Identification by using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry of lactic acid bacteria isolated from non-commercial yogurts in southern Anatolia, Turkey

Yogurt is a dairy product obtained by bacterial fermentation of milk. Commercial yogurts are produced using standard starters while, in the production of non-commercial yogurt, the microbiota is quite different since yogurts are used as starter for years. To determine the final characteristics of the fermented product it is necessary to know the biochemical properties of the starter cultures, such as acidity, aroma and flavor. This can only be achieved by identifying and characterizing the bacteria in starter cultures. In our study, 208 non-commercial yogurt samples were collected from 9 different locations in Anatolia, southern Turkey. Their pH and lactic acid bacteria profiles were analyzed. Isolated bacteria were identified by MALDI-TOF MS (matrix-assisted laser sesorption-ionization time-of-flight, mass spectrometry), which is a fast and reliable method for identification of bacterial isolates compared to classical laboratory methods. In this study, 41% of the isolates were identified by using this method, which is 99.9% and 34.0% confidence. The isolates contained two genera (Enterococcus and Lactobacillus) and four species. Afterwards, the four lactic acid bacteria were characterized physiologically and biochemically and we found that they differed from lactic acid bacteria used in commercial yogurt production. [Int Microbiol 20(1): 25-30 (2017)]Keywords: yogurt starters · lactic acid bacteria (LAB) · southern Anatolia (Turkey

Necessity for Reforming Turkish Higher Education System and Possibility of Governance of State Universities by the Board of Trustees

Based on the views of the senior administrators, the aim of this study is to present the challenges of the higher education system in Turkey and to analyze the possibility of governance of state universities by the board of trustees. Using in-depth interview technique, this qualitative study was carried out with the participation of twelve administrators, including three members from Executive Committee of the Turkish Board of Higher Education (BHE) as well as nine current/past rectors or vice-rectors at state universities. Results of the study show that structures such as academic senate and university executive boards do not sufficiently fulfill their function, rectors are quite powerful at universities, audits are not effective at universities, universities are not accountable to the public, and the election of rectors by the faculty should be abolished due to the serious problems it causes. As for the possibility of governing state universities by establishing the board of trustees, the majority of participants are of the view that it would be successful at state universities with check and balances in place, nonetheless the others stated that it would bring new problems at the state universities due to cultural and political concerns

Inhibitory Effects Of Propolis On Human Osteogenic Sarcoma Cell Proliferation Mediated By Caspase Patway

A natural product Propolis, is a resinous material gathered by honeybees from the buds and bark of certain trees and plants. Propolis contains various chemical components of biological activities, including antimutagenic, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral and anticarsinogenic. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the antiapoptotic effect of propolis extracts (PE) using caspase pathway in the human osteogenic sarcoma cell line SAOS-2 in culture. The extracts which produced in ecologic environment were taken from the Hacettepe University, Beytepe Campus area-Ankara were used. Seven different PE at 0.5, 0.25, 0.125 and 0.063 mg/ml were added to SAOS-2 cell line for two days incubation. For cell proliferation and cytotoxicty analyses MTT, for apoptotic cell death determination TUNEL method, for distribution of caspase 6, caspase 8 and caspase 9 indirect immunocytochemistry analyses were used. After MTT analyses, the most effect was observed PE 7 at the 0.125 mg/ml dilution. The number of TUNEL positive cells was more detectable at PE 4 and 5 at the 0.063 mg/ml, and PE 7 at the 0.125 mg/ml dilutions. The immunoreactivity of caspase 6 was stronger than caspase 8 and 9. Moreover, density of caspase 6 staining was much better especially in PE 7 at the 0.125 mg/ml dilution. In conclusion, the mechanisms of apoptosis induction by PE may appear via caspase pathway because of its anticanserogenic effect. PE may be usefull in the cancer treatment protocol.Wo

Myophosphorylase (Pygm) Mutations Determined By Next Generation Sequencing In A Cohort From Turkey With Mcardle Disease

This study aimed to identify PYGM mutations in patients with McArdle disease from Turkey by next generation sequencing (NGS). Genomic DNA was extracted from the blood of the McArdle patients (n = 67) and unrelated healthy volunteers (n = 53). The PYGM gene was sequenced with NGS and the observed mutations were validated by direct Sanger sequencing. A diagnostic algorithm was developed for patients with suspected McArdle disease. A total of 16 deleterious PYGM mutations were identified, of which 5 were novel, including 1 splice-site donor, 1 frame-shift, and 3 non-synonymous variants. The p.Met1Val (27-patients/11-families) was the most common PYGM mutation, followed by p.Arg576* (6/4), c.1827+7A>G (5/4), c.772+2_3delTG (5/3), p.Phe710del (4/2), p.Lys754Asnfs (2/1), and p.Arg50* (1/1). A molecular diagnostic flowchart is proposed for the McArdle patients in Turkey, covering the 6 most common PYGM mutations found in Turkey as well as the most common mutation in Europe. The diagnostic algorithm may alleviate the need for muscle biopsies in 77.6% of future patients. A prevalence of any of the mutations to a geographical region in Turkey was not identified. Furthermore, the NGS approach to sequence the entire PYGM gene was successful in detecting a common missense mutation and discovering novel mutations in this population study. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Wo