Implant stability in the treatment of MRSA bone implant infections with linezolid versus vancomycin in a rabbit model.

The increasing prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections represents a significant healthcare burden. Vancomycin and linezolid exhibit potent clinical and microbiological activity in MRSA infections. Our purpose was to investigate the efficacy of linezolid versus vancomycin in experimental implant infections and the influence on implant stability in a rabbit model.

Optical switch based on a fluid-filled photonic crystal fiber Bragg grating.

We report the implementation of an in-fiber optical switch by means of filling a fluid into the air holes of a photonic crystal fiber with a fiber Bragg grating. Such a switch can turn on/off light transmission with an extinction ratio of up to 33 dB within a narrow wavelength range (Bragg wavelength) via a small temperature adjustment of +/-5 degrees C. The switching function is based on the temperature-dependent coupling between the fundamental core mode and the rod modes in the fluid-filled holes resulting from the thermo-optic effect of the filled fluid.

Long-term results of hip arthroplasty in ambulatory patients with cerebral palsy.

Osteoarthritis (OA) secondary to dislocation and dysplasia is a common problem in patients with cerebral palsy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of total hip replacement (THR) in ambulatory patients with cerebral palsy. Eighteen total hip arthroplasties were performed in 16 ambulatory patients with cerebral palsy.