Joint Determination of Reactor Antineutrino Spectra from

A joint determination of the reactor antineutrino spectra resulting from the fission of ^{235}U and ^{239}Pu has been carried out by the Daya Bay and PROSPECT Collaborations. This Letter reports the level of consistency of ^{235}U spectrum measurements from the two experiments and presents new results from a joint analysis of both data sets. The measurements are found to be consistent. The combined analysis reduces the degeneracy between the dominant ^{235}U and ^{239}Pu isotopes and improves the uncertainty of the ^{235}U spectral shape to about 3%. The ^{235}U and ^{239}Pu antineutrino energy spectra are unfolded from the jointly deconvolved reactor spectra using the Wiener-SVD unfolding method, providing a data-based reference for other reactor antineutrino experiments and other applications. This is the first measurement of the ^{235}U and ^{239}Pu spectra based on the combination of experiments at low- and highly enriched uranium reactors.

Accuracy of hospital-based surveillance systems for surgical site infection after adult spine surgery: a Bayesian latent class analysis.

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infections (SSIs) of the spine are morbid and costly complications. An accurate surveillance system is required to properly describe the disease burden and the impact of interventions that mitigate SSI risk. Unfortunately, uniform approaches to conducting SSI surveillance are lacking because of varying SSI case definitions, the lack of a perfect reference case definition and heterogeneous data sources. AIM: To assess the accuracy of four independent data sources that capture SSIs after spine surgery, with estimation of a measurement-error-adjusted SSI incidence. METHODS: A Bayesian latent class model assessed the sensitivity/specificity of each data source to identify SSI and to estimate a measurement-error-adjusted incidence. The four data sources used were: the discharge abstract database (DAD), the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database, the Infection Prevention and Control Canada (IPAC) database, and the Spine Adverse Events Severity database. FINDINGS: A total of 904 patients underwent spine surgery in 2017. The most sensitive data source was DAD (0.799; 95% credible interval (CrI): 0.597-0.943); the least sensitive was NSQIP (0.497; 95% CrI: 0.308-0.694). The most specific data source was IPAC (0.997; 95% CrI: 0.993-1.000) and the least specific was DAD (0.969; 95% CrI: 0.956-0.981). The measurement-error-adjusted SSI incidence was 0.030 (95% CrI: 0.019-0.045). The crude incidence using the DAD overestimated the incidence, and the three other data sources underestimated it. CONCLUSION: SSI surveillance in the spine surgery population is feasible using several data sources, provided that measurement error is considered.

Improved Constraints on Sterile Neutrino Mixing from Disappearance Searches in the MINOS, MINOS+, Daya Bay, and Bugey-3 Experiments.

Searches for electron antineutrino, muon neutrino, and muon antineutrino disappearance driven by sterile neutrino mixing have been carried out by the Daya Bay and MINOS+ collaborations. This Letter presents the combined results of these searches, along with exclusion results from the Bugey-3 reactor experiment, framed in a minimally extended four-neutrino scenario. Significantly improved constraints on the θ_{µe} mixing angle are derived that constitute the most constraining limits to date over five orders of magnitude in the mass-squared splitting Δm_{41}^{2}, excluding the 90% C.L. sterile-neutrino parameter space allowed by the LSND and MiniBooNE observations at 90% CL_{s} for Δm_{41}^{2}<13 eV^{2}. Furthermore, the LSND and MiniBooNE 99% C.L. allowed regions are excluded at 99% CL_{s} for Δm_{41}^{2}<1.6 eV^{2}.

Extraction of the

This Letter reports the first extraction of individual antineutrino spectra from ^{235}U and ^{239}Pu fission and an improved measurement of the prompt energy spectrum of reactor antineutrinos at Daya Bay. The analysis uses 3.5×10^{6} inverse beta-decay candidates in four near antineutrino detectors in 1958 days. The individual antineutrino spectra of the two dominant isotopes, ^{235}U and ^{239}Pu, are extracted using the evolution of the prompt spectrum as a function of the isotope fission fractions. In the energy window of 4-6 MeV, a 7% (9%) excess of events is observed for the ^{235}U (^{239}Pu) spectrum compared with the normalized Huber-Mueller model prediction. The significance of discrepancy is 4.0σ for ^{235}U spectral shape compared with the Huber-Mueller model prediction. The shape of the measured inverse beta-decay prompt energy spectrum disagrees with the prediction of the Huber-Mueller model at 5.3σ. In the energy range of 4-6 MeV, a maximal local discrepancy of 6.3σ is observed.

Effects of aerobic workout on the changes in the characteristics of dynamics of the center of gravity in different age categories.

INTRODUCTION: The quality and function of movements undergo deterioration due to weight gain. Aerobic training normalizes body weight, improves the health status, and in addition, it is expected to improve the dynamics of movements. The aims of this study were to prove the beneficial effects of recreational physical activities on the movements. METHODS: Participants were divided into five different age categories: second childhood, adolescence, mature age I, mature age II, and aging. Squatting and vertical jumping of the participants were measured at the beginning and at the end of a 5-month training program. These movements simulated ordinary daily movements. Changes in the body were determined by InBody230. APAS 3D system was used for movement analysis. RESULTS: The results showed significant improvements in body weight, fat mass, muscle mass, fat mass-body weight ratio, muscle mass-body weight ratio, body mass index, body fat percentage, and waist-hip ratio. During jumping, the lifting and sinking of the center of gravity's (CG) position and its velocity and acceleration were improved. In case of squatting, the results showed significant improvements in the velocity and acceleration of dynamical characteristics of the CG. Other correlations were observed between changes in body composition and the dynamics of movements. DISCUSSION: The research proved that recreational training optimized body composition and improved the characteristics of CG's dynamics. The study suggests considerable connection between body composition and the characteristics of the movements' dynamics. From this point of view, our training program was the most effective in the working age groups.

Genes and Mechanisms Responsible for Expansion of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia Blasts.

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is the leading form of fatal acute leukaemia in adults. AML is a heterogeneous disease with respect to responsible mutations and chromosomal abnormalities as well as to their clinicopathological image. In recent years, great progress has been made in techniques allowing detection of genetic changes in both de novo AML and in secondary AML induced by other haematological disorders or therapy, and in detection of residual disease after therapy. Accumulated knowledge allowed better understanding of the molecules and mechanisms involved not only in the formation and expansion of a primary leukaemia-founding clone, but also of a temporal order of changes leading to the fully malignant phenotype. The recent knowledge of bone marrow (BM) compartments and interrelations among various BM resident and recruited cell types helps in understanding the AML development. The progress in the techniques and knowledge will result in the development and use of molecularly targeted therapies tailored to individual patient needs.

An analysis of ideal and actual time to surgery after traumatic spinal cord injury in Canada.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of a prospective registry and surgeon survey. OBJECTIVES: To identify surgeon opinion on ideal practice regarding the timing of decompression/stabilization for spinal cord injury and actual practice. Discrepancies in surgical timing and barriers to ideal timing of surgery were explored. SETTING: Canada. METHODS: Patients from the Rick Hansen Spinal Cord Registry (RHSCIR, 2004-2014) were reviewed to determine actual timing of surgical management. Following data collection, a survey was distributed to Canadian surgeons, asking for perceived to be the optimal and actual timings of surgery. Discrepancies between actual data and surgeon survey responses were then compared using χ2 tests and logistic regression. RESULTS: The majority of injury patterns identified in the registry were treated operatively. ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) C/D injuries were treated surgically less frequently in the RHSCIR data and surgeon survey (odds ratio (OR)= 0.39 and 0.26). Significant disparities between what surgeons identified as ideal, actual current practice and RHSCIR data were demonstrated. A great majority of surgeons (93.0%) believed surgery under 24 h was ideal for cervical AIS A/B injuries and 91.0% for thoracic AIS A/B/C/D injuries. Definitive surgical management within 24 h was actually accomplished in 39.0% of cervical and 45.0% of thoracic cases. CONCLUSION: Ideal surgical timing for traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI) within 24 h of injury was identified, but not accomplished. Discrepancies between the opinions on the optimal and actual timing of surgery in tSCI patients suggest the need for strategies for knowledge translation and reduction of administrative barriers to early surgery.

The differential effects of norepinephrine and dopamine on cerebrospinal fluid pressure and spinal cord perfusion pressure after acute human spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective vasopressor cross-over interventional studyObjectives:To examine how two vasopressors used in acute traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) affect intrathecal cerebrospinal fluid pressure and the corresponding spinal cord perfusion pressure (SCPP). SETTING: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. METHODS: Acute SCI patients over the age of 17 with cervical or thoracic ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS). A, B or C injuries were enrolled in this study. Two vasopressors, norepinephrine and dopamine, were evaluated in a 'crossover procedure' to directly compare their effect on the intrathecal pressure (ITP). The vasopressor cross-over procedures were performed in the intensive care unit where ITP, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate were being continuously measured. The SCPP was calculated as the difference between MAP and ITP. RESULTS: A total of 11 patients were enrolled and included in our analysis. There were 6 patients with AIS A, 3 with AIS B and 2 with AIS C injuries at baseline. We performed 24 cross-over interventions in these 11 patients. There was no difference in MAP with the use of norepinephrine versus dopamine (84±1 mm Hg for both; P=0.33). Conversely, ITP was significantly lower with the use of norepinephrine than with dopamine (17±1 mm Hg vs 20±1 mm Hg, respectively, P<0.001). This decrease in ITP with norepinephrine resulted in an increased SCPP during the norepinephrine infusion when compared with dopamine (67±1 mm Hg vs 65±1 mm Hg respectively, P=0.0049). CONCLUSION: Norepinephrine was able to maintain MAP with a lower ITP and a correspondingly higher SCPP as compared with dopamine in this study. These results suggest that norepinephrine may be preferable to dopamine if vasopressor support is required post SCI to maintain elevated MAPs in accordance with published guidelines.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy of pancreatic lesions. An 8-year analysis of single institution material focusing on efficacy and learning progress.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and the learning curve of the endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (EUS-FNAB) diagnostics of pancreatic lesions over 8 years (2007-2014). MATERIAL AND METHODS: EUS-FNAB using a Linear Echoendoscope Olympus was performed in 531 patients, mostly without rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE). Smears plus cytoblock sections were used routinely. Immunocytochemistry was utilised as indicated. RESULTS: The average, satisfactory sampling rate increased from the 61.2% in the first 3-year period to 72.9% in the last 3-year period (P = 0.008). The availability of the material for cytoblocks increased from 36.4% in the first period to 75.3% in the last period (P = 0.017). The efficacy of cytoblocks increased from 39.6% to 46.2% (P = 0.086). Comparing the first and last 3-year periods, the indication for immunocytochemistry did not rise substantially (5.2% and 8.5% respectively), but the predictive value of immunocytochemistry rose from 56.3% to 100.0% (P = 0.001). The most frequent diagnostic result was malignancy confirmation - both primary (41.2%) and metastatic (2.1%). In cases with representative samples and follow-up information, the specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value and accuracy were high from the beginning. The negative predictive value decreased slightly in the last 3-year period. CONCLUSION: The pancreatic EUS-FNAB without ROSE represents a suboptimal arrangement conditioned with our staff/time/location reality. Nevertheless, within the last 3 years of our activity, nearly three-quarters of patients profit from the diagnostic contribution of this procedure.

[Adrenocortical oncocytoma presenting as Cushing´s syndrome in pregnancy with spontaneous postpartum uterine rupture]. / Adrenokortikální onkocytom jako raritní prícina Cushingova syndromu v gravidite a následná delozní ruptura po porodu.

OBJECTIVE: The description of rare case of the Cushings syndrome in pregnancy resulting in the spontaneous rupture of uterus. DESIGNS: A case report. SETTING: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 1st Medical Faculty of Charles University and Hospital Na Bulovce. CASE REPORT: The authors report the case of a 33 year old woman, who was admitted to the clinic in 30th week of pregnancy for elevated blood pressure and hypokalemia. Arterial hypertension was corrected with the combination of Vasocardin and Dopegyt. In 36th week of pregnancy the patient was admitted to the hospital with premature rupture of membranes. In less than sixteen hours the patient spontaneously gave birth to a healthy girl. Subsequently the patient suffered from abdominal pain. CT scan showed haemoperitoneum and a right adrenal mass and the surgical revision was performed. During the surgery uterine rupture was identified and the patient uderwent abdominal hysterectomy. Based on the endocrinological examination the diagnosis of Cushings syndrome was made. Three months after the delivery she underwent laparoscopic right adrenalectomy. Histological examination revealed adrenocortical oncocytoma. CONCLUSION: Cushings syndrome is rare in pregnancy and misdiagnosis is common. Symptoms mimic pregnancy complications. The disease is often diagnosed with delay even after delivery. The sonography and magnetic resonance are dominant imaging methods. Laboratory diagnosis is difficult due to pregnancy related changes. In spite of rarity of Cushings syndrome in pregnancy we should think about it in terms of the differential diagnosis of hypertension, diabetes, dysbalance of mineralogram and typical cushingoid habitus.

[The AOSpine Classification of Thoraco-Lumbar Spine Injuries]. / Die AOSpine-Klassifikation thorakolumbaler Wirbelsäulenverletzungen.

Optimal treatment of injuries to the thoracolumbar spine is based on a detailed analysis of instability, as indicated by injury morphology and neurological status, together with significant modifying factors. A classification system helps to structure this analysis and should also provide guidance for treatment. Existing classification systems, such as the Magerl classification, are complex and do not include the neurological status, while the TLICS system has been accused of over-simplifying the influence of fracture morphology and instability. The AOSpine classification group has developed a new classification system, based mainly upon the Magerl and TLICS classifications, and with the aim of overcoming these drawbacks. This differentiates three main types of injury: Type A lesions are compression lesions to the anterior column; Type B lesions are distraction lesions of either the anterior or the posterior column; Type C lesions are translationally unstable lesions. Type A and B lesions are split into subgroups. The neurological damage is graded in 5 steps, ranging from a transient neurological deficit to complete spinal cord injury. Additional modifiers describe disorders which affect treatment strategy, such as osteoporosis or ankylosing diseases. Evaluations of intra- and inter-observer reliability have been very promising and encourage the introduction of this AOSpine classification of thoracolumbar injuries to the German speaking community.

Development and validation of a computerized algorithm for International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI).

STUDY DESIGN: Validation study. OBJECTIVES: To describe the development and validation of a computerized application of the international standards for neurological classification of spinal cord injury (ISNCSCI). SETTING: Data from acute and rehabilitation care. METHODS: The Rick Hansen Institute-ISNCSCI Algorithm (RHI-ISNCSCI Algorithm) was developed based on the 2011 version of the ISNCSCI and the 2013 version of the worksheet. International experts developed the design and logic with a focus on usability and features to standardize the correct classification of challenging cases. A five-phased process was used to develop and validate the algorithm. Discrepancies between the clinician-derived and algorithm-calculated results were reconciled. RESULTS: Phase one of the validation used 48 cases to develop the logic. Phase three used these and 15 additional cases for further logic development to classify cases with 'Not testable' values. For logic testing in phases two and four, 351 and 1998 cases from the Rick Hansen SCI Registry (RHSCIR), respectively, were used. Of 23 and 286 discrepant cases identified in phases two and four, 2 and 6 cases resulted in changes to the algorithm. Cross-validation of the algorithm in phase five using 108 new RHSCIR cases did not identify the need for any further changes, as all discrepancies were due to clinician errors. The web-based application and the algorithm code are freely available at www.isncscialgorithm.com. CONCLUSION: The RHI-ISNCSCI Algorithm provides a standardized method to accurately derive the level and severity of SCI from the raw data of the ISNCSCI examination. The web interface assists in maximizing usability while minimizing the impact of human error in classifying SCI. SPONSORSHIP: This study is sponsored by the Rick Hansen Institute and supported by funding from Health Canada and Western Economic Diversification Canada.

[Intra-articular reinforcement of a partially torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) using newly developed UHMWPE biomaterial in combination with Hexalon ACL/PCL screws: ex-vivo mechanical testing of an animal knee model]. / Intraartikulární augmentace parciální ruptury predního zkrízeného vazu (ACL) nove vyvinutým UHMWPE biomateriálem v kombinaci s Hexalon ACL/PCL srouby: ex vivo mechanické testování animálního modelu kolenního kloubu.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Recent trends in the experimental surgical management of a partial anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture in animals show repair of an ACL lesion using novel biomaterials both for biomechanical reinforcement of a partially unstable knee and as suitable scaffolds for bone marrow stem cell therapy in a partial ACL tear. The study deals with mechanical testing of the newly developed ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) biomaterial anchored to bone with Hexalon biodegradable ACL/PCL screws, as a new possibility of intra-articular reinforcement of a partial ACL tear. MATERIAL AND METHODS Two groups of ex vivo pig knee models were prepared and tested as follows: the model of an ACL tear stabilised with UHMWPE biomaterial using a Hexalon ACL/PCL screw (group 1; n = 10) and the model of an ACL tear stabilised with the traditional, and in veterinary medicine used, extracapsular technique involving a monofilament nylon fibre, a clamp and a Securos bone anchor (group 2; n = 11). The models were loaded at a standing angle of 100° and the maximum load (N) and shift (mm) values were recorded. RESULTS In group 1 the average maximal peak force was 167.6 ± 21.7 N and the shift was on average 19.0 ± 4.0 mm. In all 10 specimens, the maximum load made the UHMWPE implant break close to its fixation to the femur but the construct/fixation never failed at the site where the material was anchored to the bone. In group 2, the average maximal peak force was 207.3 ± 49.2 N and the shift was on average 24.1 ± 9.5 mm. The Securos stabilisation failed by pullout of the anchor from the femoral bone in nine out of 11 cases; the monofilament fibre ruptured in two cases. CONCLUSIONS It can be concluded that a UHMWPE substitute used in ex-vivo pig knee models has mechanical properties comparable with clinically used extracapsular Securos stabilisation and, because of its potential to carry stem cells and bioactive substances, it can meet the requirements for an implant appropriate to the unique technique of protecting a partial ACL tear. In addition, it has no critical point of ACL substitute failure at the site of its anchoring to the bone (compared to the previously used PET/PCL substitute). Key words: knee stabilisation, stifle surgery, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, UHMWPE, nylon monofilament thread, biodegradable screw, bone anchor.

International Spinal Cord Injury: Spinal Interventions and Surgical Procedures Basic Data set.

STUDY DESIGN: Survey of expert opinion, feedback and final consensus. OBJECTIVE: To describe the development and the variables included in the International Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Spinal Interventions and Surgical Procedures Basic Data set. SETTING: International working group. METHODS: A committee of experts was established to select and define data elements. The data set was then disseminated to the appropriate committees and organizations for comments. All suggested revisions were considered and both the International Spinal Cord Society and the American Spinal Injury Association endorsed the final version. RESULTS: The data set consists of nine variables: (1) Intervention/Procedure Date and start time (2) Non-surgical bed rest and external immobilization, (3) Spinal intervention-closed manipulation and/or reduction of spinal elements, (4) Surgical procedure-approach, (5) Date and time of the completion of the intervention or surgical closure; (6) Surgical procedure-open reduction, (7) Surgical procedure-direct decompression of neural elements, and (8 and 9) Surgical procedure-stabilization and fusion (spinal segment number and level). All variables are coded using numbers or characters. Each spinal intervention and procedure is coded (variables 1 through 7) and the spinal segment level is described (variables 8 and 9). Sample clinical cases were developed to illustrate how to complete it. CONCLUSION: The International SCI Spinal Interventions and Surgical Procedures Basic Data Set was developed to facilitate comparisons of spinal interventions and surgical procedures among studies, centers and countries.

Mycotic Aneurysm in the Aortoiliac Area - Current Options for Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Infection represents a less frequent cause for the development of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The diagnosis is associated with a high risk of rapir progression and rupture. CASE REPORTS: Case 1 is a female operated on urgently for a ruptured mycotic aneurysm of the abdominal aorta. After resection of the aneurysm, we performed in situ replacement using a rifampicin-soaked vascular prosthesis. In case 2, an asymptomatic aneurysm of the right iliac artery was treated by endovascular implantation of a stent-graft. Both patients were treated with antibiotics concurrently and are still alive. DISCUSSION: The discussion deals with the up-to-date treatment modalities for mycotic aneurysms in the aorto-iliac region. The indication criteria must be adjusted individually. CONCLUSION: The prognosis of patients with a mycotic aneurysm depends particularly on an early diagnosis.

Reliability of the spine adverse events severity system (SAVES) for individuals with traumatic spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN: Test-retest analysis. OBJECTIVES: To determine the intra- and inter-rater reliability of the Spine Adverse Events Severity System for Spinal Cord Injury (SAVES-SCI) in patients with traumatic SCI. SETTING: Quaternary care spine program in Vancouver, Canada. METHODS: Ten hypothetical patient cases were developed. The cases were completed by 10 raters (seven physicians, one nurse, one physiotherapist and one researcher) who were asked to identify and grade the severity of adverse events using SAVES-SCI twice with 1-week interval. Intra- and inter-rater reliability were calculated using kappa statistics and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). RESULTS: Intra-rater reliability for both identifying and grading AEs were high with all AEs (kappa greater than 0.6) except for bone implant, diathermy burn, massive blood loss, myocardial infarction, neurological deterioration, pressure ulcer, return to operating room and tracheostomy requirement. The inter-rater reliability measured with ICC were all above 0.6 for identifying and grading intraoperative, pre and postoperative AEs and consequences of SCI. CONCLUSIONS: The SAVES-SCI demonstrated acceptable intra-and inter-rater reliability for a majority of the AEs. Further clarification and definition of some of the AEs as well as provision of sample training cases for clinicians would assist in reducing measurement errors. The SAVES-SCI is a useful tool to assess and capture AEs in patients with acute traumatic SCI.

Evaluation of a pilot Pressure Ulcer Prevention Initiative (PUPI) for patients with traumatic spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether implementation of a Pressure Ulcer Prevention Initiative (PUPI) changed the assessment and treatment of patients with a traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) in an acute care setting, and improved patient outcomes. METHOD: The success of implementation was evaluated by examining the percentage of patients with completed occupational therapist (OT) skin care assessments and prescriptions for therapeutic support surfaces (TSS; i.e., mattresses) before implementation (historical, cohort 1) and after implementation (experimental, cohort 2). Patient outcomes were evaluated by examining changes in PU incidence, severity, timing and recurrence, as well as PU prevalence and satisfaction with life in the community. RESULTS: Final analysis included 70 patients in cohort 1 and 73 in cohort 2. OT skin care assessment documentation (31% to 60%; p<0.001) and TSS prescriptions (31% to 60%; p=0.02) significantly increased following the implementation. The PU incidence based on patient charts (both nursing and OT assessments) did not increase significantly (26% to 36%; p=0.2). However, documented PU incidence according to OT assessments showed a substantial increase (14% to 33%; p=0.002). No effect of the PUPI was seen on immediate or long-term patient outcomes during the study period. CONCLUSION: PUPI was successful in changing clinical practice in PU prevention but no statistically significant improvements in PU-related patient outcomes were demonstrated. Results from this study identified facilitators and barriers to implementation and highlighted the complexity and difficulty of instituting effective preventative or therapeutic interventions for this population in an acute care setting. This information will assist with refinements of the PUPI and inform similar future initiatives.

Structural biomarkers in the cerebrospinal fluid within 24 h after a traumatic spinal cord injury: a descriptive analysis of 16 subjects.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. OBJECTIVES: To characterize the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of glial fibrillary acidic protein, neuron specific enolase (NSE), S-100ß, tau and neurofilament heavy chain (NFH) within 24 h of an acute traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI), and to correlate these concentrations with the baseline severity of neurologic impairment as graded by the American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale (AIS). METHODS: A lumbar puncture was performed to obtain CSF from 16 acute traumatic SCI patients within 24 h post injury. Neurological examinations were performed within 24 h of injury and again at 6 or 12 months post injury. The correlations between the CSF concentrations and initial AIS were calculated by using Pearson correlation coefficients. In addition, an independent Student's t-test was used to test for differences in CSF concentrations between patients of different AIS grades. RESULTS: The CSF NSE concentrations were significantly correlated with the baseline neurologic impairment being either 'motor complete' (AIS A, B) or 'motor incomplete' (AIS C, D) (r=0.520, P<0.05). The mean S-100ß concentration in motor complete patients was significantly higher compared with motor incomplete patients; 377.2 µg l(-1) (s.d.±523 µg l(-1)) vs 57.1 µg l(-1) (s.d.±56 µg l(-1)) (P<0.05), respectively. Lastly, the mean NFH concentration in motor complete patients was significantly higher compared with motor incomplete patient, 11 813 ng l(-1) (s.d.±16 195 ng l(-1)) vs 1446.8 ng l(-1) (s.d.±1533 ng l(-1)), (P<0.05), respectively. CONCLUSION: In this study we identified differences in the structural CSF biomarkers NSE, S-100ß and NFH between motor complete and motor incomplete SCI patients. Our data showed no clear differences in any of the protein concentrations between the different AIS grades.

Egg yolk phospholipids enriched with 1-O-octadecyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(N-palmitoyl) ethanolamine inhibit development of experimentally induced tumours.

Dietary phospholipids (PLs) and their derivatives have proved active in suppression of various health problems and conditions including cancer. In this work we compared the effect of dietary phospholipids from hen egg yolk enriched with N-acyl ether-phosphatidyl ethanolamine (NAEPE) termed bioactive phospholipids (BAP+ preparation) with PLs lacking NAEPE (BAP- preparation) on the growth of transformed cells in vitro and on the promotion and progression of experimental tumours in vivo. For the in vivo experiments we used the chicken model in which liver, lung, and kidney tumours arose via natural selection from single cells initiated by experimentally introduced somatic mutations caused by insertional mutagenesis. Mutagenized animals were fed BAP+ or BAP- diet in various regimens. We observed that BAP+ at low concentrations killed cells of various tumour cell lines in culture but did not compromise viability of non-transformed cells. Oral administration of the BAP+ preparation efficiently reduced progression of all tumour types. However, it did not significantly reduce the number of already initiated tumours and their growth when BAP+ was discontinued. Our data suggest that NAEPE combined with hen egg PLs significantly interferes with tumour progression, possibly through the inhibition of tumour cell viability.