Objective:To compare the clinical effects of restrictive transfusion strategy and liberal transfusion strategy for cardiac valve surgery.Methods:This study employed a prospective, randomized controlled superiority design, enrolling 439 patients undergoing non-emergency cardiac valve surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass at Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People′s Hospital, Southern Medical University from June 2023 to October 2024 who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. While all the patients appeared hematocrit (Hct)≤24% or hemoglobin (Hb)≤80 g/L during the cardiopulmonary bypass. A simple random design was adopted to generate a random sequence and participants were randomized into a restrictive transfusion group (restrictive criteria: Hct≤18% or Hb≤60 g/L during cardiopulmonary bypass, and Hct≤21% or Hb≤70 g/L postoperatively) or a liberal transfusion group (liberal criteria: Hct≤24% or Hb≤80 g/L during cardiopulmonary bypass and Hct≤30% or Hb≤100 g/L postoperatively). If Hb or Hct fell below the respective thresholds, 2 units of red blood cells were transfused, followed by re-evaluation. If levels remained below the threshold, an additional 2 units were transfused until the criteria were met. The primary outcome was a composite of postoperative 3-month mortality, infection, ischemic events, and new-onset renal failure requiring dialysis. Secondary outcomes included blood product utilization, length of stay in the ICU and so on. Intergroup comparisons were performed using independent sample t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, χ2 test, or Fisher′s exact test, and analyses were conducted using a binary multivariable Logistic regression model. Results:A total of 439 patients were included in this study. The restrictive roup included 221 patients, including 75 males and 146 females, aged ( M(IQR)) 57.0 (14.0) years (range: 21 to 76 years). The liberal group included 218 patients, including 67 males and 151 females, aged 56.0 (20.0) years (range: 19 to 74 years). No statistically significant difference was observed in the incidence of primary outcome (restrictive group: 10.9%(24/221) vs. liberal group: 9.6%(21/218), χ2=0.180, P>0.05), 2 patints in the restrictive group died and 3 patints in liberal group died ( P=0.684). The transfusion rate was significantly lower in the restrictive group(19.0%(42/221) vs. 100%(218/218), P<0.01), with no significant differences in other secondary outcomes (all P>0.05). Subgroup analysis revealed an interaction between sex and transfusion strategy ( P=0.023), suggesting that using liberal transfusion strategy in male patients might increase the risk of the primary outcome. Conclusion:The mid-term results do not show that the restrictive transfusion strategy is superior to the liberal transfusion strategy in reducing the incidence of postoperative outcome events in patients undergoing cardiac valve surgery.

Objective:To clarify the safety, repair rate, durability, and risk factors for recurrent mitral regurgitation(MR) in patients with Barlow disease(BD) who total thoracoscopic minimally invasive mitral valvuloplasty(TMVP).Methods:Clinical data, mid-term and long-term outcomes of BD patients who underwent TMVP at Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital from January 2009 to June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into a group with no MR recurrence(group A) and a group with MR recurrence(group B) according to whether recurrent MR appeared in the postoperative period, and the data of the two groups of patients were compared with each other for the risk factor analysis.Results:The repair rate of TMVP was 98.4%, and no patient died perioperatively. The median follow-up time was 3.1(1.7, 5.2) years, the follow-up rate was 95.8%, and there was no patient died. As of March 2023, 112 patients developed no recurrent MR(group A), 11 patients developed recurrent MR(group B), and 2 patients in group B underwent repeated mitral valve surgery. The left atrial diameter(LAD) and left ventricular end-systolic diameter(LVESD) were higher in group B than in group A patients[LAD: (50.9±7.7)mm vs.(43.7±8.7)mm, P=0.009; LVESD: (37.1±5.5)mm vs.(33.2±4.7)mm, P=0.011], and the percentage of tendon cord rupture was higher in group B than in group A( P=0.022), while the rest of the baseline data were not statistically significant. There was no statistically significant difference between two groups in terms of the use of different surgical techniques, aortic cross-clamp time, cardiopulmonary bypass time, and operative time. Postoperative LAD, postoperative LVESD, and postoperative left ventricular end-diastolic diameter of group B patients were higher than those of group A( P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in perioperative and long-term complication rates between the two groups. Multifactorial Cox regression analysis revealed that advanced age( HR=1.049, 95% CI: 0.997-1.103, P=0.066) and large preoperative LVESD( HR=1.168, 95% CI: 1.053-1.295, P=0.003) were the risk factors for postoperative recurrence MR. Conclusion:Total thoracoscopic minimally invasive BD repair is safe, which has a high success rate and good long-term results. Advanced age and large preoperative LVESD are risk factors for recurrent MR in the long term.

BACKGROUND:Restoring the normal level of reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial function of nucleus pulposus cells and inhibiting apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells are key targets for delaying intervertebral disc degeneration.Prussian blue nanoparticles have peroxidase-like activity,which can effectively remove reactive oxygen species in the pathological microenvironment and protect nucleus pulposus cells from oxidative stress damage.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the biological functions and mechanisms of Prussian blue nanoparticles in delaying nucleus pulposus degeneration in rats.METHODS:Prussian blue nanoparticles were prepared by hydrothermal method,and their micromorphology and particle size were characterized.Prussian blue nanoparticles with different mass concentrations(20,40,60,80,and 100 μg/mL)were used to intervene in the caudal nucleus pulposus cells of passage 2 SD rats.Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay after 24 hours.60 μg/mL Prussian blue nanoparticles were used to intervene in the caudal nucleus pulposus cells of passage 2 SD rats.The viability of nucleus pulposus cells was observed by live-dead staining after 1 and 3 days.Passage 2 SD rat caudal vertebrae nucleus pulposus cells were obtained and observed for cell adhesion before being divided into three intervention groups.The control group did not receive any intervention.The lipopolysaccharide group was added with lipopolysaccharide.The lipopolysaccharide+Prussian blue nanoparticle group was added with lipopolysaccharide and 60 μg/mL Prussian blue nanoparticles.Reactive oxygen species,mitochondrial superoxide,and mitochondrial membrane potential were detected 24 hours after intervention.RT-qPCR detection and Alcian blue staining were performed 48 hours after intervention.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Under transmission electron microscopy,Prussian blue nanoparticles were uniform nanocubes with an average particle size of 130 nm.(2)CCK-8 assay results showed that 20-60 μg/mL Prussian blue nanoparticles had no obvious cytotoxicity,and 60 μg/mL Prussian blue nanoparticles were selected for cell intervention in subsequent experiments.Live-dead staining results showed that 60 μg/mL Prussian blue nanoparticles had no effect on the viability of nucleus pulposus cells.(3)Compared with the control group,the levels of reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial superoxide in nucleus pulposus cells in the lipopolysaccharide group were increased(P＜0.01),the mitochondrial membrane potential was decreased(P＜0.01),the mRNA expressions of type Ⅱ collagen and aggrecan were decreased(P＜0.01),the mRNA expressions of matrix metalloproteinase 13 and thrombospondin integrin metallopeptidase 5 were increased(P＜0.01),and the positive area of Alcian blue staining was reduced(P＜0.01).Compared with the lipopolysaccharide group,the levels of reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial superoxide in nucleus pulposus cells in the lipopolysaccharide+Prussian blue nanoparticle group were decreased(P＜0.01),mitochondrial membrane potential increased(P＜0.01),mRNA expression of type Ⅱ collagen and aggrecan increased(P＜0.01),mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinase 13 and thrombospondin integrin metallopeptidase 5 decreased(P＜0.01),and positive area of Alcian blue staining increased(P＜0.01).The results showed that Prussian blue nanoparticles delayed the degeneration of rat nucleus pulposus by reducing oxidative stress of nucleus pulposus cells,restoring mitochondrial function,and maintaining the balance of extracellular matrix synthesis and catabolism.

BACKGROUND:Restoring the normal level of reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial function of nucleus pulposus cells and inhibiting apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells are key targets for delaying intervertebral disc degeneration.Prussian blue nanoparticles have peroxidase-like activity,which can effectively remove reactive oxygen species in the pathological microenvironment and protect nucleus pulposus cells from oxidative stress damage.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the biological functions and mechanisms of Prussian blue nanoparticles in delaying nucleus pulposus degeneration in rats.METHODS:Prussian blue nanoparticles were prepared by hydrothermal method,and their micromorphology and particle size were characterized.Prussian blue nanoparticles with different mass concentrations(20,40,60,80,and 100 μg/mL)were used to intervene in the caudal nucleus pulposus cells of passage 2 SD rats.Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay after 24 hours.60 μg/mL Prussian blue nanoparticles were used to intervene in the caudal nucleus pulposus cells of passage 2 SD rats.The viability of nucleus pulposus cells was observed by live-dead staining after 1 and 3 days.Passage 2 SD rat caudal vertebrae nucleus pulposus cells were obtained and observed for cell adhesion before being divided into three intervention groups.The control group did not receive any intervention.The lipopolysaccharide group was added with lipopolysaccharide.The lipopolysaccharide+Prussian blue nanoparticle group was added with lipopolysaccharide and 60 μg/mL Prussian blue nanoparticles.Reactive oxygen species,mitochondrial superoxide,and mitochondrial membrane potential were detected 24 hours after intervention.RT-qPCR detection and Alcian blue staining were performed 48 hours after intervention.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Under transmission electron microscopy,Prussian blue nanoparticles were uniform nanocubes with an average particle size of 130 nm.(2)CCK-8 assay results showed that 20-60 μg/mL Prussian blue nanoparticles had no obvious cytotoxicity,and 60 μg/mL Prussian blue nanoparticles were selected for cell intervention in subsequent experiments.Live-dead staining results showed that 60 μg/mL Prussian blue nanoparticles had no effect on the viability of nucleus pulposus cells.(3)Compared with the control group,the levels of reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial superoxide in nucleus pulposus cells in the lipopolysaccharide group were increased(P＜0.01),the mitochondrial membrane potential was decreased(P＜0.01),the mRNA expressions of type Ⅱ collagen and aggrecan were decreased(P＜0.01),the mRNA expressions of matrix metalloproteinase 13 and thrombospondin integrin metallopeptidase 5 were increased(P＜0.01),and the positive area of Alcian blue staining was reduced(P＜0.01).Compared with the lipopolysaccharide group,the levels of reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial superoxide in nucleus pulposus cells in the lipopolysaccharide+Prussian blue nanoparticle group were decreased(P＜0.01),mitochondrial membrane potential increased(P＜0.01),mRNA expression of type Ⅱ collagen and aggrecan increased(P＜0.01),mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinase 13 and thrombospondin integrin metallopeptidase 5 decreased(P＜0.01),and positive area of Alcian blue staining increased(P＜0.01).The results showed that Prussian blue nanoparticles delayed the degeneration of rat nucleus pulposus by reducing oxidative stress of nucleus pulposus cells,restoring mitochondrial function,and maintaining the balance of extracellular matrix synthesis and catabolism.

Objective:To clarify the safety, repair rate, durability, and risk factors for recurrent mitral regurgitation(MR) in patients with Barlow disease(BD) who total thoracoscopic minimally invasive mitral valvuloplasty(TMVP).Methods:Clinical data, mid-term and long-term outcomes of BD patients who underwent TMVP at Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital from January 2009 to June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into a group with no MR recurrence(group A) and a group with MR recurrence(group B) according to whether recurrent MR appeared in the postoperative period, and the data of the two groups of patients were compared with each other for the risk factor analysis.Results:The repair rate of TMVP was 98.4%, and no patient died perioperatively. The median follow-up time was 3.1(1.7, 5.2) years, the follow-up rate was 95.8%, and there was no patient died. As of March 2023, 112 patients developed no recurrent MR(group A), 11 patients developed recurrent MR(group B), and 2 patients in group B underwent repeated mitral valve surgery. The left atrial diameter(LAD) and left ventricular end-systolic diameter(LVESD) were higher in group B than in group A patients[LAD: (50.9±7.7)mm vs.(43.7±8.7)mm, P=0.009; LVESD: (37.1±5.5)mm vs.(33.2±4.7)mm, P=0.011], and the percentage of tendon cord rupture was higher in group B than in group A( P=0.022), while the rest of the baseline data were not statistically significant. There was no statistically significant difference between two groups in terms of the use of different surgical techniques, aortic cross-clamp time, cardiopulmonary bypass time, and operative time. Postoperative LAD, postoperative LVESD, and postoperative left ventricular end-diastolic diameter of group B patients were higher than those of group A( P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in perioperative and long-term complication rates between the two groups. Multifactorial Cox regression analysis revealed that advanced age( HR=1.049, 95% CI: 0.997-1.103, P=0.066) and large preoperative LVESD( HR=1.168, 95% CI: 1.053-1.295, P=0.003) were the risk factors for postoperative recurrence MR. Conclusion:Total thoracoscopic minimally invasive BD repair is safe, which has a high success rate and good long-term results. Advanced age and large preoperative LVESD are risk factors for recurrent MR in the long term.

Objective:To compare the clinical effects of restrictive transfusion strategy and liberal transfusion strategy for cardiac valve surgery.Methods:This study employed a prospective, randomized controlled superiority design, enrolling 439 patients undergoing non-emergency cardiac valve surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass at Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People′s Hospital, Southern Medical University from June 2023 to October 2024 who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. While all the patients appeared hematocrit (Hct)≤24% or hemoglobin (Hb)≤80 g/L during the cardiopulmonary bypass. A simple random design was adopted to generate a random sequence and participants were randomized into a restrictive transfusion group (restrictive criteria: Hct≤18% or Hb≤60 g/L during cardiopulmonary bypass, and Hct≤21% or Hb≤70 g/L postoperatively) or a liberal transfusion group (liberal criteria: Hct≤24% or Hb≤80 g/L during cardiopulmonary bypass and Hct≤30% or Hb≤100 g/L postoperatively). If Hb or Hct fell below the respective thresholds, 2 units of red blood cells were transfused, followed by re-evaluation. If levels remained below the threshold, an additional 2 units were transfused until the criteria were met. The primary outcome was a composite of postoperative 3-month mortality, infection, ischemic events, and new-onset renal failure requiring dialysis. Secondary outcomes included blood product utilization, length of stay in the ICU and so on. Intergroup comparisons were performed using independent sample t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, χ2 test, or Fisher′s exact test, and analyses were conducted using a binary multivariable Logistic regression model. Results:A total of 439 patients were included in this study. The restrictive roup included 221 patients, including 75 males and 146 females, aged ( M(IQR)) 57.0 (14.0) years (range: 21 to 76 years). The liberal group included 218 patients, including 67 males and 151 females, aged 56.0 (20.0) years (range: 19 to 74 years). No statistically significant difference was observed in the incidence of primary outcome (restrictive group: 10.9%(24/221) vs. liberal group: 9.6%(21/218), χ2=0.180, P>0.05), 2 patints in the restrictive group died and 3 patints in liberal group died ( P=0.684). The transfusion rate was significantly lower in the restrictive group(19.0%(42/221) vs. 100%(218/218), P<0.01), with no significant differences in other secondary outcomes (all P>0.05). Subgroup analysis revealed an interaction between sex and transfusion strategy ( P=0.023), suggesting that using liberal transfusion strategy in male patients might increase the risk of the primary outcome. Conclusion:The mid-term results do not show that the restrictive transfusion strategy is superior to the liberal transfusion strategy in reducing the incidence of postoperative outcome events in patients undergoing cardiac valve surgery.

Objective To explore the effect and mechanism of anti-mesangial cell-proliferation-peptide 2(AMPP2)on mesangial cell proliferation induced by transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1).Methods Mesangial cells were cultured in vitro and treated with TGF-β1(10 μg/L)and AMPP2(10 ng/L).According to different intervention factors,mesangial cells were divided into four groups:the control group,the AMPP2 group,the TGF-β1 group and the TGF-β1+AMPP2 group.The proliferation activity of mesangial cells was detected by CCK-8.The relative protein expression of cyclin dependent kinase 4(CDK-4),cyclin dependent kinase 6(CDK-6),proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA),α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),collagen-Ⅰ(COL-Ⅰ)and fibronectin(FN)were examined by Western blot assay.The relative mRNA expression of α-SMA,COL-Ⅰ and FN were detected by qPCR.Results Compared with the control group,proliferation activity of mesangial cells was significantly increased in the TGF-β1 group(P＜0.05).The proliferation activity of mesangial cells was markedly decreased in the TGF-β1+AMPP2 group compared with that of the TGF-β1 group(P＜0.05).Compared with the control group,protein levels of CDK-4,CDK-6,PCNA,α-SMA,COL-Ⅰand FN in cells were significantly increased in the TGF-β1 group(P＜0.05),as well as the mRNA levels of α-SMA,COL-Ⅰand FN(P＜0.05).In the TGF-β1+AMPP2 group,the protein and mRNA levels of α-SMA,COL-Ⅰand FN and the protein levels of CDK-4,CDK-6 and PCNA were markedly decreased compared with those of the TGF-β1 group(P＜0.05).Compared with the control group,levels of p-SMAD3/SMAD3 was remarkably upregulated in the TGF-β1 group(P＜0.05),while levels of p-SMAD3/SMAD3 was remarkably downregulated in the TGF-β1+AMPP2 group compared with those of the TGF-β1 group(P＜0.05).Conclusion AMPP2 may inhibit mesangial cell proliferation by regulating TGF-β1/SMAD3 pathway.

Objective To develop a novel transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement device and test its performance. Methods The transcatheter tricuspid valve stent consisted of double-layer self-expanding nitinol stent, biotissue-derived bovine pericardial leaflets, and PTFE woven. The delivery system, mainly consisting of a handle control unit and a delivery sheath, was sent to the correct position via right atrium or jugular vein. The sheath had a visualization feature, and the handle control unit could realize the functions of stable release and partial recovery of the interventional valve. In addition, this study performed animal survival experiments on the basis of in vitro experiments. A large-white pig was used as the experimental animal. Cardiopulmonary bypass was established through median thoracotomy, then the right atrium was opened, and the interventional valve was released under direct vision without cardiac arrest. Approximately 1 month after interventional valve implantation, the maneuverability and stability of the interventional tricuspid device were evaluated by autopsy. Results Through the animal experiment, the interventional valve was successfully released, and the anchoring was satisfactory. Postoperative transthoracic echocardiography showed that the interventional valve opened and closed well, the flow rate of tricuspid valve was 0.6 m/s, and there was no obvious tricuspid regurgitation. One month after the operation, we dissected the large-white pig and found the interventional valve was not deformed or displaced, the leaflets were well aligned, and there was thrombus attachment in the groove between the inner and outer layers of the interventional valve. Conclusion Animal experiment shows that the novel device can stably and firmly attach to the tricuspid annulus, with good anchoring effect, and effectively reduce paravalvular leakage.

Objective To explore the clinical efficacy and safety of off-clamping in robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) for the treatment of renal tumors.Methods From January 2015 to March 2017,the data of 48 patients who underwent off-clamping RAPN were reviewed retrospectively.There were 31 males and 17 females,and the mean age was 57 years (range:23-84 years).The mean tumor size was 3.1 cm (range:1.2-6.4 cm),with the upper,middle,and lower polar tumors account for 35.4％,27.1％,and 37.5％,respectively.The clinical tumor stage was T1N0M0 in all 48 cases,according to the AJCC tumor staging system for renal cancer.Results RAPNs were performed successfully in all 48 cases,without conversion to open surgery.In those patients,the application of off-clamping in robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy was performed in 44 cases.The renal artery and vein was exposed,dissected,isolated and then clamped in 4 cases due to bleeding.The mean surgical time was 85 min (range:75-185 min).The mean estimated blood loss was 134 ml (range:60-270 ml),and no blood transfusion was needed.The wound surface was closed using interrupted suture with Hem-o-lok clips securing each needle point.The mean time for renorrhaphy was 22 min (rang:11-31 min).No intraoperative severe complications such as vascular injury,trauma of abdominal organ occurred.There were 5 complications,including 2 cases of hematuria,2 cases of delayed healing of incision,and 1 case of pneumohypoderma.The pathological diagnosis included 40 cases of renal clear cell carcinoma,3 cases of papillary renal cell carcinoma,and 5 cases of angiomyolipomas.No tumor recurrence or distant metastasis was observed during the average follow-up of 17 months (range 3-27 months).Conclusions Off-clamping RAPN is safe and feasible approach to excise certain kidney tumors.It carries the benefits of less complication,quick recovery,and less ischemia reperfusion renal injury.Off-clamping RAPN would be suitable for those patients with solitary kidneys,renal insufficiency,and bilateral tumors.

Objective To summarize our experience in robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery for adrenal diseases Methods The clinical data of 243 patients with adrenal tumor treated by robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery from March 2010 to February 2017 were retrospectively reviewed.There were 99 men and 144 women.The mean age was 51.6 years (range, 19-84).Tumors located at left adrenal in 140 cases, right in 97 cases,and both sides in 6 cases.The average diameter was 3.32 cm (range, 0.8-12 cm).However, there were 41 cases whose tumor diameter were greater than 5 cm.Results There were 2 cases of conversion during operation, 1 case converted to open surgery and the other to the traditional laparoscope surgery.The mean operative time was 35 min (range, 20-130 min).Estimated blood loss was 80 ml (range,20-1 200 ml).Blood transfusion was needed in 6 cases.The mean postoperative hospital stay was 5d (range, 3-20 d).The pathological diagnosis included 37 cases of pheochromocytoma, 149 cases of cortical adenoma, 3 cases of cortical carcinoma, 5 cases of metastatic tumor, 9 cases of adrenal myelolipoma, 3 cases of adrenal cyst, 2 cases of bronchogenic cyst, 25 cases of adrenal nodular hyperplasia,2 cases of angiomyolipomas, 1 case of mature teratoma, 1 case of diffuse large B-Cell lymphoma, 1 case of angioma, and 4 cases of neurofibromatosis.Conclusions Robotic-assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy was safe and effective.Robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery has the advantages over laparoscopic surgery in treatment of complicated adrenal tumor, such as large adrenal tumors, pheochromocytoma, bilateral adrenal diseases, overweight and obese patients with adrenal diseases.