Anesthesiology
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Etomidate is a potent hypnotic agent that acts via γ-aminobutyric acid receptor type A (GABA(A)) receptors. Evidence supports the presence of two etomidate sites per GABA(A) receptor, and current models assume that each site contributes equally and noncooperatively to drug effects. These assumptions remain untested. ⋯ These results support the hypothesis that the two etomidate sites on α1β2γ2 GABA(A) receptors contribute equally and noncooperatively to drug interactions and gating effects.
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Human patient simulators and airway training manikins are widely used to train airway management skills to medical professionals. Furthermore, these patient simulators are employed as standardized "patients" to evaluate airway devices. However, little is known about how realistic these patient simulators and airway-training manikins really are. This trial aimed to evaluate the upper airway anatomy of four high-fidelity patient simulators and two airway trainers in comparison with actual patients by means of radiographic measurements. The volume of the pharyngeal airspace was the primary outcome parameter. ⋯ The airway anatomy of four high-fidelity patient simulators and two airway trainers does not reflect the upper airway anatomy of actual patients. This finding may impact airway training and confound comparative airway device studies.
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Propofol is a widely used, short-acting, and intravenously administered hypnotic agent with notable antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities. However, there are relatively few kinetic studies on the free radical scavenging ability of propofol. The goal of this study is to evaluate the kinetics of propofol scavenging 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical (ABTS(·+)). ⋯ Propofol scavenges ABTS(·+) with a fast and stable kinetic feature in vitro, which is useful and important for understanding propofol's antioxidant properties. The kinetic process of the free radical scavenging activity of propofol may also play a role in dynamic protection in the body.
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Microglial inhibition may reduce secondary tissue injury and improve functional outcome following acute brain injury. Utilizing clinically relevant murine models of traumatic brain injury and intracerebral hemorrhage, neuroinflammatory responses and functional outcome were examined in the presence of a potential microglial inhibitor, TT-301. ⋯ Modulation of neuroinflammatory responses through TT-301 administration improved histologic and functional parameters in murine models of acute neurologic injury.