Development of macrocapsules containing bioflavors generated in situ by immobilized cells

An alternative approach to microbial production of bioflavors, eliminating the need for lengthy product purification, is presented. It is based on co-immobilization of precursors for bioflavor generation by microbial cells, traditionally employed for food and beverage processing, within beads made of food-grade gel matrix. Following incubation under controlled conditions the bioflavor — or bioflavor mixture — is generated and accumulated within the beads. The flavor-retaining bead may then be employed as a food additive. A feasibility study demonstrated this approach with ethanol production by baker's yeast co-immobilized with glucose medium. Means and conditions for bead preparation and control of ethanol levels and production rate are presented. Complex bioflavor generation was also demonstrated by baker's yeast co-immobilized with apple juice, generating cider flavors. Beads providing beer taste were also readily made via co-immobilization of commercial brewing yeast with malt. Furthermore, the potential inherent in bioflavor generation by co-immobilization of filamentous fungi with an emulsion of oily precursor was demonstrated by γ-decalactone production from castor oil.     

Climate change-driven elevational changes among boreal nocturnal moths

Oecologia - Climate change has shifted geographical ranges of species northwards or to higher altitudes on elevational gradients. These changes have been associated with increases in ambient...     

Exome Sequencing of Uterine Leiomyosarcomas Identifies Frequent Mutations in TP53, ATRX,and MED12

Uterine leiomyosarcomas (ULMSs) are aggressive smooth muscle tumors associated with poor clinical outcome. Despite previous cytogenetic and molecular studies, their molecular background has remained elusive. To examine somatic variation in ULMS, we performed exome sequencing on 19 tumors. Altogether, 43 genes were mutated in at least two ULMSs. Most frequently mutated genes included tumor protein P53 (TP53; 6/19; 33%), alpha thalassemia/mental retardation syndrome X-linked (ATRX; 5/19; 26%), and mediator complex subunit 12 (MED12; 4/19; 21%). Unlike ATRX mutations, both TP53 and MED12 alterations have repeatedly been associated with ULMSs. All the observed ATRX alterations were either nonsense or frameshift mutations. ATRX protein levels were reliably analyzed by immunohistochemistry in altogether 44 ULMSs, and the majority of tumors (23/44; 52%) showed clearly reduced expression. Loss of ATRX expression has been associated with alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT), and thus the telomere length was analyzed with telomere-specific fluorescence in situ hybridization. The ALT phenotype was confirmed in all ULMSs showing diminished ATRX expression. Exome data also revealed one nonsense mutation in death-domain associated protein (DAXX), another gene previously associated with ALT, and the tumor showed ALT positivity. In conclusion, exome sequencing revealed that TP53, ATRX, and MED12 are frequently mutated in ULMSs. ALT phenotype was commonly seen in tumors, indicating that ATR inhibitors, which were recently suggested as possible new drugs for ATRX-deficient tumors, could provide a potential novel therapeutic option for ULMS.