Resonant and notch behavior in intracranial pressure dynamics.

Object: The intracranial pulse pressure is often increased when neuropathology is present, particularly in cases of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) such as occurs in hydrocephalus. This pulse pressure is assumed to originate from arterial blood pressure oscillations entering the cranium; the fact that there is a coupling between the arterial blood pressure and the ICP is undisputed. In this study, the nature of this coupling and how it changes under conditions of increased ICP are investigated.

Rosiglitazone, a PPAR-gamma ligand, reduces burn progression in rats.

Burns induce the activation of an inflammatory cascade that generates reactive oxygen radicals and lipid peroxidation leading to burn wound progression and extension. Peroxisome proliferation-activated receptor-gamma is a nuclear hormone receptor that is activated by transcription factors and plays an important role in the regulation of cellular proliferation and inflammation. We hypothesized that treatment of burns with rosiglitazone, a peroxisome proliferation-activated receptor-gamma ligand, would reduce burn wound progression.

Validation of a porcine comb burn model.

Objective: A brass comb burn model that creates 3 full-thickness burns separated by 3 interspaces of unburned skin representing the zone of ischemia has been described in rats. We evaluated this model in pigs.

Methods: Design--observational.

A novel TGF-beta antagonist speeds reepithelialization and reduces scarring of partial thickness porcine burns.

Scar formation after thermal injury is common and results in significant aesthetic and functional impairment. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) plays a significant role in scar formation. We tested the hypothesis that a novel TGF-beta peptantagonist would reduce scar formation and wound contraction in partial thickness burns by using a randomized controlled experiment.

The effects of brain natriuretic peptide on scar formation in incisional rat wounds.

Background: Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a peptide that reduces scar formation in the heart by blocking transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). Although TGF-beta is known to play a role in scar formation in the myocardium, little is known about the effects of BNP on cutaneous wound healing.

Objectives: The objective was to determine if the administration of BNP in healing cutaneous wounds reduces the amount of scarring.

Curcumin reduces burn progression in rats.

Objectives: Cutaneous burns are dynamic injuries with a central zone of necrosis surrounded by a zone of ischemia. Conversion of this ischemic zone to full necrosis over the days following injury is due in part to highly reactive oxygen radicals. Curcumin is a component of the Oriental spice turmeric that has been shown to have antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties.