The pineal gland hormone melatonin improves survival in a rat model of sepsis/shock induced by zymosan A.

Background: Melatonin has demonstrated protective effects in severe sepsis/shock in the animal model. Zymosan A causes inflammation and shock leading to death in rats. We hypothesized that daily afternoon melatonin administration would improve rat survival after an intraperitoneal (IP) zymosan injection.

A rural, community-based program can train surgical residents in advanced laparoscopy.

Background: Advanced laparoscopy requires mastery of complex surgical skills. A steep learning curve, lack of an adequate number of cases, and a shortage of experienced staff are reasons cited as barriers to the acquisition of these skills by surgical residents. We hypothesize that advanced laparoscopy can be taught during residency without additional fellowship training.

Time to deterioration of the elderly, anticoagulated, minor head injury patient who presents without evidence of neurologic abnormality.

Background: Generally accepted guidelines regarding the care of the elderly, anticoagulated minor head injury patient do not exist within the trauma literature.

Methods: Charts were reviewed on all anticoagulated, minor head injury patients older than 65 years between January 1993 and May 2000. Postinjury course was examined for neurologic changes, times, coagulation/radiographic studies, reversal, operative intervention, and outcome.