Thin foil body-shield resuscitation barrier device to protect from blood: an experimental study.

In times of collective concern about pandemics, body-shield resuscitation barrier devices are more and more considered to protect against transmission of different pathogens between rescuers and patients. The objective of this experimental study was to investigate the characteristics of blood drops dispersed on the surface of four different foils suitable for blanketing patients during resuscitation. We analyzed run-off characteristics of blood stains depending on surface properties of polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate and aluminum-coated polyethylene terephthalate. Confocal fluorescence microscopy revealed less cellular density and lack of fibrin networks in blood stains on the four foil surfaces than on paper towel. Delayed clotting went along with larger areas of contamination indicating a greater likelihood of coming into contact with potential germs but a smaller chance of contracting an infection. Space blankets as obligatory components of first aid kits are readily available for rescuers and serve as a mechanical barrier between rescuers and patients during resuscitation.

[Unusual Case of a a Severely Injured Toddler - Pre- and Early Hospital Treatment and Happy End Despite Obstacles]. / Ungewöhnlicher Fall eines schweren Polytraumas beim Kleinkind ­ Happy End trotz Fallstricken.

A 16-month-old boy suffers a massive trauma (open dislocated pelvic fracture and decollement with haemorrhagic shock) due to a traffic accident. We present the characteristics and obstacles in the prehospital and early hospital emergency care of this severe and rare trauma in a pediatric patient with an emphasis on medical-operational tactics.

Infection surveillance in transsphenoidal pituitary surgery - comparison of lipopolysaccharide-binding-protein, interleukin 6, C-reactive protein, white blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and body temperature.

BACKGROUND: One of the major concerns in transsphenoidal surgery are infections because the approach to the pituitary includes a route of microbial colonization. To minimize the associated morbidity and mortality, a surveillance program is crucial to monitor for perioperative infections. METHODS: For 1 year, we analysed body temperature (BT), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), white blood cell count (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and lipopolysaccharide-binding-protein (LBP) following elective transsphenoidal pituitary surgery. Samples were collected on admission, day 1, 3 and 7 as well as 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: In 116 patients, all data were available. No postoperative infections occurred within the first postoperative week. BT (37.6 ± 0.6, baseline 37.0 ± 0.5 °C), WBC (11,366 ± 2,541, baseline 6,861 ± 2,123/µl), CRP (25.3 ± 22.6, baseline 3.1 ± 6 mg/l), IL-6 (12 ± 13, baseline 2.7 ± 2.6 pg/ml), and LBP (11.3 ± 4.9, baseline 5.7 ± 2.7 µg/ml) peaked on day 1 postoperatively (each p = 0.001), while ESR peaked on day 3 (25 ± 16, baseline 13 ± 11 mm/h, p = 0.001). BT and IL-6 normalized by day 3 and CRP by day 7, while ESR (23 ± 16 mm/h, p = 0.001), WBC (7,807 ± 2,750/µl, p = 0.001) and LBP (7.3 ± 2.6 µg/ml, p = 0.028) were still increased by day 7. CONCLUSION: The present study establishes normative values for an infection surveillance following transsphenoidal pituitary surgery. CRP, a convenient and reasonable priced parameter, is affected by the procedure for the first postoperative week. IL-6 is more robust and allows a close monitoring on the expense of additional pricing. ESR, WBC and LBP are sustained affected by surgery, and do not offer any advantage. Since no infections were observed, we were unable to calculate the respective sensitivity and specificity.

Optical lattices for atom-based quantum microscopy.

We describe new techniques in the construction of optical lattices to realize a coherent atom-based microscope, comprised of two atomic species used as target and probe atoms, each in an independently controlled optical lattice. Precise and dynamic translation of the lattices allows atoms to be brought into spatial overlap to induce atomic interactions. For this purpose, we have fabricated two highly stable, hexagonal optical lattices, with widely separated wavelengths but identical lattice constants using diffractive optics. The relative translational stability of 12 nm permits controlled interactions and even entanglement operations with high fidelity. Translation of the lattices is realized through a monolithic electro-optic modulator array, capable of moving the lattice smoothly over one lattice site in 11 micros, or rapidly on the order of 100 ns.