Promising approaches for the assembly of the catalytically active, recombinant Desulfomicrobium baculatum hydrogenase with substitutions at the active site.

BACKGROUND: Hydrogenases (H2ases) are metalloenzymes capable of the reversible conversion of protons and electrons to molecular hydrogen. Exploiting the unique enzymatic activity of H2ases can lead to advancements in the process of biohydrogen evolution and green energy production. RESULTS: Here we created of a functional, optimized operon for rapid and robust production of recombinant [NiFe] Desulfomicrobium baculatum hydrogenase (Dmb H2ase). The conversion of the [NiFeSe] Dmb H2ase to [NiFe] type was performed on genetic level by site-directed mutagenesis. The native dmb operon includes two structural H2ase genes, coding for large and small subunits, and an additional gene, encoding a specific maturase (protease) that is essential for the proper maturation of the enzyme. Dmb, like all H2ases, needs intricate bio-production machinery to incorporate its crucial inorganic ligands and cofactors. Strictly anaerobic, sulfate reducer D. baculatum bacteria are distinct, in terms of their biology, from E. coli. Thus, we introduced a series of alterations within the native dmb genes. As a result, more than 100 elements, further compiled into 32 operon variants, were constructed. The initial requirement for a specific maturase was omitted by the artificial truncation of the large Dmb subunit. The assembly of the produced H2ase subunit variants was investigated both, in vitro and in vivo. This approach resulted in 4 recombinant [NiFe] Dmb enzyme variants, capable of H2 evolution. The aim of this study was to overcome the gene expression, protein biosynthesis, maturation and ligand loading bottlenecks for the easy, fast, and cost-effective delivery of recombinant [NiFe] H2ase, using a commonly available E. coli strains. CONCLUSION: The optimized genetic constructs together with the developed growth and purification procedures appear to be a promising platform for further studies toward fully-active and O2 tolerant, recombinant [NiFeSe] Dmb H2ase, resembling the native Dmb enzyme. It could likely be achieved by selective cysteine to selenocysteine substitution within the active site of the [NiFe] Dmb variant.

The third restriction-modification system from Thermus aquaticus YT-1: solving the riddle of two TaqII specificities.

Two restriction-modification systems have been previously discovered in Thermus aquaticus YT-1. TaqI is a 263-amino acid (aa) Type IIP restriction enzyme that recognizes and cleaves within the symmetric sequence 5'-TCGA-3'. TaqII, in contrast, is a 1105-aa Type IIC restriction-and-modification enzyme, one of a family of Thermus homologs. TaqII was originally reported to recognize two different asymmetric sequences: 5'-GACCGA-3' and 5'-CACCCA-3'. We previously cloned the taqIIRM gene, purified the recombinant protein from Escherichia coli, and showed that TaqII recognizes the 5'-GACCGA-3' sequence only. Here, we report the discovery, isolation, and characterization of TaqIII, the third R-M system from T. aquaticus YT-1. TaqIII is a 1101-aa Type IIC/IIL enzyme and recognizes the 5'-CACCCA-3' sequence previously attributed to TaqII. The cleavage site is 11/9 nucleotides downstream of the A residue. The enzyme exhibits striking biochemical similarity to TaqII. The 93% identity between their aa sequences suggests that they have a common evolutionary origin. The genes are located on two separate plasmids, and are probably paralogs or pseudoparalogs. Putative positions and aa that specify DNA recognition were identified and recognition motifs for 6 uncharacterized Thermus-family enzymes were predicted.

Antimicrobial Potential of the Genera Geobacillus and Parageobacillus, as Well as Endolysins Biosynthesized by Their Bacteriophages.

In the recent decades, antibiotic resistance has emerged and spread rapidly among clinically relevant pathogens. The natural ability of bacteria to transmit resistance determinants through horizontal gene transfer poses constant challenges to drug development. Natural molecules produced by soil microorganisms continue to be a key source of new antimicrobial agents. In this context, bacteria from the Geobacillus and Parageobacillus genera deserve special attention. Although there is commercial and industrial interest in these microorganisms, the full range of antibacterial compounds biosynthesized by the Geobacillus and Parageobacillus species remains largely unexplored. The aim of this review is to present the strong antimicrobial potential of these bacteria and endolysins produced by their bacteriophages.

Assessment of vestibulocochlear organ function in patients meeting radiologic criteria of vascular compression syndrome of vestibulocochlear nerve--diagnosis of disabling positional vertigo.

BACKGROUND: This study sought to assess the vestibulo-cochlear organ in patients meeting radiologic criteria of vascular compression syndrome (VCS) of the eighth cranial nerve. MATERIAL/METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective analysis of 34 patients (18 women, 16 men; mean age, 49 years) treated in between 2000 and 2007, with VCS of the eighth cranial nerve by MRI. Contrasted magnetic resonance imaging identified an anterior inferior cerebellar artery vascular loop adhering to the vestibule-cochlear nerve in all 34 cases. All patients were given pure tone audiometry, distortion product otoacoustic emissions, auditory brainstem response, and electroneurographic examinations. RESULTS: Most-common symptoms were unilateral hearing loss (82%), unilateral tinnitus (80%), and dizziness (74%). Most-frequent abnormalities in performed examinations were specific auditory brainstem response changes (interpreted according to Möller's criteria) in 86% of cases and sensorineural hearing loss in pure tone audiometry (82%). Abnormal changes in electronystagmography were found in the absence (12%) or weakness (35%) of a caloric response. No patients were surgically treated. CONCLUSIONS: Significantly, there is no more weakness or absence of the caloric response of a vestibular organ in a patient with vascular compression of the vestibulo-cochlear nerve. Despite an absence of electrophysiologic testing of vestibular organ dysfunction, most examined patients (meeting the radiologic criteria of VCS of the eighth cranial nerve) had subjective symptoms like vertigo and dizziness. Disabling positional vertigo should be considered in the differential diagnosis of vertigo when accompanied by tinnitus or deafness.

[16 years of experience in laryngeal microsurgery with use laser CO2: cooperation between laryngologist and anesthesiologist - in material of ENT Department of Silesian Medical University]. / 16 lat doswiadczen w mikrochirurgii krtani z uzyciem lasera CO2: aspekt wspólpracy anestezjologa i laryngologa - w materiale Katedry i Kliniki Laryngologii SUM w Katowicach.

UNLABELLED: Laryngeal microsurgery is currently the primary method of treatment of many diseases of the larynx. Breakthrough for the development of laryngeal microsurgery was the introduction of laser technology. The laryngeal microsurgery is used mainly laser CO2. Endoscopic laryngeal microsurgery using the laser poses a unique challenge to the anesthesiologist, ensuring safe conditions of anesthesia, the patient and simultaneously appropriate operating conditions for the surgeon for precisely perform the procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 1995 and 2010 carried out in the Department of Otolaryngology SUM 832 microsurgical operations of the larynx using a CO2 laser. CONCLUSION: The perioperative management and close cooperation with the surgeon and anesthesiologist are essential for safe and efficient conduct of the operation the larynx using a microsurgical CO2 laser.

[Head and neck tuberculosis - still current problem in ENT practice]. / Gruzlica narzadów glowy i szyi - wciaz aktualny problem w praktyce laryngologicznej.

INTRODUCTION: It is estimated that between XVI and XIX century one fourth of European population died of tuberculosis. Nowadays tuberculosis is still one of the most important infectious diseases. In 2009 estimately 9 million new cases were registered worldwide, mortality due tuberculosis reached 1.5 million. In Poland extrapulmonary tuberculosis is rare (7% of overall morbidity) and most commonly affects pleura, lymph nodes, bones, joints and genitourinary system. Head and neck tuberculosis is rare and causes many diagnostics problems. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of case histories of patients admitted to ENT Department of Silesian Medical University in Katowice. RESULTS: Between 1993 and 2010 four cases of head and neck tuberculosis were diagnosed in our Clinic. Two of patients were admitted to the hospital with symptoms of laryngeal tumor such as difficulty in swallowing. During direct laryngoscopy tissue specimens were taken. Examination of the third patient showed tumor located below left angle of mandibule. During superficial parotidectomy tumor was removed. In the fourth registered case tuberculosis manifested as tumor of nasopharynx. In every case which is mentioned above pathology reports revealed epithelioid cell granulomas with caseous necrosis typical for tuberculosis. Patients underwent tuberculostatic treatment. CONCLUSION: Rare occurrence and lack of characteristic symptoms of head and neck tuberculosis often lead to misdiagnosis. Histopathological examination is the most important diagnostic procedure. Microbiological examination is difficult in extrapulmonary tuberculosis, because of low concentration of pathogens in specimens. Tuberculostatic therapy is the leading method of treatment in every case of tuberculosis.

[Küttner's tumor (chronic sclerosing sialadenitis) - a rare cause of submandibular gland enlargement]. / Guz Küttnera (chronic sclerosing sialadenitis) - rzadka przyczyna powiekszenia slinianki podzuchwowej.

Küttner's tumor is a benign tumour-like lesion of the salivary glands. Predominantly affects the submandibular gland. It is also known as chronic sclerosing sialoadenitis or cirrhosis of submandibular gland. This is an underrecognized entity in the surgical pathology and cytology literature. Most patients experience recurrent pain, discharge and swelling that is often associated with eating, but others only have asymptomatic hard swelling of the submandibular gland. Histologic examination of the excised submandibular glands revealed preserved lobular architecture, thickening of interlobular septa by sclerotic tissue, dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate, preservation of ducts with periductal fibrosis, and variable loss of acini. The morphologic appearance, in conjunction with the elevated IgG4 expression, distinguishes chronic sclerosing sialadenitis from other inflammatory diseases of the salivary glands. Chronic sclerosing sialadenitis belongs to the spectrum of IgG4-related diseases. We present a case of Küttner's tumor in a 62-year-old female treated by surgery. Although this disease was first described by Küttner in 1896, this clinical entity which masquerades as carcinoma is underdiagnosed by many surgeons. There is not enough evidence to support any diagnostic means that could help in the differential diagnosis of this benign condition. Given the high rate of malignancy in firm, painless lesions of the submandibular gland, surgical excision is often advocated and Küttner's tumor is usually diagnosed by the histopathologist.

Iliac artery injury during lumbar microdiscectomy.

BACKGROUND: Accidental laceration of major abdominal vessels during lumbar disc surgery is a relatively rare complication that requires rapid diagnosis and management. CASE REPORT: A 25-yr-old woman, operated on for an L4-L5 disc hernia, developed cardiovascular collapse after disc removal. This was treated with volume replacement and ephedrine, and a postoperative CT scan revealed a large retroperitoneal haematoma. During an immediate laparotomy, a 10 cm laceration of the left iliac artery was repaired and massive blood loss replaced (to lowest haemoglobin concentration during the surgery was 2.1 mmol L(-1)).The patient made a full recovery. CONCLUSION: In any case of unexpected hypotension during lumbar disc herniation surgery, accidental vascular damage should be suspected and a CT scan performed immediately.

An efficient method for the construction of artificial, concatemeric DNA, RNA and proteins with genetically programmed functions, using a novel, vector-enzymatic DNA fragment amplification-expression technology.

De novo designed bioactive molecules, such as DNA, RNA and peptides, are utilized in increasingly diverse scientific, industrial and biomedical applications. Concatemerization of designed DNA, RNA and peptides may improve their stability, bioactivity and allow for gradual release of the bioactive molecule at the intended destination. In this context, we developed a new method enabling the formation of DNA concatemers for the production of artificial, repetitive genes, encoding concatemeric RNAs and proteins of any nucleotide and amino-acid sequence. The technology recruits the Type IIS SapI restriction endonuclease (REase) for assembling DNA fragments in an ordered head-to-tail-orientation. Alternatively, other commercially available SapI isoschizomers can be used: LguI and thermostable BspQI. Four series of DNA vectors dedicated to the expression of newly formed, concatemeric open reading frames (ORFs), were designed and constructed to meet the technology needs. • Vector-enzymatic DNA fragment amplification technology. • Construction of DNA concatemers many times longer than those available with the use of current de novo gene synthesis methods. • Biosynthesis of protein tandem repeats with programmable function never seen in nature.

Data regarding a new, vector-enzymatic DNA fragment amplification-expression technology for the construction of artificial, concatemeric DNA, RNA and proteins, as well as biological effects of selected polypeptides obtained using this method.

Applications of bioactive peptides and polypeptides are emerging in areas such as drug development and drug delivery systems. These compounds are bioactive, biocompatible and represent a wide range of chemical properties, enabling further adjustments of obtained biomaterials. However, delivering large quantities of peptide derivatives is still challenging. Several methods have been developed for the production of concatemers - multiple copies of the desired protein segments. We have presented an efficient method for the production of peptides of desired length, expressed from concatemeric Open Reading Frame. The method employs specific amplification-expression DNA vectors. The main methodological approaches are described by Skowron et al., 2020 [1]. As an illustration of the demonstrated method's utility, an epitope from the S protein of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) was amplified. Additionally, peptides, showing potentially pro-regenerative properties, derived from the angiopoietin-related growth factor (AGF) were designed and amplified. Here we present a dataset including: (i) detailed protocols for the purification of HBV and AGF - derived polyepitopic protein concatemers, (ii) sequences of the designed primers, vectors and recombinant constructs, (iii) data on cytotoxicity, immunogenicity and stability of AGF-derived polypeptides.

A vector-enzymatic DNA fragment amplification-expression technology for construction of artificial, concatemeric DNA, RNA and proteins for novel biomaterials, biomedical and industrial applications.

A DNA fragment amplification/expression technology for the production of new generation biomaterials for scientific, industrial and biomedical applications is described. The technology enables the formation of artificial Open Reading Frames (ORFs) encoding concatemeric RNAs and proteins. It recruits the Type IIS SapI restriction endonuclease (REase) for an assembling of DNA fragments in an ordered head-to-tail-orientation. The technology employs a vector-enzymatic system, dedicated to the expression of newly formed, concatemeric ORFs from strong promoters. Four vector series were constructed to suit specialised needs. As a proof of concept, a model amplification of a 7-amino acid (aa) epitope from the S protein of HBV virus was performed, resulting in 500 copies of the epitope-coding DNA segment, consecutively linked and expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli). Furthermore, a peptide with potential pro-regenerative properties (derived from an angiopoietin-related growth factor) was designed. Its aa sequence was back-translated, codon usage optimized and synthesized as a continuous ORF 10-mer. The 10-mer was cloned into the amplification vector, enabling the N-terminal fusion and multiplication of the encoded protein with MalE signal sequence. The obtained genes were expressed, and the proteins were purified. Conclusively, we show that the proteins are neither cytotoxic nor immunogenic and they have a very low allergic potential.

The molecular mechanisms of cell death in the course of transient ischemia are differentiated in evolutionary distinguished brain structures.

There is large body of evidence suggesting distinct susceptibility to ischemia in various brain regions. However, the reason for this remains unexplained. Comparative studies of programmed cell death (PCD) pathways indicate their differentiated evolutional origin. The caspase-independent pathway is regarded as an older, whereas the caspase-dependent--as more advanced. In our study we address the question of whether there are any characteristic differences in the activation and course of PCD in phylogenetically and morphologically distinguished brain structures after transient focal ischemia. Using Western blot, we studied changes in expression of caspases: 3, 8, 9, and AIF in the frontoparietal neocortex, archicortex (CA1 and CA2 sectors of the hippocampus) and striatum, during reperfusion after 1 h occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. The caspase and AIF expression were differentiated between the studied structures. The activation of only the caspase-dependent pathway was observed in the neocortex. In the archicortex and striatum both caspase-dependent and caspase-independent pathways were activated, although in the latter the extrinsic apoptotic pathway was not activated. In summary, it is conceivable that structures of different evolutionary origin undergo cell-death processes with the participation of phylogenetically distinguished mechanisms. The previously reported unequal susceptibility to ischemia may co-exist with activation of different cell death pathways.

Metal-proteinase ADAM12, kinesin 14 and checkpoint suppressor 1 as new molecular markers of laryngeal carcinoma.

The assessment of gene expression profile in laryngeal cancer allows implementation of molecular biology methods in diagnostics, as well as in prognosticating the course of disease, thus allowing taking most optimal decisions as regards the method of treatment, scope of surgical procedure, or the necessity of adding complementary radiotherapy. The aim of the project was to analyze the gene expression profile in laryngeal cancer using oligonucleotide microarrays, having in mind searching new molecular markers for that carcinoma. The study comprised a group of 43 patients (38 males and 5 females) suffering from squamous cell laryngeal carcinoma, diagnosed and surgically treated in the years 2005-2007 in the ENT Department of the Silesian Medical University in Katowice, Poland. RNA was isolated from frozen tissue fragments, with the use of columns RNeasy Midi and Mini Kit (Qiagen). For the examination of gene expression profile, oligonucleotide microarrays of high density were used, provided by Affymetrix (U 133 2.0 PLUS) containing over 54,000 probes for over 47,000 transcripts. Four genes previously not examined in that respect in laryngeal carcinoma, occurred to be good markers of the neoplasm. They are: metal-proteinase ADAM12, cyclin-dependent kinase 2-CDK2, kinesin 14-KIF14, suppressor 1 of checkpoint-CHES1. The analysis of gene expression profile allows, in laryngeal carcinoma, to point out to new genes, which in future may become molecular markers of the carcinoma.

[Neuromuscular block monitoring for optimisation of conditions for endotracheal intubation]. / Monitorowanie bloku nerwowo-miesniowego wywolanego cisatrakurium podczas indukcj znieczulenia ogólnego.

BACKGROUND: The choice of an appropriate moment for endotracheal intubation is essential to avoid serious motor and cardiovascular reactions during laryngoscopy and tube insertion.The purpose of the study was to compare the effects of intubation on laryngoscopy conditions and cardiovascular response, when choice of the moment for intubation was directed by either clinical or train-of-four assessment. METHODS: Adult ASA I patients, scheduled for lumbar disc hernia surgery, who received 0.15 mg kg(-1) of cis-atracurium for muscle relaxation, were divided in two groups. Patients in group I were intubated when the attending anaesthesiologist assessed muscle relaxation to be adequate. Patients in group II were intubated when there was no visual response to train-of-four stimulation of the ulnar nerve. RESULTS: Forty-five patients were enrolled in the study. The mean time for intubation was 162.3+/-35 sec in group I and 339.3+/-73.7 sec in group II. Adequate and excellent conditions for intubation were achieved in all patients of group II, compared to only 53% of patients in group I. Heart rate and arterial blood pressure immediately after intubation were significantly lower (p<0.001) in group II. CONCLUSION: The objective assessment of neuromuscular relaxation priorto endotracheal intubation provides better conditions and minimization of cardiovascular reaction.

The influence of propofol on middle cerebral artery flow velocity (VMCA) in patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms during induction of general anaesthesia.

BACKGROUND: The estimated prevalence of unruptured intracranial aneurysms is 3%. Standard monitoring does not enable one to assess the influence of anaesthetics on the factors determining intracranial homeostasis. Thanks to transcranial Doppler ultrasonography, middle cerebral artery flow velocity (VMCA), reflecting cerebral blood flow, can be measured. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of propofol on intracranial homeostasis in patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms during the induction of anaesthesia based on VMCA changes. METHODS: The study encompassed 21 patients (group II) anaesthetised for elective craniotomy due to unruptured intracranial aneurysms. The control group (group I) included 21 patients who underwent discoidectomy. VMCA, as well as HR, MAP, etCO2, and SpO2 were monitored at the following time points: T0 ­ onset of study; T1 ­ after 1 minute; T2 ­ onset of preoxygenation; T3 ­ after 1 minute of preoxygenation; T4 ­ administration of fentanyl; T5 ­ 1 minute after fentanyl; T6 ­ administration of propofol; T7 ­ 1 minute after propofol; T8 ­ intubation; T9 ­ 1 minute after intubation; T10 ­ 2 minutes after intubation. RESULTS: In both groups, no changes in mean HR, etCO2 and SpO2 were observed at the successive time points of observation. In groups I and II, an MAP decrease between T6 and T7 and an MAP increase between T7 and T9 were noted. There were no intergroup differences in mean values of MAP at the times of observation. In both groups and bilaterally, a VMCA decrease was recorded between T6 and T7 and an increase between T7 and T8. There were no intergroup differences in mean values of VMCA at the times of observation. In both groups, a weak correlation between VMCA and MAP changes was found bilaterally. CONCLUSIONS: Propofol depresses the cerebral circulation during the induction of anaesthesia. The presence of an unruptured aneurysm does not affect the reactivity of the cerebral vessels during the induction of anaesthesia with propofol.

Percutaneous tracheostomy in patients with disorders of the central nervous system.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Patients with disorders of the central nervous system frequently require maintenance of an artificial airway due to impairment of the cough reflex and swallowing, or due to the necessity to apply long-term mechanical ventilation. The technique of percutaneous tracheostomy, introduced in recent years to clinical practice globally, enables tracheostomy and establishment of an artificial airway in a bedside setting, in a quick, simple and minimally traumatic manner. It does not require the operating theatre environment and is associated with lower complication rates than the traditional surgical technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the period from March 2003 till February 2007, we performed 75 procedures of Griggs mode percutaneous tracheostomy in intravenous anaesthesia, with use of a disposable Percutaneous Tracheostomy Kit (SIMS Portex, UK). The group of patients comprised 36 women and 39 men. Mean patient age was 57.4+/-17.9 years. RESULTS: On average, the procedure was performed on the 8th (7.8+/-2.6) day after intubation, and its average duration was 6.0+/-3.3 minutes. The most frequent complication was local bleeding from the site (13%), most of which, however, regressed spontaneously. Also observed were: puncture of the tracheal tube sealing cuff (7%), damage to the isthmus of the thyroid (3%), and extratracheal positioning of the tracheal tube (3%). In all the cases the procedure was concluded successfully. CONCLUSIONS: Griggs mode is a simple and safe technique enabling percutaneous tracheostomy in patients with pathology of the central nervous system. However, further research is needed to evaluate potential delayed complications of the procedure.

[A 20-year retrospective histoclinical analysis of parotid gland tumors in the ENT Department AM in Katowice]. / Analiza histokliniczna guzów slinianek przyusznych u chorych operowanych w okresie 20 lat w Klinice Laryngologii SlAM w Katowicach.

INTRODUCTION: Salivary gland neoplasms represent the diverse group of tumours encountered by the head and neck surgeons. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study is analysis of 531 patients with parotid gland tumours in patients treated in ENT Department during 1986-2006. We analysed surgical treatment and intraoperative tumour stage. The results of histological diagnosis were presented. RESULTS: The frequency of incidence of benign neoplasm was 80%. The most frequent tumour was pleomorphic adenoma--75% and adenolymphoma--16%. Malignant tumours constituted 20% of all gland tumours. Mucoepidermoid (27%) and adenoid cyst (22%) carcinomas were the most common malignant tumour. Tumour stages T3-T4 was in 90%.

Female and male orbit asymmetry: Digital analysis.

BACKGROUND: Standard anthropometric methods applied to measurements of the skull differentials are laden with mistakes stemming from the way the measuring devices are built and from a lack of experience on the part of the researchers. To increase objectivity, digital imaging measurements via computer systems were introduced. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this research was to assess the asymmetry of the male and female orbit with the application of the new graphic methods: raster graphics and vector graphics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The examination was conducted on 184 well-preserved skulls. The photos were taken by a digital camera with high definition. Orbit asymmetry was examined by determining the distance between the centers of gravity of both orbits and the frontal median line d1 and d2. Then angles α and ß were appointed. They are defined as angles between the line that runs through craniometrical points mf and ek on the right side (angle α) and on the left side (angle ß), and the frontal median line at their crossing point. Distances r2 and r1, which are allocated points between the frontal median lines (LPP), were also set. RESULTS: Angles α and ß were also analyzed while comparing the skulls of both genders. Statistically significant differences were only observed in male skulls. However, differences for both genders were noted in parameters d1 and d2. No statistically significant differences were discovered between men and women for parameters r1 and r2. The groups of women and men were merged, being treated as a population; which resulted in the conclusion that there are no statistically significant differences between these parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The skull's asymmetry connected to gender and the asymmetry of the right and left sides of examined craniums can be used in criminal examinations as well as in facial reconstructive surgeries.

[The histo-clinical analysis of 95 malignant neoplasms of parotid gland]. / Analiza histokliniczna 95 nowotworów zlosliwych slinianek przyusznych.

INTRODUCTION: Malignant tumors constituted 25% of all gland tumors, the most frequently in parotid gland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study is analysis of 436 patients with parotid gland tumors who underwent surgery in ENT Department. The results of histopatological diagnosis are presented. We analysed surgical treatment, intraoperative tumor stage and accuracy of fine - needle aspiration cytology in diagnosis. RESULTS: Malignant tumors constituted 22% of all gland tumors. Mucoepidermoid (27%) and adenoid cyst (22%) carcinomas were the most common malignant tumor. Tumor stage T3-T4 was in 88,5% cases. Accuracy of fine-needle aspiration cytology in diagnosis of parotid tumors is 81,2%.

[Analysis of results of stapedotomy in patients with obliterative otosclerosis]. / Ocena wyników stapedotomii u chorych z obliteracyjna postacia otosklerozy.

INTRODUCTION: In obliterative type of otosclerosis the stapes footplate is greatly thickened and diffusely replaced by a massive otosclerotic masses that fill in the oval window niche, often annular ligament cannot be visualized. In the case of obliterative otosclerosis the only effective way of treatment is surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The analysed group consisted of 53 patients with primary obliterative otosclerosis. In the control group there were 30 consecutive patients treated for otosclerosis. The auditory organ was assessed on the ground of the following criteria for the frequencies 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz.: 1. Change of pure tone thresholds of air conduction (AC) 2. Change of pure tone thresholds of bone conduction (BC) 3. Change of pure tone thresholds of air-bone gap (ABG) as the difference between the mean AC and BC thresholds before the operation (AC0 and BC0) and 12 months after the operation (AC1 and BC1). RESULTS: Postoperatively mean value of change of AC thresholds in the analysed group was about 24 +/- 2 dBHL and in the control group about 25 +/- 2 dBHL (no significant difference). In the analysed group the mean value of BC thresholds varied about 8 dBHL and in the control group about 11 dBHL (no significant difference). The average values of ABG after the operation varied about 14 +/- 1 dBHL in both--the analysed and the control group. Postoperatively the mean value ABG was amounted to 20 +/- 1 dBHL in the analysed group and in the control group to 18 +/- 1 dBHL (no significant difference). On the basis of the subjective assessment completely subsidence of aural tinnitus reported 70% patients in the analysed group and 80% patients in the control group. CONCLUSION: 1. The incidence of obliterative otosclerosis represents 9,6% of all otosclerotic patients treated surgically. 2. Stapedotomy is the treatment of choice in patients with obliterative otosclerosis, because significant improvement of AC, BC and ABG 12 months after the operation was reported, mean values did not differ between the above and control group. 3. Complete subsidence of aural tinnitus was reported in 70% patients with obliterative otosclerosis.