[E-learning in orthopedics and traumatology. A comparative pilot study on acceptance and knowledge acquisition among users and non-users]. / E-Learning in der Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie : Eine vergleichende Pilotstudie zur Akzeptanz und zum Wissenszuwachs unter Nutzern und Nichtnutzern.

BACKGROUND: Additional internet-based learning tools (e-learning) are successfully used in the curricula of many disciplines and are highly accepted among students. However, in orthopedics and traumatology e-learning is underrepresented and scientific papers are rare. The aim of the present pilot study was to evaluate the acceptance of the e-learning module network for students in traumatology and orthopedics (NESTOR) among users and non-users and to analyze the effect of this additional learning tool on knowledge acquisition. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 544 students were asked to complete evaluation questionnaires at the end of two semesters using different ones for NESTOR users and non-users. The gain of knowledge was analyzed by two written knowledge tests (pre-post test, 20 multiple choice questions) at the beginning and end of the semester comparing these two groups. RESULTS: A total of 191 students took part in the evaluation and 152 completed both written tests. The NESTOR users showed a high acceptance of the e-learning system and non-users considered e-learning beneficial as well. Reasons given for not using NESTOR were lack of time, lack of information about the existence of NESTOR and a lack of interest in this discipline and e-learning in general. Both groups significantly increased their level of knowledge during the course of the semester (p < 0.01), whereas users scored significantly higher in the post-test (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The presented data support the high acceptance among users and the benefit of the e-learning project NESTOR in teaching students in orthopedics and traumatology. Based on experience and these results the permanent implementation of an additional e-learning module in the curriculum can be recommended for other faculties. In this process the critical comments of the non-users determined in the present study should be addressed.

Oxidative stress in hemodialysis patients treated with a dialysis membrane which has alpha-tocopherol bonded to its surface.

BACKGROUND: MDA, a major product of LPO, was shown to be increased in plasma of patients with end-stage renal failure (ESRF) undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Elevated oxidative stress in ESRF patients is a result of multiple pathogenetic factors. HD treatment has been shown to be one important cause of accelerated radical generation. The aim of our study was to examine whether treatment with a dialysis membrane which has alpha-tocopherol hydrophobically bonded to its surface (Excebrane by Terumo, Japan) can decrease oxidative stress due to HD. METHODS: 10 ESRF patients undergoing HD three times weekly were examined. First, analysis was done when patients were still dialysed with the membranes used before the study. Thereafter, samples were taken when patients were dialysed first time with the Excebrane membrane, and six weeks after Excebrane treatment. Samples were collected always before and after HD session. A method with HPLC-separation and flourimetric detection was used to measure plasma concentration of MDA. RESULTS: After HD with the regularly used membranes MDA was found significantly increased (before HD 1.92 [1.81-2.02] microM (median and interquartile ranges) vs. after HD 2.26 [2.02-2.60] microM, p < 0.05) suggesting that MDA was produced during HD. The first time Excebrane was used MDA was decreased significantly (before HD 2.04 [1.95-2.88] microM vs. after HD 1.35 [1.19-1.92] microM, p < 0.05). After six weeks of Excebrane treatment, plasma MDA did not change significantly during HD (before HD 2.01 [1.69-2.62] microM vs. after HD 1.95 [1.42-2.20] microM). CONCLUSION: Oxidative stress due to HD might be significantly decreased by the Excebrane membrane. However, after six weeks of treatment with Excebrane no effect was seen on the initial plasma concentration of MDA compared to the time before.

Esterification in non-aqueous solvents: cholesterol esterase as a selective biocatalysator from porcine pancreas.

From commercial porcine pancreas extract (pancreatin, PPE) an enzyme (60 kDa) was isolated and purified to SDS-PAGE homogeneity by combined ammonium sulphate fractionation, hydrophobic interaction chromatography and gel permeation chromatography. Isoelectric focusing of the purified enzyme revealed several bands at pH 4.5-5.0 and at pH 6.5-8.0. The analysis of 20 N-terminal amino acids led to its identification as cholesterol esterase (EC 3.1.1.13). While lipase (PPL), also isolated and purified from PPE, did not show esterifying activity in organic solvent, cholesterol esterase catalysed the selective esterification of 2-pentanol with butanoic acid in heptane.