Lamin A/C sustains PcG protein architecture, maintaining transcriptional repression at target genes

Beyond its role in providing structure to the nuclear envelope, lamin A/C is involved in transcriptional regulation. However, its cross talk with epigenetic factors-and how this cross talk influences physiological processes-is still unexplored. Key epigenetic regulators of development and differentiation are the Polycomb group (PcG) of proteins, organized in the nucleus as microscopically visible foci. Here, we show that lamin A/C is evolutionarily required for correct PcG protein nuclear compartmentalization. Confocal microscopy supported by new algorithms for image analysis reveals that lamin A/C knock-down leads to PcG protein foci disassembly and PcG protein dispersion. This causes detachment from chromatin and defects in PcG protein-mediated higher-order structures, thereby leading to impaired PcG protein repressive functions. Using myogenic differentiation as a model, we found that reduced levels of lamin A/C at the onset of differentiation led to an anticipation of the myogenic program because of an alteration of PcG protein-mediated transcriptional repression. Collectively, our results indicate that lamin A/C can modulate transcription through the regulation of PcG protein epigenetic factors

Safety and efficacy of an essential oil from Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton when used as a sensory additive in feed for all animal species

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of an essential oil from the seeds of Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton when used as a sensory additive for all animal species. Characterisation of the essential oil identified 37 components accounting for > 99% of its composition, with terpineol acetate (> 35%) and 1,8-cineole (> 20%) being the most prevalent compounds. In the absence of toxicological data of the feed additive itself, a component-based approach was applied to assess the safety of the essential oil as a mixture. Based on structural and metabolic similarity, the components of cardamom oil were allocated to seven assessment groups. Assuming the absence of toxicologically relevant interactions among components, dose addition was applied within each assessment group by calculating the combined margin of exposure as a basis for risk characterisation. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that the additive under assessment is safe at the proposed use level of 5 mg/kg in feed for all animal species. A concentration of 5 mg/L water for drinking is considered safe for all animal species. The use of cardamom essential oil in animal feed is considered safe for the consumer. In the absence of studies, the Panel cannot conclude on the safety for the users when handling the additive. The use of the essential oil under assessment in animal production is not expected to pose a risk for the environment. Since the seeds of E. cardamomum and their preparations are recognised to flavour food and their function in feed would be essentially the same, no further demonstration of efficacy is considered necessary. The Panel made a recommendation to limit the content of methyleugenol in the oil

Safety and efficacy of an essential oil of Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum (Link) leetsw. for all poultry species

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of an essential oil of Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum (Link) leetsw. for all poultry species. The essential oil under assessment obtained is specified to contain carvacrol and thymol (7%). The remaining 30% of the composition remains uncharacterised. In the absence of these data, the FEEDAP Panel was unable to make a risk assessment of the additive for the target species, the consumer and the user. Use in animal production of the essential oil extracted from O. vulgare ssp. hirtum (Link) leetsw. is not expected to pose a risk for the environment. Since oregano and its extracts are universally recognised to flavour food and their function in feed would be essentially the same as that in food, no further demonstration of efficacy is considered necessary

Safety and efficacy of a tincture derived from Artemisia vulgaris L. (Mugwort tincture) when used as a sensory additive in feed for all animal species

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a tincture from Artemisia vulgaris L. (Mugwort tincture) when used as a sensory feed additive for all animal species. The product is a water/ethanol ■■■■■ solution, with a dry matter content of approximately 1.7%. The product is specified to contain a minimum of 0.01% hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives (expressed as chlorogenic acid). However, since the 74% of the dry matter fraction of the additive remains uncharacterised, the FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude on the safety of the additive at the proposed use levels of up to 400 mg/kg complete feed for all animal species or for the consumer. No specific data were provided by the applicant regarding the safety of the additive for users. In the absence of data, no conclusions can be drawn on the additive's potential to be a dermal/eye irritant or a skin sensitiser. A. vulgaris is native to Europe. Consequently, the use of a tincture derived from the plant at the maximum proposed dose is not considered to be a risk for the environment. Since the major components of the additive are recognised to provide flavour in food and its function in feed would be essentially the same, no demonstration of efficacy is considered necessary

Safety and efficacy of turmeric extract, turmeric oil, turmeric oleoresin and turmeric tincture from Curcuma longa L. rhizome when used as sensory additives in feed for all animal species

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of turmeric extract, turmeric oil, turmeric oleoresin and turmeric tincture from Curcuma longa L. rhizome when used as sensory additives in feed and in water for drinking for all animal species. The FEEDAP Panel concludes that the additives under consideration are safe at the maximum proposed use levels: (i) turmeric extract at 15 mg/kg complete feed (or in water for drinking at comparable exposure) for all animal species; (ii) turmeric essential oil at 80 mg/kg feed for veal calves (milk replacer) and 20 mg/kg complete feed (or 20 mg/L) for all other species; (iii) turmeric oleoresin at 30 mg/kg complete feed (or 30 mg/L) for chickens for fattening and laying hens and 5 mg/kg complete feed (or 5 mg/L) for pigs, veal calves, cattle for fattening and dairy cows, sheep, goats, horses, rabbits and fish; (iv) turmeric tincture at 0.8 mL/L water for drinking for poultry, 6 mL per head and day for horses and 0.05 mL tincture/kg complete feed for dogs. No concerns for consumers were identified following the use of the additives at the proposed use level in animal nutrition. Turmeric extract, turmeric oil, turmeric oleoresin and turmeric tincture should be considered as irritants to skin and eyes and the respiratory tract and as skin sensitisers. The use of the additives in feed is not expected to pose a risk for the environment. Since turmeric and its preparations are recognised to flavour food and their function in feed would be essentially the same as that in food, no further demonstration of efficacy is considered necessary

Safety and efficacy of an essential oil from Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum (Link) Ietsw. for all animal species

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on an essential oil extracted from Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum (Link) Ietsw. when used as a sensory feed additive for all animal species. Analysis of the oil identified 13 components accounting for > 99% of the oil, with carvacrol being the prevalent (78%). The FEEDAP Panel concludes that the proposed use level of 150 mg/kg complete feed is safe for ornamental fish. For the other species, the calculated maximum safe concentration of the essential oil in complete feed was 22 mg/kg for chickens for fattening, 33 mg/kg for laying hens, 30 mg/kg for turkeys for fattening, 40 mg/kg for piglets, 48 mg/kg for pigs for fattening, 63 mg/kg for sows, 57 mg/kg for dairy cows, 100 mg/kg for veal calves, 88 mg/kg for cattle for fattening, sheep, goats and horses, 35 mg/kg for rabbits, 101 mg/kg for salmonids, 106 mg/kg for dogs, and 18 mg/kg for cats. No concerns for consumer safety were identified following the use of the additive up to the maximum safe concentration in feed. The additive is considered as irritant to skin and eyes and a potential skin and respiratory sensitiser. Use in animal husbandry of the essential oil extracted from O. vulgare ssp. hirtum is not expected to pose a risk for the environment. Since oregano and its preparations are recognised to flavour food and their function in feed would be essentially the same, no further demonstration of efficacy is considered necessary for the essential oil

Safety and efficacy of a tincture derived from Verbascum thapsus L. when used as a sensory additive in feed for all animal species

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a tincture from Verbascum thapsus L. (great mullein tincture) when used as a sensory feed additive for all animal species. The product is a water/ethanol (■■■■■) solution, with a dry matter content of approximately 2.8%. The product contains on average 0.216% polyphenols and 0.093% flavonoids. Since 82% of the dry matter fraction of the additive remains uncharacterised, the FEEDAP Panel cannot identify a safe level for the use of the additive for all animal species. Considering the uncertainty in the composition of the additive, and in the absence of information on the toxicological properties of the tincture, the FEEDAP Panel is unable to conclude on the safety for the consumers following the use of the tincture as flavouring in animal feed. No specific data were provided by the applicant regarding the safety of the additive for users. In the absence of data, no conclusions can be drawn on the additive's potential to be a dermal/eye irritant or a skin sensitiser. V. thapsus L. is native to Europe. Consequently, the use of a tincture derived from the plant at the maximum proposed dose is not considered to be a risk for the environment. Since the major components of the additive are recognised to provide flavour in food and its function in feed would be essentially the same, no demonstration of efficacy is considered necessary

Assessment of the application for renewal of authorisation of Bactocell ® (Pediococcus acidilactici CNCM I-4622) as a feed additive for all fish and shrimps and its extension of use for all crustaceans

Bactocell \uae is the trade name for a feed additive based on viable cells of a strain of Pediococcus acidilactici. Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on Bactocell \uae  in the context of the renewal of the authorisation for shrimps, salmonids and fish other than salmonids. In addition, the applicant requested the extension of use for all crustaceans. The applicant has provided evidence that the additive currently in the market complies with the existing conditions of authorisation. The FEEDAP Panel concludes that Bactocell \uae Aqua 10 Md/100 Md is safe under the current conditions of authorisation for the target species (all fish, shrimps and all crustaceans), consumers of products from animals fed the additive and the environment. Bactocell \uae Aqua 10 Md/100 Md is non-irritant to skin and eyes and is not a dermal sensitiser, but should be considered a potential respiratory sensitiser. Exposure of users by inhalation is very likely. There is no need for assessing the efficacy of Bactocell \uae in the context of the renewal of the authorisation. The Panel concludes that the additive at the minimum inclusion level of 1  7 10 9  CFU/kg feed has the potential to be efficacious in salmonids and in the new species proposed, i.e. all crustaceans

Safety and efficacy of Natuphos® E (6-phytase) as a feed additive for laying hens, minor poultry and other avian species for laying

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of Natuphos\uae E (6-phytase) as a feed additive for laying hens, minor poultry and other avian species for laying. The additive Natuphos\uae E consists of 6-phytase (phytase; Enzyme Commission Number 3.1.3.26) and is intended to be used as a feed additive for laying hens, minor poultry and other avian species for laying as a zootechnical additive, functional group of digestibility enhancers. This additive was previously assessed by the FEEDAP Panel in 2017 for avian and porcine species. The production strain of the phytase present in the product is a genetically modified strain of Aspergillus niger. Based on the previous opinion, the FEEDAP Panel concluded that the genetic modification of the production strain does not give rise to safety concerns. The production strain and its DNA were not detected in the concentrate used to formulate the products. The FEEDAP Panel previously concluded that the additive was safe for the target species, consumers and the environment when used at 200 FTU/kg feed. The additive Natuphos\uae E is not considered to be toxic by inhalation or irritant for skin or eye; however, it should be regarded as a dermal sensitiser and a potential respiratory sensitiser. The additive has the potential to be efficacious in improving the performance and/or the phosphorus utilisation in laying hens at 200 FTU/kg feed; the conclusions drawn in laying hens can be extrapolated to all minor poultry and other avian species for laying