The function of the ACE2/Ang(1-7)/Mas receptor axis of the renin-angiotensin system in myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury

OBJECTIVE

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2) is a critical element of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), which can convert angiotensin (Ang)II to Ang(1-7), followed by binding Mas receptor (MasR) and subsequently produces cardioprotective effects through various signal transduction pathways. It has been discovered in research that activation of the RAS contributes a crucial influence during the myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury (MIRI) development. The features of ACE2, Ang(1-7), and MasR, as well as the function of the ACE2/Ang(1-7)/MasR axis in MIRI, are discussed in our review, with the therapeutic potential of this axis as a new treatment option for MIRI patients shown.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To retrieve a thorough collection of studies, we performed a search in PubMed using the following combination of keywords: (ACE2) or (Ang1-7) or (Mas receptor) and (Myocardial Ischemia reperfusion injury). The time limits used for the search were 1986 to 2021.

RESULTS

In total, 367 articles were included. Titles and abstracts of articles were screened for relevance, and all relevant articles published in English were included.

CONCLUSIONS

ACE2, a prominent member of the RAS, performs a crucial regulatory function in the cardiovascular system. ACE2 regulates the RAS inversely mainly by hydrolyzing the harmful AngII to the beneficial Ang(1-7). Increasing or activating ACE2 or Ang(1-7) may help prevent and treat MIRI. However, additional research into the specific processes behind the ACE2/Ang(1-7)/MasR axis in MIRI is necessary, as well as the performance of additional in-depth studies to go from basic research to clinical translation.

Joint Determination of Reactor Antineutrino Spectra from ^{235}U and ^{239}Pu Fission by Daya Bay and PROSPECT

A joint determination of the reactor antineutrino spectra resulting from the fission of ^{235}U and ^{239}Pu has been carried out by the Daya Bay and PROSPECT Collaborations. This Letter reports the level of consistency of ^{235}U spectrum measurements from the two experiments and presents new results from a joint analysis of both data sets. The measurements are found to be consistent. The combined analysis reduces the degeneracy between the dominant ^{235}U and ^{239}Pu isotopes and improves the uncertainty of the ^{235}U spectral shape to about 3%. The ^{235}U and ^{239}Pu antineutrino energy spectra are unfolded from the jointly deconvolved reactor spectra using the Wiener-SVD unfolding method, providing a data-based reference for other reactor antineutrino experiments and other applications. This is the first measurement of the ^{235}U and ^{239}Pu spectra based on the combination of experiments at low- and highly enriched uranium reactors.

[Femtosecond laser-assisted corneoscleral lamellar keratoplasty for peripheral corneal disease]

Objective: To evaluate the effect of femtosecond laser-assisted corneoscleral lamellar keratoplasty (FL-CSLK) on peripheral corneal disease (PCD). Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Six patients (6 eyes) with PCD who underwent FL-CSLK in Qingdao Eye Hospital from March 2014 to March 2017 were grouped as the FL-CSLK group, including 4 males and 2 females, aged (46.7±17.9) years. In addition, 8 patients (8 eyes) with PCD who underwent traditional corneoscleral lamellar keratoplasty in the same period were included in the control group. The items for analyses were as follows: visual function recovery, including visual acuity, equivalent spherical power, and astigmatism; the state of the cornea, including the healing time of the corneal epithelium, the transparency of the graft, the thickness of the corneal graft and implant bed, and the loss rate of corneal endothelial cells; intraoperative and postoperative complications, including high intraocular pressure, interlayer effusion, delayed corneal epithelial healing, immune rejection, and primary recurrence. Paired t-test was used to compare the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), equivalent spherical power, and astigmatism before and after operation. The BCVA and corneal graft epithelial healing time between the two groups were compared by independent sample t-test. Results: The 6 patients in the FL-CSLK group included 2 cases of Mooren ulcer, 3 cases of Terrien marginal degeneration, and 1 case of pellucid marginal degeneration. The control group consisted of 4 eyes with Mooren ulcer and 4 eyes with Terrien marginal degeneration. The BCVA (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) in the FL-CSLK group was 0.35±0.09 at 6 months after operation, which was significantly higher than that before operation (1.17±0.15; t=9.01, P<0.001) and at 6 months after operation in the control group (0.78±0.29; t=-3.96, P=0.003). The equivalent spherical power was (4.8±2.7) D, lower than that before operation (t=-3.71, P=0.014), and the astigmatism power was (10.1±4.1) D, lower than that before operation (t=6.04, P=0.002) in the FL-CSLK group. The healing time of the graft epithelium in the FL-CSLK group and control group was (8.5±3.3) days and (12.8±6.1) days, respectively, with no significant difference (t=-1.54, P=0.149). The central thickness of the graft in the FL-CSLK group was (525±47) μm at 6 months after operation, the central thickness of the implant bed was (189±119) μm, and the loss rate of the corneal endothelium was 7.5%±2.1%. In the control group, 1 case had intraoperative perforation, 2 cases had intracorneal hemorrhage, and 1 case had intracorneal epithelial implantation cysts and graft ulcer. There were no intraoperative and postoperative complications in the FL-CSLK group. Conclusions: FL-CSLK can yield good clinical results in the treatment of PCD. The smooth optical interface made by femtosecond lasers can help the patient achieve a good visual prognosis. The procedure reduces the risk of corneal perforation and thus improves the surgery safety.

Change in Objectively Measured Activity Levels Resulting from the EMPOWER Study Lifestyle Intervention

Purpose

To examine changes in physical activity (PA) during a behavioral weight-loss intervention and determine baseline factors associated with PA goal achievement.

Methods

Overweight/obese community-dwelling adults with valid PA accelerometer data (N=116; mean age 51.7 years; 89% female; 83% non-Hispanic White) were recruited into a single-arm prospective cohort study examining the effects of a 12-month intervention that included 24 in-person group sessions, weight-loss, calorie, fat gram, and PA goals, self-monitoring, and feedback. Minutes of moderate-to-vigorous (MV) PA and steps were measured using a waist-worn accelerometer (ActiGraph GT3x) at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Achievement of the 150 minute/week MVPA goal was examined using total minutes and bout minutes (i.e., counting only PA occurring in bouts ≥10 minutes in length). Change in PA was analyzed using non-parametric tests for multiple comparisons. Associations of factors with meeting the PA goal were modeled using binary logistic regression.

Results

At 6 months, there were increases from baseline in MVPA (median [p25, p75]: 5.3 [-0.9, 17.6] minutes/day) and steps (863 [-145, 2790] steps/day), both p<0.001. At 12 months, improvements were attenuated (MVPA: 2.4 [-2.0, 11.4] minutes/day, p=0.047; steps: 374[-570, 1804] p=0.14). At 6 months, 33.6% of individuals met the PA goal (using total or bout minutes). At 12 months, the percent meeting the goal using total MVPA [31%] differed from bout MVPA [22.4%]. Male gender (OR=4.14, p=0.027) and an autumn program start (versus winter; OR=3.39, p=0.011) were associated with greater odds of goal achievement at 6 months.

Conclusions

The intervention increased PA goal achievement at 6 and 12 months with many making clinically meaningful improvements. Our results suggest female participants may require extra support toward improving PA levels.

Measurement of the Sixth-Order Cumulant of Net-Proton Multiplicity Distributions in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=27, 54.4, and 200 GeV at RHIC

According to first-principle lattice QCD calculations, the transition from quark-gluon plasma to hadronic matter is a smooth crossover in the region μ_{B}≤T_{c}. In this range the ratio, C_{6}/C_{2}, of net-baryon distributions are predicted to be negative. In this Letter, we report the first measurement of the midrapidity net-proton C_{6}/C_{2} from 27, 54.4, and 200 GeV Au+Au collisions at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). The dependence on collision centrality and kinematic acceptance in (p_{T}, y) are analyzed. While for 27 and 54.4 GeV collisions the C_{6}/C_{2} values are close to zero within uncertainties, it is observed that for 200 GeV collisions, the C_{6}/C_{2} ratio becomes progressively negative from peripheral to central collisions. Transport model calculations without critical dynamics predict mostly positive values except for the most central collisions within uncertainties. These observations seem to favor a smooth crossover in the high-energy nuclear collisions at top RHIC energy.

Evolution of the grass leaf by primordium extension and petiole-lamina remodeling

[Figure: see text].

H. pylori Pattern Gastritis with Negative Helicobacter Immunohistochemical Stain: Does A Specific Comment in Pathology Report Impact Clinical Management?

Introduction/Objective

The clinical significance of H. pylori (HP) pattern of gastritis with a negative Helicobacter IHC stain on gastric biopsy is unclear. Some pathologists report this pattern in cases that are highly suggestive of HP infection with a comment raising the possibility of HP infection; however, the subsequent clinical management of these patients has not been well described.

Methods/Case Report

We conducted a retrospective comparison study of patients with gastric biopsy between 2016 and 2019. Group 1 included patients with chronic active or chronic inactive gastritis and negative HP IHC with a comment stating the gastritis pattern is suggestive of HP. Group 2 included patients with chronic active or chronic inactive gastritis and negative HP IHC with no comment about HP pattern.

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)

We identified 60 patients in Group 1 which were compared to 63 patients in Group 2. Group 1 more frequently had history of HP (48.3% vs. 29.1%, p&lt;0.05). After diagnosis, Group 1 more frequently received treatment (51.7% vs. 20.6%, p&lt;0.001). Of those who received treatment, Group 1 more frequently received HP treatment (triple or quadruple therapy; 21.7% vs. 1.6%, p&lt;0.001). History of HP did not affect whether a patient was treated (p&gt;0.05). Following post-biopsy HP treatment, more patients in Group 1 received fecal antigen test (23.7% vs. 5.5%, p&lt;0.01). Age, gender, NSAID and PPI use did not differ between groups.

Conclusion

Adding the diagnostic comment raising the possibility of HP for patients with HP pattern gastritis with negative HP IHC changes clinical management and it is independent of patients’ prior HP history.

[Comparison of diagnostic value between renal cyst index and Bosniak classification in cystic renal masses]

A total of 106 patients who were diagnosed with Bosniak catergory ⅡF or Ⅲ cystic renal masses (CRM) and underwent surgery in Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital and Xuhui District Central Hospital between January 2018 and December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The diagnostic accuracy of renal cyst index (RCI) and Bosniak classification system was compared by analyzing the relevant parameters including the sensitivity and specificity. There were 62 males and 44 females, with a median age of 56 years old. Among the 106 CRM, 72 were benign and 34 were malignant. The sensitivity and specificity of RCI was 94.12% and 81.94%, respectively, while the sensitivity and specificity of Bosniak classification system was 73.53% and 80.56%, respectively. Chi-square test revealed that the sensitivity of RCI was significantly higher than that of Bosniak classification system (P=0.023). The current study indicates that RCI is a simple and feasible method which can provide quantitative evaluation for predicting characteristics of CRM.

Observation of D_{s}^{±}/D^{0} Enhancement in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

We report on the first measurement of charm-strange meson D_{s}^{±} production at midrapidity in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV from the STAR experiment. The yield ratio between strange (D_{s}^{±}) and nonstrange (D^{0}) open-charm mesons is presented and compared to model calculations. A significant enhancement, relative to a pythia simulation of p+p collisions, is observed in the D_{s}^{±}/D^{0} yield ratio in Au+Au collisions over a large range of collision centralities. Model calculations incorporating abundant strange-quark production in the quark-gluon plasma and coalescence hadronization qualitatively reproduce the data. The transverse-momentum integrated yield ratio of D_{s}^{±}/D^{0} at midrapidity is consistent with a prediction from a statistical hadronization model with the parameters constrained by the yields of light and strange hadrons measured at the same collision energy. These results suggest that the coalescence of charm quarks with strange quarks in the quark-gluon plasma plays an important role in D_{s}^{±}-meson production in heavy-ion collisions.

First pregnancy in China after ovarian tissue transplantation to prevent premature ovarian insufficiency

OBJECTIVE

This article reports the first case of pregnancy after frozen-thawed ovarian tissue transplantation to prevent iatrogenic premature ovarian insufficiency in China.

METHODS

Ovarian tissue cryopreservation was performed in a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) before multi-agent chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Two years later, she showed complete remission from MDS, and six frozen-thawed ovarian tissue strips were transplanted into the peritoneal pocket.

RESULTS

The patient's ovarian activity was restored 3 months after transplantation, and pregnancy occurred spontaneously 27 months after grafting. Until now, the pregnancy has progressed for 30 weeks, and the repeated ultrasound showed normal fetal development.

CONCLUSION

This is the first pregnancy resulting from ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation in China.

An innovative application of follicular unit extraction technique in the treatment of bromhidrosis

BACKGROUND

Surgery is the most effective way to treat bromhidrosis, but postoperative complications are still the biggest obstacles for patients to choose surgical treatment.

OBJECTIVES

To introduce an innovative application of follicular unit extraction (FUE) in the treatment of bromhidrosis.

METHODS

We conducted a case series study on 20 patients who received FUE technique for the treatment of bromhidrosis. The axillary hair follicles were extracted with a one-millimetre punch. The released hair follicles were collected for histological examination. After the operation, the wounds were wrapped with moderate pressure. The dressing was removed 24 h after the FUE operation. The postoperative complications were collected, and the improvement of malodour was evaluated by the 10-point visual analogue scale.

RESULTS

Immediately postoperation, many needle-shaped holes appeared in the armpits. The holes healed 7 days after the operation, with no scar or pinpoint-like scars. Except for a female who complained of mild pain in the left armpit, no other patients had any discomfort. The malodour level varied between 0 and 4 during the follow-up period. The tissue examination showed that more than 90% of the completely plucked hair follicles were accompanied by apocrine glands, and many blocked and dilated apocrine glands were observed. The lumens of the blocked glands were filled with decapitation products, which were positive for K5, Brst-2 and CEA.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with bromhidrosis have a positive response to FUE technique. The FUE technique is well-tolerated, with only a few postoperative complications, which deserves to be widely promoted.

Measurement of e^{+}e^{-} Momentum and Angular Distributions from Linearly Polarized Photon Collisions

The Breit-Wheeler process which produces matter and antimatter from photon collisions is experimentally investigated through the observation of 6085 exclusive electron-positron pairs in ultraperipheral Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV. The measurements reveal a large fourth-order angular modulation of cos4Δϕ=(16.8±2.5)% and smooth invariant mass distribution absent of vector mesons (ϕ, ω, and ρ) at the experimental limit of ≤0.2% of the observed yields. The differential cross section as a function of e^{+}e^{-} pair transverse momentum P_{⊥} peaks at low value with sqrt[⟨P_{⊥}^{2}⟩]=38.1±0.9  MeV and displays a significant centrality dependence. These features are consistent with QED calculations for the collision of linearly polarized photons quantized from the extremely strong electromagnetic fields generated by the highly charged Au nuclei at ultrarelativistic speed. The experimental results have implications for vacuum birefringence and for mapping the magnetic field which is important for emergent QCD phenomena.

Clinical Outcomes between Stand-Alone Zero-Profile Spacers and Cervical Plate with Cage Fixation for Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: A Retrospective Analysis of 166 Patients

Stand-alone (SA) zero-profile implants are an alternative to cervical plating (CP) in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). In this study, we investigate differences in surgical outcomes between SA and CP in ACDF. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 166 patients with myelopathy and/or radiculopathy who had ACDF with SA or CP from Jan 2013-Dec 2016. We measured surgical outcomes including Bazaz dysphagia score at 3 months, Nurick grade at last follow-up, and length of hospital stay. 166 patients (92F/74M) were reviewed. 92 presented with radiculopathy (55%), 37 with myelopathy (22%), and 37 with myeloradiculopathy (22%). The average operative time with CP was longer than SA (194 ± 69 vs. 126 ± 46 min) (p < 0.001), as was the average length of hospital stay (2.1 ± 2 vs. 1.5 ± 1 days) (p = 0.006). At 3 months, 82 patients (49.4%) had a follow-up for dysphagia, with 3 patients reporting mild dysphagia and none reporting moderate or severe dysphagia. Nurick grade at last follow-up for the myelopathy and myeloradiculopathy cohorts improved in 63 patients (85%). Prolonged length of stay was associated with reduced odds of having an optimal outcome by 0.50 (CI = 0.35-0.85, p = 0.003). Overall, we demonstrate that there is no significant difference in neurological outcome or rates of dysphagia between SA and CP, and that both lead to overall improvement of symptoms based on Nurick grading. However, we also show that the SA group has shorter length of hospital stay and operative time compared to CP.

Applying deep learning to defect detection in printed circuit boards via a newest model of you-only-look-once

In this paper, a new model known as YOLO-v5 is initiated to detect defects in PCB. In the past many models and different approaches have been implemented in the quality inspection for detection of defect in PCBs. This algorithm is specifically selected due to its efficiency, accuracy and speed. It is well known that the traditional YOLO models (YOLO, YOLO-v2, YOLO-v3, YOLO-v4 and Tiny-YOLO-v2) are the state-of-the-art in artificial intelligence industry. In electronics industry, the PCB is the core and the most basic component of any electronic product. PCB is almost used in each and every electronic product that we use in our daily life not only for commercial purposes, but also used in sensitive applications such defense and space exploration. These PCB should be inspected and quality checked to detect any kind of defects during the manufacturing process. Most of the electronic industries are focused on the quality of their product, a small error during manufacture or quality inspection of the electronic products such as PCB leads to a catastrophic end. Therefore, there is a huge revolution going on in the manufacturing industry where the object detection method like YOLO-v5 is a game changer for many industries such as electronic industries.

The Financial Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Neurosurgery Practice in Spring 2020

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has changed health care delivery across the United States. Few analyses have specifically looked at quantifying the financial impact of the pandemic on practicing neurosurgeons. A survey analysis was performed to address this need.

METHODS

A 19-question survey was distributed to practicing neurosurgeons in the United States and its territories. The questions evaluated respondents' assessments of changes in patient and procedural volume, salary and benefits, practice expenses, staffing, applications for government assistance, and stroke management. Responses were stratified by geographic region.

RESULTS

The response rate was 5.1% (267/5224). Most respondents from each region noted a >50% decrease in clinic volume. Respondents from the Northeast observed a 76% decrease in procedure volume, which was significantly greater than that of other regions (P = 0.003). Northeast respondents were also significantly more likely to have been reassigned to nonneurosurgical clinical duties during the pandemic (P < 0.001). Most respondents also noted decreased salary and benefits but experienced no changes in overall practice expenses. Most respondents did not experience significant reductions in nursing or midlevel staffing. These trends were not significantly different between regions.

CONCLUSIONS

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to decreases in patient and procedural volume and physician compensation despite stable practice expenses. Significantly more respondents in the Northeast region noted decreases in procedural volume and reassignment to nonneurosurgical COVID-related medical duties. Future analysis is necessary as the pandemic evolves and the long-term clinical and economic implications become clear.

Global Polarization of Ξ and Ω Hyperons in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

Global polarization of Ξ and Ω hyperons has been measured for the first time in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV. The measurements of the Ξ^{-} and Ξ[over ¯]^{+} hyperon polarization have been performed by two independent methods, via analysis of the angular distribution of the daughter particles in the parity violating weak decay Ξ→Λ+π, as well as by measuring the polarization of the daughter Λ hyperon, polarized via polarization transfer from its parent. The polarization, obtained by combining the results from the two methods and averaged over Ξ^{-} and Ξ[over ¯]^{+}, is measured to be ⟨P_{Ξ}⟩=0.47±0.10(stat)±0.23(syst)% for the collision centrality 20%-80%. The ⟨P_{Ξ}⟩ is found to be slightly larger than the inclusive Λ polarization and in reasonable agreement with a multiphase transport model. The ⟨P_{Ξ}⟩ is found to follow the centrality dependence of the vorticity predicted in the model, increasing toward more peripheral collisions. The global polarization of Ω, ⟨P_{Ω}⟩=1.11±0.87(stat)±1.97(syst)% was obtained by measuring the polarization of daughter Λ in the decay Ω→Λ+K, assuming the polarization transfer factor C_{ΩΛ}=1.

The impact of COVID-19 on Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery patient presentations to the emergency department: A West of Ireland experience

Following the outbreak of COVID-19 and subsequent restrictions in the Republic of Ireland, the number of Emergency Department attendances have reduced nationally. Concurrently, it would be expected that there would be a reduction in the number of patients attending the emergency department with specific oral and maxillofacial concerns. A retrospective analysis of Oral and Maxillofacial patients attending the Emergency Department in University Hospital Galway during the first three-month period of COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 was compared to patients presenting to the Emergency Department during the equivalent period in the preceding year. The analysis confirmed a 46% reduction in attendances during the COVID-19 lockdown period. There was also a significant decrease in the number of young patients attending due to maxillofacial trauma. Contributing factors to this reduction may include working from home, reducing face-to-face social activities and the closure of social settings. It must be noted that there was a two-fold increase in the number of patients attending with dental pain during the lockdown period in comparison to the preceding year. Similarly, there was a proportional increase in the number of those attending due to infection and requiring subsequent admission during the COVID-19 lockdown period. Patient anxiety related to contracting the virus may have contributed to patients presenting with infection during the COVID-19 lockdown period.