Antimicrobial activity of some plant extracts against bacterial pathogens isolated from faeces of red deer (Cervus elaphus).

Antibacterial activity is the most widely studied aspect of plant extracts. Antibiotics extensively produced and consumed in large quantities, have proved to be problematic due to various types of adverse effects. The development of bacterial resistance to currently available antibiotics has necessitated the search for new antibacterial agents. One of the alternative strategies for fighting antibiotic- resistant bacteria is the use of natural antimicrobial substances such as plant extracts. We tested the antimicrobial activity of nine extracts from different plants against pathogenic bacteria isolated from the faeces of red deer (Cervus elaphus). Selected bacteria commonly contaminated the natural environment and constitute a source of infection in other animals and humans. Extracts obtained from the following plants were tested: Hypericum perforatum L., Chamomilla recutita L., Achillea millefolium L., Salvia officinalis L., Thymus vulgaris L., Pinus sylvestris L., Mentha x piperita L., Valeriana officinalis L. and Foeniculum vulgare Mill. The highest degree of antibacterial properties was observed for Mentha x piperita L., narrower spectrum of activity possessed Hypericum perforatum L. Extracts of Achillea millefolium L. had the lowest spectrum of antibacterial activity. Our study confirms that many plant extracts shows in vitro antibacterial activity.

Experimental studies of microbial populations and incidence of zoonotic pathogens in the faeces of red deer (Cervus elaphus).

UNLABELLED: Wild animals can serve as hosts, amplifiers or reservoirs for various zoonotic diseases. Most species of deer in highly fragmented agricultural landscapes, search out maximum cover from intrusive human activity. Hence, the likelihood of zoonosis transmission is likely to increase the more humans and wildlife interact. In our study, we conducted a comparative analysis of bacteria isolated from the faeces of red deer (Cervus elaphus) living in their natural environment in south-western Poland and brought in from Hungary and Slovakia under a species reintroduction programme. The faecal bacterial flora from 120 specimens of deer were examined, with particular attention to potentially pathogenic agents. We isolated 458 micro-organisms, of which 13 (2·84%) were identified as EHEC (Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli) strains, and of these one strain, produced the Shiga toxin. No strain was identified as having ESBL (Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase) resistance. Other bacteria that are important in terms of the health of humans and animals included Yersinia enterocolitica (4, 0·67%) and Staphylococcus aureus (4, 0·67%), but without methicillin resistance, and Listeria monocytogenes (8, 1·75%). Of all the micro-organisms 138 (30·13%) were bacteria of the genus Enterococcus, including 12 (2·62%) of the species Enterococcus faecium. The results of the study indicate that red deer may play an important role in the environmental maintenance of zoonotic pathogens. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: A particularly important factor in the epidemiology of bacterial infections is the introduction of pathogens posing a risk to other animals and humans into the soil, plants and especially water, as contaminants together with faeces. Our study presents screening of potentially pathogenic bacteria in different populations of deer that were displaced under reintroduction programmes. Based on our own research and the literature data, it seems that wild ruminants play an important role in the maintenance of zoonotic pathogens and information about zoonoses from red deer will become increasingly important as deer populations continue to grow, especially in Europe.

Design of multifunctional compliant mechanisms for minimally invasive surgery.

Compliant mechanisms that can perform multiple unique functions have great potential for use in minimally invasive therapy. A fully compliant mechanism may be thought of as a monolithic mechanism without hinge joints which uses elastic deformation to achieve force and motion transmission. Incorporating multifunctional compliant mechanisms into minimally invasive surgical tools has many possible advantages, including reduced instrument exchanges and additional dexterity at the surgical site. Compliant mechanisms also offer the advantage of single-piece construction and ease of manufacture over their rigid-link counterparts, eliminating the need for complex millimeter-scale assembly and cleaning in hinge areas. A multicriteria topology optimization procedure for the design of multifunctional compliant mechanisms is illustrated through the design of a combination tool that will perform forceps and scissor function. A working solid model of the combination forceps/scissors has been generated based on the optimal topology. Results of detailed finite element modeling are discussed along with implications for practical manufacture and implementation.

[Reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament with Brückner's method. Principles of pre- and postoperative physiotherapeutic treatment]. / Rekonstrukcja tylnego wiezadla krzyzowego metoda Brücknera. Zasady przed- i pooperacyjnego leczenia fizjoterapeutycznego.

Description of a case of reconstruction of the posterior crucial ligament in the 27 year-old patient according to the method given by Brückner with the use of a free graft from the proper ligament of the patella is presented. The knee joint was reconstructed from two incisions: anterior--medial of Payr and a short posterior--medial. The principles of pre- and postoperative physiotherapy are included.