Development of a Descriptive Profile and References for the Assessment of Taste and Mouthfeel Descriptors of Protected Designation of Origin Wines

Producers of PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) wines must submit to the EU authorities’ technical specifications that include the specific sensory description of each product typology, to be subsequently checked by the competent authority in each country. Unfortunately, there is no consensual and standardized approach for the development of sensory control methods for PDO wines. The aim of this work was to develop a sensory profile for the taste and mouthfeel descriptors that allows the characterization of wines from 11 existing PDOs in Catalonia (Spain), and with the purpose of advancing the process of harmonization of the official sensory analysis of wines. This paper includes the selection process of tasters, the procedure used for the definition and grouping of descriptors, and the development of references for the selected attributes. The use of this analytical tool should allow PDO/PGI product certification and control authorities to verify compliance with their specifications (descriptive and quantitative) based on objectively evaluated results.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Sensory analysis of wines made with minority varieties found in Spain

This study evaluates the organoleptic potential of 205 monovarietal wines made with 51 minority varieties found in Spain. The sensory analysis of 90 white, 6 rosé and 109 red wines produced during the 2019, 2020, and 2021 harvests has been carried out by means of an accredited tasting panel (UNE-EN ISO 10725:2017). These wines have been characterized by a total of 67 sensory descriptors (quantitative and qualitative). The goal of the work has been to study the oenological potential for the production of quality wines from varieties with a small area of cultivation, which could be more resistant to drought and certain fungal diseases because they are adapted to each climate zone. These features may be interesting to mitigate the effects of climate change and diversify the wine market that currently exists. The results have made it possible to analyse the sensory descriptors that define the main attributes of each variety, and to check the relationship between the sensory profile and the adaptation of the crop in each wine region

Enhanced MAF Oncogene Expression and Breast Cancer Bone Metastasis

Background: There are currently no biomarkers for early breast cancer patient populations at risk of bone metastasis. Identification of mediators of bone metastasis could be of clinical interest. Methods: A de novo unbiased screening approach based on selection of highly bone metastatic breast cancer cells in vivo was used to determine copy number aberrations (CNAs) associated with bone metastasis. The CNAs associated with bone metastasis were examined in independent primary breast cancer datasets with annotated clinical follow-up. The MAF gene encoded within the CNA associated with bone metastasis was subjected to gain and loss of function validation in breast cancer cells (MCF7, T47D, ZR-75, and 4T1), its downstream mechanism validated, and tested in clinical samples. A multivariable Cox cause-specific hazard model with competing events (death) was used to test the association between 16q23 or MAF and bone metastasis. All statistical tests were two-sided. Results: 16q23 gain CNA encoding the transcription factor MAF mediates breast cancer bone metastasis through the control of PTHrP. 16q23 gain (hazard ratio (HR) for bone metastasis = 14.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 6.4 to 32.9, P < .001) as well as MAF overexpression (HR for bone metastasis = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.7 to 3.8, P < .001) in primary breast tumors were specifically associated with risk of metastasis to bone but not to other organs. Conclusions: These results suggest that MAF is a mediator of breast cancer bone metastasis. 16q23 gain or MAF protein overexpression in tumors may help to select patients at risk of bone relapse