Primary middle ear tuberculosis mimicking cholesteatoma.

Tuberculous granuloma in the middle ear is an unusual entity. Herein, we report a case with short presentation of otitis media with mastoid abscess but with a CT scan showing widespread bone destruction. The cause was determined to be middle ear tuberculosis. Awareness of this entity is important, as it may cause a delay in referral to an otorhinolaryngology specialist and, subsequently, a delay in initiating treatment. Therefore, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis, especially when the usual treatment fails to produce the desired result.

Glomus tympanicum.

Glomus tympanicum is a tumour classified under the group glomus tumours, and is also known as paragangliomas. It is thought to commonly occur in women in the fifth to sixth decades of life. Here, we report a case of a 77-year-old lady with multiple co-morbids and a diagnosis of glomus tympanicum presenting to us. Her symptoms included pulsatile tinnitus, and reduced hearing, and the management of the case was done with consideration for her underlying multiple co-morbidities. This paper also describes the best modality of treatment for this patient with regard to her background history. The treatment goal was to improve her quality of life and control the disease.

Relapse of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia presenting as right aural polyp with facial and mandibular nerves palsy.

A patient presenting with an ear polyp is a common finding in otorhinolaryngology practice. The common causes include chronic otitis media and cholesteatoma. We report an adult female patient with a history of acute leukaemia presenting with chronic otitis media symptoms and right ear polyp. She was subsequently diagnosed as relapse of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia based on histopathological examination. The presentation may be similar to an inflammatory pathology of the middle ear, making it misleading.

Biochemical responses and ultrastructural changes in ethylene insensitive mutants of Arabidopsis thialiana subjected to bisphenol A exposure.

Bisphenol A (BPA), an important raw material in plastic industry, has become a serious environmental contaminant due to its wide spread use in different products and increasing release into the environment. BPA is known to cause adverse effects in living organisms including plants. Several studies reported that BPA affects growth and development in plants, mainly through oxidative stress. Plants are known to generally cope with stress mainly through hormonal regulation and adaptation, but little is known about the role of plant hormones in plants under BPA stress. The present study was conducted to investigate the role of ethylene in BPA induced oxidative stress in plants using Arabidopsis thaliana as a test plant. The response of ethylene insensitive mutants of Arabidopsis (ein2-1 and etr1-3) to BPA exposure was studied in comparison to the wild type Arabidopsis (WT). In all three genotypes, exposure to BPA adversely affected cellular structures, stomata and light-harvesting pigments. An increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) lipid peroxidation and other oxidative stress markers indicated that BPA induced toxicity through oxidative stress. However, the overall results revealed that WT Arabidopsis had more pronounced BPA induced damages while ein2-1 and etr1-3 mutants withstood the BPA induced stress more efficiently. The activity of antioxidant enzymes and expression of antioxidants related genes revealed that the antioxidant defense system in both mutants was more efficiently activated than in WT against BPA induced oxidative stress, which further evidenced the involvement of ethylene in regulating BPA induced oxidative stress. It is concluded that ethylene perception and signaling may be involved in BPA induced oxidative stress responses in plants.

Leaf-based physiological, metabolic, and ultrastructural changes in cultivated cotton cultivars under cadmium stress mediated by glutathione.

Cadmium (Cd) pollution is present in the world over especially in the industrialized parts of the world. To reduce Cd accumulation in various crops especially food crops, alleviating agents such as reduced glutathione (GSH) can be applied, which are capable either to exclude or to sequester Cd contamination. This study investigated the leaf-based spatial distribution of physiological, metabolic, and microstructural changes in two cotton cultivars (Coker 312 and TM-1) under GSH-mediated Cd stress using single levels of Cd (50 µM) and GSH (50 µM) both separately and in mix along with control. Results showed that GSH revived the morphology and physiology of both cotton cultivars alone or in mix with Cd. Cd uptake was enhanced in all segments of leaf and whole leaf upon the addition of GSH. GSH alleviated Cd-induced reduction in the photosynthetic pigment compositions and chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters. Mean data of biomarkers (2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium (TTC), total soluble protein (TSP), malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)) revealed the adverse effects of Cd stress on leaf segments of both cultivars, which were revived by GSH. The oxidative metabolism induced by Cd stress was profoundly influenced by exogenous GSH application. The microstructural alterations were mainly confined to chloroplastic regions of leaves under Cd-stressed conditions, which were greatly revived upon the GSH addition. As a whole, Cd stress greatly affected TM-1 as compared to Coker 312. These results suggest a positive role of GSH in alleviating Cd-mediated changes in different leaf sections of cotton cultivars.

Alleviation of lead-induced physiological, metabolic, and ultramorphological changes in leaves of upland cotton through glutathione.

Plants face changes in leaves under lead (Pb) toxicity. Reduced glutathione (GSH) has several functions in plant metabolism, but its role in alleviating Pb toxicity in cotton leaves is still unknown. In the present study, cotton seedlings (28 days old) were exposed to 500 µM Pb and 50 µM GSH, both alone and in combination, for a period of 10 days, in the Hoagland solution under controlled growth conditions. Results revealed Pb-induced changes in cotton's leaf morphology, photosynthesis, and oxidative metabolism. However, exogenous application of GSH restored leaf growth. GSH triggered build up of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoid contents and boosted fluorescence ratios (F v/F m and F v/F 0). Moreover, GSH reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and Pb contents in cotton leaves. Results further revealed that total soluble protein contents were decreased under Pb toxicity; however, exogenously applied GSH improved these contents in cotton leaves. Activities of antioxidant enzymes (catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), glutathione reductase (GR), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX)) were also increased by GSH application under Pb toxicity. Microscopic analysis showed that excess Pb shattered thylakoid membranes in chloroplasts. However, GSH stabilized ultrastructure of Pb-stressed cotton leaves. These findings suggested that exogenously applied GSH lessened the adverse effects of Pb and improved cotton's tolerance to oxidative stress.

Effect of some commonly used pesticides on seed germination, biomass production and photosynthetic pigments in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum).

Pesticides are highly toxic substances. Their toxicity may not be absolutely specific to the target organisms but can adversely affect different processes in the non-target host plants. In the present study, the effect of over application of four commonly used pesticides (emamectin benzoate, alpha-cypermethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin and imidacloprid) was evaluated on the germination, seedling vigor and photosynthetic pigments in tomato. The obtained results revealed that seed germination was decreased by the pesticides and this effect was more prominent at early stages of exposure. All the tested pesticides reduced the growth of tomato when applied in higher concentration than the recommended dose, but at lower doses the pesticides had some stimulatory effects on growth as compared to the control. A similar effect of pesticides was observed on the photosynthetic pigments, i.e. a decrease in pigments concentrations was caused at higher doses but an increase was observed at lower doses of pesticides. The calculation of EC50 values for different parameters revealed the lowest EC50 values for emamectin (ranged as 51-181 mg/L) followed by alpha-cypermethrin (191.74-374.39), lambda-cyhalothrin (102.43-354.28) and imidacloprid (430.29-1979.66 mg/L). A comparison of the obtained EC50 values for different parameters of tomato with the recommended doses revealed that over application of these pesticides can be harmful to tomato crop. In a few cases these pesticides were found toxic even at the recommended doses. However, a field based study in this regard should be conducted to further verify these results.

Congenital cholesteatoma: Different clinical presentation in two cases.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital cholesteatoma (CC) of the middle ear is a rare entity that may be undiagnosed for years. The lesion can grow undetected until it produces symptoms such as reduced hearing or otalgia. METHOD: Case report. RESULTS: We report two cases of young ladies with CC who presented with different otological symptoms. The first case complained of recurrent unilateral ear pain while the second case presented with unilateral reduced hearing. Examination of both cases revealed a whitish mass seen behind an intact tympanic membrane. Both cases underwent surgery and histopathological examinations; findings were consistent with cholesteatoma. CONCLUSION: There are varieties of clinical presentations of CC and the diagnosis is based on clinical findings.

Ultrastructural, metabolic and proteomic changes in leaves of upland cotton in response to cadmium stress.

Present study explores physiological, biochemical and proteomic changes in leaves of upland cotton (ZMS-49) using 500 µM cadmium (Cd) along with control. Leaves' biomass and chlorophyll pigments decreased at 500 µM Cd. Cd contents in roots were higher than leaves. Levels of ROS ( [Formula: see text] and H2O2) both in vivo and in vitro and MDA contents were significantly increased. Chlorophyll parameters (F0, Fm, Fm(') and Fv/Fm), total soluble protein contents and APX showed a decline at 500 µM Cd. SOD, CAT and POD and GR activities significantly enhanced. Less ultrastructural alterations in leaves under Cd stress could be observed. Scanning micrographs at 500 µM Cd possessed less number of stomata as well as near absence of closed stomata. Cd could be located in cell wall, vacuoles and intracellular spaces. Important upregulated proteins were methionine synthase, ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase, apoplastic anionic guaiacol peroxidase, glyceraldehydes-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (chloroplastic isoform) and ATP synthase D chain, (mitochondrial). Important downregulated proteins were seed storage proteins (vicilin and legumin), molecular chaperones (hsp70, chaperonin-60 alpha subunit; putative protein disulfide isomerase), ATP-dependent Clp protease, ribulose-1,5-bisphophate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit. Increase in the activities of ROS-scavenging enzymes, less ultrastructural modification, Cd-deposition in dead parts of cells as well as active regulation of different proteins showed Cd-resistant nature of ZMS-49.

In vitro cadmium-induced alterations in growth and oxidative metabolism of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.).

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic pollutant, which cause both dose- and time-dependent physiological and biochemical alterations in plants. The present in vitro study was undertaken to explore Cd-induced physiological and biochemical changes in cotton callus culture at 0, 550, 700, 850, and 1000 µM Cd for four different stress periods (7, 14, 21, and 28 days). At 1000 µM Cd, mean growth values were lower than their respective control. The cell protein contents decreased only after 7-day and 14-day stress treatment. At 550 µM Cd, malondialdehyde (MDA) contents decreased after various stress periods except 21-day period. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity at 1000 µM Cd improved relative to its respective controls in the first three stress regimes. Almost a decreasing trend in the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and peroxidase (POD) activities at all Cd levels after different stress periods was noticed. Ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity descended over its relevant controls in the first three stress regimes except at 700 µM Cd after 14- and 21-day stress duration. Moreover, catalase (CAT) mean values significantly increased as a whole. From this experiment, it can be concluded that lipid peroxidation as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was relatively higher as has been revealed by higher MDA contents and greater SOD, CAT activities.

Impact assessment of cadmium toxicity and its bioavailability in human cell lines (Caco-2 and HL-7702).

Cadmium (Cd) is a widespread environmental toxic contaminant, which causes serious health-related problems. In this study, human intestinal cell line (Caco-2 cells) and normal human liver cell line (HL-7702 cells) were used to investigate the toxicity and bioavailability of Cd to both cell lines and to validate these cell lines as in vitro models for studying Cd accumulation and toxicity in human intestine and liver. Results showed that Cd uptake by both cell lines increased in a dose-dependent manner and its uptake by Caco-2 cells (720.15 µg mg(-1) cell protein) was significantly higher than HL-7702 cells (229.01 µg mg(-1) cell protein) at 10 mg L(-1). A time- and dose-dependent effect of Cd on cytotoxicity assays (LDH release, MTT assay) was observed in both Cd-treated cell lines. The activities of antioxidant enzymes and differentiation markers (SOD, GPX, and AKP) of the HL-7702 cells were higher than those of Caco-2 cells, although both of them decreased significantly with raising Cd levels. The results from the present study indicate that Cd above a certain level inhibits cellular antioxidant activities and HL-7702 cells are more sensitive to Cd exposure than Caco-2 cells. However, Cd concentrations <0.5 mg L(-1) pose no toxic effects on both cell lines.

Differential physiological, ultramorphological and metabolic responses of cotton cultivars under cadmium stress.

Cadmium (Cd) stress may cause serious physiological, ultramorphological and biochemical anomalies in plants. Cd-induced physiological, subcellular and metabolic alterations in two transgenic cotton cultivars (BR001, GK30) and their parent line (Coker 312) were evaluated using 10, 100 and 1000 µM Cd. Germination, fresh biomass of roots, stems and leaves were significantly inhibited at 1000 µM Cd. Root volume tolerance index significantly increased (124.16%) in Coker 312 at 1000 µM Cd. In non-Cd stressed conditions, electron micrographs showed well-configured root meristem and leaf mesophyll cells. At 1000 µM Cd, greater ultramorphological alterations were observed in BR001 followed by GK30 and Coker 312. These changes were observed in nucleus, vacuoles, mitochondria and chloroplast. Dense precipitates, probably Cd, were seen in vacuoles, which were also attached to the cell walls. A considerable increase in number of nuclei, vacuoles, starch granules and plastoglobuli was observed in the electron micrographs of both roots and leaves at 1000 µM Cd. MDA contents were higher in roots of BR001 at 1000 µM Cd. Mean values of SOD activity in leaves of both BR001 and GK30 at 1000 µM Cd significantly increased as compared to the controls. POD activity in roots of BR001 and Coker 312 was greater at all Cd (10, 100, 1000 µM) levels over the control. Regarding APX, highest percent increase (71.64%) in roots of GK30 at 1000 µM Cd was found. Non-significant differences in CAT activity were observed at all levels of Cd stress in leaves of BR001 and GK30. Both transgenic cotton cultivars and their parental line invariably responded towards Cd stress. However, Coker 312 showed Cd-resistant behavior as compared to its progeny lines (BR001 and GK30).

5-Aminolevulinic acid ameliorates cadmium-induced morphological, biochemical, and ultrastructural changes in seedlings of oilseed rape.

Due to its prolific growth, oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) can be grown successfully for phytoremediation of cadmium (Cd)-contaminated soils. Nowadays, use of plant growth regulators against heavy metals stress is one of the major objectives of researchers. The present study evaluates the ameliorate effects of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA, 0, 0.4, 2, and 10 mg/l) on the growth of oilseed rape (B. napus L. cv. ZS 758) seedlings under Cd stress (0, 100, and 500 µM). Results have shown that Cd stress hampered the seedling growth by decreasing the radical and hypocotyls length, shoot and root biomass, chlorophyll content, and antioxidants enzymes. On the other hand, Cd stress increased the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and production of H2O2 and accumulation of Cd in the shoots. The microscopic study of leaf mesophyll cells showed that toxicity of Cd totally destroyed the whole cell structure, and accumulation of Cd also appeared in micrographs. Application of ALA at lower dosage (2 mg/l) enhanced the seedling growth and biomass. The results showed that 2 mg/l ALA significantly improved chlorophyll content under Cd stress and decreased the level of Cd contents in shoots. Application of ALA reduced the MDA and H2O2 levels in the cotyledons. The antioxidants enzymes (ascorbate peroxidase, peroxidase, catalase, glutathione reductase, and superoxide dismutase) enhanced their activities significantly with the application of 2 mg/l ALA under Cd stress. This study also indicated that higher dosage of ALA (10 mg/l) imposed the negative effect on the growth of oilseed rape. Microscopic study showed that application of ALA alleviated the toxic effects of Cd in the mesophyll cell and improved the cell structure. Use of 2 mg/l ALA under 500 µM Cd was found to be more effective, and under this dosage, cell structure was clear, with obvious cell wall and cell membrane as well as a big nucleus, which was found with well-developed two or more nucleoli. Chloroplast was almost round in shape and contained thylakoids membranes and grana, but starch grains were not found in chloroplast comparatively to other treatments. On the basis of our results, we can conclude that ALA has a promotive effect which could improve plant survival under Cd stress.

Cadmium-induced ultramorphological and physiological changes in leaves of two transgenic cotton cultivars and their wild relative.

The present study describes cadmium-induced alterations in the leaves as well as at the whole plant level in two transgenic cotton cultivars (BR001 and GK30) and their wild relative (Coker 312) using both ultramorphological and physiological indices. With elevated levels of Cd (i.e. 10, 100, 1000 microM), the mean lengths of root, stem and leaf and leaf width as well as their fresh and dry biomasses linearly decreased over their respective controls. Moreover, root, stem and leaf water absorption capacities progressively stimulated, which were high in leaves followed by roots and stems. BR001 accumulated more cadmium followed by GK30 and Coker 312. Root and shoot cadmium uptakes were significantly and directly correlated with each other as well as with leaf, stem and root water absorption capacities. The ultrastructural modifications in leaf mesophyll cells were triggered with increase in Cd stress regime. They were more obvious in BR001 followed by GK30 and Coker 312. Changes in morphology of chloroplast, increase in number and size of starch grains as well as increase in number of plastoglobuli were the noticed qualitative effects of Cd on photosynthetic organ. Cd in the form of electron dense granules could be seen inside the vacuoles and attached to the cell walls in all these cultivars. From the present experiment, it can be well established that both apoplastic and symplastic bindings are involved in Cd detoxification in these cultivars. Absence of tonoplast invagination reveals that Cd toxic levels did not cause water stress in any cultivars. Additionally, these cultivars possess differential capabilities towards Cd accumulation and its sequestration.

Cadmium-induced functional and ultrastructural alterations in roots of two transgenic cotton cultivars.

The toxic effect of cadmium (Cd) at increasing concentrations was studied with special attention being given to the root morphological and ultrastructural changes in two transgenic cotton cultivars viz. BR001 and GK30 and their wild relative viz. Coker 312. In comparison to their respective controls, low concentration (10 and 100microM) of Cd greatly stimulated seed germination, while it was inhibited by highest concentration of Cd (1000microM) in case of two transgenic cultivars. However, in Coker 312 the seed germination percentage progressively decreased over the control at all Cd levels. Various physiological and morphological parameters of the root and whole plant in both transgenic cotton cultivars and their relative wild cotton genotype respond differently towards the Cd toxicity. Bioavailability of Cd was concentration-dependent where seedling root captured more Cd as compared to shoot. BR001 accumulated more Cd followed by GK30, while Coker 312 was less Cd accumulator. The ultrastructural modifications in the root tip cells of both the transgenic cotton cultivars and their wild relative were also dose-dependent. With the increase in Cd levels, the fine structures of their root cells also invariably changed. Increase in plasmolysis of the plasma membrane, greater number of nucleoli and vacuoles and enlarged vacuoles could be observed in both transgenic cotton cultivars. In comparison to them, Coker 312 showed relatively well developed ultrastructures of the root tips except enlarged vacuoles and greater number of mitochondria. Moreover, the accumulation of Cd in the form of electron dense granules and crystals both in vacuoles and attached to cell walls were visible in both transgenic cotton cultivars and their wild relative. These results suggest that both transgenic cotton cultivars and their wild relative cotton genotype responded positively towards Cd stress at seedling stage, the internal Cd-detoxification might be through apoplastic and symplastic binding. Moreover, as a whole BR001 proved to be sensitive whereas; GK30 and Coker 312 were found as tolerant.