Der Anaesthesist
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Small molecules can have a significant effect on human metabolic processes. Computational drug design aims at constructing specialized small molecules that selectively and efficiently address specific proteins. ⋯ Modern computational drug design goes far beyond the lock and key principle. Possible future developments are discussed and a current successful example of computational drug design in the field of painkiller medication is demonstrated.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Propofol sedation in total knee replacement : effects on oxidative stress and ischemia-reperfusion damage.
This study aimed to show the effect of propofol sedation on oxidative stress and inflammation resulting from ischemia-reperfusion. ⋯ Propofol infusion in addition to spinal anesthesia may reduce oxidative damage and the inflammatory response developing due to the tourniquet in total knee replacement surgery.
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Deep brain stimulation (DBS) provides a very effective treatment for a number of neurological diseases including Parkinson's disease, movement disorders and epilepsy. In DBS microelectrodes are positioned in defined cerebral target areas and connected to a pacemaker. It is most often performed as an awake craniotomy with intraoperative testing. ⋯ With increasing numbers of DBS procedures, anesthesiologists are more often faced with patients carrying brain pacemakers. For anesthesia the characteristics of the disease as well as the respective long-term medication have to be considered. In addition, the rules for handling patients with pacemakers need to be followed to avoid both dysfunction of the generator and tissue damage due to overheating of the electrodes.