RT-qPCR based quantitative analysis of ARO and ADH genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Metschnikowia pulcherrima strains growth white grape juice

BACKGROUND

Yeast biosynthesizes fusel alcohols in fermentation through amino acid catabolism via the Ehrlich pathway. ARO8 and ARO9 genes are involved in the first step of the Ehrlich pathway, while ADH2 and ADH5 genes are involved in the last step. In this study, we describe RT-qPCR methods to determine the gene expression level of genes (ARO8, ARO9, ADH2, ADH5) found in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Sc) and Metschnikowia pulcherrima (Mp) strains growth pasteurized white grape juice.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We used RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis protocols. The RT-qPCR efficiency of primer pairs was evaluated by generating a standard curve through serial dilution of yeast-derived cDNA. Method performance criteria were determined for each RT-qPCR assay. Then, we evaluated the gene expression levels of the four genes in all samples. RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis from yeast samples demonstrated the method's capability to generate high-yield, high-purity nucleic acids, supporting further RT-qPCR analysis. The highest normalized gene expression levels of ARO8 and ARO9 were observed in SC1, SC4, and SC5 samples. No significant difference in ADH2 gene expression among Mp strains was observed during the examination of ADH2 and ADH5 genes (p < 0.05). We observed no expression of the ADH5 gene in Mp strains except MP6 strain. The expression of ADH2 and ADH5 genes was higher in Sc strains compared to Mp strains.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that the proposed RT-qPCR methods can measure gene expression of ARO8, ARO9, ADH2, and ADH5 in Sc and Mp strains growing in pasteurized white grape juice.

Screening of P-35S, P-FMV, and T-NOS genetic elements in microwave-treated genetically modified cereal flours

BACKGROUND

Reliable and efficient methods for detecting genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in unprocessed and processed food will be essential for establishing an effective system for traceability all along the supply chain. It is important to understand the detection of GMOs following microwave treatment, which is a common processing method used in various food products such as flours. Therefore, this study aimed to detect the presence of Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter (P-35S), Figwort mosaic virus (FMV) promoter (P-FMV), and T-NOS (nopaline synthase terminator) genetic elements in DNA samples from untreated and microwave-treated genetically modified (GM) cereal flour samples using the qualitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based screening method.Please confirm if the author names are presented accurately and in the correct sequence (given name, middle name/initial, family name). Author 1 Given name: [Begüm Zeynep] Last name [Hançerlioğulları]. Also, kindly confirm the details in the metadata are correct. The author names were presented accurately and in the correct sequence (given name, middle name/initial, family name).  Author 1 Given name: [Begüm Zeynep] Last name [Hançerlioğulları]. Author 2 Given name: [Remziye] Last name [Yılmaz]. The details in the metadata are correct.

METHODS AND RESULTS

DNA was extracted from all samples, and the efficiency of the qualitative PCR screening technique was tested by the verification studies. We performed an inhibition study with plant-specific actin (ACT) gene to the effectiveness of confirming the DNA extraction method. Then, we made the confirming of the qualitative PCR system by method performance testing criteria. The high quality and quantity of the DNA extracts from untreated and microwave-treated flour samples indicated the applicability of qualitative PCR screening assays. The results showed that microwave radiation does not significantly impact the genetic element screening in flour materials.

CONCLUSION

Untreated and microwave-treated flour samples had amplifiable DNA for the simultaneous screening of three genetic elements. The qualitative screening tests conducted in this study produced dependable outcomes, thus, can be successfully used for monitoring in control laboratories.

Patients characteristics in Behçet's Syndrome and their associations with major organ involvement: a single-centre experience of 2118 cases

Objectives: To evaluate the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with Behçet's syndrome (BS), and to define their associations with the presence of major organ involvement (MOI).Method: Medical records of 2118 patients (964 males, 1154 females) were analysed retrospectively. MOI was defined as the presence of at least one of vascular, eye, nervous, or gastrointestinal system involvement. Univariable and multivariable binary and ordinal logistic regression analyses were applied to assess the factors that were potentially associated with MOI.Results: The mean ± sd age at diagnosis was 30.5 ± 9.4 years. Genital ulcer and joint involvement were more common in females (both p < 0.001), while MOI was more frequent in males (p < 0.001). Genital ulcer (p < 0.001) and vascular involvement (p = 0.006) were more common in patients with a younger age at diagnosis, while joint involvement was more common in older patients. A total of 1097 patients (51.8%) had at least one MOI, 322 (15.2%) at least two MOIs, and 48 (2.3%) at least three MOIs. Male gender, smoking history, and absence of genital ulcer were significantly associated with MOI in multivariable binary logistic regression. Multivariable ordinal regression analyses confirmed the association between MOI and male gender and smoking, but not the protective effect of genital ulcers. In both regression analyses, we found no significant effects of age, human leucocyte antigen-B51, skin involvement, or joint involvement on MOI.Conclusion: Male gender and positive smoking history have a significant influence on the presence of MOI in patients with BS.

Royal jelly protection on flunixin meglumine-induced spermiotoxicity and testicular degeneration in mice

Current study was designed to investigate the protective effects of royal jelly on Flunixin me- glumine (FM)-induced spermiotoxicity related to sperm concentration, abnormal spermatozoa count and histopathological changes in mice testis. The subjects were divided into five groups according to FM and/or royal jelly intake: Control group; group 1, FM alone (25 mg/kg, im); group 2, combination of FM (25 mg/kg, im) and royal jelly (200 mg/kg, oral); group 3, FM alone (50 mg/kg, im); and group 4, combination of FM (50 mg/kg, im) and royal jelly (200 mg/kg, oral). The animals were fed once daily for 15 days and they were sacrificed last day. Epididymal sperm concentration and abnormal spermatozoa count were noted. Testicular histological findings were evaluated. On purpose, organization of each animal was graded according to Johnsen's scoring to assess the spermatogenesis relying on seminiferous tubule cross-section scores. Comparing to controls, FM administration caused a decrease in sperm concentration (p⟨0.05), an increase in total abnormal spermatozoa rates (p⟨0.05) and more degenerative changes in testes in mice. Royal jelly supplementation ameliorated both sperm concentration and abnormal spermato- zoa (p⟨0.05) comparing to the control group. In conclusion, we suggested that royal jelly might have protective effects in the FM-induced reductions in epididymal sperm concentration and in- crease in abnormal spermatozoa rate.

Modern biotechnology breakthroughs to food and agricultural research in developing countries

Aesop's famous fable "Tortoise and Hare" taught us tortoise wins by taking slow, steady approach against its fast, overconfident competitor, hare. I propose tortoise strategy is more beneficial, when comes to public perception and zero tolerance, toward modern biotechnology research and development for sustainable food and agriculture in developing countries.