Effects of Norepinephrine Infusion on Cutaneous Surface Temperatures of the Distal Extremities.

Objectives: The etiology of vasopressor-induced digital necrosis is poorly understood, but the skin changes resemble those of frostbite, and it is known from experience that patients taking vasopressors have decreased digital temperatures. We aimed to examine the effects of norepinephrine use on surface temperatures of the distal extremities because there have been no studies examining this relation.

Methods: Surface temperatures of all digits, palms, and soles were measured using an infrared thermometer in patients receiving different rates of norepinephrine infusion in the intensive care unit and compared with those not receiving any vasopressors.

Comparison of Geriatric Trauma Outcomes When Admitted to a Medical or Surgical Service After a Fall.

Background: Blunt trauma in the geriatric population is fraught with poor outcomes, with injury severity and comorbidities impacting morbidity and mortality.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 2172 patients aged ≥65 y who fell, requiring hospital admission between January 2012 and December 2016. There were 403 patients in the surgical arm (SA) and 1769 patients in the medical arm (MA).

Outcomes After Open Reduction With Internal Fixation of Mandible Fractures.

Introduction/hypothesis: Mandible fractures contribute substantially to morbidity after blunt trauma. Controversy exists surrounding the appropriate timing of surgical intervention and benefit from routine postreduction imaging.

Methods: The authors retrospectively reviewed 146 patients who sustained traumatic mandible fractures at a level 2 trauma center over a 5-year period, between January 2012 and December 2016.

Tensile strain-induced Ets-2 phosphorylation by CaMKII and the homeostasis of cranial sutures.

Background: Mechanotransduction underpins the homeostasis of musculoskeletal tissues, including cranial sutures. Intracellular calcium, [Ca 2+]ic, and protein phosphorylation are two intermediate variables in signal relay during mechanotransduction. This project establishes a chain of cause and effect, linking cellular strain to substrate phosphorylation, and identifies the agent and target sites of phosphorylation.