Unilateral Multicanalicular Vestibular Lithiasis of Right Horizontal and Posterior Semicircular Canals: An Unusual Case

Vestibular lithiasis (canalolithiasis as well as cupulolithiasis) commonly exists in monocanalicular forms involving one of the three semicircular canals, frequent posterior, less frequent horizontal, and very rarely anterior. It is treated with canal clearing maneuvers intended to reposition the otoconia from the semicircular canal (where they have inappropriately entered) through the utricular exit in the nonampullary arm of the semicircular canal to the utricle (where they normally remain as a part of utricular gelatinous matrix). The cases of multicanalicular vestibular lithiasis with the involvement of more than one semicircular canal require meticulous identification of the involved canals and multiple different canal-clearing maneuvers for effective treatment. A 70-year-old male patient with no significant history of previous medical or otologic illnesses or head trauma presented with a 1-day history of vertigo with positional aggravation. A one-time performed diagnostic supine head roll test elicited three different patterns of positional nystagmus, each with an accurate localizing and lateralizing value. Diagnosis of unilateral multicanalicular vestibular lithiasis of right horizontal and posterior semicircular canals was entertained based on the pattern of the elicited positional nystagmi on the supine roll test. The upbeating torsional nystagmus that localizes the involvement to the posterior semicircular canal was paradoxically elicited by supine head roll test and not by the Dix–Hallpike test. As horizontal semicircular canalolithiasis causes severe symptoms, its treatment preceded that of concurrent posterior semicircular canalolithiasis. The patient was successfully treated with multiple sessions of canalith repositioning maneuvers (CRMs) spread over 24 hours. It is important to perform both positional tests, namely Dix–Hallpike maneuver, and supine head roll test, in cases suspected to have multicanalicular vestibular lithiasis. The positionings may need to be repeated several times to unveil multiple nystagmi, each with different localizing and lateralizing values. Identifying treatment priorities with CRM for the individual semicircular canals is crucial, and the canal that is liable to cause severe symptoms needs early clearance of the otoconial debris. If a CRM fails to clear a semicircular canal, an alternative maneuver may need to be executed. Clinicians involved in the care of cases with multicanalicular vestibular lithiasis should be well versed with all possible backup maneuvers for clearing each of the three semicircular canals.

Phototrophic biofilms and microbial mats from the marine littoral of the central Mediterranean

Phototrophic biofilm and microbial mat communities grow along the rocky coastline of the Maltese islands. During this study, phototrophs from the mediolittoral and supralittoral zones were studied over a two-year period and seasonal changes were observed. Attachment of pioneer microorganisms to the porous eroded limestone bedrock was facilitated via a gelatinous matrix composed of exopolymeric substances (EPS). In submerged areas, such as undisturbed rock pools, these progressively formed green or brown compact biofilms, some of which thickened over spring to form microbial mats via the production of more extensive EPS layers. Microbial mats gradually attained a lighter colouration due to the presence of ultraviolet (UV) screening pigments. In full summer, they were observed to shrink, detach from the exposed substrate, harden and progressively calcify. Biofilm microorganisms survived the harsh summer months in sheltered areas. The major biofilm formers were filamentous non-heterocytous cyanobacteria belonging to the Leptolyngbyaceae, Pseudanabaenaceae and Oscillatoriaceae. Their sheaths were thick, lamellated and often confluent. A higher biodiversity of phototrophs was observed in late autumn and winter, when tufts of heterocytous Calothrix sp. grew on thin compact biofilms of Nodosilinea sp., Toxifilum sp. and Phormidesmis spp., while Lyngbya spp. trichomes were surrounded by thick brown sheaths. Germlings of green and brown macroalgal species belonging to Ulva, Cladophora and Sphacelaria were embedded in biofilms and microbial mats and gradually grew to form extensive macroalgal covers submerged in rock pools. Erythrotrichia sp. filaments colonised the mediolittoral zone and were confined to areas that were exposed to wave action and submerged intermittently. Over summer, macroalgal coverage diminished and microalgal biofilms and microbial mats prevailed in rock pools.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN URIC ACID LEVELS AND THE OCCURRENCE OF BENIGN PAROXYSMAL POSITIONAL VERTIGO

Background: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is associated with a fundamental condition that causes the release of large amounts of otoconia, due to deficits in the structure of the interotoconial filament matrix which implants otoconia in the gelatinous matrix. Increased uric acid levels cause an inflammatory response in the gelatinous matrix so that it can cause BPPV attacks. Objective: To determine the relationship between uric acid levels with BPPV events Research Methods: This research uses a case control design. Sampling was conducted at H. Adam Malik General Hospital Medan and RS. University of Sumatera Utara. The research sample consisted of 36 BPPV cases and 36 non BPPV cases. subject on a consecutive basis. Anamnesis and physical examination are performed to diagnose BPPV and examination of uric acid levels for hyperuricemia status. Data analysis using chi-square test Results: The majority of BPPV patient characteristics were found in women (63,9%), age range 41-50 years (36,1%), high school education level (33,3%), working as a housewife (30,6%), and Batak ethnicity (69,4%). The distribution of uric acid levels in BPPV patients was 6.59 (± 1.30) mg / dl. The distribution of hyperuricemia of BPPV patients was 58.3%. There is a significant relationship between uric acid levels with BPPV events. (p = 0.033; OR = 3.18). Conclusion: there is a significant relationship between uric acid levels with BPPV.

Seasonal dynamics of Chironomus transvaalensis populations and the microbial community composition of their egg masses

ABSTRACT Chironomids (Diptera; Chironomidae) are the most abundant insects in freshwater environments and are considered natural reservoirs of Vibrio cholerae. We monitored the annual dynamics of chironomid populations along with their microbiota in order to better understand host–microbiota interactions. Chironomus transvaalensis populations peaked biannually in August and May–June. The composition of the endogenous bacterial communities of their egg masses clustered in two groups according to the sampling periods August–November and May–July. Nevertheless, a core bacterial community (43%) was present in all egg-mass samples. The most abundant phyla were: Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Cyanobacteria and Bacteroidetes. The abundance of several genera (e.g. Rheinheimera and Pseudomonas) was positively correlated with C. transvaalensis population dynamics, while a predator–prey interaction was observed between the relative abundance of Vibrio OTUs and C. transvaalensis population size. Chironomids are known to tolerate toxic and stress conditions, and our results demonstrated that bacterial genera that may protect the insect under these conditions are present in the egg masses. After hatching, the first larval meal is the gelatinous matrix that surrounds the eggs. This meal contains a probiotic consortium that may protect the larva during its metamorphosis. The results provide important insights into the host–microbe interactions of chironomids.

An improved method for the rapid isolation of RNA from Arabidopsis and seeds of other species high in polyphenols and polysaccharides

Seeds are notoriously high in polyphenols and polysaccharides, which reduce RNA quality and yield, and interfere with downstream applications. We present simple modifications to a rapid RNA extraction protocol for use with seeds. The inclusion of polyethylene glycol in place of polyvinylpyrrolidone reduced polyphenol and polysaccharide contamination. In addition, replacing NaCl with KCl improved the RNA yield from Arabidopsis seeds still bound by mucilage. On extraction of Arabidopsis seed recovered from field soils clean RNA pellets with no accompanying gelatinous matrix (polysaccharide) were seen, with A260/230 ratios greater than 1.8 confirming the lack of polysaccharide carry-over. WhenBrassica oleraceaandSinapis arvensisseeds were extracted, 260/230 ratios greater than 1.8 were seen. RNA yields in excess of 10 µg per 100 mg seed suitable for RT-QPCR were obtained.

Ataktogamous green microalgae of the genus Chlorosarcinopsis Herndon (Chlorophyceae, Chlorophyta) from Zabaikalskiy region (Russia)

The algae described in this paper appeared in enrichment culture from epiphytic mosses sample collected in southern Zabaikalie (Russia). This organism forms 2–8-celled and 3-dimensional packages of irregular shape. Vegetative cells are spherical, ellipsoidal and ovoid when solitary; cells with thin wall, thickening with age and occasionally with a unipolar manner. The cells and packages are devoid of a gelatinous matrix. There are akinete-like cells with sculptured cell wall. Sexual reproduction is ataktogamic. The results of morphologic and molecular phylogenetic studies allow us to attribute the alga to the genus Chlorosarcinopsis and show a high similarity with C. dissociata and C. bastropiensis. However, obtained data do not prove its identity to any known species of the genus.

Characteristics of matrix of the invasive freshwater Ectoprocta species Pectinatella magnifica

Abstract(Leidy, 1851) (phylum Ectoprocta) is an invasive species that is spread in many areas of the world. Its significant attribute is the production of large colonies formed by a specific gelatinous matrix which is usually occupied by microorganisms such as bacteria, algae, and cyanobacteria. This work compares the matrix characteristics of