Application Of Molecular Technologies Research Articles

Worldwide productivity and research trend on fruit quality: a bibliometric study.

As one of the important sources of food for human beings, fruits have been extensively studied. To better guide basic and applied research, it is urgent to conduct a systematic analysis of these studies based on extensive literature collection. Based on the Web of Science Core Collection database, this study uses R language and CiteSpace to conduct bibliometric analysis and data mining on the literatures related to fruit quality from January 2013 to June 2023. The results indicated that among various fruits, tomatoes have been most frequently studied with special interests in photosynthesis, fruit development, and molecular breeding. The research direction primarily focused on fruit resistance and storage characteristics. Among the indicators related to fruit quality, antioxidant activity has the highest co-occurrence with other indicators of fruit quality, especially with nutrients such as anthocyanins, phenolic substances, sugars, and fruit firmness. Currently, adaptation to stress and antioxidant activity are recognized as prominent research focal points in this field. Fruit morphology, particularly fruit size, irrigation methods, application of molecular technology, and infection prevention, represent potential areas of interests in future research on fruit quality.

Applications of genomic research in pediatric endocrine diseases.

Recent advances in molecular genetics have advanced our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in pediatric endocrine disorders and now play a major role in mainstream medical practice. The spectrum of endocrine genetic disorders has 2 extremes: Mendelian and polygenic. Mendelian or monogenic diseases are caused by rare variants of a single gene, each of which exerts a strong effect on disease risk. Polygenic diseases or common traits are caused by the combined effects of multiple genetic variants in conjunction with environmental and lifestyle factors. Testing for a single gene is preferable if the disease is phenotypically and/or geneically homogeneous. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) can be applied to phenotypically and genetically heterogeneous conditions. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have examined genetic variants across the entire genome in a large number of individuals who have been matched for population ancestry and assessed for a disease or trait of interest. Common endocrine diseases or traits, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, height, and pubertal timing, result from the combined effects of multiple variants in various genes that are frequently found in the general population, each of which contributes a small individual effect. Isolated founder mutations can result from a true founder effect or an extreme reduction in population size. Studies of founder mutations offer powerful advantages for efficiently localizing the genes that underlie Mendelian disorders. The Korean population has settled in the Korean peninsula for thousands of years, and several recurrent mutations have been identified as founder mutations. The application of molecular technology has increased our understanding of endocrine diseases, which have impacted on the practice of pediatric endocrinology related to diagnosis and genetic counseling. This review focuses on the application of genomic research to pediatric endocrine diseases using GWASs and NGS technology for diagnosis and treatment.

Do Crossbreeding using Exotic Breeds in Goat is the Right Solution for a Low-input Production System in Ethiopia? : A Review

Analysis and evaluation of the previous genetic improvement attempts and their fruition are paramount to make the right decision in the future. Hence, this paper reviews the status of goat genetic improvement programs through quantitative evidence and elucidates how it can be implemented in the future through an intensive literature review. Goat genetic improvement through crossbreeding was initiated early in 1975. However, most crossbreeding programs have lacked analysis of the existing resources and infrastructure and also lack long-term strategies. As a result, crossbreeding program was discontinued without significant contribution due to incompatibility of the exotic genotype with low-input production systems. On the other hand, the moderate to high genetic variation within a population open the window for within-breed selection. Accordingly, a well-designed within-breed selection program was initiated late in 2013 for specified breeds. Currently, governmental and non-governmental institutions plan to scale up community-based within-breed selection program. Besides, the efficiency of assisted reproductive technologies in goat genetic improvement was evaluated by ICARDA and reported a moderate achievement. However, the application of molecular technologies in Ethiopia is only limited to diversity studies. Nevertheless, there is an opportunity to use molecular technologies to enhance the genetic progress of a genetic improvement program. In conclusion, the expected benefits from crossbreeding program were not obtained and will not be obtained under the existing low input-production system. Therefore, a within-breed selection program would be an ideal option for the existing low-input production system if integrated with assisted reproductive and molecular technologies.

Advances in the Study of Olfaction in Eusocial Ants.

Simple SummaryIn contrast to solitary insects such as the fruit fly or mosquito, eusocial ants form colonial societies comprised of reproductives (female queens and short-lived males) and thousands of sterile female offspring known as workers. Social behaviors such as nursing the queen’s offspring, foraging for food, and nest defense emerge from the collective behavior of the workers. Importantly, these behaviors critically depend on the exchange of information through the detection of chemical cues in the environment. While research efforts have historically aimed to understand the chemical ecology of these social insects, advances in the application of molecular technology over the past decade have facilitated novel studies that bridge the gap between social behaviors and olfaction. Here, we review major advances in the study of molecular olfaction in eusocial ants and highlight potential avenues for future research.Over the past decade, spurred in part by the sequencing of the first ant genomes, there have been major advances in the field of olfactory myrmecology. With the discovery of a significant expansion of the odorant receptor gene family, considerable efforts have been directed toward understanding the olfactory basis of complex social behaviors in ant colonies. Here, we review recent pivotal studies that have begun to reveal insights into the development of the olfactory system as well as how olfactory stimuli are peripherally and centrally encoded. Despite significant biological and technical impediments, substantial progress has been achieved in the application of gene editing and other molecular techniques that notably distinguish the complex olfactory system of ants from other well-studied insect model systems, such as the fruit fly. In doing so, we hope to draw attention not only to these studies but also to critical knowledge gaps that will serve as a compass for future research endeavors.

Translating Molecular Technologies into Routine Newborn Screening Practice.

As biotechnologies advance and better treatment regimens emerge, there is a trend toward applying more advanced technologies and adding more conditions to the newborn screening (NBS) panel. In the current Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP), all conditions but one, congenital hypothyroidism, have well-defined genes and inheritance patterns, so it is beneficial to incorporate molecular testing in NBS when it is necessary and appropriate. Indeed, the applications of molecular technologies have taken NBS to previously uncharted territory. In this paper, based on our own program experience and what has been reported in the literature, we describe current practices regarding the applications of molecular technologies in routine NBS practice in the era of genomic and precision medicine.

Principle and Strategy of DNA Fingerprint Identification of Plant Variety

Plant variety identification has profound meanings to ensure seed quality and food safety. DNA fingerprinting has its advantage in plant variety identification, and has transformed from indirect evidence into a mainstream method. A method for DNA fingerprinting called core loci combination was summarized in this study, which utilized a set of fixed core loci combination to identify different varieties. Since 2003, the project has been constantly improved and expanded. The first was to form combination of expanded loci by increasing the quantity of core loci to cope with increasing demand of variety identification of derived varieties. The second was to further decompose the core loci into group specific loci which played the function of fast and accurate clustering and species-specific loci which had stronger variety identification function. The third was to further propose the core loci combination of polyploidy crops based on the mature experience of diploid crop, which are diploidized single marker method and combination marker method. From the trend of future development, the rapid development of new technologies such as sequencing technology and gene editing technology will largely promote the improvement of DNA fingerprinting and improve the application effect in practice. This article has systematically elaborated the concept and characteristics of variety identification, summarized major types and identification methods of DNA fingerprinting, extracted technical methods for variety DNA fingerprinting and finally out-looked the future trend of DNA fingerprinting development. It is hoped that the study could provide guidances for the development of DNA fingerprinting standard of each crops, and the application of molecular technology in the structure and variety identification of DNA fingerprinting database.

NUP98-PHF23 fusion is recurrent in acute myeloid leukemia and shares gene expression signature of leukemic stem cells

Chromosome translocations involving nucleoporin 98 gene (NUP98) have been identified in a wide array of hematologic malignancies, and the resulting NUP98-associated fusions are known to play a critical role in leukemogensis through dysregulation of gene expression. Although NUP98-associated fusions were initially thought to be rare, application of molecular technologies has revealed that cryptic translocations involving NUP98 are more frequent than previously appreciated. We report an additional case of t(11;17)(p15;p13) resulting in the fusion of NUP98 and plant homeodomain finger 23 (PHF23) in a pediatric patient with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Using RNA sequencing, we determined in-frame fusion points and also analyzed the gene expression profile of NUP98-PHF23 positive AML. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) demonstrates that NUP98-PHF23 fusion shares gene expression signature of NUP98-HOXA9 fusion, the prototype of the NUP98-associated fusions, as well as the signature of leukemic stem cells. To our knowledge this is the first transcriptome analysis of human samples with NUP98-PHF23 positive AML. Our findings are in support of the gene expression study of NUP98-PHF23 mouse model and validate the usefulness of the mouse model in developing therapeutic strategies for the treatment of subsets of AML.

On risk and regulation: Bt crops in India

Genetic engineering in agriculture raises contentious politics unknown in other applications of molecular technology. Controversy originated and persists for inter-related reasons; these are not primarily, as frequently assumed, differences over scientific findings, but rather about the relationship of science to ‘risk.’ First, there are inevitably differences in how to interpret ‘risk’ in situations in which there are no established findings of specific hazard; ‘Knightian uncertainty’ defines this condition. Science claims no method of resolution in such cases of uncertainty. Second, science has no claim about risk preferences in a normative sense. In genetic engineering, Knightian uncertainty is pervasive; declaring uncertainty to constitute ‘risk’ enables a precautionary politics in which no conceivable evidence from science can confirm absence of risk. This is the logic of the precautionary state. The logic of the developmental state is quite different: uncertainty is treated as an inevitable component of change, and therefore a logic of acceptable uncertainty, parallel to acceptable risk of the sort deployed in cost-benefit analysis in other spheres of behavior, dominates policy. India's official position on agricultural biotechnology has been promotional, as expected from a developmental state, but regulation of Bt crops has rested in a section of the state operating more on precautionary than developmental logic. As a result, notwithstanding the developmental success of Bt cotton, Bt brinjal [eggplant, aubergine] encountered a moratorium on deployment despite approval by the regulatory scientific body designated to assess biosafety.

Tiroid kanserinde moleküler etyolojik faktörler

Thyroid cancer is a common endocrine malignancy its prevelance is increasing worldwide. Currently, the application of molecular technologies has focused on etiological parameters for the accurate diagnosis and therapy of thyroid cancer. Until now in this issue many molecular and immunohistochemical parameters have been reported. Recent literature show that strong association between genetic parameters and thyroid cancer. Initiation and progression of thyroid cancers arise as the consequence of multiple genetic and epigenetic alterations such as; structural point mutations, chromosomal rearrangements and epigenetic events that activate proto-oncogenes and inactivate tumor suppressor genes. There are lots of various tumor-suppressor genes are epigenetically silenced in thyroid cancers. Gain-of-function for proto-oncogenes and loss-offunction for tumour supressor genes have a crucial role in the initiation and/or progression of the thyroid carcinogenesis. The determining of somatic and/or germline molecular alterations have been recognized as helpful diagnostic and prognostic markers and valuable tools for the management of tumoural/nontumuoral nodules in thyroid cancer patients. Known details about those molecular etiological parameters provide further research and clinical development targets, novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for thyroid cancers treatment. Current article reviews the molecular etiological alterations in thyroid cancer that help identify relevant biologic pathways to drive cancer development. Direct and undirect moleculer ethiological parametes and action mechanisims that play crucial role in the thyroid cancers widely reviewed in the currenr report.

Tiroid kanserinde moleküler etyolojik faktörler

Thyroid cancer is a common endocrine malignancy its prevelance is increasing worldwide. Currently, the application of molecular technologies has focused on etiological parameters for the accurate diagnosis and therapy of thyroid cancer. Until now in this issue many molecular and immunohistochemical parameters have been reported. Recent literature show that strong association between genetic parameters and thyroid cancer. Initiation and progression of thyroid cancers arise as the consequence of multiple genetic and epigenetic alterations such as; structural point mutations, chromosomal rearrangements and epigenetic events that activate proto-oncogenes and inactivate tumor suppressor genes. There are lots of various tumor-suppressor genes are epigenetically silenced in thyroid cancers. Gain-of-function for proto-oncogenes and loss-offunction for tumour supressor genes have a crucial role in the initiation and/or progression of the thyroid carcinogenesis. The determining of somatic and/or germline molecular alterations have been recognized as helpful diagnostic and prognostic markers and valuable tools for the management of tumoural/nontumuoral nodules in thyroid cancer patients. Known details about those molecular etiological parameters provide further research and clinical development targets, novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for thyroid cancers treatment. Current article reviews the molecular etiological alterations in thyroid cancer that help identify relevant biologic pathways to drive cancer development. Direct and undirect moleculer ethiological parametes and action mechanisims that play crucial role in the thyroid cancers widely reviewed in the currenr report.

Clinical Applications of Molecular Technologies in Hematology

The rapid emergence of molecular diagnostic platforms has revolutionized the diagnostic approaches in hematology laboratory. Fluorescence in-situ hybridization, polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing are common techniques used in routine clinical laboratories for the diagnosis of hematological diseases. Different molecular techniques are indicated in different situations. This paper describes the utility of common molecular techniques. Fluorescence in-situ hybridization is specific for detection of chromosomal abnormalities using fluorescent labeled targeting probe. Polymerase chain reaction amplifies target DNA and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction amplifies target RNA for the analysis of gene and its expression level. Real-time polymerase chain reaction is highly sensitive for detection of minimal residual disease in hemic malignancies. Gap-polymerase chain reaction is often employed for diagnosis of large deletions such as in alpha thalassemia. Allele-specific polymerase chain reaction is commonly used for single nucleotide polymorphism detection which is common in beta thalassemia, myeloproliferative neoplasm and acute leukemia. Inverse shifting-polymerase chain reaction can be employed for the detection of large genetic rearrangements such as those seen in hemophilia A. For genetically complex diseases such as hemophilia A, which involves a great variety of mutations in large genes, high resolution melting analysis can be used to scan for point mutations. Any suspected mutations are confirmed using post-PCR technologies, such as DNA sequencing. Although conventional diagnostic methods are able to provide a basic analysis in most cases, molecular technologies generate valuable genetic information that can refine diagnosis, better predict prognosis and facilitate disease monitoring.

Combination of Respirometry and Molecular Approach for Re-Evaluating Microbial Kinetic Selection of Filamentous Bulking in Wastewater Treatment System

Recent revolutionary advances in biological wastewater treatment engineering have been occurring, largely fueled by the application of molecular technology, allowing engineers to consider complete mechanisms inside the black box, and thus preventing the trial-and-error based control measures. Filamentous bulking, the most common solids separation problem in biological treatment process, has been previously explained by the kinetic selection theory (KST) which describes the growth difference of filaments and floc formers. However some operational guidelines based KST is not generally accepted. To re-evaluate the KST on filamentous bulking more thoroughly, combination of fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH) and respirometry were used in this study. The kinetic parameters were determined by respirometry, and the dominant filaments were monitored by FISH. The results showed that Type 1851 was the dominant filament during bulking, and non-bulking sludge

Molecular characterization of cancer: Research tools or clinical diagnostics?

Abstract The recent advent of technologies has revealed a wealth of information about molecular processes and pathways that can be applied to the understanding of cancer. Use of PCR, microarray, and circulating cell-based technologies provide oncologists with new methods to determine appropriate treatments and assess response to therapy. Improvements in analytical methods have allowed researchers to interrogate biomarkers in clinically relevant specimens such as formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue, biopsies, bone barrow, urine and circulating tumor cells in blood. Our research has been focusing on the application of molecular technologies to support clinical decision-making and patient management. We have demonstrated that molecular assays on either tumor tissue or CTCs can enable a more accurate analysis of a patient's diseases and the response to a particular therapy. This presentation will review some of the opportunities and challenges facing assay development in molecular diagnostics. A couple of examples from OCD, Johnson & Johnson that aimed to develop molecular tests for therapeutic decisions will be discussed.

Diagnostic and Prognostic Utility of Molecular Markers in Synchronous Bilateral Breast Carcinoma

Histologic criteria have a limited role in determining whether the synchronous bilateral breast carcinomas represent two primaries or a metastasis to the contralateral breast. We studied the molecular analysis of synchronous bilateral breast carcinoma and whether they are originating from a single or different clone. We examined 17 patients with breast carcinoma, including 12 patients with synchronous bilateral carcinomas and control group of 5 infiltrating ductal carcinomas with regional lymph node metastases. Mutations were quantitatively determined to detect loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and microsatellite size alterations for a broad panel of 15 markers, involving 10 chromosomes using polymerase chain reaction. The carcinomas were classified as de novo or metastasis based on three levels of concordance: (1) marker-affected tumors were considered concordant if 50% or more of the same markers were mutated, (2) same gene copy affected, and (3) temporal sequence of mutation acquisition. In synchronous bilateral breast carcinoma patients, molecular analysis showed discordant mutations in all cases, supporting the diagnosis of de novo bilateral primary breast carcinomas. In patients with lymph node metastases, the primary breast carcinoma and metastases shared the same mutations, revealing a metastatic lesion. In conclusion, the application of molecular technology may play an important role for the differential diagnosis of dual primary carcinomas vs a metastatic breast cancer to contralateral breast. In this study, synchronous bilateral breast cancers represent two independent primaries rather than metastatic events.

Disseminated gonococcal infection in a homosexual man diagnosed by nucleic acid amplification testing from a skin lesion swab

Disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI) often presents a diagnostic challenge. Through the novel application of molecular technology, a case is presented that suggests how the diagnostic sensitivity for this systemic complication...

Is Mycobacterium bovis in the environment important for the persistence of bovine tuberculosis?

Mycobacterium bovis is the causative agent of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in cattle and wildlife. Direct aerosol contact is thought to be the primary route of infection between conspecifics, whereas indirect transmission via an environmental reservoir of M. bovis is generally perceived not to be a significant source for infection. Here, we report on the application of molecular technology (PCR) to quantify the prevalence of M. bovis in the environment and to explore its epidemiological significance. We show that the detectability of viable M. bovis at badger setts and latrines is strongly linked to the frequency of M. bovis excretion by infected badgers, and that putative M. bovis in the environment is prevalent on a large proportion of endemic cattle farms in Britain. These results raise important questions about the role of an environmental reservoir in bTB persistence.

Tumor cell metabolism: the marriage of molecular genetics and proteomics with cellular intermediary metabolism; proceed with caution!

Metabolic transformations of malignant cells are essential to the development and progression of all cancers. The understanding of the pathogenesis and progression of cancer requires the establishment of the altered genetic/metabolic factors that are essential to the development, growth, and proliferation of the malignant cells. Recognition of this important relationship has resulted in a resurgence of interest in the intermediary metabolism of tumor cells. The role of molecular genetics and proteomics and the application of molecular technology in assessing altered cellular metabolism has become a major area of biomedical research. The contemporary generation of biomedical scientists is exceptionally well trained in all areas of molecular biology and molecular technology, which are now important tools to be applied to the regulation of cellular intermediary metabolism. Simultaneously, the didactic and methodological training associated with the principles and operation of metabolic pathways, enzymology, cellular enzyme activity, and associated biochemical implications has been diminished and often eliminated from the pre- and post-doctoral programs. Interpretations and conclusions of alterations in cellular enzyme activity and associated metabolic pathways based on genetic/proteomic changes can and will result in misrepresentation of important metabolic implications in malignancy and other diseases. It is essential that the genetic/proteomic studies be coupled to biochemical/metabolic cellular events to satisfy the axiom: "genetic transformations and proteomic alterations will have little relevancy to disease processes if the genetic/proteomic alterations are not manifested in altered and impaired cellular and metabolic function". The appropriate marriage of molecular genetics/proteomics with the regulation of cellular intermediary metabolism will provide new revelations and understanding of malignancy that could not be achieved in earlier generations.

Molecular applications for identifying microbial pathogens in the post-9/11 era

Rapid advances in molecular and optical technologies over the past 10 years have dramatically impacted the way biologic research is conducted today. Examples include microarrays, capillary sequencing, optical mapping and real-time sequencing (Pyrosequencing). These technologies are capable of rapidly delivering massive amounts of genetic information and are becoming routine mainstays of many laboratories. Fortunately, advances in scientific computing have provided the enormous computing power necessary to analyze these enormous data sets. The application of molecular technologies should prove useful to the burgeoning field of microbial forensics. In the post-9/11 era, when securing America’s food supply is a major endeavor, the need for rapid identification of microbes that accidentally or intentionally find their way into foods is apparent. The principle that distinguishes a microbial forensic investigation from a molecular epidemiology study is that a biocrime has been committed. If proper attribution is to be attained, a link must be made between a particular microbe in the food and the perpetrator who placed it there. Therefore, the techniques used must be able to discriminate individual isolates of a particular microbe. A battery of techniques in development for distinguishing individual isolates of particular foodborne pathogens is discussed.

Srivastava, L. M. Plant growth and development. Hormones and the environment

The number of undergraduates studying for a degree in the Plant Sciences has declined over the last 10 years and publication of a textbook focused largely on this dwindling audience is therefore necessarily a rare event. Indeed, in the preface it is stated that, although the application of molecular technologies has dramatically changed the way we view plant biological systems, it is over 20 years since a comparable volume (Wareing and Phillips) appeared on the shelves. What is even more unusual is that the text has been compiled not by a committee but as a result of the labours of a single individual. It is brave indeed for one person to feel sufficiently confident of tackling such a broad topic as the regulation of plant growth and development but there are advantages to the reader in terms of consistency of style and integration of ideas. Overall, the book is well written, the information is up‐to‐date, comprehensively referenced, and committed to paper in an authoritative manner. The author has necessarily chosen to be selective in terms of the material that has been included and all that I might quibble with is the omission of a chapter focused exclusively on flowering. Most of the target audience for this book have spent their formative years being exposed to slick publications packed with glossy images in full colour. Expectations are high and even the average lecturer now expects a textbook to be associated with a website where images can be downloaded directly into their latest Powerpoint presentation. I suspect it may be a disappointment for readers to have to pour through what is very much a black and white book where green boxes identify highlights and the quality of the half‐tones is low. The gems may shine through for the enthusiast but for the average undergraduate the twinkling may be obscured by the quality of production. This is an unfortunate criticism that should have been addressed by the publisher but one that could have a severe impact on the size of the market for this otherwise very creditable publication.

Specific amplification of the 18S rRNA gene as a method to detect zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) larvae in plankton samples

An important issue in the management of zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) populations is early, rapid, and accurate detection of the planktonic larvae (veliger) of the zebra mussel. The goal of this study was to explore the feasibility of developing a molecular approach for the detection of zebra mussel larvae in diverse environments. In this study a Dreissena polymorpha-specific 18S ribosomal RNA gene targeted oligonucleotide primer (ZEB-715a) and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay was developed and compared with cross-polarized microscopy as a means to detect zebra mussel veligers in plankton samples. The design of the zebra mussel-specific primer was facilitated by sequencing nearly the complete 18S rRNA gene from the zebra mussel and three other closely related freshwater Veneroids including the quagga mussel (D. bugensis), the dark false mussel (Mytilopsis leucophaeata), and the Asian freshwater clam (Corbicula fluminea). The specificity of the primer for the zebra mussel was empirically tested by using the primer as a direct probe in a blot hybridization format. A single veliger in a plankton sample could be detected by PCR using this approach. Veliger detection sensitivity using the PCR approach was estimated to be over 300 times more sensitive than cross-polarized light microscopy based techniques. Cross-polarized light microscopy and the PCR technique were used to identify the presence of zebra mussel larvae in plankton samples that were collected from a variety of natural and industrial water sources. Detection results (presence or absence) were generally consistent between the two methods. Although additional studies will be required before routine application of molecular based veliger detection technology is available, a long-term goal of this work is the application of molecular technology to the development of a field device for the routine detection and quantification of zebra mussel veligers.