Study design: Clinical practice guidelines. Objectives: To develop the first Canadian clinical practice guidelines for treatment of neuropathic pain in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Setting: The guidelines are relevant for inpatient and outpatient SCI rehabilitation settings in Canada. Methods: The CanPainSCI Working Group reviewed the evidence for different treatment options and achieved consensus. The Working Group then developed clinical considerations for each recommendation. Recommendations for research are also included. Results: Twelve recommendations were developed for the management of neuropathic pain after SCI. The recommendations address both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment modalities. Conclusions: An expert Working Group developed recommendations for the treatment of neuropathic pain after SCI that should be used to inform practice.

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Study design: Retrospective, descriptive study. Objective: To determine if patients with metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) make significant functional gains through rehabilitation. To study survival and predictors of survival in MSCC. To explore predictive factors for high or low functional gains in MSCC. Setting: Inpatient neuro-oncology rehabilitation ward, Henderson General Hospital, Hamilton, Canada. Methods: Clinical records were examined for 63 inpatients with MSCC. Demographics, treatment of MSCC, length of rehabilitation, admission, and discharge Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores, Tokuhashi score and survival data were collected. Statistical analyses included nonparametric comparisons, Kaplan-Meier analyses, Cox regression, and exploratory logistic regression. Results: FIM score improved from 83 to 102 (Po0.0001). Estimated median survival from time of rehabilitation was 10.0 months. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed longer survival in patients with high Tokuhashi scores (9-15) compared to low scores (0-8) (Po0.005); and high FIM change (413) compared to low FIM change (p13) (Po0.02). Cox regression revealed that high FIM gain and high Tokuhashi score were prognostic factors. Logistic regression showed Tokuhashi score (odds ratio (OR) ¼ 1.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) ¼ 1.04-1.62) and length of rehabilitation (OR ¼ 1.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) ¼ 1.01-1.07) were associated with high FIM gain. Conclusions: Rehabilitation improves functional outcomes in MSCC. Patients who had a high Tokuhashi score and achieved high functional gains after rehabilitation had longer survival. Tokuhashi score and length of rehabilitation were associated with high FIM gain. The Tokuhashi score can help identify patients with good prognosis and potential for improvement during rehabilitation.

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A common feature of many problem-based laboratories in analytical chemistry is a lengthy independent project involving the analysis of "real-world" samples. Students research the literature, adapting and developing a method suitable for their analyte, sample matrix, and problem scenario. Because these projects encompass the complete analytical process, students must consider issues such as obtaining a representative sample, selecting a method of analysis, developing a suitable standardization, validating results, and implementing appropriate quality assessment/quality control practices. Most textbooks and monographs suitable for an undergraduate course in analytical chemistry, however, provide only limited coverage of these important topics. The need for short laboratory experiments emphasizing important facets of method development, such as selecting a method of standardization, is evident. The experiment reported here, which is suitable for an introductory course in analytical chemistry, illustrates the importance of matrix effects when selecting a method of standardization. Students also learn how a spike recovery is used to validate an analytical method, and obtain a practical experience in the difference between performing an external standardization and a standard addition.

Eyelid function is critical for the maintenance of ocular health and vision. MMS is an ideal skin cancer treatment for the delicate structure of the eyelid, where maximal tissue preservation is critical. There are a plethora of reconstruction options to consider after MMS has been performed in this area. The choice of repair and surgical outcome depend, in part, on the surgeon's knowledge of eyelid anatomy and his or her ability to assess the repair requirements of the post-MMS defect. Dermatologic surgeons can effectively work with other specialists to help ensure that their patients receive a cure with restored ocular function and optimal cosmesis.

A survey of the levels of 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) in a range of selected food products available in the UK is reported. The survey was carried out on behalf of the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to identify the food groups that might provide a significant contribution to 3-MCPD exposure from the diet. Three hundred samples comprising meat, dairy, cereal, soup and miscellaneous products were purchased from retail outlets and analysed using a GC-MS procedure, which had been formally validated by an earlier collaborative trial. 3-MCPD was detected in 89 (30%) of the samples. Three samples, all crackers, contained levels of 3-MCPD > 0.1 mg kg(-1), the highest level being 0.134 mg kg(-1). Levels of 3-MCPD were generally slightly higher in foods after cooking. In all cases where 3-MCPD was detected in cooked foods, it was also present in the uncooked sample.