The Journal of surgical research
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No states currently require adult bicycle riders to wear helmets. Opponents of a universal helmet law argue that helmets may cause a greater torque on the neck during collisions, potentially increasing the risk of cervical spine fracture (CSF). This assumption has not been supported by data for motorcyclists. Therefore, we sought to evaluate the risk of CSF and cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI) in helmeted bicyclists (HBs) versus nonhelmeted bicyclists (NHBs) involved in collisions. We hypothesize that in adult HBs, there is an increased incidence of CSF and injury but lower rates of severe head injury and mortality than in NHBs. ⋯ HBs involved in collisions have a higher risk of CSF and CSCI; however, NHBs have a higher risk of severe head injury and mortality. Consideration for a universal helmet law among bicyclists and ongoing research regarding helmet development is needed.
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Comparative Study Observational Study
When Is It Safe to Start Pharmacologic Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis After Pelvic Fractures? A Prospective Study From a Level I Trauma Center.
The ideal time for pharmacologic venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis initiation after pelvic fracture is controversial. This prospective study evaluated the safety and efficacy of early VTE prophylaxis after blunt pelvic trauma. ⋯ Early initiation of pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis after blunt pelvic fracture is safe. Although EP initiation did not reduce the rate of VTE, these data identify angioembolization as an independent risk factor for VTE. Patients with blunt pelvic fracture who undergo angioembolization may therefore represent a high-risk population who may especially benefit from EP.
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Participation of women at national surgery conferences is an important aspect of achieving gender equity; however, participation has to be meaningful and representative of scientific and clinical achievement. We hypothesized that the presence of women on planning committees would increase the number of women speakers and the presence of women as moderators would increase the number of women panelists. Furthermore, we hypothesized that although women may be included as speakers, they are less likely to speak on clinical and technical surgical topics than men. ⋯ Despite increasing attention on improving diversity at surgical conferences, disparities continue to persist. As demonstrated in nonsurgical literature, planning committee gender diversity positively correlated with speaker diversity, and moderator diversity positively correlated with panel diversity. Women were more likely to speak on topics considered "soft sciences", such as professionalism and advocacy, and less likely to present on clinical topics, technical skill, or scientific research.
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In the context of shifting population demographics in the United States, a diverse workforce in health care can lead to improved patient outcomes and enhance access to culturally competent care for minorities. The objective of this study was to analyze and quantify the relationship of gender, race, and academic rank, tenure status, and degree in American academic surgical faculty. ⋯ Female and Asians are increasing in proportional representation; however, racial and gender disparities remain prevalent at higher academic ranks and positions of leadership, especially among black and Hispanic academic surgeons.
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Comparative Study
The Effect of Chest Compression Location and Aortic Perfusion in a Traumatic Arrest Model.
Recent evidence demonstrates that closed chest compressions directly over the left ventricle (LV) in a traumatic cardiac arrest (TCA) model improve hemodynamics and return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) when compared to traditional compressions. Selective aortic arch perfusion (SAAP) also improves hemodynamics and controls hemorrhage in TCA. We hypothesized that chest compressions located over the LV would result in improved hemodynamics and ROSC in a swine model of TCA using SAAP. ⋯ There was no difference in ROSC between LV and Traditional compressions when SAAP was used in this swine model of TCA. SAAP did not confer a survival benefit compared to historical controls.