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The lack of preventive and disease modifying therapies for temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is a major unmet medical need. Search for such therapies utilize mouse models and require detection of seizures in electroencephalography (EEG) recordings. The labor-intensive nature of reviewing EEGs spanning many weeks underscores the need for a method of automated detection. Here we report a simple automated method of detecting seizures in long term EEG recordings from electrodes implanted in the hippocampus in animal models of TLE. We utilize a 2-pronged approach that relies on the increase in power within the gamma band range (20-50hz) during the seizure followed by suppression of activity following the seizure (post-ictal suppression [PIS]). We demonstrate the utility of this method for detecting seizures in hippocampal and amygdala EEG recordings from multiple models of TLE., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest None of the authors has any conflict of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

We set out to establish a novel model of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) in a mouse. We sought to induce TLE through the injection of kainic acid (KA) into the tail vein with subsequent development of status epilepticus (SE). Using C57BL/6 mice, we implanted hippocampal EEG recording electrodes before or after injection of KA or phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Video and EEG analysis were conducted to evaluate for SE and development of recurrent seizures, the hallmark of TLE. All mice injected with KA developed SE while those who were injected with PBS did not. Of the animals injected with KA monitored for recurrent seizures following SE, 33% developed spontaneous recurrent seizures while those injected with PBS did not. Injection of KA through the tail vein of a mouse reliably and rapidly induces SE which remits spontaneously and leads to the development of TLE in a subset of mice., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Objective: The benefits of minimally invasive adult cardiac surgery are well established. Nevertheless, minimally invasive congenital cardiac procedures, even for adult patients, are uncommon. In 2018, we started repairing anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery (AAOCA) through a 5 cm anterior minithoracotomy when possible to improve cosmesis and avoid sternal precautions. We hypothesized this approach was safe and reliable., Methods: A 5 cm incision was made in the right second intercostal space. The incision was carried down to the pericardium while preserving the internal mammary artery. With the pericardium in view, the second and third ribs were disarticulated. Central cardiopulmonary bypass was established, and the repair was carried out based on the patient's anatomy. The technique was modified to a left anterior minithoracotomy for 1 patient who required pulmonary artery translocation. At any point, if the dissection or repair was not progressing appropriately, the minimally invasive exposure was converted to a partial or traditional median sternotomy., Results: Between June 2018 and June 2019, 11 patients underwent minimally invasive anomalous coronary repair. Four patients (3 with body mass index >30) were converted to traditional sternotomy due to poor visualization. Postoperatively, 1 patient required coronary artery bypass after 335 days, due to extensive collaterals and stable angina. Otherwise, at a median follow-up of 437 days (IQR 340 to 480), patients had resumed baseline activity without recurrent symptoms., Conclusions: Minimally invasive AAOCA repair may be appealing, although surgeons should be cautious given the high conversion rate.

Objective: We describe a novel educational model for a student-led anatomy interest group that utilizes an efficient method of knowledge sharing among peers in order to supplement the standard gross anatomy curriculum and expose medical students to advanced, surgically relevant anatomy., Design: Student leaders of the Advanced Anatomy Interest Group compile a list of advanced anatomy "tidbits" related to a topic within a particular surgical specialty. Each medical student participant signs up for a different "tidbit" and prepares a short presentation. On meeting day, students present to the group. After each presentation, a surgical faculty moderator offers feedback and provides additional surgical perspective., Setting: Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA., Participants: Three third year medical student interest group leaders, 20 first through fourth year medical student participants, and 1 surgical faculty moderator., Results: Twelve students presented an advanced anatomy tidbit, and 15 students responded to a 10-question postmeeting survey. Over 90% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that their understanding of surgically relevant anatomy had improved. Of those students who presented, 100% agreed or strongly agreed that their preparedness to briefly teach complex medical topics to colleagues had improved. Additionally, students reported increased interest in surgery and an improved perception of surgeons., Conclusions: This novel educational model appears to be an effective and efficient way to supplement the standard gross anatomy curriculum and expose medical students to advanced, surgically relevant anatomy. In addition, this model enables students to hone their presentation skills, gain experience teaching advanced medical concepts to peers, and develop relationships with surgical faculty. Surgical faculty are also not burdened with any preparatory responsibilities, making their participation more feasible. This model can serve as a template for medical students, house staff, and faculty interested in expanding anatomy education at their own institutions., (Copyright © 2020 Association of Program Directors in Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Aortic stenosis and aortic insufficiency (AI) are common valvular conditions that may necessitate repair or replacement of the aortic valve. Aortic valve replacement is associated with higher long-term complications and thus, a consistent, reliable method of repair is needed. This is especially true in the pediatric population where lifelong anticoagulation and development of recurrent aortic stenosisor aortic insufficiency are especially problematic. The Hemispherical Aortic Annuloplasty Reconstruction Technology ring has been developed and used for annular stabilization in adults with success, though its efficacy in the pediatric population has yet to be demonstrated. Herein, we discuss the use of a geometric ring in aortic valve repair for the pediatric patient., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)