A generic curriculum development model for the biomedical physics component of the educational and training programmes of the non-physics healthcare professions.

The objective of the study was the construction of a generic curriculum development model for the use of biomedical physics (BMP) educators teaching the non-physics healthcare professions (HCP) in Europe. A comprehensive, qualitative cross-sectional Europe-wide survey of the curricula delivered by BMP in Faculties of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) was carried out. Curricular content was collected from faculty web-sites, curricular documents and textbooks. The survey data was supplemented with semi-structured interviews and direct observation during onsite visits. The number of faculties studied was 118 from 67 universities spread all over Europe, whilst the number of onsite visits/interviews was 15 (geographically distributed as follows: Eastern Europe 6, North Western Europe 5, and South Western Europe 4). EU legislation, recommendations by European national medical councils, educational benchmark statements by higher education quality assurance agencies, research journals concerning HCP education and other documents relevant to standards in clinical practice and undergraduate education were also analyzed. Best practices and BMP learning outcomes were elicited from the curricular materials, interviews and documentation and these were subsequently used to construct the curriculum development model. A structured, comprehensive BMP learning outcomes inventory was designed in the format required by the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). The structures of the inventory and curriculum development model make them ideally suited for use by BMP involved in European curriculum development initiatives for the HCP.

COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES FOR EVALUATION OF DOSE DISTRIBUTIONS IN RADIOTHERAPY USING RADIOCHROMIC EBT3 FILMS.

In radiotherapy, radiochromic films can be used for verification of delivery of dose distributions calculated by treatment planning systems. The main objective of this work was to compare three different techniques for evaluation of dose distributions for prostate cancer treatment plans using radiochromic EBT3 films. These techniques are: red channel evaluation taking into account only a response of irradiated film (R), red channel evaluation taking into account a response of unirradiated and irradiated film (Rcor) and multichannel evaluation in FilmQA software (RGB). Also comparison between film and MatriXX measurement was performed. Comparison showed that gamma analysis passing rates strongly depend on evaluation technique and on a model of scanner for digitizing films. The highest gamma passing rates were obtained with red channel evaluation taking into account a response of unirradiated and irradiated film using Epson V750 scanner (Rcor) and multichannel evaluation in FilmQA using Epson 11000XL scanner.

Determination of small field synthetic single-crystal diamond detector correction factors for CyberKnife, Leksell Gamma Knife Perfexion and linear accelerator.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine small field correction factors for a synthetic single-crystal diamond detector (PTW microDiamond) for routine use in clinical dosimetric measurements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Correction factors following small field Alfonso formalism were calculated by comparison of PTW microDiamond measured ratio MQclinfclin/MQmsrfmsr with Monte Carlo (MC) based field output factors ΩQclin,Qmsrfclin,fmsr determined using Dosimetry Diode E or with MC simulation itself. Diode measurements were used for the CyberKnife and Varian Clinac 2100C/D linear accelerator. PTW microDiamond correction factors for Leksell Gamma Knife (LGK) were derived using MC simulated reference values from the manufacturer. RESULTS: PTW microDiamond correction factors for CyberKnife field sizes 25-5 mm were mostly smaller than 1% (except for 2.9% for 5 mm Iris field and 1.4% for 7.5 mm fixed cone field). The correction of 0.1% and 2.0% for 8 mm and 4 mm collimators, respectively, needed to be applied to PTW microDiamond measurements for LGK Perfexion. Finally, PTW microDiamond MQclinfclin/MQmsrfmsr for the linear accelerator varied from MC corrected Dosimetry Diode data by less than 0.5% (except for 1 × 1 cm2 field size with 1.3% deviation). CONCLUSIONS: Regarding low resulting correction factor values, the PTW microDiamond detector may be considered an almost ideal tool for relative small field dosimetry in a large variety of stereotactic and radiosurgery treatment devices.

Rumen fermentation and metabolic profile in conventional and gnotobiotic lambs.

Observations were carried out of actual acidity, volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations, enzyme activity in the rumen, total protein, urea, total lipid and glucose in the serum of conventional (CL) and gnotobiotic lambs (GL) in the period of milk nutrition. The inoculum of gnotobiotic lambs contained Streptococcus bovis, Prevoxella ruminicola, Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens and Selenomonas ruminantium at a concentration of 1.10(6) each. Throughout the observation period the pH of the rumen contents of gnotobiotic lambs ranged within 6.5-6.8 with a significant difference at an age of 7 weeks. Total VFA concentrations in the rumen contents were increased in the CL throughout milk nutrition: the differences at 4 and 5 weeks of age were significant. Total VFA in the conventional lambs revealed an increasing tendency between weeks 4 and 7, reaching higher levels at 7 weeks of age (57.1 mmol.l-1), whereas in the gnotobiotic animals the range (24.3-30.1 mmol.l-1) was narrow and the peak occurred at 6 weeks of age. In GL significantly increased molar proportions of acetic acid were observed whereas in CL the molar proportions of propionic acid proved to be significant increased. The molar proportions of butyric and valeric acids were increased in CL but the group differences were not significant. In GL no isoacids were found. Alpha amylase (E.C.3.2.1.1.) activity of the rumen contents was significantly increased in GL between weeks 2 and 6 of age whereas cellulase (endoglucanase E.C.3.2.1.4. and cellobiohydrolase E.C.3.2.1.91.) activity was significantly increased in 4-week-old CL. Over the whole period of milk nutrition no significant differences were observed in urease (E.C.3.5.1.5.) activity of the rumen contents in the examined groups. At 5 weeks of age significantly increased total protein levels were observed in the conventional animals with maximum levels occurring at 4 weeks of age (CL-59.5 g.l-1 GL-55.3 g.l-1). Urea levels in 6-week old conventional lambs were significantly higher than in the gnotobiotic animals (CL-6.4 mmol.l-1 vs. GL-1.9 mmol.l-1). As to glycaemia no significant group differences were recorded. In the conventional animals total lipid levels were significantly increased at 1 and 6 weeks of age with a peak occurring in the first week of life (7.5 g.l-1) whereas in the gnotobiotic lambs a significant increase was observed at 3 weeks of age, the peak being recorded in 4 week-old animals (4.3 g.l-1). Throughout the period of interest the mean daily weight gains in the conventional and gnotobiotic lambs presented 0.164 and 0.162 kg, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Survey of urease activity in ruminal bacteria isolated from domestic and wild ruminants.

A total of 909 strains, including Selenomonas ruminantium, Lactobacillus sp., Enterococcus sp. and Staphylococcus sp., from the rumen of 104 domestic and wild ruminants was used in tests for urease activity. Tests showed that 56.7% of S. ruminantium strains and 18.5% of lactobacilli manifested medium urease activity with mean values of 14.4 +/- 2.5 and 13.85 +/- 0.25 nkat ml-1, respectively. Most of the Enterococcus faecium (62.2%) and all of the E. faecalis isolates expressed urease activity with mean values of 3.9 +/- 0.05 and 4.1 +/- 0.06 nkat ml-1. E. malodoratus, E. solitarius, E. mundtii, Streptococcus bovis and S. uberis did not produce any urease. All the staphylococci screened were urease-producing strains, mostly with medium or low urease activity. The highest level of urease was measured in the rumen epithelial wall of isolates SE30 (19.7 +/- 2.71 nkat ml-1 of rumen content), SCU32 (29.3 +/- 1.6 nkat ml-1) and also in the rumen content isolates EF35 (19.9 +/- 0.94 nkat ml-1) and S. ruminantium 77 (25.35 nkat ml-1). This survey contributes new data to existing information relating to the ureolytic microbial ecosystem in ruminants.

[Biochemical and physiologic properties of strains of Propionibacterium acnes isolated from the rumen of calves and lambs]. / Niektoré biochemické a fyziologické vlastnosti kmenov Propionibacterium acnes izolovaných z bachora teliat a jahniat.

Nineteen strains of Propionibacterium acnes isolated from the rumen wall of calves and lambs were subjected to examinations. Their biochemical characteristics and antibiotic resistance were evaluated while 10 strains were sensitive to all tested antibiotics. Urease activity was recorded in 20% of the examined strains with the mean value 3.42 +/- 0.97 nkat/ml/h. Proteolytic activity was observed in all the examined strains. The mean value of lactate-dehydrogenase activity was 4.96 +/- 1.01 nkat/ml. The production of volatile fatty acids in the course of glucose fermentation was also tested. On the basis of the values of adherence index the strains were evaluated as medium adherent with affinity to rumen epithelial cells.

[The role anaerobes in dermatitis digitalis et interdigitalis in cattle]. / Podiel anaeróbov na ochorení dermatitis digitalis et interdigitalis u hovädzieho dobytka.

Altogether 52 tissue samples and swabs from the corium of the claw of diseased cattle were investigated. Microbiological examinations revealed the presence of 11 strictly anaerobic bacterial strains that belonged to the species Peptococcus asacharolyticus, Pc. sacharolyticus, Peptostreptococcus anaerobius, Bacteroides asacharolyticus and B. melaninogenicus. The remaining isolates were classified as Bacteroides, Fusobacterium, Streptococcus and Clostridium. In the above-mentioned strains observations of their biochemical, morphological and enzymatic properties (Tab. I) were carried out. Their resistance to antibiotics was evaluated from the qualitative viewpoint (Tab. II). Capillary isotachophoresis was used to determine the amounts of volatile fatty acids that developed during glucose fermentation (Tab. III). In the single clinical samples the above-mentioned strains occurred as association of microorganism. The anaerobic genera Bacteroides and Fusobacterium were found in 52% of the samples (Bacteroides sp. and Fusobacterium sp. were recorded in 25% and 12% of the samples, respectively, whereas in 15% of the samples both species occurred). According to our results the etiology of dermatitis digitalis et interdigitalis is closely connected with the incidence of anaerobes. Of the latter, those belonging to the genera Bacteroides and Fusobacterium are of major importance.

[The recovery and rearing of gnotobiotic lambs and their use in veterinary medicine]. / Získavanie a odchov gnotobiotických jahniat a ich vyuzitie vo veterinárnej medicíne.

Our own innovated method of the hysterectomy recovery of gnotobiotic lambs, modified equipment for gnotobiote rearing, management and tending techniques were tested in this study. A hysterectomy hood (Fig. 1) was made from plexiglass and it fully met the requirements for simple and rapid handling. Our own modified isolator for gnotobiotic lamb rearing (Fig. 2) made out of glass-reinforced plastic with plexiglass sight holes was used for group rearing. It was more resistant to mechanical damage in comparison with the isolators equipped with PVC sheet pouches. The use of an isolator for feed and material (Fig. 3) and of an isolator for waste material storage with a PVC sheet pouch was found to be very practical; these isolators were connected to the rearing isolator through piping. The ventilation system was sufficient enough. An emasculator was used for hysterectomy. The method is simple and rapid, reliable and it enabled to preserve lambing ewes for other experimental purposes. Gnotobiotic lambs were successfully fed a milk replacer for calves. Samples of biological material (blood, rumen fluid, droppings) were taken from lambs kept in the isolator. The isolators were sterilized with 2% solution of peracetic acid sprayed as aerosol. Milk, materials made of glass and metal were autoclaved at a temperature of 121 degrees C, pressure 1.2 atm, for 30 minutes, and the concentrate mixture was sterilized with an X-ray dose of 2.5 Mrad. All the used methods of sterilization were fully efficient. A modified method reliably detecting lamb and isolator contamination was used for microbiological monitoring.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Counts of selected strict and facultatively anaerobic microorganisms in the crop and appendix of chickens and their adhesion characteristics]. / Pocty vybraných skupín striktne a fakultatívne anaeróbnych mikroorganizmov hrvol'a a slepého creva kurciat a ich adherencné vlastnosti.

The counts of strictly anaerobic amylolytic and lactate-utilizing bacteria, streptococci, lactobacilli, Escherichia coli and lactoso-negative bacteria were followed in chicks at the age of three to seven weeks. Age dependences of the counts in the given groups were investigated. An increase in the counts of amylolytic bacteria was observed in the caecum contents in the seventh week (4.63 +/- 0.322), and on the other hand a decrease in their counts in the caecum wall in the seventh week (3.30 +/- 0.833). The counts of E. coli adherent to the caecum wall also showed a decreasing tendency. Lactobacilli and streptococci were a stable component of the microflora of craw wall, in contrast with the decreasing counts of anaerobic amylolytic and lactate-utilizing bacteria. The average adherence index of lactobacillum isolates for adherence to the epithelial cells of craw or caecum wall ranged from 7.433 +/- 1.521-11.866 +/- 2.661, and/or 4.366 +/- 1.373-9.70 +/- 0.935. The average adherence index of the Propionibacterium acnes ranged from 7.766 +/- 0.408 to 17.40 +/- 4.721, and/or 5.10 +/- 0.738 to 7.60 +/- 1.784.

[Production of volatile fatty acids in the rumen of calves during dietary-microbial stimulation and early weaning]. / Produkcia unikavych mastných kyselín v bachore teliat pri dieteticko-mikrobiálnej stimulácii a skrátenom odstave.

The contents of volatile fatty acids in the rumen fluid were studied in calves at an early (seven weeks of age) and traditional weaning term (nine weeks of age). Weaning at the age of seven weeks enabled to save 16.2 kg of milk replacer per calf; there was also a lower content of concentrates in the starter feed with a supplement of Amylastim. The health condition of the calves was good in both groups. The average daily weight gains for the period from the second to the ninth week of age were 0.550 kg in the early weaned calves and 0.690 kg in the calves weaned at a normal time. Early weaning had a positive influence on the development of rumen metabolism. Calves weaned at the age of seven weeks, compared with those weaned at the age of nine weeks, had much higher concentrations of VFA (p less than 0.05) in rumen fluid (at the age of seven weeks: 130.49 mmol per litre vs. 111.53 mmol per litre; at the age of eight weeks: 119.74 mmol per litre vs. 96.98 mmol per litre). Early weaned calves had the statistically significantly (p less than 0.05) higher proportions of propionic acid, butyric acid, i-butyric acid, and valeric acid. Later-weaned calves had the significantly higher (p less than 0.05) contents of acetic acid and i-valeric acid.

[The occurrence and properties of Selenomonas ruminantium bacteria in calves during the time of milk feedings]. / Výskyt a vlastnosti baktérií Selenomonas ruminantium u teliat v období mliecnej výzivy.

The occurrence, morphological properties, urease and alpha-amylase activities of Selenomonas ruminantium were investigated in calves in the period of milk nutrition. The average number of the organisms was found to range between 10(7) and 10(8) per 1 millilitre of rumen contents. The alpha-amylase activity of the Selenomonas strains ranged from 0.1 to 8.8 ncat.ml-1 whereas their urease activity ranged from 6.3 to 261 ncat.ml-1 of nutrient medium. The presence of morphologically typical Selenomonas ruminantium and spontaneous formation of spheroplasts were found by electron microscopic examination.

Rumen microbial changes in calves fed on alpha amylase diet.

Fifty-six calves in the period of a milk nutrition, randomly assigned to two groups (control and alpha amylase fed) were used to monitor the changes in the rumen microbial populations and total volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentrations associated with feeding Amylosubtilin G10X (0.6 g.day-1). Statistically significant increase was observed for amylolytic counts in experimental calves on 20th or 30th days. The counts of rumen cellulolytic bacteria and selenomonas tended to have increase in the value, but were not significantly different from those in the control valves. The results show that alpha amylase fed calves has a relative higher rumen microbial population.