Oaklands College

The use of RNA interference (RNAi) enables the silencing of target genes in plants or plant-dwelling organisms, through the production of double stranded RNA (dsRNA) resulting in altered plant characteristics. Expression of properly synthesized dsRNAs in plants can lead to improved crop quality characteristics or exploit new mechanisms with activity against plant pests and pathogens. Genetically modified (GM) crops exhibiting resistance to viruses or insects via expression of dsRNA have received authorization for cultivation outside Europe. Some products derived from RNAi plants have received a favourable opinion from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for import and processing in the European Union (EU). The authorization process in the EU requires applicants to produce a risk assessment considering food/feed and environmental safety aspects of living organisms or their derived food and feed products. The present paper discusses the main aspects of the safety assessment (comparative assessment, molecular characterization, toxicological assessment, nutritional assessment, gene transfer, interaction with target and non-target organisms) for GM plants expressing dsRNA, according to the guidelines of EFSA. Food/feed safety assessment of products from RNAi plants is expected to be simplified, in the light of the consideration that no novel proteins are produced. Therefore, some of the data requirements for risk assessment do not apply to these cases, and the comparative compositional analysis becomes the main source of evidence for food/feed safety of RNAi plants. During environmental risk assessment, the analysis of dsRNA expression levels of the GM trait, and the data concerning the observable effects on non-target organisms (NTO) will provide the necessary evidence for ensuring safety of species exposed to RNAi plants. Bioinformatics may provide support to risk assessment by selecting target gene sequences with low similarity to the genome of NTOs possibly exposed to dsRNA. The analysis of these topics in risk assessment indicates that the science-based regulatory process in Europe is considered to be applicable to GM RNAi plants, therefore the evaluation of their safety can be effectively conducted without further modifications. Outcomes from the present paper offer suggestions for consideration in future updates of the EFSA Guidance documents on risk assessment of GM organisms.

The scientific Panel of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) developed guidelines for the environmental risk assessment of genetically modified (GM) animals that provide specific recommendations for GM fish, GM insects, GM mammals and GM birds. The guidelines advocate that the environmental risk assessment of GM animals is conducted on a case-by-case basis, in a scientifically sound and transparent manner, and follows common methodology for the identification, gathering and interpretation of the data. Besides specific considerations, the guidelines provide generic advice on the choice of comparators, the use of non-GM surrogates, the assessment of long-term effects, uncertainty analysis, modelling requirements and statistical principles. Three dedicated Working Groups of the EFSA GMO Panel were involved in the elaboration of the environmental risk assessment guidelines, which underwent a public consultation before finalisation. Relevant comments received from risk assessment bodies of EU Member States, the scientific community, stakeholders and the public were considered by the Working Groups. The Working Groups also took into account the external scientific reports on GM fish, GM insects, GM mammals and GM birds commissioned by EFSA. These reports provided background information by mapping relevant fields of expertise and identifying essential elements to be considered when performing an environmental risk assessment of GM animals.

REVIEWS Get access Verlaine à la loupe: colloque de Cerisy, II–18 Jullet 1996. Dirige par JEAN-MICHLL GOUVARD, et STEVE MURPHY, Paris, Champion, 2000 500 pp. Hb 380 F. ANNL HOLMES ANNL HOLMES HERTFORD COLLEGEOXFORD Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar French Studies, Volume LV, Issue 3, July 2001, Pages 409–410, https://doi.org/10.1093/fs/LV.3.409 Published: 01 July 2001

Action learning can be used as a vehicle of change as well as for personal development. This article explores the initial analysis of organisational issues and outcomes desired by the client organisation. The overall requirement was to select and apply a method of change and development which would help increase revenue, reduce costs and improve quality, while retaining staff numbers and motivation. The article describes the adoption and application of classic action learning within an old‐established world‐renowned organisation. Although this was a large‐scale project, the nature and culture of the organisation meant that ownership had to be local and the intervention handled with sensitivity. The successful results demonstrate the continuing effectiveness of Professor Revans’ concepts and methodology.

Journal Article JULES LAFORGUE'S 1883 ’AGENDA‘: LOVE AND ART Get access ANNE HOLMES ANNE HOLMES HERTFORD COLLEGEOXFORD Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar French Studies, Volume XLVII, Issue 4, October 1993, Pages 422–433, https://doi.org/10.1093/fs/XLVII.4.422 Published: 01 October 1993

Journal Article THEATRICAL SPACE IN THE JEU D'ADAM Get access ROGER PENSOM ROGER PENSOM HERTFORD COLLEGEOXFORD Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar French Studies, Volume XLVII, Issue 3, July 1993, Pages 257–275, https://doi.org/10.1093/fs/XLVII.3.257 Published: 01 July 1993

REVIEWS Get access L'Esprit fumiste et les rires fin de siècle: Anthologie. Edited by DANIEL GROJNOWSKI and BERNARD SARRAZIN. Paris, Corti, 1990. 691 pp. Pb 195 F. ANNE HOLMES ANNE HOLMES HERTFORD COLLEGEOXFORD Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar French Studies, Volume XLVI, Issue 2, April 1992, Pages 218–219, https://doi.org/10.1093/fs/XLVI.2.218 Published: 01 April 1992

Journal Article Downing pedigrees: Fullerton Get access H. G. Downing Liveing H. G. Downing Liveing 1Oaklands Avenue, Esher Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Notes and Queries, Volume CLXIX, Issue sep21, 21 September 1935, Page 213, https://doi.org/10.1093/nq/CLXIX.sep21.213a Published: 21 September 1935