Red Ear Research Articles

Hypopharynxkarzinom und gerötetes Trommelfell

A 46-year-old male patient with an unresectable hypopharyngeal carcinoma was treated with primary radio-chemotherapy. At follow-up, the patient presented with a red ear drum and combined hearing loss. Because of radiotherapy-induced tubal dysfunction, paracentesis was performed. Biopsy of the polypoid middle ear mucosa revealed petrous bone infiltration of hypopharyngeal carcinoma. MRI studies revealed paracarotideal tumor infiltration to the petrous bone and the middle ear arising from a cervical retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis.

Positional cluster-like headache. A case report of a neurovascular compression between the third cervical root and the vertebral artery

Symptomatic cluster-like headaches have been described with lesions of the trigeminal and parasympathetic systems. Here, we report the case of a 44-year-old woman with continuous auricular pain and a positional cluster-like headache associated with red ear syndrome. Clinical data and morphological investigations raised the hypothesis of a neurovascular compression between the C3 root and vertebral artery. Neurosurgical exploration found a fibrosis surrounding both the C3 root and the vertebral artery. The excellent outcome after microvascular cervical decompression suggests a causal relationship between the cluster-like headache and the vertebral constraint on the C3 root.

Red ear syndrome and auricular erythromelalgia: the same condition?

Several cases of relapsing attacks during which the ear becomes red and patients experience a burning sensation have been reported in the literature. This combination of symptoms has been described as 'red ear syndrome' (RES). We report on a 7-year-old boy who had episodes of reddening, swelling and a burning sensation in one ear with local hyperthermia persisting for 3 years. The differential diagnosis included RES and erythromelalgia, as isolated auricular variants of erythromelalgia have been described and the symptoms are difficult to distinguish from RES. In this report, we discuss the similarities and differences between RES and erythromelalgia.

Fibroblast cell line establishment, cryopreservation and interspecies embryos reconstruction in red panda (Ailurus fulgens)

In evolution, the red panda (Ailurus fulgens) plays a pivotal role in the higher level phylogeny of arctoides carnivore mammals. The red panda inhabits certain Asian countries only and its numbers are decreasing. Therefore, the development of feasible ways to preserve this species is necessary. Genetic resource cryopreservation and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) have been used extensively to rescue this endangered species. The present study describes the establishment, for the first time, of a red panda ear fibroblast cell line, which was then cryopreserved, thawed and cultured. Through micromanipulation, interspecies embryos were reconstructed using the cryopreserved-thawed fibroblasts of the red panda as the donor and rabbit oocytes as recipients. A total of 194 enucleated rabbit oocytes were reconstructed with red panda ear fibroblasts; enucleated oocytes were activated without fusion as the control. The results show that the fibroblast cell line was established successfully by tissue culture and then cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen. Supplementation with 20% fetal bovine serum and 8% dimethyl sulphoxide in basic medium facilitated the cryopreservation. The interspecies embryos were successfully reconstructed. The cleavage, morulae and blastocyst rates after in vitro culture were 71, 47 and 23% (31/194), respectively. This study indicated that a somatic cell line could be established and cryopreserved from red panda and that rabbit cytoplast supports mitotic cleavage of the red panda karyoplasts and is capable of reprogramming the nucleus to achieve blastocysts.

Immediate Response to Greater Auricular Nerve Blockade in Red Ear Syndrome

Immediate Response to Greater Auricular Nerve Blockade in Red Ear Syndrome

Effects of Long‐Term Selection for Kernel Oil Concentration in KYHO, a High‐Oil Maize Population

A high‐oil maize (Zea mays L.) (HOM) population, KYHO, was developed across 10 generations by selective breeding. The objectives of this investigation were to evaluate the effects of selection for kernel oil on correlated traits and measure the genetic variance of kernel oil content (KOC). Kernel oil content, kernel protein content (KPC), and kernel starch content (KSC) were estimated by near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS); palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, linolenic, and arachidic fatty acids were analyzed by gas chromatography. Also measured at the appropriate time during the growth cycle were plant anthesis (AT), plant height (PH), ear height (EH), 100 kernels weight (KW), and red ear cob ratio (RCR). Sampling and measurement of the various parameters occurred under the same conditions for each generation for three years. Kernel oil content greatly increased from 3.53% in cycle 0 to 12.66% in cycle 10; the predicted selection response per cycle was 1.01 ± 0.05%. The realized heritability (h2R) and broad‐sense heritability (h2B) of KOC in KYHO were 0.38 and 0.99 respectively, suggesting significant genetic variability, especially additive variance, across 11 selection cycles. The correlated traits of stearic, oleic, unsaturated fatty acid, and KPC and RCR increased steadily from the original generation to the final cycle (C10), whereas the remaining parameters decreased. There were significant (P ≤ 0.01) genotypic and phenotypic correlations between KOC and all measured traits, with the exception of arachidic acid. Red ear cob ratio was significantly positively correlated with KOC, and increased 7.41% with each 1% KOC increase.

Primary and Secondary Red Ear Syndrome: Implications For Treatment

Primary and Secondary Red Ear Syndrome: Implications For Treatment

Primary and Secondary Red Ear Syndrome: Implications For Treatment: Author's reply

Primary and Secondary Red Ear Syndrome: Implications For Treatment: Author's reply

Red ear syndrome

The red ear syndrome is a rare syndrome originally described by Lance in 1994. It involves pain in and around the ear and associated autonomic phenomena, the most significant of which is cutaneous erythema of the ear ipsilateral to the pain and obvious to the patient and examiner during the attack. It may well represent an auriculo-autonomic cephalgia and/or be part of the group of disorders recognized as trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias. As a syndrome, it still lacks specificity in regard to etiology, mechanisms, and treatment but is important to recognize clinically because of its associations.

Primary and Secondary Red Ear Syndrome: Implications for Treatment

Approximately 57 patients with red ear syndrome have been reported in the literature since it was initially described in 1994. The clinical phenotype therefore continues to be defined and no consistent treatment response has been described. We report three new cases of red ear syndrome and suggest that the disorder may exist as a primary trigeminal or cervical autonomic cephalalgia, coexist with other rare trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias, or may be secondary. The pathogenesis in these different circumstances may be distinct, the triggers specific and, when secondary, the disorder may be more resistant to treatment.

Masterpieces of Chinese lacquer from the Mike Healy Collection

Masterworks of Chinese Lacquer from the Mike Healy Collection presents a wide range of exceptional Chinese lacquerware representing a broad time span and multiple techniques. The lacquers range in date from the later Han dynasty (1st-2nd century ce) to the late Ming dynasty (1368-1644). The earliest objects illustrated are a small red lacquer ear cup and a covered toiletries box of red and black lacquer. Both pieces are decorated with geometric swirls and spirals reminiscent of ancient bronze designs. The collection is also rich in uniquely Yuan dynasty lacquerware, which is noted for its austere and refined appearance. Carved red and black lacquer, including multilayered carved lacquer and painted and filled lacquer are represented by stunning examples. Visually compelling and arresting in technique, these objects represent some of the finest Chinese lacquerware craftsmanship.

Trigeminal Cephalgias and Facial Pain Syndromes Associated with Autonomic Dysfunction

Trigeminal autonomic cephalgias (TACs) include a spectrum of primary headache syndromes associated with cranial autonomic dysfunction. Other types of headache and facial pain syndromes can be associated with marked localized facial or ear autonomic changes. We report on a group of patients suffering from episodic migraine with cranial autonomic features, patients with different presentations of the 'red ear syndrome' (RES), cluster headache with prominent lower facial involvement and crossover cases. In our experience crossover between TACs and migraine, RES and cluster headache is not uncommon. We propose that all these conditions belong to the same group and a unifying causative mechanism is proposed.

The prevalence of allodynia, osmophobia and red ear syndrome in the juvenile headache: preliminary data

The aim of the study was to determine the frequency of clinical allodynia, osmophobia and red ear syndrome in a young population. Medical records of the children admitted for headache between 1 December 2004 and 31 March 2005 were consecutively studied. A questionnaire was used to find the prevalence of allodynia, osmophobia and red ear syndrome. We visited 96 children with headache. The range of age was 6–18 years. We classified migraine in 57%, other primary headaches in 25% and secondary headaches in about 18%. The presence of ipsilateral clinical allodynia was 14.5% in migraine, osmophobia in 20% of migraine and red ear syndrome in about 24% of migraine cases and they were absent in the other two headache groups. Our study shows that features like osmophobia, allodynia and red ear syndrome are not uncommon in migraine while they are absent in other types of headache.

Red ear(s) syndrome associated with child neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus

This case illustrates that a child having severe neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) with seizure and cerebral vascular disease showed excellent clinical outcome in response to intravenous methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide pulse, and presented unexplained red ears phenomenon.

FUSARIUM DISEASES OF CEREALS: SPECIES COMPLEX AND RELATED MYCOTOXIN PROFILES, IN EUROPE

Several Fusarium species occurring worldwide on cereals as causal agents of ‘head blight’ (scab) of small grain cereals and ‘ear rot’ of maize, are capable of accumulating, in infected kernels, several mycotoxins some of which of notable impact to human and animal health. The main groups of Fusarium toxins commonly recognized in grains are: trichothecenes, including T-2 toxin (T2), diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS), deoxynivalenol (DON), fusarenone X (FUS), and nivalenol (NIV); zearalenones, essentially zearalenone (ZEN); and fumonisins, in particular fumonisin B1 (FB1). In addition, moniliformin (MON), beauvericin (BEA), and fusaproliferin (FUP) were also found in Fusarium infected cereal ears, important as problems due to them are coming to light. The most frequently encountered mycotoxins in ear blight of wheat and other small grain cereals in Europe, proved to be DON and ZEN, produced by F. graminearum and F. culmorum, occurring from southern (warm) to northern (cold) European areas, respectively. In association with DON, NIV and FUS were found formed, in all climes by F. graminearum, F. crookwellense, F. culmorum and, in Nordic areas, also by F. poae. Moreover, in central to northeastern European countries, MON produced by F. avenaceum, and T-2 and DAS produced by F. sporotrichioides and F. poae, were found respectively. In maize red ear rot affected by F. graminearum ZEN, DON, NIV and FUS were found. In addition, the presence of F. avenaceum and F. subglutinans usually led to the accumulation of MON. Moreover, NIV and FUS were found associated with F. crookwellense, and DAS and T-2 with F. poae and F. sporotrichioides. In maize pink and random kernel rot caused by F. moniliforme, there is increasing evidence of the occurrence of FB1, especially in southern European areas where the same fusariosis was reinforced by the wide occurrence of F. proliferatum capable of producing FB1, MON, BEA and FUP.

Otitis Media

Definitions When the diagnosis of otitis media has been made on the basis of skilled clinical observation and the tympanic membrane is intact, it is practical to assume that an effusion is present. However, this can be confirmed only by recovery of fluid from the middle ear on tympanocentesis or myringotomy. Several methods will confirm the diagnosis of effusion with the indicated accuracy, as generally reported in the literature (Table 1). Acute Otitis Media A common error in the diagnosis of otitis media with effusion (OME) is equating an "injected" or "red" eardrum with OME. Acute otitis media may present with an injected drum, but the critical factor is not drum color but the presence of fluid in the middle ear cavity. The drum frequently is suffused and red when an infant or toddler is crying from either fear or pain during the otoscopic examination. A bulging eardrum, on the other hand, usually is regarded as defining acute otitis media (also called suppurative or purulent otitis media) with or without symptoms (pain, sleeplessness, fever, irritability) of systemic illness. Experienced clinicians try to avoid the "red ear" error with either tympanometry or acoustic reflectivity (Table 1) or by careful removal of all external ear contents to visualize fully the landmarks (eg, both ends of the malleolus) and their mobility with the pneumatic otoscope.

Acute red ear in children: controlled trial of non-antibiotic treatment in general practice.

To examine the efficacy and safety of conservative management of mild otitis media ("the acute red ear") in children. Double blind placebo controlled trial. 17 group general practices (48 general practitioners) in Southampton, Bristol, and Portsmouth. 232 children aged 3-10 years with acute earache and at least one abnormal eardrum (114 allocated to receive antibiotic, 118 placebo). Amoxycillin 125 mg three times a day for seven days or matching placebo; 100 ml paracetamol 120 mg/5 ml. Diary records of pain and crying, use of analgesic, eardrum signs, failure of treatment, tympanometry at one and three months, recurrence rate, and ear, nose, and throat referral rate over one year. Treatment failure was eight times more likely in the placebo than the antibiotic group (14.4% v 1.7%, odds ratio 8.21, 95% confidence interval 1.94 to 34.7). Children in the placebo group showed a significantly higher incidence of fever on the day after entry (20% v 8%, p less than 0.05), mean analgesic consumption (0.36 ml/h v 0.21 ml/h, difference 0.14, 95% confidence interval 0.07 to 0.23; p = 0.0022), mean duration of crying (1.44 days v 0.50 days, 0.94; 0.50 to 1.38; p less than 0.001), and mean absence from school (1.96 days v 0.52 days, 1.45; 0.46 to 2.42; p = 0.0132). Differences in recorded pain were not significant. The prevalence of middle ear effusion at one or three months, as defined by tympanometry, was not significantly different, nor was there any difference in recurrence rate or in ear, nose, and throat referral rate in the follow up year. No characteristics could be identified which predicted an adverse outcome. Use of antibiotic improves short term outcome substantially and therefore continues to be an appropriate management policy.

Mycotoxins in corn ears naturally infected withFusarium graminearumandF. crookwellense

The mycotoxins zearalenone, deoxynivalenol, 3- or 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol, nivalenol, and fusarenone occurred in the kernels and cobs of five samples of corn ears affected by red ear rot in Poland in 1988. Zearalenone (0.7-350 mg/ kg) was present in all samples. Deoxynivalenol (12-208 mg/ kg), 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol (0-7.5 mg/ kg), and 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol (0-8.8 mg/kg) were detected in three samples infected with Fusarium graminearum. Nivalenol (33-56 mg/kg) and fusarenone (0.6-20 mg/ kg) were found in two samples infected with F. crookwellense. These results agree with reports on mycotoxin production by these two fungi under laboratory conditions.

Children in the Field

CHILDREN IN THE FIELD / Roger Weingarten I was on my back in a blizzard of milkweed down the chUdren were flinging into the wind gusting like geese suddenly changing direction. The silks caught in my beard reminded me of a scarf over my face, leggings, and boots that buckled over my shoes—it was almost a müe through snow to my waist on my way to Mrs. MUler's first-grade extravaganza of AU Baba, air-raid sirens ricocheting off the basement waUs at our heads tucked between our knees, and fingerpainted Ughtning taped to the back of the upright piano, when a blue dot grew into Jake the cop standing over me in the no-man's-land of the five-way intersection, who said I knew you'd show up. He ducked a snowbaU that came out of nowhere and said Tm sorry about your friend. He was a good kid. I cupped my hands to my scarf and to the red ear under the gold-rimmed cap, shouting that Mike wasn't afraid of germs or bugs. He ate candy off the street, and almost destroyed his buUy of an older brother with a fish hook tied to an arrow. Jake took a swipe at my tears with his mitten, then turned me around in the drift, blindfolded by the white blur, Uke it was my turn to pin the taU on the donkey, and wished me luck as he pushed me back into the buzzard of chUdren trying to bury me aUve under armloads of leaves. I wheeled around a corridor of men staring at the ceiling, catheters dangUng off the side of their beds, then returned to eighth-grade Biology, where my girlfriend was dissecting the lungs and heart 92 · The Missouri Review of a frog pulsing between the curtains of its skin, puUed back and pinned to a piece of cardboard. She passed me a formaldehydescented note under the table: Please don't poke fun at Hyman Lipschitz's acne anymore. We're going steady. I looked up at the bold letters of his name engraved on the bracelet swaying from her wrist as she performed a last incision with her eyes closed because she didn't want to see the hash she was making or me whispering maybe we could jitterbug at his bar mitzvah. Leaning closer to steal a last kiss, I gagged at the smeU between us and threw up with several others close by foUowing suit. She crawled toward the door, while Mr. Schwartz puUed me by my hair wrapped around his knuckles to the blackboard, bounced my head against it, screaming FUth and Nincompoop, then he told me I had four minutes to clean it up. This was PainesviUe, where my sister never smiled or stepped outside our father's house, the richest farm between Erie and Sandusky, our closest neighbor a thief everyone caUed Reuben the Stick, because he chewed twigs and spat the bark wherever he pleased, or Reuben the Conqueror because he'd never been caught. Once, my father on a ladder was finishing a pyramid of süver doUars. I interrupted the sun setting on his masterpiece to read him a letter from Reuben, who praised my sister's inner beauty and demanded thirty thousand for a dowry or else he'd take an axe to our vineyards and bleed our prize Nubians with his own teeth. Please inform Mr. Reuben Mintz, said my father, that he may kiss my ruchas, then Ufted his velvet sUpper to the next to the highest rung. Men with guns Roger Weingarten The Missouri Review · 93 answered my knock and brought me to an easy chair across from Reuben the Conqueror, who offered me wine and a word about my future prospects in his firm. Barefoot, I entered my sister's room. She snored into her piUow, a string of drool trailing off under the quUt. I shook her, whispering that she should prepare a feast fit for an emperor and herself with ointments and a crown of miniature roses in her hair. DeUghted with the powdered cinnamon scattered over the pigeon pie, my father pretended not to...

Moniliformin, deoxynivalenol, 3Acetyldeoxynivalenol and zearalenone — Mycotoxins associated with corn cob fusariosis in Poland

Naturally infected ears of corn were examined for presence of mycotoxins and colonizingFusaria. In kernels of cobs with symptoms of pink fusariosis /pink ear rot/ which stated about 95% cobs naturally infected was present moniliformin in amount 30-530 mg/kg.Fusarium suhglutinans /W&R/N,T&M was dominating species in this type of ear fusariosis. In handly selected kermels of cobs with symptoms of red fusariosis /red ear rot/ which stated only about 5% of infected cobs, were present: zearalenone up 20 mg/kg, deoxynivalenol /vomitoxin/ up 170 mg/kg and 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol up 40 mg/kg. In axial stems the amount of mycotoxins was 1.5-8 times higer than in kernels.