The journal of trauma and acute care surgery
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J Trauma Acute Care Surg · Sep 2012
Comparative StudyThe beta-lactam antibiotic, ceftriaxone, provides neuroprotective potential via anti-excitotoxicity and anti-inflammation response in a rat model of traumatic brain injury.
The beta-lactam antibiotic, ceftriaxone (CTX), has been reported to induce neuroprotection in animal models of diverse neurologic diseases. Currently, no data have explored the potential for CTX to provide neuroprotection in the animal models of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The aim of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective effect by CTX on TBI and to determine the underlying mechanisms. ⋯ Our results provide in vivo evidence that CTX could exert neuroprotective effect against TBI by improving cognitive function and alleviating brain edema via reducing excitotoxicity and inflammation after TBI.
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J Trauma Acute Care Surg · Sep 2012
Comparative StudyDonor hormone and vasopressor therapy: closing the gap in a transplant organ shortage.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use for donors with hemodynamic instability is common. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of HRT in donors without significant cardiovascular dysfunction and examine outcomes according to vasopressor exposure. ⋯ Therapeutic study, level III.
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J Trauma Acute Care Surg · Sep 2012
Comparative StudyStructural integrity of intramedullary rib fixation using a single bioresorbable screw.
Operative management of flail chest injury is receiving increasing interest. However, we have noticed in our own practice the difficulty in achieving reliable results with posterior rib fracture fixation. In this article, we analyze and model the physiologic forces acting on posterior rib fractures and assess the suitability of an intramedullary screw fixation technique in this site. ⋯ Epidemiologic/therapeutic study, level V.
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J Trauma Acute Care Surg · Sep 2012
Full-scale regional exercises: closing the gaps in disaster preparedness.
Man-made (9/11) and natural (Hurricane Katrina) disasters have enlightened the medical community regarding the importance of disaster preparedness. In response to Joint Commission requirements, medical centers should have established protocols in place to respond to such events. We examined a full-scale regional exercise (FSRE) to identify gaps in logistics and operations during a simulated mass casualty incident. ⋯ Communication remains a significant gap in the mass casualty scenario 10 years after 9/11. Our findings demonstrate that tabletop exercises are inadequate to expose operational and logistic gaps in disaster response. FSREs should be routinely performed to adequately prepare for catastrophic events.