Publications by authors named "Janet Zhu"

This analysis looks at the application of a robust process improvement methodology to achieve a sustained organizational change. The implementation took place in a safety net hospital's operating suites that had a problem with relatively long, nonproductive turnover times between surgical procedures. Organizational leadership empowered stakeholders to use Lean and Six-Sigma tools to develop more efficient organizational processes.

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Article Synopsis
  • Schwannomas are the most common tumors affecting peripheral nerves, but many cannot be fully removed without affecting nerve fascicles.
  • A study over 10 years showed that 75% of schwannomas in 8 patients occurred in the distal upper limb, predominantly in mixed nerves.
  • The authors recommend discussing nerve graft options with patients before surgery since there’s currently no reliable method to predict whether fascicular involvement will occur during the removal.
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Background: Angotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a newly discovered monocarboxypeptidase that counteracts the vasoconstrictor effects of angiotensin II (Ang II) by converting Ang II to Ang-(1-7) in the kidney and other tissues.

Methods: ACE2 activity from renal homogenates was investigated by using the fluorogenic peptide substrate Mca-YVADAPK(Dnp)-OH, where Mca is (7-methoxycoumarin-4-yl)-acetyl and Dnp is 2,4-dinitrophenyl.

Results: We found that ACE2 activity expressed in relative fluorescence units (RFU) in the MF1 mouse is higher in the male (M) compared to the female (F) kidney [ACE2 (RFU/min/μg protein): M 18.

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