Annals of surgery
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To determine the effect of trauma on arginase, an arginine-metabolizing enzyme, in cells of the immune system in humans. ⋯ Markedly altered arginase expression and activity in cells of the human immune system after trauma have not been reported previously. Increased mononuclear cell arginase may partially explain the benefit of arginine supplementation for trauma patients. Arginase, rather than nitric oxide synthase, appears to be the dominant route for arginine metabolism in immune cells after trauma.
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To evaluate, at a single institution, the adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) death rate in critically ill ventilated surgical/trauma patients and to identify the factors predicting death in these patients. ⋯ In this single-institution series, the death rate from ARDS declined from 1990 to 1998, primarily in posttraumatic patients, and the decrease is related to the use of lung-protective ventilation strategies. Based on this patient population, the authors developed a statistical model to evaluate important prognostic indicators (advanced age, organ system and pulmonary dysfunction measurements) at the onset of ARDS.
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To examine trends in patient and procedural variables and outcomes associated with autogenous lower extremity arterial reconstruction (LER) in a single center during a period of two decades. ⋯ In a tertiary practice setting, patients requiring LER present an increasingly complex medical and surgical challenge compared with the previous decade. Excellent outcomes may still be achieved by an aggressive approach relying on autogenous vein conduit.
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To examine the effect of pancreatic proteases on the expression of the adhesion molecules Mac-1 and l-selectin on neutrophils, and the role of complement activation in this process. ⋯ Trypsin-generated complement activation participates in the upregulation of Mac-1 and shedding of L-selectin on neutrophils in acute pancreatitis. Protease or complement inhibition may be effective in preventing leukocyte migration and subsequent local and remote organ injury.
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To examine porcine acellular dermal matrix (ADM) as a xenogenic dermal substitute in a rat model. ⋯ Dispase-Triton-treated allogenic ADM was useful as a dermal substitute in full-thickness skin defects, but healing with xenogenic ADM was poor.