Anaesthesia
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We studied whether reported physical activity and measurements of fitness (hand, leg and inspiration) were associated with postoperative in-hospital mortality, length of stay and discharge destination in 169 patients after major oncological abdominal surgery. In multivariate analysis, adequate activity level (OR 5.5, 95% CI 1.4-21.9) and inspiratory muscle endurance (OR 5.2, 95% CI 1.4-19.1) were independently associated with short-term mortality, whereas conventional factors, such as age and heart disease, were not. ⋯ For all postoperative outcomes physical activity and fitness significantly improved the predictive value compared with known risk factors, such as age and comorbidities. We conclude that pre-operative questionnaires of physical activity and measurements of fitness contribute to the prediction of postoperative outcomes.
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Propofol may protect neuronal cells from hypoxia re-oxygenation injury, possibly via an antioxidant actions under hypoxic conditions. This study investigated the molecular effects of propofol on hypoxia-induced cell damage using a neuronal cell line. Cultured human IMR-32 cells were exposed to propofol (30 μm) and biochemical and molecular approaches were used to assess cellular effects. ⋯ Increased amounts of catalase, which degrades hydrogen peroxide, were detected under hypoxic conditions. Propofol decreased the amount of catalase produced, but increased its enzymatic activity. Propofol protects neuronal cells from hypoxia re-oxygenation injury, possibly via a combined direct antioxidant effect along with induced cellular antioxidant mechanisms.