Structure of the 5' region of the Hst70 gene transcription unit: presence of an intron and multiple transcription initiation sites.

The rat Hst70 gene and its mouse counterpart Hsp70.2 belong to the family of Hsp70 heat shock genes and are specifically expressed in male germ cells. Previous studies regarding the structure of the 5' region of the transcription unit of these genes as well as localization of the 'cis' elements conferring their testis-specific expression gave contradictory results [Widlak, Markkula, Krawczyk, Kananen and Huhtaniemi (1995) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1264, 191-200; Dix, Rosario-Herrle, Gotoh, Mori, Goulding, Barret and Eddy (1996) Dev. Biol. 174, 310-321]. In the present paper we solve these controversies and show that the 5' untranslated region (UTR) of the Hst70 gene contains an intron which is localized similar to that of the mouse Hsp70.2 gene. Reverse transcriptase-mediated PCR, Northern blotting and RNase protection analysis revealed that the transcription initiation of both genes starts at two main distant sites, and one of them is localized within the intron. As a result two populations of Hst70 gene transcripts with similar sizes but different 5' UTR structures can be detected in total testicular RNA. Functional analysis of the Hst70 gene promoter in transgenic mice and transient transfection assays proved that the DNA fragment of approx. 360 bp localized upstream of the ATG transcription start codon is the minimal promoter required for testis-specific expression of the HST70/chloramphenicol acetyltransferase transgene. These experiments also suggest that the expression of the gene may depend on 'cis' regulatory elements localized within exon 1 and the intron sequences.

[Tumors of external ear canal. Case reports]. / Guzy przewodu sluchowego zewnetrznego. Opis przypadków.

The authors described two rare cases of tumors of the external auditory meatus. All patients were male 40 and 51 years old. The tumors were removed via external auditory canal approach and extraauricle approach with successful.

Tinnitus suppression by electrical promontory stimulation (EPS) in patients with sensorineural hearing loss.

OBJECTIVE: Almost 10-15% of the population suffer from chronic tinnitus. There are clinical indications that a 'pathological sound' may be induced by any level of the auditory pathways. Theraupeutical difficulties and many hypotheses about tinnitus and places from which they originate might indicate various methods of treatment. Electrostimulation tinnitus suppression was achieved by many authors from 22 (Graham, Hazell) to 87% (Portman). The aim of our study was to define the usefulness of electrostimulation in treatment of persistent noise induced cochlear lesion tinnitus (group I - 43 men) and compare the results with the non noise induced tinnitus group II (68 patients). METHODS: Otolaryngological and audiological examination of the patients was made before and after electrostimulation, and at 90 days. The stimulation system consisted of a prototype tinnitus suppressor, the active platino-iridium needle electrode and silver surface electrode located on the forehead. Transtympanal electrical stimulation was performed using positive polarity direct current. Parameters of electrical impulse were individually different and depended on tinnitus parameters and patients sensation. The current levels ranged from 20 to 600 microA and frequency ranged from 60 to 10000 Hz. Average time of EPS was 60 s. RESULTS: The control examination 90 days after stimulation in group I showed subjective improvement in 18 (41.9%) patients, 22 (51.2%) did not notice any change and tinnitus deteriorated in 3 (6.9%) of the patients. In the comparative group II improvement was occurred in 34 (50%) persons including 2 (17.6%) in whom tinnitus was abolished, in 30 (44.1%) tinnitus was unchanged and 4 (0.6%) became worse. In both groups our method did not have a destructive influence on hearing. Electrical stimulation to relieve tinnitus has been used for nearly 200 years, but it is unclear how electrical stimulation works to suppress tinnitus. CONCLUSION: In our opinion electrical stimulation by using positive DC changes the spontaneous activity of cochlear nerve fibres. According to our results it is suggested that the mechanism of beneficial effects is due to increased microcirculation in part of the auditory pathways. Poorer results in patients with noise induced tinnitus could be explained by greater damage of the cochlea outer hair cells. In our opinion EPS could be a method of treatment for persistent tinnitus in cases which fail to respond to other methods.

[Laryngeal mask of gastroesophageal reflux disease]. / Maska laryngologiczna choroby refluksowej przelyku.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease has become a serious problem not only for general practitioners but for other specialists as well. It is caused by the fact that its clinical picture and symptomatology are very rich. Beside characteristic symptoms such as: heartburn, eructation, gastric contents reflux, epigastric burning or dysphagia, there may appear extroesophageal symptoms (frequently as single or leading ones). It is generally though that the above symptoms result from the direct effect of gastric contents on throat and larynx and/or through vagus nerve. Direct effect of hydrochloric acid and other gastric juice components on larynx may be the cause of subglottic laryngostenosis, neoplastic transformation and development of squamous cell carcinoma. This, it may be concluded that gastroesophageal reflux disease should be in the sphere of interest of laryngologists as well as gastroenterologists. Cooperation of these specialists is particularly useful as it quickens the choice of proper diagnostic procedure and an introduction of an appropriate therapeutic treatment.

[Speech understanding in patients after stapedectomy (early results)]. / Wczesna ocena zrozumialosci mowy u chorych po stapedektomii.

The authors report a comparison the parameters of the speech audiometry (SRT, SDS) and the hearing level before and after stapedectomy in patients to and over 50 years of age. 87 patients (107 ears) with otosclerosis were undergoing stapedectomies on the local anaesthesia via a transcanal approach. Control examination was performed 21-30 days postoperatively on average. Average improvement of the hearing level for the speech frequency (PTA) was better in patients to 50 years of age (29.5 dB) than in group over 50 years of age (26.5 dB). Parameters of speech audiometry (SRT and SDS) post stapedectomy were better in patients over 50 years of age.

[Otoacoustic emission examinations in soldiers before and after shooting]. / Badanie emisji otoakustycznej u zolnierzy przed strzelaniem i po strzelaniu.

Firearms are a common source of impulse noise that may potentially damage hearing organ. The purpose of this study was evaluation of the click evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE) and distortion-product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) before and after shooting and comparison with conventional pure tone audiometry. Standard pure tone audiometry, tympanometry, TEOAE and DPOAE were made before and 10-15 minutes after shooting. Ten male soldiers (20 ears) were exposed to impulse noise from automatic gunfire (15 single rounds of live ammunition). They did not use any earplugs. The reduction amplitude of the TEOAE after shooting was found especially for the frequency 3,4 kHz for the right ear and 1 and 2 kHz for the left ear. The DPOAE greatest reduction concerned frequency 2,5 and 4 kHz for the left ear. All our shooters were right-handed and probably the asymmetrical effect resulted from the shooting posture. Any differences existing between the audiometric threshold before and after shooting were not noticed. Clinical experience with OAE indicates that it may play a role as a screening method for the soldiers exposed to noise and as a tool for monitoring early changes in cochlea. Emissions seem to be more sensitive for monitoring early cochlear changes after shooting than pure tone audiometry.

[Treatment results of acoustic trauma]. / Wyniki leczenia ostrych urazów akustycznych.

20 patients aged from 18 to 42 treated in the past few years because of acoustic trauma. Together the investigations concerned 24 years. Therapeutic schema comprised intravenous infusion--Sermion (Nicergoline--amp. a 4 mg) or Cavinton (Vinpocetine--amp. a 10 mg) 1 amp.--twice a day for 10 days. The treatment of 60% of the patients started in the first week after the trauma occurred, of 20% in the second week and the remaining 20% later on after 15 days when the trauma took place. The obtained results of treatment both of improvement of hearing (79.2%) and tinnitus (66.6%), support the necessity of treatment of acoustic trauma independently from the time that passed after trauma had occurred. Better results of audiometric improvement of hearing (54.2%) and tinnitus disappearance (50%) were obtained in the patients whose treatment started in the first week after trauma. The improvement of hearing and tinnitus disappearance was more observed in patients after treatment by using Sermion than Cavinton.

[A prognostic value of of stapedius reflex and accommodation coefficient in patients with Bell's palsy]. / Prognostyczne znaczene odruchu strzemiaczkowego oraz wspólcyznnika akomodacji u chorych z samoistnym porazeniem nerwu twarzowego typu bella.

At 25 patients with Bell's palsy every 7 days stapedius reflex (SR), accommodation coefficient as well as improvement of mimical facial movements were examined. At 5 patients SR was noticed before treatment, at 13 after 14 days, at 4 after 21 and at 3 after 28 days since disease beginning. There was significant correlation between return SR and improvement of mimical facial movements, but there wasn't correlation between SR and accommodation coefficient.

[Evaluation of granulocyte (PMNL) function in patients with chronic inflammation of the middle ear and palatine tonsils]. / Ocena funkcji granulocytów (PMNL) u chorych z przewleklymi zmianami zapalnymi ucha i migdalków podniebiennych.

The evaluation of granulocytes function (PMN) in patients with chronic inflammation of middle ear and palatine tonsils. There were 39 people examined and divided into: 28 patients with chronic inflammation of middle ear and palatine tonsil, 11 healthy persons. The function of granulocytes in patients with chronic inflammation of middle ear and palatine tonsil were changed more in comparison with the healthy people.

[Oxygen-derived free radicals of granulocytes in the blood of patients with chronic inflammation of the middle ear and palatine tonsils]. / Wolne rodniki ponadtlenkowe granulocytów krwi obwodowej u chorych z przewleklymi zmianami zapalnymi ucha srodkowego i migdalków podniebiennych.

The evaluation of oxygen species generation in blood granulocytes of patients with chronic inflammation of middle ear and palatine tonils. There were 38 patients tested (10 with chronic inflammation of palatine tonsil, 18 with chronic inflammation of middle ear and 10 healthy ones). There were statistically significant differences between the superoxide anion generation in patients with chronic inflammation of palatine tonsil and middle ear in comparison with to the healthy ones.

[The evaluation of some parameters of hearing in patients treated by long-term hemodialysis]. / Ocena wybranych parametrów narzadu sluchu u chorych poddawanych dlugotrwalej hemodializie.

Audiologic examinations were performed in 10 patients with chronic renal failure treated by long hemodialysis. Hearing loss was found in 4 ears (20%). We didn't find correlation between the hearing loss and the levels of sodium, potassium or uremic toxin. After using tympanometry and audiological tests we conclude that hemodialysis "per se" does no harm to the function of middle ear and cochlea.

[Wegener's granulomatosis as a clinical form of vasculitis]. / Zespól Wegenera jako kliniczna postac ukladowego zapalenia naczyn.

A two cases Wegener's syndrome was described. The current knowledge concerning the role of neutrophils in pathogenesis of Wegener's syndrome is reviewed.

[A contribution to the analysis of the gibberellins in the seeds of Pisum sativum L]. / Ein Beitrag zur Analyse der Gibberelline in Samen von Pisum sativum L.

Unripe seeds of Pisum sativum were analyses for gibberellins and gibberellin-like substances. Forty kg of seeds were extracted with methanol, the methanol was evaporated and the residue distributed between water and ethylacetate, and between water and butanol at different pH-values. The acidic ethylacetate and the butanol fractions were separated by thin layer chromatography. In the acidic ethylacetate fraction a new substance tentatively named gibberellin Ax was isolated by preparative thin layer chromatography. In different solvent mixtures this substance migrates closely behind gibberellin A3. It is biological active in a dwarf pea and in dwarf maize mutant bioassays. IR and fluorescense spectra point to a gibban structure. Furthermore gibberellin A5 was found to be the main gibberellin in pea seeds. It was identified by its Rf-values and the Rf-values of its methylester in different solvent systems as well as by its characteristic relative biological activity in three biological test systems. Most probably gibberellin A6 is also present in the pea seeds, but because the amounts detected were small, no clear evidence can be presented.In the butanol phase two gibberellin-like substances could be separated by thin layer chromatography.