1.Effect of Shixiaosan on Neurological Function and Ferroptosis in Rats with Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion Injury Based on Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 Signaling Pathway
Ying WEI ; Lixia WANG ; Junjun YIN ; Xiaohong CHEN ; Lijuan SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):22-31
ObjectiveTo investigate whether Shixiaosan can improve neurological function and inhibit ferroptosis in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) by regulating the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) pathway. MethodsA rat model of CIRI was established using the intraluminal filament method. Briefly, cervical blood vessels were separated, branches of the external carotid artery were ligated, and the common carotid artery and internal carotid artery were clamped. A nylon filament was inserted through the opening of the external carotid artery to the origin of the middle cerebral artery to block blood flow and induce cerebral ischemia. After 60-120 min of ischemia, the filament was withdrawn to restore blood flow, and the external carotid artery incision was ligated. The rats were divided into a CIRI group, a Shixiaosan low-dose (-L) group (intragastric administration of 1.26 g·kg-1 Shixiaosan), a Shixiaosan high-dose (-H) group (intragastric administration of 2.52 g·kg-1 Shixiaosan), a donepezil hydrochloride tablet (DON) group (intragastric administration of 0.45 mg·kg-1 DON), and a Shixiaosan -H + Nrf2 inhibitor (ML385) group (intragastric administration of 2.52 g·kg-1 Shixiaosan combined with intraperitoneal injection of 30 mg·kg-1 ML385). An additional 12 rats underwent cervical artery separation followed by incision suturing and served as the control group. Equal volumes of double-distilled water were administered to the CIRI and control groups. Neurological function impairment was assessed using the modified Garcia JH score. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to determine the cerebral infarct volume ratio. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Prussian blue staining were performed to observe neuronal injury and iron accumulation in the ischemic penumbra, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine the ultrastructure of neuronal mitochondria in the ischemic penumbra. Commercial kits were used to measure ferrous iron (Fe2+), malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) content, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity in the ischemic penumbra. The BODIPY (581/591) C11 fluorescent probe was used to detect intracellular lipid peroxidation levels. Western blot was performed to detect protein expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, GPX4, transferrin receptor 1 (TFRC), ferritin heavy chain (FHC), and ferritin light chain (FLC) in the ischemic penumbra. ResultsCompared with the control group, the CIRI group exhibited neuronal injury in the ischemic penumbra, characterized by reduced neuron numbers, nucleolar shrinkage, and interstitial edema. Marked iron accumulation was observed in the tissue. Neuronal mitochondria showed atrophy and rupture, with reduced mitochondrial cristae and increased membrane density. The cerebral infarct volume ratio, Fe2+ content, MDA content, ROS activity, and lipid peroxidation levels were increased, whereas the modified Garcia JH score, GSH content, and protein expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, GPX4, FHC, and FLC were decreased, and TFRC protein expression was increased (P<0.05). Compared with the CIRI group, the Shixiaosan -L group, Shixiaosan -H group, and DON group showed attenuated neuronal injury in the ischemic penumbra, reduced iron accumulation, alleviated mitochondrial damage, decreased cerebral infarct volume ratio, Fe2+ and MDA contents, ROS activity, and lipid peroxidation levels, as well as increased modified Garcia JH scores, GSH content, and protein expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, GPX4, FHC, and FLC, while TFRC protein expression was decreased (P<0.05). The magnitude of changes in all indicators was greater in the Shixiaosan -H group than in the Shixiaosan -L group (P<0.05). Compared with the Shixiaosan -H group, all measured indicators in the Shixiaosan -H + ML385 group showed opposite trends (P<0.05). ConclusionShixiaosan may inhibit ferroptosis and restore neurological function in rats with CIRI by activating the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway.
2.A blood supply model for the emergency care of severe trauma
Songlin HU ; Zhiyuan WEI ; Gaoxiang HUANG ; Lijuan LIU ; Mingwei FU ; Junke TAN ; Haozhe LI ; Songtao LI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(10):1327-1333
Objective: To establish and validate a whole blood (WB) supply model, thereby providing practical experience for the clinical application of WB in domestic trauma emergency care and informing the development of a wartime blood supply system for the military. Methods: A “10×24” WB supply model was established by formulating blood collection protocols, storage standards, and transfusion criteria. Multiple WB samples were tested under specific storage conditions to assess key indicators at different time points, including red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), and platelet counts, hemoglobin concentration, coagulation parameters (PT, APTT, TT, FIB), coagulation factor activity, thromboelastography (TEG) parameters, and electrolyte levels. Additionally, clinical data from hemorrhagic patients who met the criteria for WB transfusion and were admitted between March and July 2024 were analyzed to evaluate WB transfusion volume. Results: RBC counts and hemoglobin levels remained stable in WB stored at 4℃ for up to 10 days. However, platelet counts and coagulation function (PT, APTT) significantly declined with prolonged storage, while potassium levels increased. From March to July 2024, the model was successfully applied to 23 patients with acute hemorrhage, with a median WB transfusion volume of 543 mL. A detailed case study of a severe traumatic hemorrhagic shock patient was reported, who was successfully treated with 5.5 units of refrigerated WB combined with component blood. Conclusion: The “10×24” WB supply model demonstrated acceptable changes in critical quality parameters under strict management and a 10-day rotation cycle. This model effectively supports the treatment of acute hemorrhage and holds promise for integration into the future wartime blood supply system of the military.
3.CMD-OPT model enables the discovery of a potent and selective RIPK2 inhibitor as preclinical candidate for the treatment of acute liver injury.
Yong CHEN ; Xue YUAN ; Wei YAN ; Yurong ZOU ; Haoche WEI ; Yuhan WEI ; Minghai TANG ; Yulian CHEN ; Ziyan MA ; Tao YANG ; Kongjun LIU ; Baojian XIONG ; Xiuying HU ; Jianhong YANG ; Lijuan CHEN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(7):3708-3724
Acute liver injury (ALI) serves as a critical precursor and major etiological factor in the progression and ultimate manifestation of various hepatic disorders. The prevention and treatment of ALI is still a serious global challenge. Given the limited therapeutic options for ALI, exploring novel targeted therapeutic agents becomes imperative. The potential therapeutic efficacy of inhibiting RIPK2 is highlighted, as it may provide significant benefits by attenuating the MAPK pathway and NF-κB signaling. Herein, we propose a CMD-OPT model, a two-stage molecular optimization tool for the rapid discovery of RIPK2 inhibitors with optimal properties. Compound RP20, which targets the ATP binding site, demonstrated excellent kinase specificity, ideal oral pharmacokinetics, and superior therapeutic effects in a model of APAP-induced ALI, positioning RP20 as a promising preclinical candidate. This marks the first application of RIPK2 inhibitors in ALI treatment, opening a novel therapeutic pathway for clinical applications. These results highlight the efficacy of the CMD-OPT model in producing lead compounds from known active molecules, showcasing its significant potential in drug discovery.
4.Andrographolide sulfonate alleviates rheumatoid arthritis by inhibiting glycolysis-mediated activation of PI3K/AKT to restrain Th17 cell differentiation.
Chunhong JIANG ; Xi ZENG ; Jia WANG ; Xiaoqian WU ; Lijuan SONG ; Ling YANG ; Ze LI ; Ning XIE ; Xiaomei YUAN ; Zhifeng WEI ; Yi GUAN
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(4):480-491
Andrographolide sulfonate (AS) is a sulfonated derivative of andrographolide extracted from Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees, and has been approved for several decades in China. The present study aimed to investigate the novel therapeutic application and possible mechanisms of AS in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Results indicated that administration of AS by injection or gavage significantly reduced the paw swelling, improved body weights, and attenuated pathological changes in joints of rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis. Additionally, the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-1β in the serum and ankle joints were reduced. Bioinformatics analysis, along with the spleen index and measurements of IL-17 and IL-10 levels, suggested a potential relationship between AS and Th17 cells under arthritic conditions. In vitro, AS was shown to block Th17 cell differentiation, as evidenced by the reduced percentages of CD4+ IL-17A+ T cells and decreased expression levels of RORγt, IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-21, and IL-22, without affecting the cell viability and apoptosis. This effect was attributed to the limited glycolysis, as indicated by metabolomics analysis, reduced glucose uptake, and pH measurements. Further investigation revealed that AS might bind to hexokinase2 (HK2) to down-regulate the protein levels of HK2 but not glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) or pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), and overexpression of HK2 reversed the inhibition of AS on Th17 cell differentiation. Furthermore, AS impaired the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signals in vivo and in vitro, which was abolished by the addition of lactate. In conclusion, AS significantly improved adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) in rats by inhibiting glycolysis-mediated activation of PI3K/AKT to restrain Th17 cell differentiation.
Animals
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Th17 Cells/immunology*
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Diterpenes/pharmacology*
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Arthritis, Rheumatoid/metabolism*
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/immunology*
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Glycolysis/drug effects*
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Cell Differentiation/drug effects*
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Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/genetics*
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Rats
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Male
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Humans
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Andrographis paniculata/chemistry*
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Arthritis, Experimental/drug therapy*
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Interleukin-17/immunology*
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
5.Analysis of Global and Regional Lifetime Risk of Develo-ping and Dying from Lung Cancer in 2022
Zhen GUO ; Wei WANG ; Hong WANG ; Hongwei LIU ; Yin LIU ; Lijuan CHEN ; Shaokai ZHANG ; Qiong CHEN
China Cancer 2025;34(2):81-88
[Purpose]To analyze the lifetime risk of developing and dying from lung cancer at global and regional levels.[Methods]Data of lung cancer incidence and mortality were obtained from GLOBOCAN 2022 and the population and all-cause mortality data were obtained from the United Nations.The lifetime risk of developing and dying from lung cancer globally and across different regions was estimated by multiple primary adjustment method.[Results]The global lifetime risk of developing lung cancer was 3.59%[95%confidence interval(CI):3.58%~3.59%],ranking third among all cancer types.There were significant gender and regional differences in lifetime risk values.The risk for male was 4.43%(95%CI:4.42%~4.44%),which was higher than that for female(2.71%,95%CI:2.70%~2.72%),with a male-to-female ratio of 1.63.Among regions with varying human development index(HDI)levels,the risk increased with HDI levels,in very high HDI re-gions risk was 5.36%(95%CI:5.34%~5.37%),while in low HDI regions the risk was 0.34%(95%CI:0.33%~0.34%).Among the 20 global regions,East Asia had the highest lifetime risk of 7.53%(95%CI:7.52%~7.55%),while West Africa had the lowest risk of 0.16%(95%CI:0.16%~0.17%).The global lifetime risk of dying from lung cancer was 2.78%(95%CI:2.78%~2.78%),ranking the first among all cancer types.There were significant sex and regional differ-ences in lifetime death risk values.The risk for male was 3.64%(95%CI:3.63%~3.64%),which was higher than that for female(1.89%,95%CI:1.89%~1.90%),with a male-to-female ratio of 1.93.Among regions with varying HDI levels,the risk increased with HDI levels,in very high HDI re-gions the risk was 3.98%(95%CI:3.97%~3.99%),while in low HDI regions the risk was 0.31%(95%CI:0.31%~0.31%).Among the 20 global regions,the Federated States of Micronesia/Poly-nesia had the highest death risk of 5.80%(95%CI:4.98%~6.62%),while West Africa had the lowest risk of 0.15%(95%CI:0.15%~0.16%).The lifetime risk of developing and dying from lung cancer in China was 7.54%(95%CI:7.52%~7.56%)and 5.88%(95%CI:5.87%~5.90%),respec-tively,both ranking the first among all cancer types.[Conclusion]The lifetime risk of developing and dying from lung cancer remains high globally and across different regions,with a particularly heavy burden in high-HDI areas.In China,both the lifetime risk of developing and dying from lung cancer are higher than the global average.This highlights the need for continued enhance-ment of comprehensive prevention and control measures,including addressing lung cancer-related risk factors,as well as improving screening,early diagnosis,and treatment efforts to reduce the lung cancer burden.
6.18F-D3FSP PET/CT machine learning models for evaluating subjective cognitive decline
Fansheng MENG ; Zhanyu TIAN ; Wei GONG ; Liang XIONG ; Haizhuang JIANG ; Lijuan YU
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(4):573-577
Objective To observe the value of 18F-D3FSP PET/CT machine learning(ML)models for evaluating subjective cognitive decline(SCD).Methods Thirty-two SCD patients(SCD group)and 16 healthy volunteers(control group)who received 18F-D3FSP PET/CT were selected from Sino Longitudinal Study on Cognitive Decline(SILCODE)and divided into training set(n=34)and test set(n=14)at a ratio of 7∶3.Support vector machine(SVM),random forest(RF)and logistic regression(LR)models were constructed based on Hamilton anxiety scale(HAMA)and standard uptake value ratio(SUVR)of brain regions being significantly different between groups to evaluate SCD.Then PET/CT data were amplified by format conversion and divided into training set(including 8 775 CT images and 1 833 PET images)and test set(including 2 025 CT images and 423 PET images)at the ratio of 8∶2.VGG16 models were constructed based on CT and PET images to evaluate SCD,respectively.Results The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)of SVM,RF and LR model for evaluating SCD in training set was all 1.000,while was 0.863,0.872 and 1.000 in test set,respectively.LR model was overfitting,and RF model had better performance.The accuracy of VGG16 model for evaluating SCD based on CT and PET images tended to be stable after the 175th and 150th iterations,with the highest accuracy of 67.11% and 65.35% in training set,which tended to be stable after the 165th and 145th iterations,with the highest accuracy of 62.43% and 59.16% in test set,respectively.Conclusion 18F-D3FSP PET/CT ML models could be used to evaluate SCD.
7.Advances in radiomics and artificial intelligence for screening and predicting BRCA1/2-related hereditary breast cancer
Nan WU ; Lijuan LI ; Lijuan WEI ; Fangxuan LI ; Menghui LI ; Zhaoxiang YE
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(10):1763-1767
Hereditary breast cancer(HBC)is one of the important subtypes of breast cancer(BC),primarily characterized by mutations in the BRCA1/2 genes.Accurate identification of BRCA1/2 mutation carriers remains a significant clinical challenge.Traditional genetic testing methods for BRCA1/2 mutations are often expensive and complex.In recent years,advancements in radiomics and artificial intelligence(AI)have opened new avenues for non-invasive prediction of BRCA1/2 mutations.This review summarized the current research progresses in utilizing radiomics and AI for screening and predicting of BRCA1/2-related HBC.
8.Study on determination of multi-ingredient contents in Yinchen Wuling Powder based on HPLC fingerprinting and chemical pattern recognition techniques
Lijuan ZHAO ; Yanyun WEI ; Liang GUO ; Xiaoyan XU ; Xinbo PAN
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(2):221-228
Objective:To establish the HPLC fingerprints and multi-component content determination method of Yinchen Wuling Powder; To evaluate the quality of Yinchen Wuling Powder combined with chemical pattern recognition technology.Methods:A wavelength-switching HPLC method was used to establish the fingerprint profiles of different batches of Yinchen Wuling Powder and determine the contents of seven components of neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid B, isochlorogenic acid A, isochlorogenic acid C, cinnamic acid, cinnamaldehyde. Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were applied to evaluate the quality. Quality difference biomarkers were screened.Results:The fingerprint profiles of 24 batches of Yinchen Wuling Powder were identified with 20 common peaks, and 7 components were recognized. The similarity between the 24 batches of samples and the control profile was 0.966-0.994, and the attribution analysis showed that peaks 1, 2, 3 were common to Artemisia Scoparia and Alismatis Rhizoma. Chromatographic peaks 4 (neochlorogenic acid), 5, 6, 7 (chlorogenic acid), 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 (isochlorogenic acid B), 15 (isochlorogenic acid A), 16 (isochlorogenic acid C), and 19 were from Artemisia Scoparia, and peaks 17, 18 and 20 were from Cinnamomi Ramulus. Principal component analysis classified the 24 batches of samples into 4 categories, and partial least squares discriminant analysis was used to determine 11 quality difference biomarkers, including isochlorogenic acid B and neochlorogenic acid.Conclusions:The established method of determining fingerprint and multi-component content is accurate and with good repeatability. The results can provide a certain basis for the quality evaluation of Yinchen Wuling Powder.
9.M2 macrophage-derived exosomes promote microglia M2-type polarization
Jun FANG ; Wei WEI ; Yating XUE ; Chenlong CUI ; Jiasheng WEI ; Xiao SHI ; Lijuan YANG ; Baozhong YANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(25):5320-5327
BACKGROUND:Much of the current research on M2 macrophage-derived exosomes focuses on their effects on wound healing and osteoblast proliferation and differentiation,while few studies have focused on their role in regulating microglia phenotype.OBJECTIVE:To discuss the role and molecular mechanisms of M2 macrophage-derived exosomes in the phenotypic regulation of microglia.MERHODS:(1)Bone marrow primary macrophages were extracted and then stimulated with 50 ng/mL interleukin 4 for 24 hours to promote macrophage M2-type polarization.Flow cytometry and cellular immunofluorescence were used to identify the M2-type macrophage marker CD206.(2)M2 macrophage-derived exosomes were extracted and identified.(3)Microglia BV2 were randomly divided into three groups:control group,lipopolysaccharide group,and treatment group.No treatment was done in the control group.500 ng/mL lipopolysaccharide was added to the intervention for 24 hours in the lipopolysaccharide group.500 ng/mL lipopolysaccharide and 25 μg/mL M2 macrophage-derived exosomes were added simultaneously to the treatment group for 24 hours.ELISA was performed to detect the secretion of tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 10 in the culture supernatant.qRT-PCR was performed to detect the mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase,arginase 1,interleukin 1β,and interleukin 10 in the cells.Western blot assay was performed to detect the protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase,arginase 1,and nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway related protein expression.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)ELISA results showed that the secretion of tumor necrosis factor α was significantly increased in the lipopolysaccharide group compared with the control group.The secretion of tumor necrosis factor α was reduced and the secretion of interleukin 10 was increased in the treatment group compared with the lipopolysaccharide group.(2)The qRT-PCR results showed that compared with the control group,the mRNA expression of interleukin 1β and inducible nitric oxide synthase increased in the lipopolysaccharide group.Compared with the lipopolysaccharide group,the mRNA expression of interleukin 1β and inducible nitric oxide synthase decreased,and the mRNA expression of interleukin 10 and arginase 1 increased in the treatment group.(3)Western blot assay results showed that the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase protein was increased in the lipopolysaccharide group compared with the control group.The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase protein was decreased and the expression of arginase 1 protein was elevated in the treatment group compared with the lipopolysaccharide group.(4)Compared with the control group,the expression of p65 and p-IκB-α proteins in the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway was reduced in the lipopolysaccharide group,whereas the expression of p65 and p-IκB-α proteins was elevated in the treatment group compared with the lipopolysaccharide group.The results showed that M2-type macrophage-derived exosomes could significantly inhibit lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses in microglia,enhance the expression of the anti-inflammatory factor interleukin 10,suppress the expression of the pro-inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 1β,and promote microglial cell phenotypes polarized from the M1-type to the M2-type.The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway activation by M2-type macrophage-derived exosomes.
10.Establishment and Evaluation of A Remote Medication Treatment Management Model for Elderly Patients with Chronic Diseases Based on Mobile Technology
Lijuan YANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Quanzhi LI ; Tingting ZHENG ; Shuo YANG ; Ping LIN ; Shuang HAN ; Sitong LIU ; Tianjing ZHANG ; Jiancun ZHEN
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(3):486-490
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of a remote medication treatment management model for elderly patients with chronic disease at home based on mobile technology.Methods A convenient and elderly-friendly mo-bile application(hereinafter referred to as Yaoshiyi APP)was developed,and a remote medication treatment management team consisting of clinical pharmacists from tertiary hospitals,community pharmacists,and community physicians was formed.Patients from communities were selected for practical research,led by pharmacists.Based on the Yaoshiyi APP,patients were subjected to 6 months of medication treatment management practice,and the effectiveness and feasibility of the practice were evaluated.Re-sults The Yaoshiyi APP can be integrated with a variety of medical-grade wearable devices to realize the functions of automati-cally uploading monitoring data,abnormal value reminding,medication reminding,medication consultation,and medication sci-ence popularization.A total of 302 elderly patients with chronic disease at home completed the study.The results showed that phar-macists have identified and intervened in 695 cases of medication-related problems.According to the classification of medication-related problems,the top three were 247 cases(35.5%)of additional treatment,97 cases(14.0%)of unnecessary drug treat-ment,and 93 cases(13.4%)of medication compliance problems.The patient's medication adherence score(Morisky medication adherence scale-8,MMAS-8)increased from(5.85±1.57)at enrollment to(6.74±1.23)6 months after enrollment(P<0.01).After 6 months of enrollment,the patient's satisfaction with the pharmacist's work reached a score of(4.99±0.08)out of 5.The average reduction in drug costs for patients caused by pharmacists intervening in irrational medication is(20.9±18.0)%.At the end of follow-up,93.4%of patients were proficient in using the Yaoshiyi APP.Conclusion The remote medication treatment management model for elderly patients with chronic disease at home based on mobile technology constructed in this study can ef-fectively improve patient compliance with disease monitoring and medication,ensure rational drug use,reduce medical resource waste,and receive high patient acceptance.

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