Temperature-Dependent Development Modeling of the Phorid Fly Megaselia halterata (Wood) (Diptera: Phoridae).

The effect of temperature on the development of Megaselia halterata (Wood) (Diptera: Phoridae) on A15 variety of button mushroom in the stages of casing and spawn-running was investigated at eight constant temperatures (10, 12.5, 15, 18, 20, 22.5, 25, and 27°C) and developmental rates were modeled as a function of temperature. At 25 and 27°C, an average of 22.2 ± 0.14 and 20.0 ± 0.10 days was needed for M. halterata to complete its development from oviposition to adult eclosion in the stages of casing and spawn-running, respectively. The developmental times of males or females at various constant temperatures were significantly different. Among the linear models, the Ikemoto and Takai linear model in the absence of 12.5 and 25°C showed the best statistical goodness-of-fit and based on this model, the lower developmental threshold and the thermal constant were estimated as 10.4°C and 526.3 degree-days, respectively. Twelve nonlinear temperature-dependent models were examined to find the best model to describe the relationship between temperature and development rate of M. halterata. The Logan 10 nonlinear model provided the best estimation for T opt and T max and is strongly recommended for the description of temperature-dependent development of M. halterata.

Spectrum of mutations in the familial Mediterranean fever gene (MEFV) in Turkish patients of the Central Anatolia region: a comparison of two mutation detection system.

The purpose of this study was to determine the spectrum of the most common mutations in the familial Mediterranean fever gene (MEFV) in Turkish patients from the Central Anatolia region, by using two different methods for detecting FMF-associated mutations with different screening panels, and compare our results with other diagnostic molecular genetics centers. A total of 1579 patients were analyzed. Genomic DNA from 304 patients was tested for 6 common mutations located in exon 2 (E148Q), and exon 10 (M680I, M694V, M694I, V726A, R761H) by real-time PCR while 1275 patients were tested for 17 mutations located in exon 2 (E148Q), and exon10 [M680I (G/C), M680I (G/A), I692del, M694V, M694I, K695R, V726A, S675N, G678E, M680L, T681I, M694L, K695M, R717S, I720M, V722M] by pyrosequencing. The most frequent mutation was M694V, followed by M680I, E148Q, and V726A. Ten mutations in the panel were not detected in any patients. Finally, we compared our results with those of other centers in Turkey to contribute to the identified spectrum of Turkish MEFV mutations and we discuss which MEFV mutations are informative for evaluating an FMF patient.