Germinal Membrane Research Articles

Be prepared: how does discontinuous hydration in Tabebuia heterophylla seeds induce stress tolerance in seedlings?

Discontinuous hydration and dehydration (HD) cycles refer to controlled imbibition followed by dehydration before seed germination. Here, we investigated whether the level of imbibition before HD cycles affects the physiology of Tabebuia heterophylla seeds and seedlings. Seeds were imbibed for 10 h (T1; phase I of imbibition) or 35 h (T2; phase II), dehydrated, and progressively rehydrated one to four times (HD cycles). Germination and biochemical parameters (membrane integrity; total soluble, reducing, and nonreducing (NRS) sugars; proteins, amino acids, proline, H2O2, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and glutathione reductase activity) were quantified at the last rehydration step of each cycle. Biometric and biochemical parameters (including pigments) were analysed in seedlings 60 days after germination. HD cycles at T1 led to reduced seed germination and greater plasma membrane damage, higher enzyme activity (catalase and glutathione reductase) and accumulation of NRS, total amino acids, and proline compared to the controls and T2 treatment. Cellular damage became more severe with more HD cycles. HD cycles at T2 synchronized germination regardless of the number of cycles and also had a priming effect. T2 seeds had less NRS, total amino acids, and proline content than T1. HD cycles at T1 produced seedlings with higher carotenoid and total chlorophyll content than controls and T2, while seedlings from HD cycles at T2 had higher amounts of osmoprotectants. HD cycles at T2 benefited seeds and seedlings more than at T1. This suggests that the physiological and biochemical effects of HD cycles in seeds modulate seedling plasticity, depending on water availability, potentially promoting increased tolerance to recurrent droughts that will be intensified with ongoing climate changes.

Investigation of Mitochondrial Cytb Gene Region of Both Echinococcus granulosus Eggs from Dogs and Cystic Echinococcosis Isolates Obtained from Sheep and Cattle by Molecular Methods.

We aimed to determine the common Echinococcus granulosus genotypes in Ağrı, Türkiye and to obtain information on the transmission of this parasite. Cystic echinococcosis samples from 100 slaughtered cattle and 100 slaughtered sheep and faecal samples from 200 stray dogs were included in 2021. Collected cyst fluid samples and faces were examined microscopically. DNA was isolated from the germinal membrane of the cysts and from the parasite eggs in the stool samples. The mitochondrial cytb gene region of the parasite was amplified by PCR. Genotypes were determined using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) after sequence analysis of PCR amplicons. The highest percentage of cysts was found in the lungs of sheep and the liver of cattle. In addition, 75% of sheep cysts and 25.6% of cattle cysts were fertile. Taenia spp./Echinococcus spp. eggs were found in 6% of the faeces of 200 dogs examined microscopically. E. granulosus eggs were detected in 4 out of 50 stool samples analysed by PCR. All samples analysed by sequence analysis were identified as E. granulosus s.s. G1 genotype. Sequence comparison revealed revealed one or more-point mutations in different regions of the five samples. E. granulosus s.s. G1 genotype, known as sheep strain, is common in the Ağrı, Türkiye. The controlled slaughter of livestock, especially sheep, and the avoidance of feeding hydatid cyst organs to dogs, together with public education, were necessary to prevent the spread of the disease.

Ameliorating effect of nanoparticles and seeds’ heat pre-treatment on soybean plants exposed to sea water salinity

Impairing plant growth and reducing crop production, salinity is considered as major problem in modern agriculture. The current study aimed to investigate the role of seeds' heat pretreatment at 45 °C as well as application of two different nanoparticles nanosilica (N1) and nanoselenium (N2) in reducing salinity stress in three genotypes of Egyptian commercial soybeans (Glycine max L.). Two levels of salt stress using diluted sea water (1/12 and 1/6) were tested either alone or in combination with protective treatments. Obtained results revealed that salinity caused a significant reduction in all tested physiological parameters such as germination rate and membrane stability in soybean plants. A significant reduction in mitotic index and arrest in metaphase were recorded under both tested levels of salinity. It was also revealed that chromosomal abnormalities in soybean plants were positively correlated with the applied salinity concentrations. The fragmentation effect of salinity on the nuclear DNA was investigated and confirmed using Comet assay analysis. Seeds heat pre-treatment (45 °C) and both types of nanoparticles' treatments yielded positive effects on both the salt-stressed and unstressed plants. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis for salt stress responsive marker genes revealed that most studied genes (CAT, APX, DHN2, CAB3, GMPIPL6 and GMSALT3) responded favorably to protective treatments. The modulation in gene expression pattern was associated with improving growth vigor and salinity tolerance in soybean plants. Our results suggest that seeds’ heat pretreatment and nanoparticle applications support the recovery against oxidative stresses and represent a promising strategy for alleviating salt stress in soybean genotypes.

Molecular characterization of cattle and sheep isolates of Echinococcus granulosus from Elazig province in Turkey and expression analysis of the non-coding RNAs, egr-miR-7, egr-miR-71 and egr-miR-96

Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) is a common zoonotic disease seen in human and animals worldwide, caused by the larval form of Echinococcus granulosus. In this study, E. granulosus s.l. species and haplotypes were determined in hydatid cysts isolated from cattle and sheep, and the expression levels of egr-miR-7, egr-miR-71 and egr-miR-96 miRNAs were compared in different cyst structures. A total of 82 (cattle, n = 41; sheep, n = 41) hydatid cyst isolates (germinal membranes and/or protoscoleces) were collected from a slaughterhouse in Elazig province of Turkey. After mt-CO1 gene sequences were made, 81 out of 82 hydatid cyst isolates were determined as E. granulosus s.s. (G1 and G3), while an isolate of cattle origin was determined as Echinococcus canadensis (G6/7). A total of 26 nucleotide polymorphisms and 29 haplotype groups were identified in the samples. miRNA expressions in germinal membranes of sterile cysts and germinal membrane and protoscoleces of fertile cysts were investigated by qRT-PCR and Real Time PCR analyses. It was determined that miRNAs were expressed at high levels in 79.31% of the 29 haplotype groups and at low levels in the remaining 10.34%. In 10 fertile samples of sheep origin, egr-miR-7, egr-miR-71 and egr-miR-96 miRNAs were found to be 44, 168, and 351-fold higher in expression, respectively, in the germinal membrane compared to the protoscoleces. Especially egr-miR-96 may have the potential to be used as biomarkers in the diagnosis of active CE.

Atypically Located Hydatid Cyst Cases: Four Unusual Case Reports

Hydatid cysts are frequently located in liver (65-70%) and lungs (25%). The disease is usually asymptomatic when located in the extrahepatic regions. Sometimes, diagnosis can be established by observing germinative membrane, rockwater, or daughter vesicles during the operation.. A 41-year-old female patient applied with the complaint of intermittent left inguinal pain. Echinococcus Indirect Hemagglutination (IHA) test was positive. In the ultrasonographic examination, a hypoechoic area was observed in the posteromedial of the left femoral head.. A 56-year-old female patient, applied with the complaints of intermittent nausea, vomiting, and epigastric pain. She had a history of surgery for liver hydatid cyst 15 years ago and for lung hydatid cyst 10 years ago. IHA test of the patient was positive. The lesion involving septation and accompanied by calcifications around the cyst was reported as a hydatid cyst at dynamic CT for pancreas and upper abdominal MRI. A 22-year-old female patient applied with perianal pain complaint. Drainage was planned for the patient who had a pre-diagnosis of perianal abscess. Tissues similar to the hydatid cyst membrane were excised together with purulent fluid. The patient was diagnosed with hydatid cyst after the pathology result was reported “as compatible with hydatid cyst”. A 32-year-old female patient had a non-metabolic adrenal subcapsular cyst (hydatid cyst?) in the right adrenal gland on ultrasonography performed for abdominal pain. In abdominal tomography, a “cystic mass compatible with hydatid cyst located in the adrenal gland in the upper pole of the right kidney” was reported. IHA test of the patient was negative. Hydatid cysts located in the perianal region and muscles have been reported as atypical localizations in the literature, and some of them were diagnosed as a result of preoperative clinical evaluation and radiological imaging. Some were diagnosed as a result of pathological examination after the operation. Surgical treatment is an option in suitable cases, and the definitive diagnosis can be established by pathology. Consequently, it should be considered that cystic lesions detected in the patients living in endemic regions can be extrahepatic hydatid cyst that is localized in different anatomical regions.

Evaluation of Echinococcus DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in cystic Echinococcosis of the liver.

The aim of this study was to determine the DNA and genotypes of Echinococcus granulosus in liver cyst hydatids isolated in humans. This study was conducted prospectively at the Department of General Surgery of the Cerrahpaşa School of Medicine, University of İstanbul-Cerrahpaşa, between January 2015 and June 2016 in 30 patients who were operated on for cystic Echinococcosis. E. granulosus DNA was analyzed using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method in the cyst samples (protoscolex and/or germinative membrane) obtained during the operation, and genotype was determined in the PCR positive samples by sequence analysis. At the same time, indirect hemagglutination (IHA) was used to test for the presence of antibodies in the patients' blood. E. granulosus DNA was found in 29 out of 30 cystic Echinococcosis of the liver samples. All of the 29 cystic Echinococcosis samples were found to be G1 (sheep) species. Also, IHA was positive in 22 patients and negative in eight patients. In the present study, G1 species was the most commonly seen liver cystic Echinococcosis species. We suggest that a vaccine, which could be developed against prevalent regional genotypes, would be efficacious in the prevention of the disease with a cause of mortality and morbidity.

Bioinformatic comparison of Kunitz protease inhibitors in Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto\xa0and E. multilocularis and the genes expressed in different developmental stages of E. granulosus\xa0s.s.

Background Cystic and alveolar echinococcosis caused by the tapeworms Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.) and E. multilocularis, respectively, are important zoonotic diseases. Protease inhibitors are crucial for the survival of both Echinococcus spp. Kunitz-type inhibitors play a regulatory role in the control of protease activity. In this study,we identified Kunitz-type domain protease inhibitors(KDPIs) present in the genomes of these two tapeworms and analyzed the gene sequences using computational, structural bioinformatics and phylogenetic approaches to evaluate the evolutionary relationships of these genes. Hi-seq transcriptome analysis showed that E. granulosuss.s. KDPIs were differentially expressed in the different developmental stages. We validated some of the genes expressed in adult worm, protoscolex and cyst germinal membrane of E. granulosuss.s. and E. multilocularis by quantitative PCR.ResultsA total of 19 genes from E. multilocularis and 23 genes from E. granulosuss.s. were predicted to be KDPIs with the most containing a single Kunitz-domain. A maximum likelihood method phylogenetic tree indicated that the E. granulosuss.s. and E. multilocularis Kunitz domain peptides were divided into three branches containing 9 clusters. The ratio of positively charged residues and neutral residues are different between E. multilocularis and E. granulosuss.s. KDPIs. We also found that E. multilocularis had higher percentage of sequences containing signal peptides (17/19, 89.47%) than that of E. granulosuss.s. (14/23, 60.87%). Transcript analysis showed all the E. granulosuss.s. KDPI genes were expressed differentially in four developmental stages of the worm. Transcription analysis showed that 9 KDPIs (including EG_07244,EGR_08716 and EGR_10096) were highly upregulated in adult worm, and 2 KDPIs (EG_09268 and EG_09490) were highly expressed in the cyst germinal membrane. Quantitative gene expression analysis(qPCR) of four genes confirmed the expression of these genes. EGR_08716 and its homologous gene (EmuJ_001137000) were highly and specifically expressed in adult worms of the two worms.ConclusionsA total 19 and 23 KDPIs were identified in the genomes of E. multilocularis and E. granulosus s.s. , respectively. The differential expression of these KDPIs in different stages may indicate their different roles in the different hosts. The difference in characterization of KDPIs may be associated with the different pathology of metacestode stage of these two parasites.

Carbon dot induces tolerance to arsenic by regulating arsenic uptake, reactive oxygen species detoxification and defense-related gene expression in Cicer arietinum L

The scientific and technological applications of one of the nanomaterials viz.; carbon dot (C-dots), having extraordinary properties, is becoming an emerging and ongoing research area in recent times. In the present study, we have evaluated the effectiveness of C-dots in reducing arsenic (As) toxicity by analyzing physiological, biochemical and molecular parameters in Cicer arietinum L. The results revealed that As decreased the germination rate, growth, biomass, and membrane stability of the cell to a significant extent. Further, As was taken up by the growing seeds which eventually caused cell death. Levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), stress markers (malondialdehyde), activities of defensive enzymes (glutathione-S-transferase and pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase) and non-enzymatic antioxidant contents (proline and glutathione) were increased under As stress. Moreover, As treatment resulted in the up-regulation of expressions of NADPH oxidase and defense-related genes in Cicer arietinum L. However, application of C-dots along with As improved the germination and growth of Cicer arietinum L. Exogenous application of C-dots, enhanced the expressions of defense-related genes and, contents of proline and glutathione, thereby causing considerable reductions in ROS, and malondialdehyde levels. Overall, this study suggests the possible involvement of C-dots in lowering the toxic effects of As on biomass by reducing As uptake and, inducing the activities/gene expressions and contents of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants.

A rare location of primary extrahepatic hydatid cyst in the soft tissue

Hydatid cyst or cystic echinococcosis in human is rare disease caused by tapeworm Echinococcus granulosa. Hydatid cyst of soft tissue is a rare condition and we had a case of large hydatid cyst in lumbar region. This is a case of 48 years old female presented to us during October 2018 with a large diffuse swelling over the left lumbar region which was gradually grown over the last 2 years without pain. The diagnosis of hydatid cyst was not sure even in CT scan but it was in our differential diagnosis. It is confirmed during surgery after seen the multiple cyst removed from the large cystic lesion. No recurrence even after 15 months of follow up. Presence of hydatid cyst in soft tissue is usually rare and its diagnosis is not expected clinically when it presents as a soft tissue swelling. We need to confirm it during surgery or by presence of typical germinal membrane under microscope.

Molecular Characterization of Echinococcus granulosus Isolates Found in Cattle, Buffaloes, Sheep and Goats in Afyonkarahisar, Turkey

This study has been carried out to determine the genotypes of Echinococcus granulosus cysts in cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats raised in Afyonkarahisar region. Cysts were collected from the internal organs of 258 animals, including 65 goats, 71 sheep, 119 cattle and 3 buffaloes infected with hydatid cysts. DNA was isolated from a total of 78 cysts from germinal membranes and protoscoleces extracted from cysts to identify the genotypes of E. granulosus in infected animals. PCR-RFLP was carried out using the Hin6I and StuI restriction enzymes in the ND1 gene and no polymorphism could be determined in all isolates. In the COX1 gene analysis, G1 strain known as domestic sheep strains and 18 different haplotypes were found in all isolates from cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats. As a result, it was concluded that all isolates of the cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats grown in Afyonkarahisar region determined in the analyses carried on the COX1 gene were G1 strain.

Hydatid cyst of the foot: a case report

BackgroundHydatid cyst is rarely located in soft tissues. This case of a hydatid cyst over the plantar surface of our patient’s foot is one of the rarest presentations.Case presentationThis is a case report of a 22-year-old Somali who presented with a lump over the plantar surface of his foot of 1-year duration. The diagnosis of hydatid cyst was made intraoperatively from the typical appearance of a hydatid cyst. The cyst was completely excised. No local recurrence has been detected to date.ConclusionsThe rare location and uncommon incidence made the initial diagnosis of hydatid cyst of the foot difficult. Detection of the typical germinal membrane can guide the diagnosis of hydatid cyst in rare locations that are found incidentally.

Biochemical Analysis of Germinal Membrane and Cyst Fluid by Raman Spectroscopy in Echinococcosis

Hydatidosis is a zoonotic parasitic infection caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. The aim of this study was to investigate the biochemical structures of germinal membrane and cyst fluids obtained from patients with liver involvement during surgery, by Raman spectroscopy at the molecular level. Molecular characterization of germinal membrane and cyst fluid according to mitochondrial gene region was determined and phylogenetic analysis was performed. Raman spectroscopy was used in samples and spectral bands between 300 and 1800 cm-1 were examined. As a result of PCR, approximately 400 bp DNA band was obtained from germinal membranes and cyst fluids gathered from patients. Peaks were observed at 780, 880, 970, 1151, 1200, 1270 cm-1 for germinal membrane and at 780 and 1200 cm-1 for cyst fluid. The highest spectral bands were obtained at 1333-1335 cm-1 and were determined to be modes indicating the CH3CH2 collagen and polynucleotide chain. In the identification of microorganisms and biochemical analysis of biological tissues; different diagnostic methods such as molecular, serological and conventional methods are used. In addition to these methods, Raman spectroscopy has been shown in studies to be a fast, non-destructive and noninvasive method. Therefore, it is thought to be an alternative method for analyzing the basic biochemical components of microorganisms at molecular level.

Identification of antigen B (AgB) Gene polymorphism in cattle and sheep isolates of Echinococcus granulosus and investigation of effects on serological diagnosis

Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) is a worldwide common helminth disease caused by the larval form of Echinococcus granulosus. The aim of this study is to determine the genetic differences between distinct isolates of E. granulosus obtained from cattle and sheep and determine the polymorphism of the AgB1 gene by DNA sequence analysis, as well as investigating its relationship with serological response using ELISA and Western Blot tests. For this aim, germinal membranes of hydatid cysts of 30 cattle and 30 sheep from the provinces of Elazig and Erzincan in Turkey and serum samples of these animals were collected. Following isolation of the total genomic DNA, the 12S rRNA gene of all isolates was amplified by PCR for genetic characterization, and the mt−CO1 gene region was examined by DNA sequence analysis. The gDNAs were then amplified by PCR using AgB1-specific primers, and genetic variation was investigated by DNA sequence analysis. At the final stage, all serum samples were analyzed by ELISA and Western Blot tests using a partially purified hydatid cyst fluid antigen. As a result, 114 (95%) of the 120 isolates were determined to be E. granulosus sensu stricto by using 12S rRNA-PCR. Subsequently, the DNA sequence analysis of the remaining 6 samples of the mt−CO1 gene revealed that all samples were E. granulosus sensu stricto. According to the DNA sequence analysis that followed, nucleotide changes in the AgB1 gene were observed in 13 (10.8%) of 120 samples. With this study, 9 (69.2%) out of 13 hydatid cysts in which polymorphism was detected by DNA sequence analysis in their AgB1 gene were found to be positive with ELISA, and 6 (46.1%) were found positive by WB. While 80 (74.7%) of 107 non-polymorphic samples in the AgB1 gene were found to be positive with ELISA, and 75 (70.9%) were positive with WB. As a result, variation in different ratios was determined in the AgB1 gene of E. granulosus sensu stricto, and it was determined that this had a partial effect on serological response.

Primary Urachal Hydatid Cyst in a Child: A Case Report

The hydatid cyst (HC) is an endemic parasitic disease worldwide. Although the HC can locate in every part of a body, it rarely occurs over the abdominal wall. A 12-year-old female patient was brought to Department of Pediatric Surgery, Firat University School of Medicine, Elazig, Turkey in 2017. She had been suffering from abdominal pain for one week. A lump was determined underneath her skin in the suprapubic region. It was swollen, tense and movable. A cystic mass filling the midline was found in the radiological bladder superior. It was an anechoic cyst causing ondulation on the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall. The sizes of the mass were measured approximately as 9×7 cm (mesentery cyst?). The cystic mass was occurred in the urachal area of the anterior abdominal wall, not in the abdomen. After the cyst was emptied with applying mini median incision below the umbilicus, we saw the germinative membrane inside the cyst. Diagnosis of the HC was confirmed with the pathologic evaluation. For the differential diagnosis of a pure cystic mass, which can locate in every part of a body, diagnosis of the HC should be considered.

DOZ047.79: Bronchoscopic treatment of plastic bronchitis in children

Abstract Purpose Plastic bronchitis or cast bronchitis is a rare condition characterized by the formation of large gelatinous or rigid airway casts. Classification of plastic bronchitis is done by disease association and cast histology. This rare condition can cause airway obstruction and there is no standardized treatment. Here are presented two cases with plastic bronchitis treated by bronchoscopic removal of casts in our clinic. Patients Case 1: A 9-year-old boy presented with wheezing, cough, and respiratory distress. He expectorated the cast spontaneously and the cast was misdiagnosed as germinative membrane of a hydatid cyst at the previous center. Total collapse of the left hemithorax was seen on chest X-ray. Any underlying disease was not detected. The plastic-like solid structure was detected and easily extracted from the bronchial tree. Pathology results of the casts were eosinophilic mucoid casts. The patient experienced three bronchoscopic removals and had no recurrence thereafter for two years. Case 2: A 7-year-old girl presented with persistent cough and respiratory distress. The patient was referred to our center with the diagnosis of foreign body aspiration. Total collapse of the right middle and lower segment and partial collapse of the upper segment were seen on chest X-ray. Previously, she was diagnosed with reactive airway disease. The plastic-like semisolid structure was detected during bronchoscopy its extraction from the bronchial tree was not easy but was possible. Pathology results were eosinophilic mucoid and fibrinotic casts. This patient still needs bronchoscopy for cast removal after 12 bronchoscopic removals but her symptoms and bronchoscopy findings have regressed with time. Conclusion Bronchoscopic extraction of casts provides fast improvement of patients’ symptoms and postoperative chest X-rays, but recurrence of cast formation is common. Nevertheless, it is the mostly chosen therapy in the literature. Further researches in this area are required.

The Use of Radiofrequency Thermal Ablation Method in The Treatment of Hepatic Hydatid Cysts: Ex vivo Sheep Study

Hydatid disease is a disease caused by parasites belonging to the echinococcus family. This disease is often caused by Echinococcus granulosus and rarely by echinococcus alveolaris.The parasite may cause illness anywhere in the human body, mainly in liver. In this study, we aimed to destroy the hydatid cyst viability by Radiofrequency Thermal Ablation (RFTA) method which has been used in many areas in medicine. We used fresh sheep liver with hydatid cysts. Average diameter of cysts was 3.3 cm. The study was performed in 3 groups, each of which involved 20 cysts. After more than half of the cyst fluid was drained, ablation was performed. When the core temperature of the cyst exceeded 95°C, ablation procedure was continued for 3 minute in 1st group and for 4 minutes in 2nd group. Third group was the control group. And then, cyst fluid and germinative membrane were collected for microbiologic and pathologic assessment. In 1st group, the cysts could not be destroyed at the desired level. In 2nd group, it was observed that 100% of the protoscolex died and 100% of the germinative membranes was degenerated. In control group, %13 of protoscolex died and %10 of germinative membranes wasdegenerated. We destroyed all the protoscolex and germinative membranes by using RFTA in 2nd group.

Removal of germinative membrane of the patient with right pulmonary hydatid disease

Removal of germinative membrane of the patient with right pulmonary hydatid disease

Salinity effect on germination, seedling growth and cotyledon membrane complexes of a Portuguese salt marsh wild beet ecotype

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) high yields have been achieved through irrigation and this crop is described as coping with mild salinity (40–120 mM NaCl). However, during seed germination, sugar beet is salinity sensitive and soil salinity should not exceed 3 dS/m. Wild beets, ancestors of sugar beet, are naturally able to germinate and grow in saline environments. Salinity tolerance during germination and early seedling development of three Portuguese wild beet ecotypes [Comporta (CMP), Oeiras (OEI), Vaiamonte (VMT)] and one sugar beet cultivar (Isella) was evaluated. Concerning germination, VMT outperformed all the other beets, with 98% (± 2%) of glomerules germinating in 200 mM NaCl after 14 days of scarification. However, in 500 mM NaCl, only CMP was able to initiate and maintain radicle emergence, though in a very small extension (< 3%). On the basis of the relative salinity tolerance index, CMP is the less affected by salinity, despite reduced seedling growth and biomass. Since cotyledons length and membrane proteins abundance were negatively affected by salinity, the hypothesis was raised that membranes functionality, including the photochemical multiprotein complexes, was compromised. To test this hypothesis, a blue-native two-dimensional electrophoresis was applied to CMP seedlings. In the cotyledonary leaves, complexes LC1 and LC4 and several components of LC2, LC5, LC6 complexes were negatively affected by salinity. The components of the complexes of photosystem I and ATP synthase were less abundant what points out to a lower cotyledon capacity for ATP synthesis and ferredoxin reduction. Lower availability of ATP and reduced ferredoxin imply reduced photosynthetic assimilation and, therefore, lower carbon availability for growth.

Gossypiboma mistaken for a hydatid cyst

Although considered a rare complication, gossypiboma continues to be a clinically important and probably more frequently encountered than reported situation. This study aimed to report a case of gossypiboma that was mistaken for a hydatid cyst in the preoperative evaluation. A 34-year-old male patient with a history of Nissen Fundoplication presented with a large mass palpable in the epigastrium and both the left upper and lower quadrants of the abdomen. Computerized tomography was reported to show a 20x18 cm cystic mass with a collapsed germinative membrane inside it. Laparotomy, which was performed with a suggested diagnosis of type 3 hydatid cyst, revealed that the mass was caused by a 30x30 cm surgical abdominal compress. We believe gossypiboma should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of abdominal hydatid cysts in the presence of a former abdominal operation, especially when the result of indirect hemagglutination test is negative.

Effect of Salt and Drought Stresses on Germination, Seedling Growth and Cell Membrane Stability of Anise (Pimpinella anisum) and Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

Effect of Salt and Drought Stresses on Germination, Seedling Growth and Cell Membrane Stability of Anise (Pimpinella anisum) and Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)