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Investigation into the physiologic influences of rumination in a chronic ovine in-vivo trial
The goal of this project is to examine the physiologic pressure effects on the vascular pressures and the intracranial pressure produced by rumination in sheep. The project comprises of processing and analyzing video and pressure data in healthy sheep, which have been recorded within a broader project aim of gaining a deeper understanding of dynamic pressure and volume variations in and between the individual compartments adjacent to the intracranial and spinal CSF spaces.
The stomach system of sheep is made up of four digestive organs: the rumen, the reticulum, the omasum and the abomasum. The process, which takes place in the rumen, the reticulum and the omasum is called foregut fermentation, typically requires the fermented ingesta (known as cud) to be regurgitated and chewed again. The process of rechewing the cud to further break down plant matter and stimulate digestion is called rumination. Cud from the rumen is described to be transported to the esophagus due to the following physiologic processes. A forceful inspiratory effort with a closed epiglottis and a relaxed cardia decreases the negative intrathoracic pressure, simultaneously active ruminal contractions occur, further increasing the gastro-esopahgeal pressure gradient, thereby facilitating the movement of cud from the rumen into the esophagus. However, little is known about the dynamics of the intrabdominal pressure during rumination and the effect of the gastro-esopahgeal pressure gradient on other pressures such as central venous pressure, arterial blood pressure as well as Intracranial and intrathecal pressure.
The stomach system of sheep is made up of four digestive organs: the rumen, the reticulum, the omasum and the abomasum. The process, which takes place in the rumen, the reticulum and the omasum is called foregut fermentation, typically requires the fermented ingesta (known as cud) to be regurgitated and chewed again. The process of rechewing the cud to further break down plant matter and stimulate digestion is called rumination. Cud from the rumen is described to be transported to the esophagus due to the following physiologic processes. A forceful inspiratory effort with a closed epiglottis and a relaxed cardia decreases the negative intrathoracic pressure, simultaneously active ruminal contractions occur, further increasing the gastro-esopahgeal pressure gradient, thereby facilitating the movement of cud from the rumen into the esophagus. However, little is known about the dynamics of the intrabdominal pressure during rumination and the effect of the gastro-esopahgeal pressure gradient on other pressures such as central venous pressure, arterial blood pressure as well as Intracranial and intrathecal pressure.
The goal of this project is to examine the physiologic pressure effects on the vascular pressures and the intracranial pressure produced by rumination in sheep. The project comprises of processing and analyzing video and pressure data in healthy sheep, which have been recorded within a broader project aim of gaining a deeper understanding of dynamic pressure and volume variations in and between the individual compartments adjacent to the intracranial and spinal CSF spaces.
The goal of this project is to examine the physiologic pressure effects on the vascular pressures and the intracranial pressure produced by rumination in sheep. The project comprises of processing and analyzing video and pressure data in healthy sheep, which have been recorded within a broader project aim of gaining a deeper understanding of dynamic pressure and volume variations in and between the individual compartments adjacent to the intracranial and spinal CSF spaces.
The extent of the project (semester project, Internship, Master thesis) can be discussed based on the candidate’s needs.
We are looking for a highly motivated student with an interest in (animal) physiology, good English language skills (scientific writing/ communication) and an interest in data publishing.
Experience with Data Analysis/Signal Processing and knowledge in programming (Matlab/Python) is an asset.
The chair of Product Development and Engineering design at the ETH Zurich considers itself a center for system-oriented product development and innovation. Our aspiration consists on the one hand of the advancement and investigation of methods and processes of product development and on the other hand of the development of new technical systems, The purpose of our daily work is to contribute to the innovative ability and competitiveness of Switzerland.
The chair of Product Development and Engineering design at the ETH Zurich considers itself a center for system-oriented product development and innovation. Our aspiration consists on the one hand of the advancement and investigation of methods and processes of product development and on the other hand of the development of new technical systems, The purpose of our daily work is to contribute to the innovative ability and competitiveness of Switzerland.
Interdisciplinary research in biomedical engineering
Active integration into project team
Collaboration between the Department of Surgical Research at USZ and the pdz
Dr. Miriam Weisskopf, USZ
Miriam.Weisskopf@usz.ch
Anthony Podgorsak, ETH
apodgorsak@ethz.ch