A novel HPLC method for the measurement of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). A comparison with a commercially available kit.

Objectives: Malondialdehyde (MDA) as a part of thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS) is frequently used as an indicator of lipid peroxidation. Most methods for the measurement of TBARS require long derivatization time and addition of antioxidants in the samples. Furthermore, comparison of these methods with commercially available HPLC kits is lacking.

Responding to change: the challenge of the 1990s.

In 1995, neurosurgery in the United States is facing challenges and threats never before imagined. In its attempts to respond as a relatively small specialty, the neurosurgical community can no longer afford to remain a house divided. Neurosurgical unit has now become a critical matter.

Spinal tuberculosis: a diagnostic and management challenge.

The authors reviewed 29 cases of spinal tuberculosis treated from 1973 to 1993 with an average follow-up time of 7.4 years. Clinical findings included back pain, paraparesis, kyphosis, fever, sensory disturbance, and bowel and bladder dysfunction.

Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma--report of four cases, with MRI scan appearances and literature review.

Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) is a rare glial tumour typically occurring in young patients in the first three decades, having a superficial cortical location and with a relatively good prognosis for long-term survival. Four cases are reviewed. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearances, which in PXA have been reported only once before, are described in three cases.

Targeted brain biopsy: a comparison of freehand computed tomography-guided and stereotactic techniques.

With computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging stereotactic systems, biopsies of intracranial lesions can be made with safety and ease. Before the development of this technique, neurosurgeons often performed freehand brain biopsies under CT guidance. While stereotactic biopsy is the procedure of choice for small, deep lesions, few studies have compared the morbidity, mortality, and efficacy in obtaining a diagnosis associated with these two techniques for superficial lesions.