Preliminary evaluation of a virtual reality-based simulator for learning spinal anesthesia.

Study Objective: To evaluate the influence of a simulation-based program on the initial performance of dural puncture by medical interns, and to refine the design of simulator-based teaching and competence assessment.

Design: Prospective interventional study.

Setting: Academic medical center.

The effect of midazolam on neutrophil mitogen-activated protein kinase.

Background: Neutrophil p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is a key enzyme in the intracellular signalling pathway that is responsible for many neutrophil functions, which are important in neutrophil-endothelial interaction. The imidazole compounds are inhibitors of this enzyme system. The objectives of this in-vitro investigation were to examine the effect of midazolam on neutrophil p38 MAPK activation (phosphorylation) following in-vitro ischaemia-reperfusion injury, and the expression of adhesion molecule CD11b/CD18.

The effect of midazolam on cerebral endothelial (P-selectin and ICAM-1) adhesion molecule expression during hypoxia-reperfusion injury in vitro.

Background And Objective: Hypoxia-reperfusion injury is an important determinant of secondary brain injury. In the acute phase of cerebral reperfusion, pro-inflammatory events enhance expression of cerebral endothelial (intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and P-selectin) adhesion molecules, which play an important role in brain hypoxia-reperfusion injury. Midazolam is the most commonly used sedative in patients with brain injury.