OBJECTIVES: To investigate the regulatory role of astrocytes in the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH) during sevoflurane anesthesia emergence. METHODS: Forty-two male C57BL/6 mice were randomized into 6 groups (n=7) for assessing astrocyte activation in the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH) under sevoflurane anesthesia. Two groups of mice received microinjection of agfaABC1D promoter-driven AAV2 vector into the DMH for GCaMP6 overexpression, and the changes in astrocyte activity during sevoflurane or air inhalation were recorded using calcium imaging. For assessing optogenetic activation of astrocytes, another two groups of mice received microinjection of an optogenetic virus or a control vector into the DMH with optic fiber implantation, and sevoflurane anesthesia emergence was compared using behavioral experiments. In the remaining two groups, electroencephalogram (EEG) recording during sevoflurane anesthesia emergence was conducted after injection of the hChR2-expressing and control vectors. Anesthesia induction and recovery were assessed by observing the righting reflex. EEG data were recorded under 2.0% sevoflurane to calculate the burst suppression ratio (BSR) and under 1.5% sevoflurane for power spectrum analysis. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to visualize the colocalization of GFAP-positive astrocytes with viral protein signals. RESULTS: Astrocyte activity in the DMH decreased progressively as sevoflurane concentration increased. During 2.0% sevoflurane anesthesia, the mice injected with the ChR2-expressing virus exhibited a significantly shortened wake-up time (P<0.05), and optogenetic activation of the DMH astrocytes led to a marked reduction in BSR (P<0.001). Under 1.5% sevoflurane anesthesia, optogenetic activation resulted in a significant increase in EEG gamma power and a significant decrease in delta power in ChR2 group (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Optogenetic activation of DMH astrocytes facilitates sevoflurane anesthesia emergence but does not significantly influence anesthesia induction. These findings offer new insights into the mechanisms underlying anesthesia emergence and may provide a potential target for accelerating postoperative recovery and managing anesthesia-related complications.
Animals ; Astrocytes/physiology* ; Sevoflurane ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Mice ; Male ; Electroencephalography ; Anesthetics, Inhalation/pharmacology* ; Hypothalamus/cytology* ; Anesthesia Recovery Period ; Methyl Ethers/pharmacology*

Objective:To explore the surgical technique and results of three-dimensional aortic valve anatomic repair for bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) with aortic regurgitation (AR).Methods:This is a retrospective case series study. From August 2021 to December 2023, 130 consecutive patients with BAV-AR underwent aortic valve anatomic repair at the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University,and the data were retrospectively analyzed. There were 115 males and 15 females, aged (38.6±11.7) years (range: 15 to 67 years). All patients received modified aortic root reconstruction, to do three-dimensional root remodeling, including the basal ring, sinus of Valsalva and sino-tubular junction simultaneously. Perioperative and follow-up data were collected and analyzed. Comparisons between groups were performed using independent samples t-test, Wilcoxon paired signed-rank test, or χ2 test. Results:No patient transferred to valve replacement during the operation. The cardiopulmonary bypass time ( M(IQR)) was 109(34) minutes (range:67 to 247 minutes), and the aortic cross-clamp time was 76(26) minutes (range: 32 to 158 minutes). Preoperative transesophageal echocardiography showed 123 patients (94.6%) presented with moderate or severe regurgitation. Immediately postoperative transesophageal echocardiography showed no regurgitation in 22 patients (16.9%), trace regurgitation in 81 patients (62.3%) and mild regurgitation in 27 patients (20.8%). Follow up was completed in all patients, with a follow-up of 5.5(9.4) months (range: 0.1 to 27.6 months). No mortality was observed during follow-up. Echocardiography was obtained in 112 patients at the latest follow-up, including no regurgitation in 4 patients (3.6%), trace regurgitation in 58 patients (51.8%), mild regurgitation in 45 patients (40.2%), moderate regurgitation in 4 patients (3.6%), and severe regurgitation in 1 patient (0.9%). Conclusion:For patients with BAV-AR who have good valve quality and no severe aortic sinus dilation, the recent outcomes of three-dimensional anatomical repair technique, focusing on overall remodeling of the aortic root, are satisfactory.

Objective:To explore the surgical technique and results of three-dimensional aortic valve anatomic repair for bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) with aortic regurgitation (AR).Methods:This is a retrospective case series study. From August 2021 to December 2023, 130 consecutive patients with BAV-AR underwent aortic valve anatomic repair at the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University,and the data were retrospectively analyzed. There were 115 males and 15 females, aged (38.6±11.7) years (range: 15 to 67 years). All patients received modified aortic root reconstruction, to do three-dimensional root remodeling, including the basal ring, sinus of Valsalva and sino-tubular junction simultaneously. Perioperative and follow-up data were collected and analyzed. Comparisons between groups were performed using independent samples t-test, Wilcoxon paired signed-rank test, or χ2 test. Results:No patient transferred to valve replacement during the operation. The cardiopulmonary bypass time ( M(IQR)) was 109(34) minutes (range:67 to 247 minutes), and the aortic cross-clamp time was 76(26) minutes (range: 32 to 158 minutes). Preoperative transesophageal echocardiography showed 123 patients (94.6%) presented with moderate or severe regurgitation. Immediately postoperative transesophageal echocardiography showed no regurgitation in 22 patients (16.9%), trace regurgitation in 81 patients (62.3%) and mild regurgitation in 27 patients (20.8%). Follow up was completed in all patients, with a follow-up of 5.5(9.4) months (range: 0.1 to 27.6 months). No mortality was observed during follow-up. Echocardiography was obtained in 112 patients at the latest follow-up, including no regurgitation in 4 patients (3.6%), trace regurgitation in 58 patients (51.8%), mild regurgitation in 45 patients (40.2%), moderate regurgitation in 4 patients (3.6%), and severe regurgitation in 1 patient (0.9%). Conclusion:For patients with BAV-AR who have good valve quality and no severe aortic sinus dilation, the recent outcomes of three-dimensional anatomical repair technique, focusing on overall remodeling of the aortic root, are satisfactory.

Objective To investigate the role of glutamatergic neurons in the dorsomedial periaqueductal grey(dmPAG)in regulating excessive defensive behaviors in mice with post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD).Methods Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to stereotactic injections of different recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors(rAAV2/9-CaMKⅡ-mCherry,rAAV2/9-CaMKⅡ-hM3Dq-mCherry and rAAV2/9-CaMKⅡ-hM4Di-mCherry)into the bilateral dmPAG for chemogenetic activation or inhibition of the glutamatergic neurons,followed 2 weeks later by PTSD modeling by single prolonged stress.The looming test,response to whisker stimulation test and contextual fear conditioning(CFC)test were used to observe changes in defensive behaviors of the PTSD mice.The activity of glutamatergic neurons in the dmPAG were observed using immunofluorescence staining.Results Compared with the control mice,the mouse models of PTSD showed a shortened latency of flights with increased time spent in the nest,response scores of defensive behaviors and freezing time(all P<0.01).Immunofluorescence staining revealed significantly increased c-fos-positive glutamatergic neurons in the dmPAG of PTSD mice with defensive behaviors.Activation of the glutamatergic neurons in the dmPAG(in PTSD hM3Dq group)did not cause significant changes in the latency of flights or time in nest but obviously increased response scores of defensive behaviors and freezing time of the mice,whereas inhibiting the glutamatergic neurons in the dmPAG(in PTSD hM4Di group)caused the reverse changes and obviously alleviated defensive behaviors in the PTSD mice(P<0.05 or 0.01).Conclusion Inhibiting the activity of glutamatergic neurons in the dmPAG can alleviate defensive behaviors in mice with PTSD.

Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of left ventricular assist device (LVAD)implantation via minimally invasive thoracotomy.Methods:From April 2022 to October 2023, we retrospectively collected and analyzed the perioperative data of 16 patients underwent LVAD via minimally invasive thoracotomy in our institute. 16 patients included 10 males and 6 females, the mean age was(58.6±7.6)(49-76)years old, BSA was (1.75±0.90)(1.35-2.01)m 2, 6 cases of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), 8 cases of ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) and 2 cases of end-stage valvular heart disease. LVAD type included 8 cases of CH-VAD, 7 cases of HeartCon and 1 case of Corheart-6. All the 16 patients underwent LVAD implantation were performed in condition of CPB, 13 patients on-beating heart, 3 patients with heart arrest. The outflow graft of 15 patients were place at ascending aorta, 1 patient was descending aorta. Results:The average surgical time was about 5.09 h, CPB time was(137±32)min, and the mechanical ventilation time was (20.8±13.6)h, stay in the ICU was(10.0±6.3)days, and the length of stay was(45.4±17.0)days. No case transition to sternotomy, no case in right ventricular failure, and no death case during 30 days.Conclusion:Minimally invasive thoracotomy approach is a safe and reliable method for left ventricular assist devices implantation, and can be used as a choice for LVAD implantation.

Objective To investigate the role of glutamatergic neurons in the dorsomedial periaqueductal grey(dmPAG)in regulating excessive defensive behaviors in mice with post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD).Methods Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to stereotactic injections of different recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors(rAAV2/9-CaMKⅡ-mCherry,rAAV2/9-CaMKⅡ-hM3Dq-mCherry and rAAV2/9-CaMKⅡ-hM4Di-mCherry)into the bilateral dmPAG for chemogenetic activation or inhibition of the glutamatergic neurons,followed 2 weeks later by PTSD modeling by single prolonged stress.The looming test,response to whisker stimulation test and contextual fear conditioning(CFC)test were used to observe changes in defensive behaviors of the PTSD mice.The activity of glutamatergic neurons in the dmPAG were observed using immunofluorescence staining.Results Compared with the control mice,the mouse models of PTSD showed a shortened latency of flights with increased time spent in the nest,response scores of defensive behaviors and freezing time(all P<0.01).Immunofluorescence staining revealed significantly increased c-fos-positive glutamatergic neurons in the dmPAG of PTSD mice with defensive behaviors.Activation of the glutamatergic neurons in the dmPAG(in PTSD hM3Dq group)did not cause significant changes in the latency of flights or time in nest but obviously increased response scores of defensive behaviors and freezing time of the mice,whereas inhibiting the glutamatergic neurons in the dmPAG(in PTSD hM4Di group)caused the reverse changes and obviously alleviated defensive behaviors in the PTSD mice(P<0.05 or 0.01).Conclusion Inhibiting the activity of glutamatergic neurons in the dmPAG can alleviate defensive behaviors in mice with PTSD.

OBJECTIVE To assess changes in the demographic characteristics of patients with otitis media with effusion during the COVID-19 epidemic.METHODS This retrospective study analyzed cases of otitis media with effusion in the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery,Beijing Tongren Hospital.The cases were divided into two groups:a pre-Covid-19 group(from December 1,2018,to January 31,2019),and a Covid-19 group(from December 1,2022,to January 31,2023).Patient demographics including age,sex,ear side and audiology results were collected.Additionally,age composition ratio,sex composition ratio,disease-side ratio,and audiological results were analyzed.RESULTS A total of 1 872 patients were included in the pre-COVID group,with an average age of(30.45±23.17)years(949 males and 923 females).Among them,910 were children and 962 were adults.The Covid-19 group included 1 194 patients,with an average age of(48.31±18.92)years(623 males and 571 females).Among them,95 were children and 1 099 were adults.Statistical analysis of the data revealed that the overall age distribution of the disease was different between the two groups(Z=-20.820,P＜0.001).There was a significant difference in the composition ratio of children to adults(χ2=546.838,P＜0.001),with a significant decrease and increase in the prevalence rate of otitis media with effusion in children and adults,respectively,in the COVID-19 group.Compared to the pre-COVID-19 group,the proportion of cases in the age group of 7-18 years was significantly reduced in the children's group(Z=-5.641,P＜0.001),and the proportion of prevalence increased significantly in the adult group aged 46-75 years(Z=-3.134,P=0.002).Additionally,there was a significant increase in the number of male patients in the Covid-19 group(χ2=5.15,P=0.023)when compared to the pre-COVID-19 group.CONCLUSION Compared to the pre-Covid-19 period,a significant change in the age distribution of otitis media with effusion was observed during the COVID-19 epidemic,with a significant decrease in the proportion of children and a signification increase in the proportion of adults.

Ear, Inner/diagnostic imaging* ; Temporal Bone/diagnostic imaging* ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods*

Objective     To summarize the effectiveness of Bentall procedure through the right anterior mini-incision. Methods    The clinical data of patients who underwent Bentall via right anterior mini-incision from September 2020 to September 2021 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University were retrospectively analyzed. Results    A total of 14 males with an average age of 55.1±9.3 years and body mass index of 24.7±2.8 kg/m2 were enrolled. The cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time was 185.6±32.9 min, the aortic cross-clamping (ACC) time was 144.8±30.3 min, the ventilation time was 18.1±13.5 h, the time in the intensive care unit was 3.7±1.8 d, and the hospital stay time was 13.4±1.6 d. Postoperative complications occurred in 5 patients: 3 patients of pleural effusion, 1 patient of pericardial effusion and 1 patient of postoperative bleeding with secondary thoracotomy hemostasis. The median follow-up time was 4 (2, 6) months. There was no mortality in the hospital or during the follow-up. As for the learning curve, the ACC time, CPB time and operation time were significantly shortened after four cases (P<0.05). Conclusion    The right anterior mini-incision for Bentall operation is safe and effective, and has clinical value.

Objective:To evaluate the outcomes of aortic root repair in acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) with aortic sinus involvement.Methods:The clinical data of patients with ATAAD involving the aortic sinus and an aortic root diameter of ≤45 mm who were treated from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2016, were collected. Patients were divided into group A (involvement of one aortic sinus or part of one aortic sinus) and group B (involvement of more than one aortic sinus). The effectiveness of aortic root repair in ATAAD with sinus involvement was analyzed by comparing the preoperative imaging characteristics and postoperative results between the two groups.Results:The study cohort comprised 155 patients, including 100 patients in group A and 55 in group B. There were no differences between the two groups in baseline characteristics, aortic root diameter, 30-day mortality, and complication rates. During an average follow-up of(49.1±14.6) months, there was no difference between the two groups in the survival rate (92.0% vs. 89.5%, P=0.61). The aortic root diameter at follow-up showed no progressive expansion compared with preoperatively in either of the two groups[(38.1±3.6) mm vs. (37.9±3.5)mm, P=0.92, A; (38.4±4.1) mm vs. (38.3±3.6) mm, P=0.74, B]; furthermore, there was no difference between the two groups in aggravation of aortic regurgitation. Conclusion:Aortic root repair achieves satisfactory medium-term outcomes in ATAAD with more than one aortic sinus involved, but the long-term outcomes need to be evaluated.