Yongxiang Wei

Bio: Yongxiang Wei is an academic researcher from Capital Medical University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Obstructive sleep apnea & Olfactory system. The author has an hindex of 18, co-authored 125 publications receiving 1064 citations.

Serum exosomes mediate delivery of arginase 1 as a novel mechanism for endothelial dysfunction in diabetes

Abstract: Exosomes, abundant in blood, deliver various molecules to recipient cells. Endothelial cells are directly exposed to circulating substances. However, how endothelial cells respond to serum exosomes (SExos) and the implications in diabetes-associated vasculopathy have never been explored. In the present study, we showed that SExos from diabetic db/db mice (db/db SExos) were taken up by aortic endothelial cells, which severely impaired endothelial function in nondiabetic db/m+ mice. The exosomal proteins, rather than RNAs, mostly account for db/db SExos-induced endothelial dysfunction. Comparative proteomics analysis showed significant increase of arginase 1 in db/db SExos. Silence or overexpression of arginase 1 confirmed its essential role in db/db SExos-induced endothelial dysfunction. This study is a demonstration that SExos deliver arginase 1 protein to endothelial cells, representing a cellular mechanism during development of diabetic endothelial dysfunction. The results expand the scope of blood-borne substances that monitor vascular homeostasis.

[68Ga]Pentixafor-PET/MRI for the detection of Chemokine receptor 4 expression in atherosclerotic plaques

Abstract: The expression of chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) was found co-localized with macrophages on the atherosclerotic vessel wall and participated in the initial emigration of leukocytes. Gallium-68 [68Ga]Pentixafor has recently been introduced for the imaging of atherosclerosis by targeting CXCR4. We sought to evaluate human atherosclerotic lesions using [68Ga]Pentixafor PET/MRI. Thirty-eight oncology patients underwent [68Ga]Pentixafor PET/MR imaging at baseline. Maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) were derived from hot lesions in seven arterial segments and target-to-blood ratios (TBR) were calculated. ANOVA post-hoc and paired t test were performed for statistical comparison, Spearman’s correlation coefficient between uptake ratios and cardiovascular risk factors were assessed. The reproducibility of [68Ga]Pentixafor PET/MRI was assessed in seven patients with a follow-up exanimation by Pearson’s regression and Bland–Altman plots analysis. Thirty-four of 38 patients showed 611 focal [68Ga]Pentixafor uptake that followed the contours of the large arteries. Both prevalence and mean TBRmax were highest in the descending aorta. There were significantly higher TBR values found in men (1.9 ± 0.3) as compared to women (1.7 ± 0.2; p 1.7 showed a significantly higher incidence of diabetes, hypertension hypercholesterolemia and history of cardiovascular disease than patients with mean TBRmax ≤ 1.7. [68Ga]Pentixafor uptake showed a good reproducibility (r = 0.6, p < 0.01), and there was no difference between the mean TBRmax values of plaque lesions (TBRbaseline1.8 ± 0.3 vs TBRfollow-up1.8 ± 0.3) (p = 0.9). Patients with high arterial uptake showed increased incidence of cardiovascular risk factors, suggesting a potential role of [68Ga]Pentixafor in characterization of atherosclerosis.

Olfactory cortex and Olfactory bulb volume alterations in patients with post-infectious Olfactory loss

Abstract: Upper respiratory tract infection (URI) is one of the most common etiology of olfactory loss. Previous studies demonstrated that both olfactory bulb (OB) volume and sulcus (OS) depth decreased in patients with post-infectious olfactory loss (PIOL) compared to normal controls. The aim of our study was to observe alterations of central olfactory pathways in patients with PIOL. T1 weighted magnetic resonance images were acquired in 19 PIOL patients and 19 age- and sex-matched control subjects on a 3 T scanner. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was performed using VBM8 toolbox and SPM8 in a Matlab environment. We also analyzed OB volume in coronal T2-weighted images. Whole-brain analysis revealed a significant gray matter volume loss in the right orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) in patients group. Further analysis with region of interest exhibited a significant negative correlation between gray matter volume in right OFC as well as OB volume and the duration of olfactory loss in these patients (r = -0.566 and r = -0.535 both P < 0.05, respectively). In conclusion, the morphological alterations in the right OFC and OB might contribute to the pathogenic mechanism of olfactory dysfunction after upper respiratory tract infection.

Gray Matter Volume Reduction of Olfactory Cortices in Patients With Idiopathic Olfactory Loss

Abstract: Idiopathic olfactory loss (IOL) is a common olfactory disorder. Little is known about the pathophysiology of this disease. Previous studies demonstrated decreased olfactory bulb (OB) volume in IOL patients when compared with controls. The aim of our study was to investigate structural brain alterations in areas beyond the OB. We acquired T1-weighted magnetic resonance images from 16 patients with IOL and from 16 age- and sex-matched controls on a 3T scanner. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was performed using VBM8 toolbox and SPM8 in a Matlab environment. Psychophysical testing confirmed that patients had higher scores for Toyota and Takagi olfactometer and lower scores for Sniffin' Sticks olfactory test than controls (t = 46.9, P < 0.001 and t = 21.4, P < 0.001, respectively), consistent with olfactory dysfunction. There was a significant negative correlation between the 2 olfactory tests (r = -0.6, P = 0.01). In a volume of interest analysis including primary and secondary olfactory areas, we found patients with IOL to exhibit gray matter volume loss in the orbitofrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, insular cortex, parahippocampal cortex, and the piriform cortex. The present study indicates that changes in the central brain structures proximal to the OB occur in IOL. Further investigations of this phenomenon may be helpful to elucidate the etiology of IOL.

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2020 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association

Abstract: Background: The American Heart Association, in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports on the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovas...

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2021 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association.

Abstract: Background: The American Heart Association, in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascul...

European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps 2020

Abstract: The European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps 2020 is the update of similar evidence based position papers published in 2005 and 2007 and 2012. The core objective of the EPOS2020 guideline is to provide revised, up-to-date and clear evidence-based recommendations and integrated care pathways in ARS and CRS. EPOS2020 provides an update on the literature published and studies undertaken in the eight years since the EPOS2012 position paper was published and addresses areas not extensively covered in EPOS2012 such as paediatric CRS and sinus surgery. EPOS2020 also involves new stakeholders, including pharmacists and patients, and addresses new target users who have become more involved in the management and treatment of rhinosinusitis since the publication of the last EPOS document, including pharmacists, nurses, specialised care givers and indeed patients themselves, who employ increasing self-management of their condition using over the counter treatments. The document provides suggestions for future research in this area and offers updated guidance for definitions and outcome measurements in research in different settings. EPOS2020 contains chapters on definitions and classification where we have defined a large number of terms and indicated preferred terms. A new classification of CRS into primary and secondary CRS and further division into localized and diffuse disease, based on anatomic distribution is proposed. There are extensive chapters on epidemiology and predisposing factors, inflammatory mechanisms, (differential) diagnosis of facial pain, allergic rhinitis, genetics, cystic fibrosis, aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease, immunodeficiencies, allergic fungal rhinosinusitis and the relationship between upper and lower airways. The chapters on paediatric acute and chronic rhinosinusitis are totally rewritten. All available evidence for the management of acute rhinosinusitis and chronic rhinosinusitis with or without nasal polyps in adults and children is systematically reviewed and integrated care pathways based on the evidence are proposed. Despite considerable increases in the amount of quality publications in recent years, a large number of practical clinical questions remain. It was agreed that the best way to address these was to conduct a Delphi exercise . The results have been integrated into the respective sections. Last but not least, advice for patients and pharmacists and a new list of research needs are included. The full document can be downloaded for free on the website of this journal: http://www.rhinologyjournal.com.

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2022 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association

Abstract: The American Heart Association, in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, diet, and weight) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose control) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, heart failure, valvular disease, venous disease, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs).The American Heart Association, through its Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update. The 2022 Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and American Heart Association staff members. This year's edition includes data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population and an enhanced focus on social determinants of health, adverse pregnancy outcomes, vascular contributions to brain health, and the global burden of cardiovascular disease and healthy life expectancy.Each of the chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics.The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policymakers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.