1.A comprehensive method for determination of 55 traditional and emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in infant complementary foods using liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry
Ziwei LIANG ; Chao FENG ; Jiawen YOU ; Zixin QIAN ; Sunyang LE ; Dasheng LU
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(2):211-217
Background Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a class of persistent organic pollutants that pose potential health risks to humans. Infants and young children have higher requirements for food safety due to the underdeveloped detoxification and immune systems. Therefore, developing a comprehensive method for determination of PFASs and their novel alternatives in infant complementary food is of great significance. Objective To develop an analytical method using liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry technology for determination of 55 PFASs in plant- and animal-derived infant complementary fruit purees. Methods Oasis WAX (200 mg, 6 CC) solid-phase extraction columns were used for sample enrichment and purification. The pH of the acetonitrile extract was adjusted using 0%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% formic acid aqueous solutions to evaluate its impact on the recovery rate of target compounds. Additionally, the impact of a 2 mL methanol wash during the purification process on the recovery of target compounds was assessed to determine the optimal pretreatment conditions. Three types of chromatographic columns—Agilent Poroshell 120 EC-C18, Thermo InfinityLab Poroshell 120 Aq-C18, Acquity Waters BEH-C18, and changes in mobile phase, were compared for their effects on retention time, peak shape, and response of target compounds. The method was validated in terms of selectivity, linear range, detection limit, and precision. The established method was applied to 49 commercial samples of infant complementary fruit purees. Results Adjusting the sample pH using 1.5% formic acid water and incorporating a 2 mL methanol wash during purification achieved satisfactory recovery rates. The target compounds were chromatographically separated using an Agilent Poroshell 120 EC-C18 column with a gradient elution system. The mobile phase consisted of methanol-water (methanol/water: 2/98, v/v) containing 5 mmol·L−1 ammonium formate as mobile phase A, and methanol as mobile phase B. Good separation was achieved within 15 min, resulting in optimal chromatographic peak shapes. The 55 target compounds exhibited good linearity across the standard curve range, with correlation coefficients (R²) greater than 0.99. The method detection limits ranged from 0.02 to 0.05 µg·L−1. In the plant- and animal-based fruit puree samples, the spiked recovery rates ranged from 60% to 112% and 57% to 119%, respectively, with relative standard deviations (RSD) ≤ 30%. A total of 9 traditional PFASs and 5 novel PFASs were positive in 49 samples of infant complementary fruit purees. Conclusion This method enables comprehensive detection of 55 traditional and emerging PFASs, offering wide coverage, high accuracy, and excellent sensitivity. It provides technical support for characterizing contamination by traditional and emerging PFASs in food matrices.
2.The pathophysiological role of zinc homeostasis in the development and progression of cerebral small vessel disease
Journal of Apoplexy and Nervous Diseases 2025;42(3):284-288
Cerebral small vessel disease(CSVD) refers to a series of clinical, imaging, and pathological syndromes caused by various etiologies affecting arterioles,capillaries, and venules in the brain, and the main clinical manifestations of CSVD include cognitive impairment, gait and balance disorders, urinary incontinence, and mental and behavioral disorders such as depression, anxiety, apathy, and personality changes. At present, the pathophysiological mechanism of CSVD remains unclear. As one of the most important trace elements in the human body, zinc ions play an important role in the development of the nervous system, and the change in zinc ion concentration will affect a variety of nervous system diseases;therefore, the research on the association between zinc ion homeostasis and the development and progression of cSVD has gradually become a hot topic. This article reviews the mechanism of the development and progression of CSVD, the role of zinc ions in the nervous system, the association between zinc ions and the development and progression of CSVD, and the latest research advances.
3.Analysis of alanine aminotransferase screening results in blood donors and quality management measures
Liang ZANG ; Lei ZHOU ; Le CHANG ; Lunan WANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(4):474-481
[Objective] To explore quality issues and quality management measures in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) testing, aiming to improve consistency and accuracy of ALT test results by analyzing the outcomes from different pre-donation screening methods and different sample sources. [Methods] Data were collected from 58 blood collection and supply institutions across China. ALT test results from donor samples analyzed by dry chemistry analyzers, semi-automatic biochemical analyzers, and automatic biochemical analyzers were compared, focusing on the influence of venous versus capillary blood samples on testing accuracy. By comparing results from pre-donation screening with laboratory testing, the current state of quality management for different methods and sample types was assessed. Differences in ALT unqualified rates between laboratories were analyzed, and quality improvement strategies were proposed accordingly. [Results] No significant differences were found in laboratory ALT unqualified rates between venous and capillary blood samples during pre-donation screening across different analytical methods (P>0.05). However, laboratory ALT unqualified rates were consistently lower for venous blood compared to capillary blood, regardless of the testing method used (P<0.05). Notable differences in quality control were observed among various blood collection and supply institutions (P<0.05). [Conclusion] Minimal differences were observed between pre-donation ALT screening results obtained by the three analytical methods and laboratory test outcomes; thus, blood stations can select an appropriate testing method according to their specific conditions. Pre-donation screening using venous blood samples demonstrated superior reliability in quality control compared to capillary blood samples. Significant variations in ALT unqualified rates among blood stations suggest that blood collection and supply institutions should emphasize quality management at both the pre-donation screening and laboratory testing stages. Measures such as optimized standardized operating procedures, regular equipment calibration and maintenance, proficiency testing, internal quality control, inter-system comparisons, and enhanced personnel training and evaluation should be implemented to ensure consistent and stable screening results, thereby reducing ALT unqualified rates.
4.Zuoguiwan Regulates Pdx1 Pathway to Improve Pancreas Development in Offspring of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Model Rats
Wanqiu LIANG ; Rang CHEN ; Le ZHAO ; Xiaoyi REN ; Qianhui SU ; Yonghui WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):10-19
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Zuoguiwan improves the pancreas development in the gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) model by observing the effects of Zuoguiwan on the expression of key regulatory factors in different stages of pancreas development. MethodsPregnant Wistar rats were randomly assigned into blank, model, insulin detemir (20 U·kg-1) and Zuoguiwan (1.89 g·kg-1) groups (n=18). GDM was induced by peritoneal injection of streptozotocin on day 6.5 (E6.5d) in the embryonic stage, and the blank group was given an equal volume of sodium citrate buffer. The modeling performance was assessed by measuring the blood glucose of pregnant rats. Except the blank group and model group, pregnant rats in other groups were administrated with corresponding drugs from E9.5d to delivery. The random blood glucose of pregnant rats was monitored, and the embryos and offspring rats were measured for the length and weighed on E12.5d, E18.5d and day 21 after birth (B21d). The Lee's index of rats on B21d was calculated. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure the fasting insulin (FINS) levels of B22d rats and the Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated. The serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin (TBIL), total cholesterol (CHO), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) in E18.5d pregnant rats and B22d offspring were determined. The pathological changes in the pancreas of E12.5d, E18.5d and B22d rats were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Western blot was used to determine the protein levels of pancreatic duodenal homeobox 1 (Pdx1), pancreas-specific transcription factor 1a (Ptf1a), and sex-determining region Y-box protein 9 (Sox9) in the pancreas of E12.5d embryos, Pdx1, Nkx2 homeobox 2 (Nkx2.2), and hairy and enhancer of split-1 (Hes1) in the pancreas of E18.5d embryos, and Pdx1, v-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog A (Mafa), and NK transcription factor-related homeobox gene family 6 locus 1 (Nkx6.1) in the pancreas of B22d rats. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed elevated blood glucose levels in pregnant rats on B0d, E9.5d, E12.5d, E15.5d, and E18.5d (P<0.05, P<0.01), decreased body weight and body length (P<0.01) and increased Lee's index in the offspring. In addition, the B22d offspring showed rising levels of FBG, FINS, HOMA-IR, AST, and TG (P<0.01), a declined level of HDL (P<0.01), and pancreatic acinous cells with edema and loose arrangement. The pregnant rats on E18.5d exhibited raised levels of ALT, AST, and TG (P<0.05, P<0.01) in the pancreas and a declined level of HDL (P<0.05). The E12.5d embryos showed up-regulated protein levels of Pdx1, Sox9, and Ptf1a in the pancreas (P<0.01) and the E18.5d embryos exhibited down-regulated protein levels of Pdx1, Nkx2.2, and Hes1 in the pancreas (P<0.01). The protein levels of Pdx1, Nkx6.1, and Mafa in the pancreas of B22d offspring were down-regulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the insulin group exhibited lowered blood glucose in pregnant rats on B0d, E15.5d, and E18.5d (P<0.05, P<0.01). The offspring in all treatment groups showcased increased body weight and body length (P<0.01) and decreased Lee's index. The B22d offspring exhibited declined levels of FBG, FINS, and HOMA-IR in the insulin group (P<0.01) and lowered levels of FBG and HOMA-IR in the Zuoguiwan group (P<0.01). The B22d offspring in all the treatment groups showed reduced levels of ALT, AST, TBIL, CHO, TG, and LDL, a raised level of HDL, and alleviated edema of pancreatic acinous cells. The pregnant rats on E18.5d demonstrated declined levels of TG and ALT (P<0.05, P<0.01) and an elevated level of HDL (P<0.05). The pancreas of E12.5d embryos presented down-regulated protein levels of Pdx1 and Sox9 and an up-regulated protein level of Ptf1a in the insulin group (P<0.05). The pancreas of E12.5d embryos in the Zuoguiwan group presented down-regulated protein levels of Pdx1, Sox9, and Ptf1a (P<0.01). All the treatment groups showed up-regulated protein levels of Pdx1, Nkx2.2, and Hes1 in the pancreas of E18.5d embryos (P<0.01) and Pdx1, Nkx6.1, and Mafa in the pancreas of B22d embryos (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionZuoguiwan can promote the growth and development and ameliorate the pathological changes in the pancreas of the offspring of GDM model by regulating the expression of Pdx1 pathway-related regulatory factors in different stages of pancreas development.
5.Unveiling the molecular and cellular links between obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome and vascular aging.
Wei LIU ; Le ZHANG ; Wenhui LIAO ; Huiguo LIU ; Wukaiyang LIANG ; Jinhua YAN ; Yi HUANG ; Tao JIANG ; Qian WANG ; Cuntai ZHANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(2):155-171
Vascular aging (VA) is a common etiology of various chronic diseases and represents a major public health concern. Intermittent hypoxia (IH) associated with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is a primary pathological and physiological driver of OSAHS-induced systemic complications. A substantial proportion of OSAHS patients, estimated to be between 40% and 80%, have comorbidities such as hypertension, heart failure, coronary artery disease, pulmonary hypertension, atrial fibrillation, aneurysm, and stroke, all of which are closely associated with VA. This review examines the molecular and cellular features common to both OSAHS and VA, highlighting decreased melatonin secretion, impaired autophagy, increased apoptosis, increased inflammation and pyroptosis, increased oxidative stress, accelerated telomere shortening, accelerated stem cell depletion, metabolic disorders, imbalanced protein homeostasis, epigenetic alterations, and dysregulated neurohormonal signaling. The accumulation and combination of these features may underlie the pathophysiological link between OSAHS and VA, but the exact mechanisms by which OSAHS affects VA may require further investigation. Taken together, these findings suggest that OSAHS may serve as a novel risk factor for VA and related vascular disorders, and that targeting these features may offer therapeutic potential to mitigate the vascular risks associated with OSAHS.
Humans
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Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/pathology*
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Aging/physiology*
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Oxidative Stress/physiology*
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Animals
6.Acupuncture as A Potential Therapeutic Approach for Tourette Syndrome: Modulation of Neurotransmitter Levels and Gut Microbiota.
Bing-Xin WU ; Jun-Ye MA ; Xi-Chang HUANG ; Xue-Song LIANG ; Bai-le NING ; Qian WU ; Shan-Ze WANG ; Jun-He ZHOU ; Wen-Bin FU
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(8):735-742
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the effects of acupuncture on the neurotransmitter levels and gut microbiota in a mouse model of Tourette syndrome (TS).
METHODS:
Thirty-six male C57/BL6 mice were randomly divided into 4 groups using a random number table method: 3,3'-iminodipropionitrile (IDPN) group, control group, acupuncture group, and tiapride group, with 9 mice in each group. In the IDPN group, acupuncture group, and tiapride group, mice received daily intraperitoneal injections of IDPN (300 mg/kg body weight) for 7 consecutive days to induce stereotyped behaviors. Subsequently, in the acupuncture intervention group, standardized acupuncture treatment was administered for 14 consecutive days to IDPN-induced TS model mice. The selected acupoints included Baihui (DU 20), Yintang (DU 29), Waiguan (SJ 5), and Zulinqi (GB 41). In the tiapride group, mice were administered tiapride (50 mg/kg body weight) via oral gavage daily for 14 consecutive days. The control group, IDPN group, and acupuncture group received the same volume of saline orally for 14 consecutive days. Stereotypic behaviors were quantified through behavioral assessments. Neurotransmitter levels, including dopamine (DA), glutamate (Glu), and aspartate (ASP) in striatal tissue were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Dopamine transporter (DAT) expression levels were additionally quantified through quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Gut microbial composition was analyzed through 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing, while metabolic profiling was conducted using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS).
RESULTS:
Acupuncture administration significantly attenuated stereotypic behaviors, concurrently reducing striatal levels of DA, Glu and ASP concentrations while upregulating DAT expression compared with untreated TS controls (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Comparative analysis identified significant differences in Muribaculaceae (P=0.001), Oscillospiraceae (P=0.049), Desulfovibrionaceae (P=0.001), and Marinifilaceae (P=0.014) following acupuncture intervention. Metabolomic profiling revealed alterations in 7 metabolites and 18 metabolic pathways when compared to the TS mice, which involved various amino acid metabolisms associated with DA, Glu, and ASP.
CONCLUSIONS
Acupuncture demonstrates significant modulatory effects on both central neurotransmitter systems and gut microbial ecology, thereby highlighting its dual therapeutic potential for TS management through gut-brain axis regulation.
Animals
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Tourette Syndrome/metabolism*
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Gastrointestinal Microbiome
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Neurotransmitter Agents/metabolism*
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Acupuncture Therapy
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Male
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Mice
7.Regulated cell death in age-related macular degeneration: Regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic potential.
Le-Le ZHANG ; Jia-Mei YU ; Zhong-Xi FAN ; Wen-Qi XIE ; Liang ZOU ; Feiya SHENG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(11):101285-101285
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) represents a predominant cause of blindness among older adults, with limited therapeutic options currently available. Oxidative stress, inflammation, and retinal pigment epithelium injury are recognized as key contributors to the pathogenesis of AMD. Regulated cell death plays a pivotal role in mediating cellular responses to stress, maintaining tissue homeostasis, and contributing to disease progression. Recent research has elucidated several regulated cell death pathways-such as apoptosis, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, necroptosis, and autophagy-that may contribute to the progression of AMD owing to cell death in the retinal pigment epithelium. These discoveries open new avenues for therapeutic interventions in patients with AMD. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary and analysis of the latest advancements regarding the relationship between regulated cell death and AMD. Moreover, we examined the therapeutic potential of targeting regulated cell death pathways for the treatment and prevention of AMD, highlighting their roles as promising targets for future therapeutic strategies.
8.Analysis of chemical constituents and comprehensive quality evaluation of Rhamni Songoricae Fructus
Xiaoyu GUO ; Liang TENG ; Xiaoxue ZHANG ; Le JIA ; Guizhi MA
China Pharmacy 2024;35(14):1715-1721
OBJECTIVE To identify the chemical constituents of Rhamni Songoricae Fructus and to establish their fingerprints and the method for simultaneous determination of four constituents to comprehensively evaluate the quality of Rhamni Songoricae Fructus. METHODS The chemical constituents in Rhamni Songoricae Fructus were qualitatively analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry. The fingerprints of 15 batches of Rhamni Songoricae Fructus were established by HPLC and chemometric analysis was performed by using SPSS 26.0 and SIMCA 14.1 software; the contents of quercetin, kaempferol, kaempferide and emodin were determined by the same method. RESULTS A total of 35 constituents were identified, including 28 kinds of flavonoids, 5 kinds of anthraquinones and 2 kinds of organic acids. A total of 19 common peaks were identified in the HPLC fingerprints, recognizing quercetin, kaempferol, kaempferide and emodin. The similarities between HPLC fingerprints of 15 batches of samples and control chromatograms were greater than 0.9. The results of cluster analysis showed that 15 batches of samples were divided into 2 classes, of which S1-S5, S7 and S9 were one class and the rest were one class, similar to the results of principal component analysis. The results of the orthogonal partial least squares- discriminant analysis showed that the variable importance projections of peaks No. 2, 6, 1, 11 (quercetin), 3, 14, 8, 10, 19 (emodin), 5 were all greater than 1. The contents of quercetin, kaempferol, kaempferide and emodin ranged from 0.710 to 10.478 mg/g, 0.236 to 0.660 mg/g, 0.334 to 3.039 mg/g, and 0.261 to 0.504 mg/g. CONCLUSIONS The constructed chemical constituent identification, fingerprint and content determination methods are simple, feasible and reproducible, which combined with chemometric analysis can be used for comprehensive evaluation of the quality of Rhamni Songoricae Fructus.
9.Effect of paeoniflorin on aerobic glycolysis of macrophages induced by resiquimod
Ying-Ying JIN ; Le SHI ; Yong-Xi HAO ; Fan TANG ; Wen-Hui JIANG ; Tao LIANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(5):683-687
Objective To investigate the effect of paeoniflorin on aerobic glycolysis of macrophages induced by resiquimod.Methods THP-1 cells were treated with phorbol ester(PM A)to differentiate into macrophages.The cells were divided into control group,model group and low,medium,high dose experimental group.The cells in the control group were cultured normally;in the model group,2 μg·mL-1 resiquimod was used to stimulate macrophages for 24 h to induce aerobic glycolysis.The low,medium and high dose experimental groups were treated with 1,10 and 100 μmol·L-1 paeoniflorin for 24 h on the basis of the model group.Cell activity was detected by cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)method.Lactate and glucose determination kit were used to detect lactate secretion and glucose consumption of cells in each group.The protein and mRNA expression levels of(PKM2)and(LDHA)were detected by Western blot and real-time fluorescence quantitative polynucleotide chain reaction(q-PCR)respectively.Immunofluorescence method was used to compare the fluorescence intensity of PKM2 in each group.Results After 24 h stimulation of THP-1 cells with 2 μg·mL-1 resiquimod,the glucose contents in cell culture supernatants of control group,model group and low,medium and high dose experimental groups were(14.70±0.44),(9.83±0.43),(10.68±0.29),(11.79±0.33)and(13.63±0.74)mmol·L-1;the lactate secreted by cells were(6.17±0.48),(11.94±0.55),(9.08±0.55),(7.79±0.66)and(6.50±0.55)mmol·L-1;the protein expression levels of PKM2 in cells were 1.00±0.00,1.33±0.18,1.02±0.17,0.74±0.17 and 0.73±0.18;the protein expression levels of LDHA were 1.00±0.00,1.20±0.09,0.90±0.14,0.76±0.12 and 0.78±0.17;the PKM2 mRNA levels were 1.00±0.09,2.11±0.23,1.98±0.31,1.38±0.25 and 0.93±0.32;the LDHA mRNA levels were 1.00±0.13,1.85±0.25,1.44±0.21,0.91±0.24 and 0.96±0.14;the average fluorescence intensities of PKM2 were 136.41±33.63,217.94±5.33,210.27±1.03,204.14±3.27 and 186.79±14.03.Compared with control group,the above indicators in model group showed statistically significant differences(P<0.05,P<0.01);compared with model group,the differences in the above indicators in medium and high dose experimental group were all statistically significant(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Paeoniflorin can inhibit the aerobic glycolysis of macrophages induced by resiquimod.
10.Effects of different concentrations of lidocaine infiltration and analgesia in pleural cavity after lung cancer surgery on rehabilitation of patients
Cheng-Lin LI ; Zheng-Rui XIAN ; Le ZHANG ; Jing LIANG ; Shu LIU ; Rong QIU
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2024;33(1):69-72
Objective To explore the effects of different concentrations of lidocaine infiltration and analgesia in pleural cavity after lung cancer surgery on rehabilitation of patients.Methods A total of 86 patients with lung cancer were selected and divided into the high concentration group(43 cases)and low concentration group(43 cases)by random number table method.Patients in the high concentration group received injection of 2.0%lidocaine hydrochloride in pleural cavity through the epidural catheter 1st day after surgery,and patients in the low concentration group received injection of 1.5%lidocaine hydrochloride in pleural cavity.In addition,patients in the two groups were treated with patient-controlled intravenous analgesia after surgery.The first time of getting out of bed,first time of exhaustion,first time of defecation and hospital stay after surgery of the two groups were compared.The visual analogue scale(VAS)scores 6 hours,12 hours,24 hours and 48 hours after surgery,the occurrence of agitation during the postoperative awakening period,and the number of analgesic pump compressions and the dosage of analgesic drugs within 24 hours after surgery were compared.The incidence of adverse drug reactions 24 hours after surgery were recorded and the quality of recovery of patients 24 hours after surgery was evaluated by 40-item quality of recovery score(QoR-40).Results The first time of getting out of bed,first time of exhaustion,first time of defecation and hospital stay after operation of patients in the high concentration group were shorter than those in the low concentration group(P<0.05).The VAS scores of the two groups 12 hours and 24 hours after surgery were higher than those 6 hours after surgery(P<0.05),the VAS scores 24 hours and 48 hours after surgery were lower than those 12 hours after surgery(P<0.05),and the VAS scores 48 hours after surgery were lower than those 24 hours after surgery(P<0.05).The VAS scores 6 hours,12 hours,24 hours,and 48 hours after surgery of patients in the high concentration group were lower than those in the low concentration group(P<0.05).The occurrence of agitation during the postoperative awakening period,and the number of analgesic pump compressions and the dosage of analgesic drugs within 24 hours after surgery for patients in the high concentration group were lower/less than those in the low concentration group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the total incidence of adverse drug reactions between the two groups(P>0.05).The total QoR-40 score of patients in the high concentration group were higher than those in the low concentration group(P<0.05).Conclusion The use of 2.0%lidocaine infiltration and analgesia in pleural cavity for patients after lung cancer surgery can reduce the agitation during the awakening period,alleviate the postoperative pain,improve the quality of postoperative recovery,and promote the postoperative recovery of the patients,with certain safety.

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