Publications by authors named "W J Sonstein"
Article Synopsis
- - The study developed a new diagnostic test to quickly and accurately detect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks after spinal surgery, focusing on measuring transferrin (TF) levels in CSF and serum.
- - It utilized a "hook effect" that occurs when TF levels are excessively high to distinguish between CSF and serum samples, tested on 37 patients and compared to a reference standard.
- - The new LFI sensor showed exceptional results, achieving 100% sensitivity and specificity for detecting CSF leaks, which could greatly improve patient care and recovery post-surgery.
Article Synopsis
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage can cause serious brain and spine issues, highlighting the need for quick diagnostic methods.
- The study utilizes an immunochromatographic assay (ICA) to detect beta-2 transferrin (β2TF), a specific biomarker for CSF leakage, distinguishing it from serum sialotransferrin (sTF) using a unique sample-preparation step.
- The ICA showed high accuracy in identifying CSF leakage, with a specificity of 97.1% and a sensitivity of 96.2%, making it a promising point-of-care testing option, although it still takes 70 minutes to complete, which is better than traditional methods.
A simple and rapid detection of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage would benefit spine surgeons making critical postoperative decisions on patient care. We have assessed novel approaches to selectively determine CSF β2-transferrin (β2TF), an asialo-transferrin (aTF) biomarker, without interference from serum sialo-transferrin (sTF) in test samples. First, we performed mild periodate oxidation to selectively generate aldehyde groups in sTF for capture with magnetic hydrazide microparticles, and selective removal with a magnetic separator.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObject: The authors conducted a pilot study to determine whether a bioresorbable intervertebral fusion device composed of 85/15 polylactide-polyglycolide (PLA-PGA) copolymer packed with bone autograft is a suitable alternative to promote arthrodesis after anterior cervical discectomy (ACD) in a caprine model.
Methods: The caprine cervical spine model has been used to evaluate interbody healing and fusion after application of bone grafts and instrumentation. Whether a bioresorbable device is suitable for facilitating intervertebral bone union has not been determined.
Restoration of brain function by neural transplants is largely dependent upon the survival of donor neurons. Unfortunately, in both rodent models and human patients with Parkinson's disease the survival rate of transplanted neurons has been poor. We have employed a strategy to increase the availability of nutrients to the transplant by increasing the rate at which blood vessels are formed.
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