Frequency of 1st- and 2nd-step topoisomerase mutations in Streptococcus pneumoniae following levofloxacin and moxifloxacin exposure.

Seven Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates were exposed to inhibitory concentrations of levofloxacin and moxifloxacin in antibiotic-containing agar dilution plates. Colony counts were used to calculate the frequency of mutation. DNA was sequenced to detect mutations in the quinolone resistance-determining regions of the gyrA, gyrB, parC, and parE genes.

Dynamic analysis of peritoneal dialysis associated peritonitis.

Peritoneal dialysis associated peritonitis (PDAP) has a historical incidence of approximately 0.3 to 0.5 episodes per patient per year; it represents the leading cause for hospitalization in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) and imposes a significant burden of morbidity.

An agent-based and spatially explicit model of pathogen dissemination in the intensive care unit.

Objective: To develop and disseminate a spatially explicit model of contact transmission of pathogens in the intensive care unit.

Design: A model simulating the spread of a pathogen transmitted by direct contact (such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus) was constructed. The modulation of pathogen dissemination attending changes in clinically relevant pathogen- and institution-specific factors was then systematically examined.

Transient hemodynamic effects of recruitment maneuvers in three experimental models of acute lung injury.

Objective: Elevated lung volumes and increased pleural pressures associated with recruitment maneuvers (RM) may adversely affect pulmonary vascular resistance and cardiac filling or performance. We investigated the hemodynamic consequences of three RM techniques after inducing acute lung injury.

Design: Prospective, randomized, controlled experimental study.

Intercomparison of recruitment maneuver efficacy in three models of acute lung injury.

Objective: To compare the relative efficacy of three forms of recruitment maneuvers in diverse models of acute lung injury characterized by differing pathoanatomy.

Design: We compared three recruiting maneuver (RM) techniques at three levels of post-RM positive end-expiratory pressure in three distinct porcine models of acute lung injury: oleic acid injury; injury induced purely by the mechanical stress of high-tidal airway pressures; and pneumococcal pneumonia.

Setting: Laboratory in a clinical research facility.

Effects of ventilatory pattern on experimental lung injury caused by high airway pressure.

Objective: To determine the influence of clinician-adjustable ventilator settings on the development of ventilator-induced lung injury, as assessed by changes in gas exchange (Pao2), compliance, functional residual capacity, and wet weight to dry weight ratio.

Design: Randomized in vivo rabbit study.

Setting: Hospital research laboratory.

Ventilator-induced lung injury.

Ventilator-induced lung injury has been established as a significant risk to patients receiving PPV. Animal studies have provided definitive experimental data that support the existence of VILI. Clinical studies have implied the role of VILI in ARDS and ALI patients.

Pulmonary microvascular fracture in a patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Objective: To present electron micrographs of lung tissue obtained from a patient exposed to high ventilatory pressures in the context of pulmonary dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension.

Design: Case report.

Setting: Adult intensive care unit of a university-affiliated teaching hospital.