Molecular Characterization of Lucimycin Gene of Lucilia sericata

Lucilia sericata, a member of the Calliphoridae family, is one of the most common species in the genus Lucilia. Medical importance of L.serkata stems from its use in maggot debridement therapy (MDT). MDT is the name of L.sericata larvae being sterilized and used in the treatment of non-healing wounds. L.sericata maggots used in the treatment of chronic and non-healing wounds (decubitus ulcer, venous leg ulcer, diabetic foot ulcer, etc.) clean the wounds with the help of secreted proteolytic trypsin and lucimycin-like enzymes. The aim of the study was to determine the molecular characterization of lucimycin gene obtained from L.sericata larvae in MDT by using molecular methods and to contribute to the literature. In this study, continuous production of adult colonies of L.sericata species was carried out in insectarium unit where conditions such as light, humidity and temperature were formed. The life cycle of L.sericata was followed and the production of eggs, larvae, pupae, adult flies and fly colonies of the species were formed. In the third stage larvae obtained from adult flies in the insectarium unit, RNA was isolated and subsequently cDNA synthesis was performed by reverse transcription. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of the synthesized cDNAs with the specific primers designed for the lucimycin gene of L.sericata was performed and the obtained amplicons were cloned into pJET1.2/blunt vector and the plasmid was purified. The recombinant plasmids were sequenced with vector-specific primers and target gene region sequences were obtained. After the molecular characterization of the isolate with nucleotide sequences was determined, it was registered to GenBank database with the accession number MF964229. The PCR product of 288 bp was obtained from the cDNA obtained from the larvae of L.sericata produced in the insectarium unit by PCR using lucimycin specific primers. The PCR product imaged on the gel was purified by transformation and subsequent colonies were screened to see whether they contained recombinant plasmids. Three of the colonies were identified as recombinant plasmids containing L.sericata lucimycin gene by PCR screening. From three colonies confirmed by PCR screening, recombinant plasmids containing L.sericata lucimycin gene were purified by miniprep. The recombinant plasmid product was confirmed to contain the L.sericata lucimycin gene by PCR from a total of 20 mu l of the recombinant plasmid miniprep product. DNA sequencing analysis was performed to confirm the plasmid after cloning. The 288 bp L.sericata lucimycin sequence was confirmed by DNA sequence analysis. The lucimycin gene isolated was confirmed by specific and pJET1.2 forward and reverse primers using Blastn algorithm as a result of species and/or subspecies using the Blastn algorithm and the related isolate was recorded in GenBank database with the MF964229 accessory number. The DNA sequence of the isolated sample was compared with other isolates found in GenBank by Pubmed/Blast program. KJ413251.1 was found to be 99% similar to the GenBank isolate. The 113th nucleotide was C (cytosine) in the sequence of our isolate, while the existence of G (guanine) in the sequence numbered KJ413251.1 GenBank revealed the difference between the two sequences. In this study the molecular characterization of lucimycin gene derived from L

The reliability and validity of decreased sound tolerance scale-screening

Objectives: Decreased Sound Tolerance (DST) is a negative reaction to a sound that does not cause any reaction in an individual with normal hearing. DST’s subclasses include hyperacusis, phonophobia, and misophonia, which are distinct and have therapy variations. There is no diagnostic method or scale that distinguishes them in the literature. This study’s purpose was to develop a screening scale that distinguishes these three DSTs. Methods: The study comprised 257 willing participants with normal hearing. Cronbach alpha coefficient, item-total correlation, and item differentiation of the Decreased Sound Tolerance Scale-Screening (DSTS-S) were evaluated. Structural validity of DSTS-S was performed by Varimax rotation with Kaiser normalization using Explanatory Factor Analysis (EFA), and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was performed to assess its structural compatibility. The scale’s total scores from each section were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test in symptom (+) and symptom (–) participants. Results: The Cronbach alpha value for hyperacusis, phonophobia, and misophonia sections of DSTS-S was calculated as 0.881, 0.775, and 0.938, respectively. The difference between the independent samplet-test and the variables was statistically significant (p < 0.01). The Mann-Whitney U test showed a significant difference between the median values of the total groups’ scores with and without hyperacusis, phonophobia, and misophonia (HTS, PTS, and MTS, respectively) (p < 0.05). Evaluation by ROC analysis showed that hyperacusis was useful in predicting the presence of hyperacusis, phonophobia was useful in predicting the presence of phonophobia, and misophonia was useful in predicting the presence of misophonia (p < 0.001). Hyperacusis and misophonia sections showed high reliability, and phonophobia section showed a moderately reliable level. The Kappa test showed that the compatibility between test–retest for the total scores was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The study’s results indicated that DSTS-S is a valid and reliable scale for identifying subtypes/problems/classes of decreased sound tolerance

Auditory Brainstem Responses In Gap Junction Beta 2 (Gjb2) 35Delg Mutation Carriers

Objective: In the present study, the eight nerve and inner hair cells of the Gap Junction Beta 2 (GJB2) 35delG mutation carriers with normal hearing were evaluated by the Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) technique. Materials and Methods: The ABR tests were performed in 90 dB nHL, using 11 and 60/s rates and 3 polarities. Twenty-three subjects who carry GJB2 35delG mutation were compared to 25 non-carriers. Results: Significant difference in air conduction thresholds at all frequencies was found in the left ears of both groups. In case of the right ears, significant differences were observed at all frequencies except 2 and 14 kHz. Carriers effect on ABR I, Ill and V wave latencies, and I-III, III-V and I-V interpeak latencies were not observed (p<0.05). Conclusion: It was concluded that the GJB2 35delG mutation did not cause any damage of inner hair cells and dysfunction of the eighth nerve in carriers.Wo

Does vestibular rehabilitation improve postural control of subjects with chronic subjective dizziness?

Postural control is the ability to maintain equilibrium and orientation in a gravitational environment. Patients with chronic subjective dizziness have some troubles with their postural stability. The present study aimed to assess the benefit of home-based vestibular rehabilitation in patients with chronic subjective dizziness using computerized dynamic posturography. Therefore, 100 subjects, between 19 to 86 years, diagnosed with dizziness were included in the study. Computerized dynamic posturography was performed to assess postural stability. Vestibular rehabilitation programs included exercises tailored to the particular needs of each patient. After vestibular rehabilitation, patients were re-examined using the same tests. Posturographic data were analyzed and compared for before and after vestibular rehabilitation findings. The mean composite scores before the intervention (58,92 ±11,64) was significantly (p<0.01) lower than the mean composite scores after vestibular rehabilitation (73,83 ± 8,26). This result is found to be statistically significant. In conclusion it could be suggested that the effectiveness of vestibular rehabilitation could be verified by means of computerized dynamic posturography as a concrete method

Evaluation Of Balance In Fallers And Non-Fallers Elderly

Falls present a substantial health problem among the elderly population. Approximately one-third of community-dwelling people over 65 years of age will experience one or more each year. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate balance between fallers and non-fallers elderly. Study Design: Clinical study. Methods: We studied 30 subjects older than 65 years of age. 15 subjects had a history of falls within a year (Group I) and 15 subjects had no history of falls (Group II). The scores of Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP); Sensory Organization Test (SOT), Limits of Stability (LOS), Rhytmic Weight Shift (RWS) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) findings gathered from the individuals from Group I and Group II, were compared. Results: The SOT 3, 6, composite, BBS scores and left-right on-axis velocity score of RWS test of the Group I were found to be significantly lower the Group II (p < 0.05). A positive correlation between the SOT 3, 5, composite and BBS scores of Group I and the SOT 4, 5, 6, composite and BBS scores of Group II is determined (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The CDP and BBS scores in fallers were found to be significiantly lower as compared to the non-fallers elderly.WoSScopu

Vestibulo-Spinal reflex tests to determine unilateral vestibular loss

Objective: the purpose of this study was to investigate subjective vestibulo-spinal reflex test sensitivity in subjects with unilateral vestibular loss.  Method: forty subjects diagnosed with UVL within 7 days of onset and 30 subjects without dizziness/balance disorder complaints were included in the study as the unilateral vestibular loss and control groups (70 subjects aged 18–60 years [mean: 42.95 ± 10.82]). Bithermal caloric test, Fukuda, Babinski Weil, tandem walking, and past pointing tests were performed. The subjective VSR tests’ sensitivities were compared among the various methods.  Results: the Fukuda test was determined to have the highest sensitivity value (65%; kappa coefficient: 0.352). The sensitivity values of the other tests, in descending order, are: Babinski Weil (55%, Kappa coefficient: 0.274), tandem walking (10%, Kappa coefficient: 0.022), and past pointing (2.5%, Kappa coefficient: −0.014). A positive moderate correlation was obtained between canal paresis asymmetry and Fukuda deviation degree (p = 0.009, r = 0.407). There was no correlation between Babinski Weil (p = 0.619), tandem walking (p = 0.538), and past pointing test results and canal paresis asymmetry (p &gt; 0.05).  Conclusions: fukuda and Babinski Weil tests can be used under conditions where all subjective tests are not performed because of limited time. However, these tests must be used alongside objective vestibular test batteries owing to their limited specificity and sensitivity

Tinnitus Incidence And Characteristics In Children With Hearing Loss

Objective: The objective of this study is to determine presence and prevalence of tinnitus in children with hearing loss under the age of eighteen in central Ankara. Materials and Methods All children were asked: "Do you hear any noises in your ears?" If they answered "yes" they were asked nine more questions. Associated symptoms, pitch, level and general descriptions were also noted. Results and Conclusion: Children with hearing loss had a high incidence of tinnitus. Even though they don't express, they have tinnitus and it effects their lives. By using a survey specific to tinnitus we can identify tinnitus in children with impaired hearing and develop new ways to manage their problems

In vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of some Lamiaceae species

Abstract The methanolic extracts, infusions, decoctions and hydrosols of six plants were investigated for their total phenolic contents, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities: Mentha piperita (Peppermint), Thymus vulgaris (thyme), Melissa officinalis (lemon balm), Ocimum basilicum (basil), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) and Salvia officinalis (sage) (Lamiaceae). Total phenolic contents were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu procedure and ranged from 111.03 ± 0.6 (sage methanolic extract) to 19.07 ± 0.0 mg (basil methanolic extract) gallic acid equivalent /g extract. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by two methods, DPPH and phosphomolybdenum assays. The decoction of rosemary showed the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC 50 = 8.36 µg/mL). The methanolic extract of Peppermint showed the highest total antioxidant activity (241.85 ± 1.9 mg ascorbic acid equivalent /g extract) measured by phosphomolybdenum assay. The antimicrobial activities of herbs were tested against eight bacteria and two yeasts

In vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of some Lamiaceae species

The methanolic extracts, infusions, decoctions and hydrosols of six plants were investigated for their total phenolic contents, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities: Mentha piperita (Peppermint), Thymus vulgaris (thyme), Melissa officinalis (lemon balm), Ocimum basilicum (basil), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) and Salvia officinalis (sage) (Lamiaceae). Total phenolic contents were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu procedure and ranged from 111.03 +/- 0.6 (sage methanolic extract) to 19.07 +/- 0.0 mg (basil methanolic extract) gallic acid equivalent /g extract. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by two methods, DPPH and phosphomolybdenum assays. The decoction of rosemary showed the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 8.36 mu g/mL). The methanolic extract of Peppermint showed the highest total antioxidant activity (241.85 +/- 1.9 mg ascorbic acid equivalent /g extract) measured by phosphomolybdenum assay. The antimicrobial activities of herbs were tested against eight bacteria and two yeasts