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Zhen Ci Yan Jiu = Acupuncture Research Jan 2022To observe the effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) on the motor function and the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and...
OBJECTIVE
To observe the effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) on the motor function and the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and microtubule associated protein 2 (MAP2) in cerebral ischemic penumbra of rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and explore the mechanism of taVNS in the improvement of motor function in MCAO rats.
METHODS
A total of 48 male SD rats were randomized into a sham-operation group, a model group, a transcutaneous auricular non-vagus nerve stimulation (tnVNS) group and a taVNS group, with 12 rats in each group. The suture-occluded method was adopted to prepare MCAO rat model. The auricular rim was stimulated in the tnVNS group and the concha stimulated in the taVNS group, 2 mA in intensity, 10 Hz in frequency, 30 min each time, once a day, for 14 days consecutively. The nerve functional assessment was recorded in each group. The expressions of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAchR) in the cerebral ischemic penumbra and the spleen were detected by using Western blot. With the immunofluorescence, the expressions of GFAP and MAP2 were detected.
RESULTS
After modeling, compared with the sham-operation group, the nerve functional score was increased in the model group, the tnVNS group and the taVNS group (<0.01), suggesting the success of modeling. After treatment, the score was increased in the model group (<0.01) as compared with the sham-operation group. Compared with the model group, the neurological deficit score was reduced in the taVNS group (<0.01). Compared with the sham-operation group, GFAP expression was increased and MAP2 expression was reduced remarkably in the cerebral ischemic penumbra in the model group (<0.05). In comparison with the model group, GFAP expression was reduced, while MAP2 expression was increased remarkably in the cerebral ischemic penumbra in the taVNS group (<0.05). There were no significant differences in the abovementioned indexes between the model group and tnVNS group (>0.05). The differences in the expression of α7nAchR in the cerebral ischemic penumbra and the spleen had no statistical significance among groups (>0.05).
CONCLUSION
TaVNS is effective on neuroprotection in MCAO rats, which may be related to its function of inhibition of GFAP expression and promotion of MAP2 expression in the ischemic penumbra.
Topics: Animals; Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein; Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery; Male; Microtubule-Associated Proteins; Middle Cerebral Artery; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation; Vagus Nerve Stimulation
PubMed: 35128868
DOI: 10.13702/j.1000-0607.20210059 -
Renal Failure Nov 2019The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the severity of acute kidney injury (AKI) induced by iodine contrast agent injection via the renal artery, ear vein,...
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the severity of acute kidney injury (AKI) induced by iodine contrast agent injection via the renal artery, ear vein, and femoral artery in a rabbit model.
METHODS
Blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) magnetic resonance (MR) scans were performed at 24 h prior to contrast injection and 1, 24, 48, and 72 h after injection. Iodixanol injection dose was 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 g iodine/kg, respectively. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression was determined, and the BOLD-MRI parameter R2* was used to express tissue oxygenation. Increases in R2* levels reflect reductions in tissue oxygenation. Analyses including R2* value, dose response, histology, and HIF-1α were conducted.
RESULT
Injection of 1.0 g iodine/kg into the left renal artery resulted in significant increases in renal R2* values after 24 h. This was equivalent to the change of R2* after 2.0 g iodine/kg femoral artery injection. Renal injury scores and HIF-1α expression scores were significantly increased at 24 h. The R2* values exhibited a positive linear correlation with histological injury scores. The maximum effects occurred 24 h after iodixanol injection and returned to baseline levels within 72 h.
CONCLUSIONS
The renal injury induced by 1.0 g iodine/kg iodixanol through renal artery injection was more significant than that caused by the same dose of femoral artery and auricular vein injection, while similar to that caused by 2.0 g iodine/kg femoral artery injection.
Topics: Acute Kidney Injury; Animals; Contrast Media; Disease Models, Animal; Ear Auricle; Femoral Artery; Humans; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit; Injections, Intra-Arterial; Injections, Intravenous; Kidney; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Oxygen; Rabbits; Renal Artery; Severity of Illness Index; Triiodobenzoic Acids
PubMed: 31057054
DOI: 10.1080/0886022X.2019.1604382 -
Anatomical Science International Sep 2023Anatomical variations between the facial nerve and adjacent arteries are rare. However, knowledge of such anatomical variations is important to the surgeon who operates... (Review)
Review
Anatomical variations between the facial nerve and adjacent arteries are rare. However, knowledge of such anatomical variations is important to the surgeon who operates on or near the facial nerve. Herein, we report an unusual finding between the extracranial part of the facial nerve and a nearby artery. During routine dissection of the right facial nerve trunk, the posterior auricular artery was found to pierce the nerve effectively forming a nerve loop. The nerve was pierced by the artery soon after its exit from the stylomastoid foramen. This case is detailed and a review on this topic presented, specifically identifying previously reported studies describing this or similar variations, and the relationship between the posterior auricular artery and facial nerve trunk in general. Piercing of the facial nerve trunk by the posterior auricular artery appears to be rare. However, such a relationship should be known by the clinician who treats patients with pathologies of the facial nerve trunk. To our knowledge, this is the first report of this variation in an adult. Due to such rarity, this case is of archival value for those who might describe it or similar cases in the future.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Facial Nerve; Head; Temporal Bone; Dissection; Arteries; Cadaver
PubMed: 36879134
DOI: 10.1007/s12565-023-00708-8 -
Journal of Neuroendovascular Therapy 2022We treated a case of scalp arteriovenous malformation (sAVM) by transvenous embolization using Onyx.
OBJECTIVE
We treated a case of scalp arteriovenous malformation (sAVM) by transvenous embolization using Onyx.
CASE PRESENTATION
We describe the case of a 17-year-old woman with a pulsatile mass at the right temporal area. DSA identified sAVM with the venous pouch between the right occipital artery (OA) and the right two occipital veins (OVs), which was also fed by multiple branches of the right posterior auricular artery (PAA) and superficial temporal artery (STA). The shunts were completely occluded by the reverse pressure cooker technique (RPCT), which involves navigating the balloon catheters just distal to the shunt point in the OVs approaching from the right external jugular vein (EJV) and injecting Onyx to each feeder retrogradely with balloons inflated.
CONCLUSION
This technique may be useful for treating sAVM with venous angioarchitecture enabling a transvenous approach.
PubMed: 37502025
DOI: 10.5797/jnet.tn.2020-0175 -
British Journal of Neurosurgery Dec 2021Superficial temporal artery (STA)-middle cerebral artery (MCA) bypass, and STA-anterior cerebral artery (ACA) bypass, are options for direct revascularisation of...
Superficial temporal artery (STA)-middle cerebral artery (MCA) bypass, and STA-anterior cerebral artery (ACA) bypass, are options for direct revascularisation of anterior circulation. However, some patients don't have a suitable STA to use as a donor, so an alternative procedure must be performed. A 59-year-old, right-handed man presented with dysphasia and right-sided hemiparesis due to a transient ischaemic attack. Imaging studies revealed severe stenosis of the left internal carotid artery bifurcation. Iodoamphetamine single photon emission computed tomography demonstrated reduced cerebrovascular reserve capacity in the left hemisphere. The patient was started on antiplatelet therapy, but the ischaemic attacks persisted after one month. Thus, revascularisation of the ACA and MCA territories was considered. Digital subtraction angiography revealed prominence in the left occipital artery (OA) and posterior auricular artery (PAA), while the left STA was hypoplastic, terminating at the squamous suture level. Therefore, anastomoses were performed between both the OA and ACA and the PAA and MCA. Revascularisation was successful, and the ischaemic attacks disappeared. OA-ACA bypass, together with PAA-MCA bypass, may be effective for wide cerebral revascularisation when the STA is not available.
Topics: Anterior Cerebral Artery; Carotid Artery, Internal; Cerebral Revascularization; Constriction, Pathologic; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Middle Cerebral Artery
PubMed: 31144536
DOI: 10.1080/02688697.2019.1620919 -
Archives of Craniofacial Surgery Jun 2021Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) which is a high-blood-flow lesion with connections between arteries and veins without an intervening capillary bed, is difficult to...
BACKGROUND
Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) which is a high-blood-flow lesion with connections between arteries and veins without an intervening capillary bed, is difficult to manage. The ear is the second most common site of extracranial AVM. However, studies regarding the management of this condition remain lacking. The purpose of this study was to share managing experiences in our center and to investigate the treatment effect through a retrospective analysis of cases.
METHODS
Among 265 patients with AVM treated in our vascular anomalies center between January 2008 and January 2021, 10 patients with auricular AVM were included in the study to investigate the lesion distribution, clinical stage, and treatment methods by performing a retrospective evaluation.
RESULTS
Among 10 patients, five patients had AVMs distributed in the upper half of the ear, one patient in the lower half of the ear, and four patients in whole ear, respectively. Seven patients had Schobinger stage II, and three had stage III. One patient received surgical treatment only, four patients received sclerotherapy only, and five patients received both surgical treatment and sclerotherapy. The posttreatment status was checked as controlled in two patients, improved in seven patients, persistent in one patient. There were no worsening patients.
CONCLUSION
Auricular AVM is a disease that is difficult to manage by one specific department, thus requiring a collaborative management effort from multidisciplinary team.
PubMed: 34225405
DOI: 10.7181/acfs.2021.00192 -
MethodsX 2017Serial injection into marginal vein and blood collection through auricular artery in New Zealand white Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is an important procedure for...
Serial injection into marginal vein and blood collection through auricular artery in New Zealand white Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is an important procedure for various types of experimental studies. Limitations of the existing methods for serial injection and blood collection includes complex procedures, causes considerable discomfort to rabbits, whole blood samples obtained are highly prone to hemolysis and lastly detailed protocol is not available in the literature. Approximately 10 min before commencement of the experiment, a local anesthetic cream was applied over the right and left ear lobes. The skin at the site of sample collection and injection was prepared by shaving the area on both ears and wiping it with alcohol swab. Once prepared, a 26 GA (BD Neoflon) intravenous cannula was inserted into the marginal vein of the ear and secured with an adhesive plaster. In the other ear, a 24 GA (BD Neoflon) intravenous cannula was placed in the auricular/central artery and secured with an adhesive plaster. The novel and refined method described here has been standardized and found to be reliable. The samples obtained using this method is not susceptible to hemolysis and hence we recommend this method for serial injection and blood collection in rabbits. •Easy to perform•Not prone to hemolysis•Detailed methodology described.
PubMed: 29167756
DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2017.11.001 -
Journal of Surgical Oncology Jun 2023The study investigated the anatomy of the retroauricular lymph node (LN) flap and evaluate its surgical feasibility as a new donor site for a free LN flap in lymphedema...
BACKGROUND
The study investigated the anatomy of the retroauricular lymph node (LN) flap and evaluate its surgical feasibility as a new donor site for a free LN flap in lymphedema surgery.
METHODS
Twelve adult cadavers were examined. The course and perfusion of the anterior auricular artery (AAA) and the location and sizes of the retroauricular LNs were studied.
RESULTS
The AAA was available in 87% and absent in 13% specimens. The AAA's origin had a mean vertical distance of 12.2 ± 6.9 mm and a mean horizontal distance of 19.1 ± 4.2 mm from the superior attachment of the ear. The mean diameter of the AAA was 0.8 ± 0.2 mm. The mean number of LN per region was 7.7 ± 2.3, with an average LN size of 4.1 ± 1.9 × 3.2 ± 1.7 mm. The LN were categorized into anterior (G1) and posterior (G2) groups, with a total of 59 and 10 LN, respectively. In a cluster analysis, three LN clusters could be detected across the anterior group (G1).
CONCLUSIONS
The retroauricular LN flap is a delicate but feasible flap with reliable anatomy, containing a mean of 7.7 LNs.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Feasibility Studies; Lymph Nodes; Free Tissue Flaps; Lymphedema; Lymphatic Vessels
PubMed: 36912899
DOI: 10.1002/jso.27234 -
Materials (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2023The most common decellularization method involves lipid removal using surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and DNA fragmentation using DNase, and is associated with...
The most common decellularization method involves lipid removal using surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and DNA fragmentation using DNase, and is associated with residual SDS. We previously proposed a decellularization method for the porcine aorta and ostrich carotid artery using liquefied dimethyl ether (DME), which is free from the concerns associated with SDS residues, instead of SDS. In this study, the DME + DNase method was tested on crushed porcine auricular cartilage tissues. Unlike with the porcine aorta and the ostrich carotid artery, it is important to degas the porcine auricular cartilage using an aspirator before DNA fragmentation. Although approximately 90% of the lipids were removed using this method, approximately 2/3 of the water was removed, resulting in a temporary Schiff base reaction. The amount of residual DNA in the tissue was approximately 27 ng/mg dry weight, which is lower than the regulatory value of 50 ng/mg dry weight. Hematoxylin and eosin staining confirmed that cell nuclei were removed from the tissue. Residual DNA fragment length assessment by electrophoresis confirmed that the residual DNA was fragmented to less than 100 bp, which was lower than the regulatory limit of 200 bp. By contrast, in the uncrushed sample, only the surface was decellularized. Thus, although limited to a sample size of approximately 1 mm, liquefied DME can be used to decellularize porcine auricular cartilage. Thus, liquefied DME, with its low persistence and high lipid removal capacity, is an effective alternative to SDS.
PubMed: 37110010
DOI: 10.3390/ma16083172 -
The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery 2019Approximately 35 facial transplants have been performed worldwide. Many under-explored aspects of this procedure remain, some emerging as the survivors age. Human-like...
UNLABELLED
Approximately 35 facial transplants have been performed worldwide. Many under-explored aspects of this procedure remain, some emerging as the survivors age. Human-like preclinical trial models, including swine, can be explored and developed as a foundation for subsequent studies. A previously described surgical technique for face transplantation in swine carcasses has been employed herein, evaluating its reproducibility in a live pig and the viability of the vascular pedicles.
METHOD
Flap construction was performed according to the experimental model developed in our service. Under general anesthesia, the structures of the left hemiface of a pig were dissected. Vascular pedicles were the facial artery, caudal auricular artery, and external jugular vein. After dissection, adequate tissue perfusion of the entire explant by those pedicles was documented through vessel filling, observation of the ischemic area, and posterior reperfusion.
RESULTS
A capillary reperfusion test confirmed that the main arterial pedicle irrigating the hemiface flap was the facial artery. The same technique showed that despite divergent literary opinions on the irrigation of the auricular region, the caudal auricular artery provides the arterial supply for the external ear. Performing the surgical technique was more difficult in vivo due to the inherent complications of a live subject.
CONCLUSION
The methodology for the facial transplant technique in swine carcasses was satisfactorily reproducible in a live animal. The main arterial pedicle responsible for flap irrigation is the facial artery, and the fact that the vessel supplying the outer ear is the caudal atrial artery was confirmed.
Topics: Animals; Arteries; Dissection; Ear, External; Face; Facial Transplantation; Models, Animal; Reperfusion; Reproducibility of Results; Surgical Flaps; Swine; Veins
PubMed: 30921078
DOI: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000005377