Feldversuch zur Eradikation von Methicillin-resistenten Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) mittels Bakteriophagen in einem Schweinezuchtbetrieb

In recent years, Livestock Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) are found frequently in pigs. The colonization of the care staff with LA-MRSA is strongly associated with the intensity and duration of animal contact and LA-MRSA herd prevalence. In human medicine, staphylococcal infections have been controlled successfully by topical or systemic administration of Staphylococcus - associated bacteriophages. Therefore, the present study investigated the effect of a bacteriophage cocktail on skin and mucosal colonization of pigs with MRSA in a pig farm with high MRSA prevalence. In a first experiment, the sows were washed with a bacteriophage cocktail and nose, mouth and vagina were rinsed before the sows were admitted to the farrowing house. Then, 10 ml of the bacteriophage cocktail was administered daily to the sows over the feed until weaning. The suckling piglets were sprayed and sampled twice a week during the suckling period and treated with the bacteriophage cocktail over the feed during the weaning period. In further experiments, the weaning room was nebulized three times a day with a bacteriophage cocktail and different concentrations of bacteriophages were added to the drinking water via Dosatron®. None of the experiments, however, showed an eradication of MRSA neither in nose nor in feces

Ultrastructural changes of the intracellular surfactant pool in a rat model of lung transplantation-related events

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, involved in primary graft dysfunction following lung transplantation, leads to inactivation of intra-alveolar surfactant which facilitates injury of the blood-air barrier. The alveolar epithelial type II cells (AE2 cells) synthesize, store and secrete surfactant; thus, an intracellular surfactant pool stored in lamellar bodies (Lb) can be distinguished from the intra-alveolar surfactant pool. The aim of this study was to investigate ultrastructural alterations of the intracellular surfactant pool in a model, mimicking transplantation-related procedures including flush perfusion, cold ischemia and reperfusion combined with mechanical ventilation.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Using design-based stereology at the light and electron microscopic level, number, surface area and mean volume of AE2 cells as well as number, size and total volume of Lb were determined in a group subjected to transplantation-related procedures including both I/R injury and mechanical ventilation (I/R group) and a control group.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>After I/R injury, the mean number of Lb per AE2 cell was significantly reduced compared to the control group, accompanied by a significant increase in the luminal surface area per AE2 cell in the I/R group. This increase in the luminal surface area correlated with the decrease in surface area of Lb per AE2. The number-weighted mean volume of Lb in the I/R group showed a tendency to increase.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>We suggest that in this animal model the reduction of the number of Lb per AE2 cell is most likely due to stimulated exocytosis of Lb into the alveolar space. The loss of Lb is partly compensated by an increased size of Lb thus maintaining total volume of Lb per AE2 cell and lung. This mechanism counteracts at least in part the inactivation of the intra-alveolar surfactant.</p

Virtual Reality Based Simulation of Hysteroscopic Interventions

Virtual reality based simulation is an appealing option to supplement traditional clinical education. However, the formal integration of training simulators into the medical curriculum is still lacking. Especially, the lack of a reasonable level of realism supposedly hinders the widespread use of this technology. Therefore, we try to tackle this situation with a reference surgical simulator of the highest possible fidelity for procedural training. This overview describes all elements that have been combined into our training system as well as first results of simulator validation. Our framework allows the rehearsal of several aspects of hysteroscopy—for instance, correct fluid management, handling of excessive bleeding, appropriate removal of intrauterine tumors, or the use of the surgical instrument