The role of natural killer cells in respiratory syncytial virus infection of BALB/c mice

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:DXN026622 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo

The effect of fibre configuration on the efficiency of aerosol filtration

Experimental investigations are carried out using model and real filters. A monodispersed aerosol, produced by a spinning top generator is used to test the filters, mass determinations being carried out by the sodium flame technique. Postulating, but not proving, that adhesion is responsible for the deviation between the theoretical results, based on the Rappel cellular flow model, and experimental results, agreement between theory and experiment is demonstrated. It is proved that model and real filters can be corrected for their deviation from ideal banks of parallel fibres, by utilizing their experimental drag characteristics. The filter efficiency is reduced at low values of air relative humidity, but increased by particle charge if the inertia parameter is small. Fibre configuration, as embodied in the packing effect, only slightly affects the single fibre efficiency in the inertial region. There is an increase in the single fibre efficiency between 1 and 3% packing, little effect between 3 and 9%, and further increase at 11%. Lack of particlefibre adhesion is postulated as explaining this phenomena

Assessment of Quality of Life After Surgery for Spinal Metastases: Position Statement of the Global Spine Tumour Study Group

Scientific Assessment and Innovation in Neurosurgical Treatment Strategie

Rapid improvements in pain and quality of life are sustained after surgery for spinal metastases in a large prospective cohort

Introduction Metastatic spinal cancer is a common condition that may lead to spinal instability, pain and paralysis. In the 1980s, surgery was discouraged because results showed worse neurological outcomes and pain compared with radiotherapy alone. However, with the advent of modern imaging and spinal stabilisation techniques, the role of surgery has regained centre stage, though few studies have assessed quality of life and functional outcomes after surgery. Objective We investigated whether surgery provides sustained improvement in quality of life and pain relief for patients with symptomatic spinal metastases by analysing the largest reported surgical series of patients with epidural spinal metastases. Methods A prospective cohort study of 922 consecutive patients with spinal metastases who underwent surgery, from the Global Spine Tumour Study Group database. Pre- and post-operative EQ-5D quality of life, visual analogue pain score, Karnofsky physical functioning score, complication rates and survival were recorded. Results Quality of life (EQ-5D), VAS pain score and Karnofsky physical functioning score improved rapidly after surgery and these improvements were sustained in those patients who survived up to 2 years after surgery. In specialised spine centres, the technical intra-operative complication rate of surgery was low, however almost a quarter of patients experienced post-operative systemic adverse events. Conclusion Surgical treatment for spinal metastases produces rapid pain relief, maintains ambulation and improves good quality of life. However, as a group, patients with cancer are vulnerable to post-operative systemic complications, hence the importance of appropriate patient selection.Scientific Assessment and Innovation in Neurosurgical Treatment Strategie