Evolution of MHC class II SLA-DRB1 locus in the Croatian wild boar (Sus scrofa) implies duplication and weak signals of positive selection.

The wild boar is an ancestor of the domestic pig and an important game species with the widest geographical range of all ungulates. Although a large amount of data are available on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) variability in domestic pigs, only a few studies have been performed on wild boars. Due to their crucial role in appropriate immune responses and extreme polymorphism, MHC genes represent some of the best candidates for studying the processes of adaptive evolution. Here, we present the results on the variability and evolution of the entire MHC class II SLA-DRB1 locus exon 2 in 133 wild boars from Croatia. Using direct sequencing and cloning methods, we identified 20 SLA-DRB1 alleles, including eight new variants, with notable divergence. In some individuals, we documented functional locus duplication, and SLA-DRB1*04:10 was identified as the allele involved in the duplication. The expression of a duplicated locus was confirmed by cloning and sequencing cDNA-derived amplicons. Based on individual genotypes, we were able to assume that alleles SLA-DRB1*04:10 and SLA-DRB1*06:07 are linked as an allelic combination that co-evolves as a two-locus haplotype. Our investigation of evolutionary processes at the SLA-DRB1 locus confirmed the role of intralocus recombination in generating allelic variability, whereas tests of positive selection based on the dN/dS (non-synonymous/synonymous substitution rate ratio) test revealed atypically weak and ambiguous signals.

Novel Y-chromosome short tandem repeats in Sus scrofa and their variation in European wild boar and domestic pig populations.

Y-chromosome markers are important tools for studying male-specific gene flow within and between populations, hybridization patterns and kinship. However, their use in non-human mammals is often hampered by the lack of Y-specific polymorphic markers. We identified new male-specific short tandem repeats (STRs) in Sus scrofa using the available genome sequence. We selected four polymorphic loci (5-10 alleles per locus), falling in one duplicated and two single-copy regions. A total of 32 haplotypes were found by screening 211 individuals from eight wild boar populations across Europe and five domestic pig populations. European wild boar were characterized by significantly higher levels of haplotype diversity compared to European domestic pigs (HD  = 0.904 ± 0.011 and HD  = 0.491 ± 0.077 respectively). Relationships among STR haplotypes were investigated by combining them with single nucleotide polymorphisms at two linked genes (AMELY and UTY) in a network analysis. A differentiation between wild and domestic populations was observed (FST  = 0.229), with commercial breeds sharing no Y haplotype with the sampled wild boar. Similarly, a certain degree of geographic differentiation was observed across Europe, with a number of local private haplotypes and high diversity in northern populations. The described Y-chromosome markers can be useful to track male inheritance and gene flow in wild and domestic populations, promising to provide insights into evolutionary and population genetics in Sus scrofa.

Revisiting the phylogeography and demography of European badgers (Meles meles) based on broad sampling, multiple markers and simulations.

Although the phylogeography of European mammals has been extensively investigated since the 1990s, many studies were limited in terms of sampling distribution, the number of molecular markers used and the analytical techniques employed, frequently leading to incomplete postglacial recolonisation scenarios. The broad-scale genetic structure of the European badger (Meles meles) is of interest as it may result from historic restriction to glacial refugia and/or recent anthropogenic impact. However, previous studies were based mostly on samples from western Europe, making it difficult to draw robust conclusions about the location of refugia, patterns of postglacial expansion and recent demography. In the present study, continent-wide sampling and analyses with multiple markers provided evidence for two glacial refugia (Iberia and southeast Europe) that contributed to the genetic variation observed in badgers in Europe today. Approximate Bayesian computation provided support for a colonisation of Scandinavia from both Iberian and southeastern refugia. In the whole of Europe, we observed a decline in genetic diversity with increasing latitude, suggesting that the reduced diversity in the peripheral populations resulted from a postglacial expansion processes. Although MSVAR v.1.3 also provided evidence for recent genetic bottlenecks in some of these peripheral populations, the simulations performed to estimate the method's power to correctly infer the past demography of our empirical populations suggested that the timing and severity of bottlenecks could not be established with certainty. We urge caution against trying to relate demographic declines inferred using MSVAR with particular historic or climatological events.

Mitochondrial DNA and Y-chromosome diversity in East Adriatic sheep.

Variation in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y-chromosome haplotypes was analysed in nine domestic sheep breeds (159 rams) and 21 mouflon (Ovis musimon) sampled in the East Adriatic. Mitochondrial DNA analyses revealed a high frequency of type B haplotypes, predominantly in European breeds, and a very low frequency of type A haplotypes, which are more frequent in some Asian breeds. Mitochondrial haplotype Hmt-3 was the most frequent (26.4%), and 37.1%, 20.8% and 7.6% of rams had haplotypes one, two and three mutations remote from Hmt-3 respectively. In contrast, Y-chromosome analyses revealed extraordinary paternal allelic richness: HY-6, 89.3%; HY-8, 5.0%; HY-18, 3.1%; HY-7, 1.3%; and HY-5, 1.3%. In fact, the number of haplotypes observed is comparable to the number found in Turkish breeds and greater than the number found in European breeds so far. Haplotype HY-18 (A-oY1/135-SRYM18), identified here for the first time, provides a link between the haplotype HY-12 (A-oY1/139-SRYM18) found in a few rams in Turkey and haplotype HY-9 (A-oY1/131-SRYM18) found in one ram in Ethiopia. All mouflons had type B mtDNA haplotypes, including the private haplotype (Hmt-55), and all were paternally monomorphic for haplotype HY-6. Our data support a quite homogeneous maternal origin of East Adriatic sheep, which is a characteristic of European breeds. At the same time, the high number of haplotypes found was surprising and intriguing, and it begs for further analysis. Simultaneous analysis of mtDNA and Y-chromosome information allowed us to detect a large discrepancy between maternal and paternal lineages in some populations. This is most likely the result of breeder efforts to 'upgrade' local populations using rams with different paternal origins.

Effects of sulfur dioxide and smoke on the incidence of laryngotracheitis (croup).

During the 1981-1990 period, 652 children, 70% boys and 30% girls, were hospitalized at the Zagreb University ENT Department for laryngotracheitis (croup). Most of the children were hospitalized at the age of 2, and 90% of all children were under the age of 7. The highest number of cases of laryngotracheitis were admitted during autumn, especially in October, and the lowest in July. No correlation was found between the mean and peak monthly values of sulfur dioxide and smoke in the air in Zagreb and the number of children hospitalized for laryngotracheitis.

Rhinomanometrical findings after septoplasty in children.

40 children of both sexes, aged 5-12, with deviations or fractures of the nasal septum were tested. These children were selected for septoplasty on the basis of anamnestic data, ENT examination and anterior rhinomanometry with and without anamnestic data. The control group consisted of 15 children, of approx. the same age and sex distribution, with normal nose breathing and rhinomanometrical findings. The operated group underwent clinical and rhinomanometrical examination 3 and 12 months after surgery, and the control group 12 months after the initial examination. Septoplasty was performed under general anaesthesia with locally applied vasoconstrictors. The results showed that rhinomanometrical resistances prior to surgery were significantly higher in all the subjects in the operated group than those in the control group. Rhinomanometrical resistances were lower in 29 operated cases 3 months after septoplasty than before septoplasty, and significantly lower in 32 operated cases 12 months after septoplasty. Rhinomanometrical resistances in the operated group 12 months after surgery were a little higher than those in the control group 12 months after the initial examination. Failures and complications after septoplasty are commented upon, as is their influence on rhinomanometrical resistances.

Hyperbaric oxygen as a therapy of Bell's palsy.

The purpose of this study was to compare the therapeutic effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) to the effects of prednisone treatment in 79 subjects with Bell's palsy. Patients were randomly assigned either to the HBO2-treated group (n = 42) or to the prednisone-treated group (n = 37). The HBO2 group was exposed to 2.8 atm abs of 100% oxygen for 60 min, twice a day, 5 days a week and was given a placebo orally. The prednisone group was exposed to 2.8 atm abs of 7% O2 (equivalent to 21% O2 in air at normal pressure) following the same schedule as the HBO2 group; prednisone was given orally (total of 450 mg in 8 days). Subjects from both groups were treated in the hyperbaric chamber for up to 30 sessions or to complete recovery, and were followed up for 9 mo. At the end of the follow-up period, 95.2% of subjects treated with HBO2, and 75.7% of subjects treated with prednisone recovered completely. The average time to complete the recovery in the HBO2 group was 22 days as opposed to 34.4 days in the control group (P < 0.001). In the HBO2-treated group, at the beginning, the altered nerve excitability test (NET) was abnormal in five subjects; three of them had normal NET by the end of the follow-up period. In the prednisone group the NET was abnormal in nine subjects at the beginning and they had not recovered by the end of the follow-up (P < 0.05). Our results suggest that HBO2 is more effective than prednisone in treatment of Bell's palsy.

[Radiological study of the permeability of the eustachian tube. Personal procedure]. / Examen radiologique de la perméabilité de la trompe d'Eustache. Procédé personnel.

An original method for visualizing the Eustachian tube using micropulverized barium sulfate is described. The contrast substance must be insufflated under air pressure into the Eustachian tube by means of a catheter. Radiologic images as axial projections of base of skull allow detailed analysis of anteriorly insufflated tubes. Analysis of findings using this method on 306 tubes showed that filling with contrast was total in 83.8%, partial in 11.1% and absent in 5.1%.

Experimental hematotympanum--aspects to the tympanosclerosis development.

The etiology of tympanosclerosis is very complex and has not been entirely clarified. In order to find out if blood could be a provoking factor and cause tympanosclerosis, the authors injected the blood into the ears of 32 guinea pigs. The animals were sacrificed at weekly intervals up to one month and the histological analysis of the temporal bones was performed. Their experiment has shown that mucosal changes, similar to those seen in the early stage of tympanosclerosis, can appear in a certain number of cases. As a result, they recommend the aspiration of blood from the middle ear cavity in the cases of middle ear trauma with hematotympanum. They recommend the same procedure for operations of the middle ear, which should be performed with adequate hemostasis to prevent possible tympanosclerosis development.

[Branchial cyst and fistula of the first branchial cleft. Apropos of a case]. / Kyste branchial et fistule du premier sillon branchial. Présentation d'un cas.

We describe a case of a fistula from the first branchial cleft. At the otorhinolaryngology clinic of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Zagreb we have operated on more than 100 cases of congenital abnormalities of the branchial arches. However, it is only recently that we had the first case of fistula from the first branchial cleft. We report the clinical aspects and operative course in detail.

Effects of sulphur dioxide and smoke on the incidence of secretory otitis media.

The study deals with the effects of sulphur dioxide and smoke as air pollutants on the incidence of secretory otitis media. Although various atmospheric irritants, such as sulphur dioxide and smoke, have been reported to increase proneness to infection and allergy stabilization, and to cause Eustachian tube obstruction and development of secretory otitis media by way of infection and allergy reaction, such statements appear to be challenged by the results obtained in this study. No correlation was found between the number of children hospitalized for secretory otitis media, and the mean and maximum monthly concentrations of sulphur dioxide and smoke in the air. Although there has been a steady decrease in sulphur dioxide and smoke concentrations over the past decade, the number of cases of secretory otitis media has not only failed to follow that decrease but has actually increased.

Surgical treatment of Menière's disease--two techniques compared.

Two techniques for surgical treatment of Menière's disease, endolymphatic sac decompression according to Shambough and decompression on the stapes footplate, i. e., platino decompression according to Martin, were compared. A series of 81 patients were hospitalized for treatment, and 20 surgical procedures were performed: platino decompression in eight cases, and endolymphatic sac decompression in 12. None of the eight patients had relapse of the disease after platino decompression, whereas the endolymphatic sac operation was followed by relapse in 6 of the 12 patients. Considering the postoperative values of hearing loss, the considerably lower incidence of relapse, and the technically simple procedure of platino decompression, this technique is recommended as a method of choice for the surgical treatment of Menière's disease.

Changes of intratympanic pressure in secretory otitis media.

A thick, gluey effusion was observed to out of the middle ear after myringotomy only in some cases of secretory otitis media. Cytologic analysis of intratympanic transudate in 321 cases of secretory otitis media in children showed the cellular infiltration to result in increased viscosity of the middle ear content. It caused gradual change in the middle ear pressure, from the initially negative to positive pressure in the advanced stages of the disease.

Immunohistochemistry of glomus jugulare and tympanicum tumors.

Glomus jugulare and tympanicum tumors differ from other paragangliomas, especially from aorto-sympathetic, visceral-autonomic and adrenal medulla tumors. They differ not only in their localization, but also in their histologic and clinical pictures. As differentiated from other paragangliomas, these tumors show no argyrophilia. Besides the difference in histochemistry, the glomus jugulare and tympanicum tumors also differ from other paragangliomas in the intensity of their immunohistochemical reaction to particular markers. As differentiated from other paragangliomas that react well to chromogranin with antisera, the chief cells of these tumors are poorly represented with chromogranin as a marker. As distinguished from chromogranin, however, synaptophysin produced a positive reaction, i. e., moderate to maximal reactivity, in all cases under study. Helper cells of these tumors, and likewise other paragangliomas, are well represented by antisera to S-100 protein and glial fibrillary acid protein.

[Secretory otitis media in childhood: epidemiologic and etio-pathogenic aspects, diagnosis and therapy]. / Sekretorni otitis u djecjoj dobi: epidemioloski i etiolosko-patogenetski aspekt, dijagnostika i lijecenje.

Secretory otitis media is still poorly understood. In spite of extensive investigations, there are nevertheless many unsolved problems, from etiology to therapy. This paper reviews the current knowledge on epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and therapy of secretory otitis media. The possibilities of both conservative and surgical treatments as well as still ununiform view-points on a surgical procedure are presented. In conclusion, on the basis of abundant literature and our experience, a treatment approach to secretory otitis media in children is proposed.

[Granuloma of the oval window after stapedectomy]. / Granulom fenestre ovalis nakon stapedotomije.

A case report is presented of a female patient who underwent stapedotomy with bad functional results Reoperation revealed a dislocated prosthesis and there was no successful hearing. Besides conduction deafness perceptive deafness occurred as well. The second reoperation disclosed reparative granuloma around the prosthesis, while histological analysis showed foreign-body granuloma. Foreign-body granuloma by stapedectomy is extremely rare and it was the first case in our 810 surgically treated ears.