombak Kara) and a Vitis labrusca cultivar (Isabella) grown under arid conditions. Isabella, a grape adapted to high humidity, had notably higher flavonoids, particularly catechin. Vitis vinifera varieties contained higher phenolic acids than Isabella, except for syringic, p-coumaric, and gallic acids. Organic acids were divergent among the varieties and Isabella. Correlation analysis suggested some noteworthy relations among organic acids, such as the positive linear relationships of malic, tartaric, and ascorbic acids. Oxalic acid was negatively correlated to other organic acids except for succinic acid. High correlations among flavonoids suggested an enhanced stress defense metabolism caused by rain scarcity during the growing season. This study will be a helpful example of alterations in grape biochemical composition and relationships of secondary metabolites. The results also suggest that Isabella is an excellent genetic source of biochemically fortified berries under arid conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate factors strongly impact the growth of grapes and their flavonoid composition, especially due to heat and drought stress. Four varieties—Gelu, Moldova, Purpuriu, and Coarna Neagra—from a Copou vineyard were analyzed to assess the impact of climate change on the anthocyanin concentration in grapes and total chlorophyll content of the leaves, and find possible correlations between these parameters during the two studied years, such as to raise producer awareness regarding the climate impact on table grape vine growth. Moldova and Purpuriu show adaptation to a slight temperature increase above the normal average and also to a water deficit, with increased concentrations of anthocyanins of up to three times. The Moldova variety accumulated low amounts of chlorophyll pigments in most analyzed development phases, indicating a negative correlation between these pigments. Coarna neagra exhibited an increase of the foliar pigments, a variety that proved to be less valuable from the point of view of anthocyanin content. Positive correlations were found between the anthocyanin and chlorophyll concentrations in the case of Gelu, Moldova, and Coarna neagra cultivars during the latter phase of the fruit development, whereas the water deficit in the second year induced negative correlations during fruit development and at the time of harvest for all studied varieties except Moldova. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Winemaking involves contact at different stages with atmospheric oxygen, the consumption of which determines its final properties. The chemical analysis of red wines subjected to consecutive cycles of air saturation has been extensively researched; however, the capacity to consume different doses of oxygen before bottling is an aspect that has been little studied. In this work, the effect of saturation of different levels of oxygen on the final characteristics of different wines made from Tempranillo and Garnacha grape extracts was studied. For this purpose, the wines were subjected to controlled oxygen saturation levels to simulate their possible oxygenation before bottling. The only difference was the phenolic composition of grape extracts that were reconstituted under the same conditions to avoid the interferences inherent to the fermentation process and the additives added in the winery. The kinetics of oxygen consumption was then evaluated and its effect on the color, antioxidant capacity, and phenols of three different wines was analyzed. This work shows the relationship between the oxidation state of wine and changes in its chemical composition. In addition, it provides insight into the effect of oxygen consumption before bottling on the properties of wines subjected to high and single doses of oxygen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pectin was considered as a potential candidate to improve the thermal stability of anthocyanins, and the binding ability of pectin to anthocyanins was influenced by its structure. In this study, sunflower pectins, modified by ultrasound (40 kHz) for different periods of time, were prepared and used to bind with anthocyanins, extracted from purple sweet potato., Results: Characterization and thermal stability of pectin-anthocyanin complexes were investigated. The ultrasonic modification of pectin resulted in many changes in pectin chemical structure, including degradation of neutral sugar side chains, breakage of methoxyl groups, and increased molecular flexibility. Extension of ultrasonic modification time led to greater changes in pectin chemical structure. Analysis of the binding ability, as determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations, revealed that the interaction between pectin and anthocyanins was driven by hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interaction, and hydrophobic interaction. Pectins with different ultrasonic modification times bound with anthocyanins to different extents, mainly resulting from an increase in the number of hydrogen bonds. According to high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis, during heating at 90 °C the stronger the binding ability of pectin and anthocyanin complex, the better was its thermal stability., Conclusion: Ultrasonic modification of pectin could effectively enhance its binding ability to anthocyanin. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry., (© 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.)

Musculoskeletal injuries and disorders are the leading cause of physical disability worldwide and a considerable socioeconomic burden. The lack of effective therapies has driven the development of novel bioengineering approaches that have recently started to gain clinical approvals. In this review, we first discuss the self-repair capacity of the musculoskeletal tissues and describe causes of musculoskeletal dysfunction. We then review the development of novel biomaterial, immunomodulatory, cellular, and gene therapies to treat musculoskeletal disorders. Last, we consider the recent regulatory changes and future areas of technological progress that can accelerate translation of these therapies to clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multistage adaptive imaging and stabilization system for the Large Solar Vacuum Telescope was created at the Institute of Atmospheric Optics, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, with the technical support of researchers of the Institute of Solar-Terrestrial Physics, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences. The system was tested and proved to be effective. It provides image stabilization during the first stage, wavefront shape correction with a flexible mirror controlled with a special wavefront sensor during the second stage, and postdetector frame processing during the third stage. For postdetector correction of digital images, special software was developed based on high-speed parallel algorithms. Ways for further development of the system are suggested, including development of high-speed correlation tracking algorithms and addition of the second set of wavefront sensors and a flexible mirror mounted in a conjugate plane at the altitude of a layer with strong local turbulence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vocal fold (VF) scarring is a major etiology of voice disorders and a leading cause for permanent intractable dysphonia. To date, several approaches have been used to address VF injury and scarring, which included scar excision and biomaterial injection and/or implantation. Despite the considerable research progress made in this field, these have not been established as routine clinical procedures due to various restrictions. Tissue engineered scaffolds for delivering growth factors in vivo and implementation of simultaneous delivery of multi-potent cells may achieve better outcome. In this study, we have developed Urine-derived stem cells - Small intestinal submucosa hydrogel composites (USCs@SIS), which are injectable and capable of sustaining the survival and metabolism of the USCs in the scarred VF. The three-dimensional complex showed a robust ability of antiinflammatory polarization, neovascularization, re-epithelialization and anti-fibrosis in a rabbit model for heatinjured VFs. In vitro experiment proved that the hydrogel composites could promote polarization of M2 macrophages, tube formation by human umbilical vein endothelial cells, proliferation and migration by human bronchial epithelial cells, and suppression of differentiation of human fetal lung fibroblasts and human primary fibroblast cells of VF. Application of the USCs@SIS thereby may overcome the substantial limitations of the current strategies for scarless VF regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Identifying the genes that participate in the sweetness and acidity of the berry is key, because these traits are quintessential to the flavour and quality of fresh grapes and wine. In this study we focused on the identification of genomic regions that host genes associated with sweetness and acidity in tablegrapes. Methods and Results: A highly saturated genetic map was prepared using a Ruby Seedless × Sultanina cross (RxS; n = 138) genotyped using an SNPlex‐type platform, and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were mapped. In the integrated map of this population, 1731 markers were distributed along the 19 linkage groups (LGs) of the species. Three significant QTLs, two in LG5 and one in LG8, were associated with fructose/glucose ratio, TA and tartaric acid concentration; these QTLs explained up to 20% of the phenotypic variance for these traits. Eight candidate genes located within the confidence intervals of the sugar and TA QTLs were chosen and their expression profiles analysed from flowering to berry ripening. A Genome‐Wide Association Study (GWAS) analysis revealed the association of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in the same regions as QTLs. Conclusions: Quantitative trait loci significant for sugar and acidity were identified on a tablegrape high‐quality genetic map; furthermore, an association between acidity or sugar concentration and expression changes for candidate genes was also observed. Significance of the Study: These findings could become the basis to develop selection tools for the breeding of these traits in tablegrape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: The flavonoid composition of grapes and wine was determined in transgenic grapevines with altered expression of the tannin synthesis genes anthocyanidin reductase (ANR) and leucoanthocyanidin reductase (LAR). Methods and Results: Shiraz grapevines were transformed with constructs aimed at decreasing expression of genes encoding VvANR and VvLAR1. Many of the ANRsi (silenced) transgenic lines had an altered appearance and a low concentration of leaf tannin but produced no fruit. Those that did produce fruit had a higher concentration of flavonol and a lower concentration of tannin in the skin but no change in seed or overall berry tannin. The ANRsi wines had a higher concentration of anthocyanin, flavonol, tannin and phenolic substances and higher colour. The LARsi lines had a lower concentration of tannin in the leaves and seeds but not in berry skins and produced wines with a lower concentration of anthocyanin, tannin and phenolic substances and lower colour. Conclusions: Manipulation of tannin genes altered flavonoid composition in grapevines and suggests that ANR is more important for tannin synthesis in leaves and berry skins whereas LAR1 is involved more in tannin production in seeds. Significance of the Study: There is potential to alter wine colour and tannin properties by manipulating the flavonoid pathway in grapevines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined the influence of the method of grinding the fruit—homogenisation and grinding using a cryogenic mill—on the extraction efficiency of the ellagitannins (ETs). Two methods of extraction support were compared: sonication and shaking. In the second stage, selection of the extraction with the best conditions was carried out using the response surface methodology (RSM). Ellagitannins were extracted in different variants of acetone concentration (40, 60, and 80%), duration of sonication (5, 10, and 15 min), and temperature (20, 35, and 50 °C). The extracts obtained were subjected to quantitative analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode-array detector (HPLC–DAD) and identification using a mass spectrometer. Grinding is an important stage in the extraction of ellagitannins from berries. Extracts from fruit shredded with a cryogenic mill were characterised by an average of 20% lower content of ellagitannins than extracts from homogenised fruit. Studies using RSM showed that the most important factor affecting the amount of extracted ellagitannins from all tested fruits is the concentration of acetone. The highest ETs concentration was obtained using 80% acetone solution (in the tested range 40–80%). In the case of raspberries, strawberries, and wild strawberries, under the conditions used, the temperature and duration of sonication did not significantly affect the extraction efficiency. An interaction between extraction time and solvent concentration was observed for blackberries, indicating optimal conditions for this fruit as 15 min and an acetone concentration of 80%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expanding plant‐based protein applications is increasingly popular. Polyphenol interactions with wheat gluten proteins can be exploited to create novel functional foods and food ingredients. Polyphenols are antioxidants, thus generally decrease gluten strength by reducing disulfide cross‐linking. Monomeric polyphenols can be used to reduce dough mix time and improve flexibility of the gluten network, including to plasticize gluten films. However, high‐molecular‐weight polyphenols (tannins) cross‐link gluten proteins, thereby increasing protein network density and strength. Tannin–gluten interactions can greatly increase gluten tensile strength in dough matrices, as well as batter viscosity and stability. This could be leveraged to reduce detrimental effects of healthful inclusions, like bran and fiber, to loaf breads and other wheat‐based products. Further, the dual functions of tannins as an antioxidant and gluten cross‐linker could help restructure gluten proteins and improve the texture of plant‐based meat alternatives. Tannin–gluten interactions may also be used to reduce inflammatory effects of gluten experienced by those with gluten allergies and celiac disease. Other potential applications of tannin–gluten interactions include formation of food matrices to reduce starch digestibility; creation of novel biomaterials for edible films or medical second skin type bandages; or targeted distribution of micronutrients in the digestive tract. This review focuses on the effects of polyphenols on wheat gluten functionality and discusses emerging opportunities to employ polyphenol–gluten interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mammalian genomes encode tens of thousands of noncoding RNAs. Most noncoding transcripts exhibit nuclear localization and several have been shown to play a role in the regulation of gene expression and chromatin remodeling. To investigate the function of such RNAs, methods to massively map the genomic interacting sites of multiple transcripts have been developed; however, these methods have some limitations. Here, we introduce RNA And DNA Interacting Complexes Ligated and sequenced (RADICL-seq), a technology that maps genome-wide RNA–chromatin interactions in intact nuclei. RADICL-seq is a proximity ligation-based methodology that reduces the bias for nascent transcription, while increasing genomic coverage and unique mapping rate efficiency compared with existing methods. RADICL-seq identifies distinct patterns of genome occupancy for different classes of transcripts as well as cell type–specific RNA-chromatin interactions, and highlights the role of transcription in the establishment of chromatin structure. Mammalian genomes encode tens of thousands of ncRNAs that have important roles in regulation of gene expression and chromatin organization. Here, the authors present RADICLseq to map RNA-chromatin interactions in intact nuclei to shed light on these fine-tuned processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Delayed wound healing after radiation exposure can cause serious cutaneous damage, and its treatment is a major clinical challenge. Although mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a promising therapeutic agent in regenerative medicine, they alone do not produce satisfactory effects in a combined radiation and wound injury (CRWI) model. Here, we investigated the therapeutic effect of combined umbilical cord blood‐derived (UCB)‐MSCs and platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) treatment on wound healing in a CRWI mouse model. First, we assessed the release of cytokines from UCB‐MSCs cultured with PRP and observed changes in the expression of angiogenic factors. The angiogenic paracrine factors from UCB‐MSCs cultured with PRP were assessed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). To assess therapeutic efficacy, UCB‐MSCs and PRP were topically implanted into a CRWT mouse model. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a pro‐angiogenic growth factor, urokinase‐type plasminogen activator and contributor to VEGF‐induced signalling were more highly expressed in conditioned media of UCB‐MSCs cultured with PRP than in that of UCB‐MSCs alone. Furthermore, conditioned media of UCB‐MSCs cultured with PRP increased the formation of tube‐like structures in HUVECs. Co‐treatment of UCB‐MSCs and PRP in a CRWI mouse model increased the wound closure rate and angiogenesis compared with an untreated irradiated group. Moreover, increased expression of VEGF and CD31 were observed in the wound tissue of co‐treated mice compared with untreated irradiated mice. PRP stimulates the release of angiogenic factors from UCB‐MSCs, and combined therapy of UCB‐MSCs and PRP improves regeneration efficacy by enhancing angiogenesis in a CRWI model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Great progress has been made during the last decade in clarifying the molecular details of aroma accumulation in grape berries. However, the multigene complex controlling monoterpene accumulation in grape is not well understood. To shed light on this issue, the grapes of 149 F1 progenies from the cross 87-1 (Vitis vinifera L.) × 9-22 (Vitis vinifera L.) were characterized at the mature stage for three representative free monoterpenes during five growing seasons. A total of 202, 184 and 255 polymorphic SSR (simple sequence repeat) markers were contracted on the maternal 87-1, paternal 9-22 and consensus genetic maps, respectively. On the consensus map, we confirmed a major QTL (quantitative trait locus) for free linalool, nerol and a-terpineol content on linkage group (LG) 5, and a stable QTL for free linalool and a-terpineol was detected on LG 10. In addition, two new stable QTLs for free monoterpene (linalool, nerol and a-terpineol) contents were identified on LG 11 and LG 18 that explained up to 42.5 % of the total variance. Eleven promising candidate genes related to pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR)-containing proteins, seed maturation protein, RING finger protein, and AP2/ERF transcription factors might be potentially involved in monoterpene accumulation. The stable QTLs and candidate genes identified in this study provide new insights into free monoterpene accumulation in grape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Grape flavonoids impart colour and mouthfeel to wines. This work aimed to understand how genetic manipulation of the hydroxylation of flavonoids affected grape flavonoid composition and wine properties. Methods and Results: We produced transgenic grapevines with decreased expression of flavonoid 3′‐hydroxylase (F3′H) and flavonoid 3′5′‐hydroxylase (F3′5′H) to investigate how this altered the composition of flavonoids in grapes and wine. Grapes from transgenic grapevines with decreased expression of F3′5′H genes had a concentration of anthocyanin and skin tannin similar to that of Shiraz Controls but had increased seed tannin and a greatly decreased proportion of trihydroxylated anthocyanin and tannin. Lines with decreased expression of F3′H had a decreased concentration of seed tannin and an increased proportion of trihydroxylated flavonoids. When expression of both F3′H and F3′5′H was decreased, concentration of anthocyanin and tannin in the grapes was decreased to 20–30% of the Shiraz Controls. Wines made from grapes with decreased expression of F3′5′H had lower wine colour, and a lower concentration of anthocyanin, tannin and phenolic substances. Conclusions: In grapes, the flavonoid pathway does not effectively use monohydroxylated intermediates so F3′H and F3′5′H are required to produce dihydroxylated and trihydroxylated intermediates. The hydroxylation status of flavonoids in grapes determines grape and wine colour and tannin composition. Significance of the Study: The composition as well as the total amount of anthocyanin and tannin in grapes is important for wine colour and quality. The expression of genes encoding F3′H and F3′5′H in grapes is dependent on viticultural factors including temperature, light exposure and vine water stress, providing the potential to manipulate flavonoid composition of existing cultivars in the vineyard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study forty-five table grape Iranian cultivars were assessed by using 42 retrotransposon-microsatellite amplified polymorphism (REMAP) markers also analyzing population structure, linkage disequilibrium and genomic regions associated with most important berry yield and quality traits. The phenotypic results showed the great diversity of the Iranian germplasm and their suitability for genetic and association studies. The studied grape cultivars were divided into three populations. A significant level of LD was observed in 1.22% of the retrotransposon marker pairs (P < 0.01). Mixed linear model procedure revealed that 40 loci had significant association with investigated traits. Finally, 27 markers showed significant association with regions controlling the studied berry yield and quality traits. These REMAP loci identified in this study associated to phenotypic traits may be applied in marker-assisted selection in table grape breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic disease in elders and athletes due to limited regenerative capacities of cartilage tissues and subsequently insufficient recovery of damaged sites. Recent clinical treatments for OA have utilized progenitor cell-based therapies for cartilage tissue regeneration. Administration of a single type of cell population such as stem cells or chondrocytes does not guarantee a full recovery of cartilage defects. Therefore, current tissue engineering approaches using co-culture techniques have been developed to mimic complex and dynamic cellular interactions in native cartilage tissues and facilitate changes in cellular phenotypes into chondrogenesis. Therefore, this paper introduces recently developed co-culture systems using two major cell populations, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and chondrocytes. Specifically, a series of examples to describe (1) synergistic in vitro activations of MSCs by paracrine signaling molecules from adult chondrocytes in co-culture systems and (2) functional in vivo tissue regeneration via co-administration of both cell types were reviewed. Based on these findings, it could be speculated that engineered co-culture systems using MSC/ chondrocyte is a promising and feasible cell-based OA therapy in clinical aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Warmer temperatures associated with climate change have the potential to accelerate litter decay and subsequently release large amounts of carbon stored in soils. Condensed tannins are widespread secondary metabolites, which accumulate to high concentrations in many woody plants and play key roles in forest soil nutrient cycles. Future elevated atmospheric CO concentrations are predicted to reduce nitrogen content and increase tannin concentrations in plant tissues, thus reducing litter quality for microbial communities and slowing decomposition rates. How the distinct condensed tannin fractions (water-soluble, acetone:MeOH-soluble and solvent-insoluble) impact soil processes, has not been investigated. We tested the impact of condensed tannin and nitrogen concentrations on decay rates of poplar and Douglas-fir litter at sites spanning temperature and moisture gradients in coastal rainshadow forests in British Columbia, Canada. The three condensed tannin fractions were quantified using recent improvements on the butanol-HCl assay. Decay was assessed based on carbon remaining, while changes in litter chemistry were primarily observed using two methods for proximate chemical analyses. After 0.6 and 1 year of decay, more carbon remained in poplar litter with high, compared to low, condensed tannin concentrations. By contrast, more carbon remained in Douglas fir litter than poplar litter during this period, despite lower condensed tannin concentrations. Rapid early decay was especially attributed to loss of soluble compounds, including water-soluble condensed tannins. Water-insoluble condensed tannin fractions, which were transformed to acid-unhydrolyzable residues over time, were associated with reduced carbon loss in high condensed tannin litter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The estimation of antioxidants in fruit, vegetables, beverages, and foodstuffs has been discussed in a great number of scientific studies, but until now, problems concerning the analysis of antioxidant components of rosé wine has not been adequately investigated. This paper presented results of a study on antioxidant components contained in some samples of rosé wine originating from the Moravian wine growing region. The experiments involved altogether 48 samples of rosé wine made of grapes of the varieties 'Blaufränkisch', 'Blauer Portugieser', 'Pinot Noir', 'Sankt Laurent', and 'Zweigeltrebe'. Grapes were harvested in 2013. Spectrophotometry was used to estimated antioxidant activity (53-73 mg LGAE), content of total polyphenols (152-369 mg L), hydrocinnamic acid (52-148 mg L), flavonols (25-294 mg L) and anthocyanins (88-1754 mg L). The HPLC method was used for the detection of some important antioxidants, i. e. catechin, epicatechin, malvidin-3-glucoside, cis- and trans-resveratrol, ferrulic acid, coumaric acid and caftaric acid. This study enabled to determine basic profiles of the most important antioxidant components of the most popular Moravian red grapevine varieties. The studied wines were analyzed from several different aspects, which is not standard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are concerns about using synthetic phenolic antioxidants such as butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) as food additives because of the reported negative effects on human health. Thus, a replacement of these synthetics by antioxidant extractions from various foods has been proposed. More than 8000 different phenolic compounds have been characterized; fruits and vegetables are the prime sources of natural antioxidants. In order to extract, measure, and identify bioactive compounds from a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, researchers use multiple techniques and methods. This review includes a brief description of a wide range of different assays. The antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties of phenolic natural products from fruits and vegetables are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins are the primary pigments of red rice and are also important functional nutrients for human health. To identify novel quantitative trait loci (QTLs) underlying anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins (ANC and PAC) in rice, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) derived from a cross of red rice ‘Hong Xiang 1’ (‘HX1’) and white rice ‘Song 98-131’ (‘S98-131’) was cultivated in six environments. A genetic map containing 126 markers covering 1833.4 cM with an average of 14.55 cM between markers was constructed. A total of 21 additive QTLs (A-QTLs) for ANC and PAC were identified from six environments using the IciMapping v3.3 software. Two new QTLs, qANC3 and qPAC12-4, were detected in several environments, and explained significant phenotypic variance. Nine QTLs of ANC and PAC were detected with additive × environmental interaction effects (AE effects) by QTLNetwork 2.1 software, but no epistatic and epistatic × environmental interaction effects (AA and AAE effects) were detected. The information obtained in this study could be useful for fine mapping and molecular marker-assisted selection of ANC and PAC in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of vegetable oil as feedstock for biodiesel production is controversial as a result of the challenges of a food-fuel crisis associated with the use of edible oils for biodiesel production and use of arable land for energy feedstock generation. This work, therefore, focused on the extraction of oil from non-edible seed such as sandbox seed using a solvent extraction method, evaluation of optimal conditions for oil extraction from sandbox, and testing the fuel properties of extracted sandbox oil. A Box-Behnken design of response surface methodology (RSM) with 17 experimental runs was used to investigate the optimum conditions for the extraction, and the selected variables were effective seed/solvent ratio (0.04, 0.06, 0.08 g/ml), extraction temperature (65, 60, 75ºC), and extraction time (3, 5, 7 h). Selected fuel properties (specific gravity, viscosity, cloud point, pour point, density, and refractive index) of the extracted oil were determined according to American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) standards. The optimum oil yield (63.4%) was obtained at the seed/solvent ratio, extraction temperature, and extraction time of 0.05 g/ml, 68.13ºC, and 5 h, respectively The viscosity at 30ºC, specific gravity, density, cloud point, pour point, and refractive index of the extracted oil were 4.55 mm²/s, 0.91, 910 kg/m³, 5.9 ºC, -1.0ºC, and 1.4683, respectively. Thus the result from this research work has established the optimal conditions for solvent extraction of oil from sandbox seed. The fuel properties of the sandbox oil show that it is potentially suitable to produce biodiesel that can be used to power internal combustion engines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rapid, sensitive, and selective analysis method using ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QqQ-MS) has been developed for the characterization and quantification of grape skin flavan-3-ols after acid-catalysed depolymerization in the presence of phloroglucinol (phloroglucinolysis). The compound detection being based on specific MS transitions in Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) mode, this fast gradient robust method allows analysis of constitutive units of grape skin proanthocyanidins, including some present in trace amounts, in a single injection, with a throughput of 6 samples per hour. This method was applied to a set of 214 grape skin samples from 107 different red and white grape cultivars grown under two conditions in the vineyard, irrigated or non-irrigated. The results of triplicate analyses confirmed the robustness of the method, which was thus proven to be suitable for high-throughput and large-scale metabolomics studies. Moreover, these preliminary results suggest that analysis of tannin composition is relevant to investigate the genetic bases of grape response to drought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, optimum conditions for the extraction of black carrot anthocyanins were determined by response surface methodology. Central composite design of extraction factors (pH 2.5-6.5, temperature 4-72 °C, solvent/solid ratio 5:1-25:1 v/w, ethanol/water ratio 0:100-100:0 v/v) was generated as two replicates. Total phenolic content, total monomeric anthocyanin content, polymeric color, total antioxidant activity, and anthocyanin composition determined by high-performance liquid chromatography were used as responses. Except for color analysis, higher temperature, solid/solvent ratio, and ethanol concentration were observed to increase the extraction yield. However, polymeric color results were found to have minimum values at lower pH and solid/solvent ratio, lower or moderate temperature, and higher ethanol concentration. Optimum extraction conditions were found as follows: 50 °C, pH 3.5, solvent solid ratio 10:1 ( v/w), and ethanol/water ratio 75:25 ( v/v) when all responses were considered. The validation of the optimum conditions for black carrot extraction was performed at specified values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The long-term intake of a judiciously composed nutriceutical containing low-dose vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and particular herbal preparations seems justified for older persons who take medication, or who consume an unbalanced diet, or who are exposed to environmental toxins. Recent reports suggest these nutriceuticals may delay age-related diseases and the occurrence of cancer, and reduce mortality in apparently healthy ageing men. Food supplementation with a nutriceutical that was formulated particularly for ageing men should result in an increase of at least one quality-adjusted life year and may lower the financial and social burden of disease in elderly people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main conclusion: The apple MdMYB9 gene encodes a positive regulator of proanthocyanidin synthesis that activates anthocyanidin reductase promoters from apple and poplar via interaction with basic helix-loop-helix proteins. The regulation of proanthocyanidins (PAs, condensed tannins) is of great importance in food plants due to the many benefits of PAs in the human diet. Two candidate flavonoid MYB regulators, MdMYB9 and MdMYB11, were cloned from apple ( Malus × domestica) based on their similarity to known MYB PA regulators. Transcript accumulation of both MdMYB9 and MdMYB11 was induced by high light and wounding, similar to the poplar ( Populus spp) PA regulator PtMYB134. In transient activation assays with various basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) co-regulators, MdMYB9 activated apple and poplar anthocyanidin reductase (ANR) promoters, while MdMYB11 showed no activity. Potential transcription factor binding elements were found within several ANR promoters, and the importance of the bHLH binding site (E-box) on ANR promoter activation was demonstrated via mutational analysis. The ability of MdMYB9 and PtMYB134 to reciprocally activate ANR promoters from both apple and poplar and to partner with heterologous bHLH co-factors from these plants confirms the high degree of conservation of PA regulatory complexes across species. The similarity in apple and poplar PA regulation suggests that regulatory genes from poplar could be effectively employed for metabolic engineering of the PA pathway in apple. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flavonoids are secondary metabolites with multiple functions. In grape ( Vitis vinifera), the most abundant flavonoids are proanthocyanidins ( PAs), major quality determinants for fruit and wine. However, knowledge about the regulation of PA composition is sparse. Thus, we aimed to identify novel genomic regions involved in this mechanism., Expression quantitative trait locus (e QTL) mapping was performed on the transcript abundance of five downstream PA synthesis genes (dihydroflavonol reductase ( Vv DFR), leucoanthocyanidin dioxygenase ( Vv LDOX), leucoanthocyanidin reductase ( Vv LAR1), Vv LAR2 and anthocyanidin reductase ( Vv ANR)) measured by real-time quantitative PCR on a pseudo F1 population in two growing seasons., Twenty-one e QTLs were identified; 17 of them did not overlap with known candidate transcription factors or cis-regulatory sequences. These novel loci and the presence of digenic epistasis support the previous hypothesis of a polygenic regulatory mechanism for PA biosynthesis., In a genomic region co-locating e QTLs for Vv DFR, Vv LDOX and Vv LAR1, gene annotation and a transcriptomic survey suggested that Vv MYBC2- L1, a gene coding for an R2 R3- MYB protein, is involved in regulating PA synthesis. Phylogenetic analysis showed its high similarity to characterized negative MYB factors. Its spatiotemporal expression profile in grape coincided with PA synthesis. Its functional characterization via overexpression in grapevine hairy roots demonstrated its ability to reduce the amount of PA and to down-regulate expression of PA genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The addition of maltodextrin DE 10 to red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon) followed by freeze-drying allowed to obtain a free-flowing (dealcoholized) wine powder (WP) having a phenolic concentration about 3.6 times higher than the original liquid red wine. The powder, having a water activity ( a) of 0.053 and 0.330 was stored at 28 °C and 38 °C and the content of ten different phenolic compounds was determined by HPLC. Caftaric acid, quercetin 3-glucoside, caffeic acid, gallic acid and resveratrol contents in the WP stored at 28 °C and 38 °C, remained almost constant during 70 days of storage, while epicatechin gallate, catechin, malvidin 3-G and epicatechin showed slight losses (about 15-25 %) during storage. On the contrary, epigallocatechin experienced a strong loss of concentration (around 61 % loss) during storage at the same conditions. A moderate decrease of antioxidant activity, determined by free radical scavenging capacity of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical (DPPH*) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) was observed along storage. This decrease was more important at higher temperature (38 °C) and higher a (0.33). These results would allow the feasibility of using this WP as a healthy ingredient in alcohol-free powder drinks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inherited autoinflammatory diseases are secondary to mutations of proteins playing a pivotal role in the regulation of the innate immunity leading to seemingly unprovoked episodes of inflammation. The understanding of the molecular pathways involved in these disorders has shed new lights on the pattern of activation and maintenance of the inflammatory response and disclosed new molecular therapeutic targets. Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS) represents the prototype of an autoinflammatory disease. The study of the pathophysiological consequence of mutations in the cryopyrin gene (NLRP3) allowed the identification of intracellular pathways responsible for the activation and secretion of the potent inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1b. It became clear that several multifactorial inflammatory conditions display a number of pathogenic and clinical similarities with inherited autoinflammatory diseases. The dramatic effect of IL-1 blockade in CAPS opened new perspectives for the treatment of other inherited and multi-factorial autoinflammatory disorders. Several IL-1 blockers are now available on the market. In this review we outline the more recent novelties in the treatment with different IL-1 blockers in inherited and multifactorial autoinflammatory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]