Objectives - We designed this study to evaluate the effect of TachoComb and to compare it with SurgiWrap, Surgicel, and Lyodura in an experimental rat model for epidural fibrosis (EF). Methods - This prospective and experimental rat model study was performed at Dicle University, School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, in Diyarbakır, Turkey, between January 2005 and June 2005, using 50 Sprague Dawley rats (30 female and 20 male) with a mean weight of 290 g. The rats were divided into five groups: TachoComb, Surgicel, SurgiWrap, Lyodura, and control. Results - Eight weeks after laminectomy, the rats were killed and EF was evaluated. EF was statistically different between the groups. The lowest EF score was in the TachoComb group (F=6.915, p<0.001). Conclusions - According to this study, TachoComb was found to be a more effective agent in decreasing EF than Surgicel, SurgiWrap, or Lyodura.

[Objective - We summarize our initial experiences with selective dorsal rhizotomy that we introduced in Hungary to manage the spasticity of patients with cerebral palsy. Patients and methods - Thirty spastic patients were enrolled in our study. All of the patients were operated between July 2014 and June 2015. We performed selective dorsal rhizotomy from a single-level approach at the level of conus medullaris in all cases, with electrophysiological control. Results - We could perform the surgery in all cases safely. Adverse events related either to damage of neurological structures, or to surgery did not occur. The planned rehabilitation courses before and after the operations are in progress in all cases. Conclusion - Selective dorsal rhizotomy is an irreversible surgical intervention to treat spasticity. With sufficient experience and electrophysiological control it can be performed safely, and the early results are promising. ]

[Background and purpose - In case of dehiscenses developing on the anterior scull base, complete closure resulting in the cessation of the communication between the nasal cavity and the intracranial space is mandatory as soon as possible, in order to prevent serious complications. With the development of the endoscopic techniques, the endonasal management for the reconstruction has become available in recent decades. Methods - We aim to present the reconstruction techniques applied in our department in the cases of two patients recently operated at our institute. The choice of methods primarily depends on the size and the localization of the defect. Dehiscenses under 5 mm of diameter can be closed with the so called “bath-plug” technique, while bigger defects, where the required closure of the plug is not possible, can be solved with multilayer reconstruction. We use autogenous fascia, fat and muco-periosteum in both cases. Results - Our patient, who underwent the aforementioned “bath-plug” procedure, could be discharged after a few days of uneventful postoperative period. During a tenmonth follow- up period new fistula formation was not observed. In the case of a patient who underwent multilayer reconstruction, meningitis occurred postoperatively, which was resolved after antibiotic therapy. During a 17- month follow- up period recurrent liquorrhoea did not occur. Conclusion - With suitable technical background and appropriate endoscopic skills the surgeries of the anterior skull base cerebrospinal fluid fistulas can be performed efficiently and with low complication rate. These are minimally invasive procedures accompanied by less surgical trauma, morbidity and shorter hospitalization, hence these techniques are considered to be cost-effective and well- tolerated for the patients.]

Introduction - Human serum paraoxonase (PON1) and arylesterase (ARE) are lipophilic antioxidant enzymes. PON-1 serum activity diverges in individuals and populations, which might be due to polymorphisms in the PON-1 gene. The PON1 activity phenotyping method, based on the ratio of the stimulated PON activity and the ARE activity, could determine the low-activity homozygotes (QQ), intermediate activity heterozygotes (QR), and high-activity homozygotes (RR) regardless of the genotype. The aim of the present study was to determine the PON1 phenotype distribution and enzymatic activity of PON1 and ARE in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Materials and methods - Thirty-four relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) patients (22 females and 12 males; median age 42 (range 20-55) years) in the remission phase and thirty-four age-sex matched healthy controls (19 females and 15 males; median age 37 (21-60) years) were included in this study. All patients had clinically definite MS according to McDonald’s criteria. Results - Serum PON1 and ARE enzyme activities, as well as salt-stimulated PON1, were not significantly different between the patient and control groups. Phenotype distributions were as follows: QQ 58.8%, QR 38.2%, and RR 3% in MS patients (n=34); QQ 44.1%, QR 50%, and RR 5.9% in the control group (n=34). QQ (low activity) phenotypic distribution was more common in MS patients than controls, but this difference was not significant (p=0.14). Conclusions - Our results did not reveal meaningful relationships between PON1 activity or PON1 phenotypes and MS. More studies in larger samples and in all phases of the disease are needed in the future.

[The rare, genetically determined group of diseases characterized by pathological accumulation of iron in the central nervous system and progressive, typically movement disorder’s symptoms are called NBIA (neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation). By the rapid development of molecular genetics, it has become apparent that different mutations in numerous genes can lead to pathological cerebral iron accumulation. Simultaneously, it has also been recognized that the age of onset, the symptoms and the prognosis of NBIA disorders are much more diverse than it was previously perceived. To our knowledge, a review article on the most recent clinical data of NBIA has not been published in Hungarian. In the first part of this publication, we survey the general clinical characteristics and the diagnostic algorithm of NBIA diseases and address some considerations for differential diagnostics. In the second part of this review, the particular NBIA disorders are presented in details. The purpose of this article is to provide a clinical overview that may be useful for neurologists, pediatricians and any other medical practitioners interested in this field.]