Sirtuins Link Inflammation and Metabolism.

Sirtuins (SIRT), first discovered in yeast as NAD+ dependent epigenetic and metabolic regulators, have comparable activities in human physiology and disease. Mounting evidence supports that the seven-member mammalian sirtuin family (SIRT1-7) guard homeostasis by sensing bioenergy needs and responding by making alterations in the cell nutrients. Sirtuins play a critical role in restoring homeostasis during stress responses.

Surgical intensive care unit mobility is increased after institution of a computerized mobility order set and intensive care unit mobility protocol: a prospective cohort analysis.

In some populations, intensive care unit (ICU) mobility has been shown to be safe and beneficial. We gathered data on 50 nonintubated surgical patients in a 10-bed surgical ICU (SICU) who met physiologic inclusion criteria beginning in May 2008 (A group). In January 2009, we began mandatory entry of computerized mobility orders as part of a standardized ICU order set.

National nosocomial infection surveillance system: from benchmark to bedside in trauma patients.

Introduction: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the injured patient. Identification of those with VAP is important both in immediate clinical decision making as well as for the epidemiologic evaluation of the disease and benchmarking of rates across institutions with variable practice patterns. Despite this, controversy exists over the optimal method of VAP diagnosis.

Are plain radiographs of the spine necessary during evaluation after blunt trauma? Accuracy of screening torso computed tomography in thoracic/lumbar spine fracture diagnosis.

Background: Fracture of the thoracolumbar (TL) spine is reported in 8 to 15% of victims of blunt trauma. Current screening of these patients is done with conventional radiography. This may require repeated sets of films and take hours to days.

Thoracotomy for blunt trauma: traditional indications may not apply.

The indications for performing as urgent thoractomy after trauma are based on the criteria used for penetrating injuries. However, few data are available on the use of these indications for patients with blunt injuries. In a retrospective study (June 1996 to July 2001), we compared the indications of urgent thoracotomy after blunt injury and penetrating injury in patients who underwent thoracotomy within 24 hours of hospital admission at our institution.