1.Effect of astragaloside Ⅳ on a mouse model of carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis and its mechanism
Wanchun ZHU ; Jiahao QIU ; Yu CUI ; Yijing ZHANG ; Zhi SHANG ; Yueqiu GAO ; Lingying HUANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(3):608-617
ObjectiveTo investigate the liver-protecting and anti-liver fibrosis effects of astragaloside Ⅳ (AS-Ⅳ) in vitro and in vivo, as well as its mechanism of action in intervention against liver fibrosis. MethodsIn the animal experiment, C57BL/6J mice were divided into control group, model group, low-dose AS-Ⅳ (20 mg/kg) group, and high-dose AS-Ⅳ (80 mg/kg) group. The mice were given intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride for 6 weeks to induce liver fibrosis, and since week 3 of injection, the mice in the low-dose AS-Ⅳ group and the high-dose AS-Ⅳ group were given AS-Ⅳ by gavage at a dose of 20 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg, respectively. The serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured after 4 weeks of administration, as well as the serum levels of hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), procollagen Ⅲ N-terminal peptide (PⅢNP), and collagen type Ⅳ (Col-Ⅳ). HE staining, picrosirius red staining, and Masson staining were used to observe liver histopathology and collagen deposition; RT-qPCR was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of Acta2, Col1a1, and Col3a1 in liver tissue, and Western blot was used to measure the protein expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen type Ⅲ (Col-Ⅲ), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), phosphorylated PI3K (pPI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), and phosphorylated AKT (p-Akt) in liver tissue; transcriptome sequencing was performed for liver tissue to identify differentially expressed genes and perform a bioinformatics analysis. In the cell experiment, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) was used to induce the activation of LX-2 cells, and the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 and the PI3K activator 740 Y-P were used for intervention. The cells were divided into control group, model group, AS-Ⅳ group, LY294002 group, and AS-Ⅳ+740 Y-P group, and the cells were harvested after 36 hours of intervention. Changes in the protein expression levels of α-SMA, Col-Ⅲ, pPI3K/PI3K, and pAkt/Akt in LX-2 cells were measured, as well as changes in the relative mRNA expression levels of Acta2, Col1a1, and Col3a1. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsIn the animal experiment, compared with the model group, the AS-Ⅳ treatment group had significant reductions in the serum levels of ALT, AST, HA, LN, PⅢNP, and Col-Ⅳ (all P<0.01), the mRNA expression levels of Acta2, Col1a1, and Col3a1 in liver tissue (all P<0.05), and the protein expression levels of α-SMA, Col-Ⅲ, pPI3K, and pAkt (Ser473) in liver tissue (all P<0.05). In the cell experiment, compared with the control group, the model group had significant increases in the protein expression levels of α-SMA, Col-Ⅲ, pPI3K, and pAkt (Ser473) after TGF-β induction (all P<0.05); compared with the model group, the AS-Ⅳ group had significant reductions in the protein expression levels of α-SMA, Col-Ⅲ, pPI3K, and pAkt (Ser473) (all P<0.05), and both the AS-Ⅳ group and the LY294002 group had significant reductions in the protein expression level of pPI3K and the relative mRNA expression levels of Acta2, Col1a1, and Col3a1 (all P<0.05). Compared with the AS-Ⅳ group, there were significant increases in the protein expression level of pPI3K and the relative mRNA expression levels of Acta2, col1a1, and Col3a1 after 740 Y-P intervention (all P<0.05). ConclusionAS-Ⅳ can inhibit hepatic stellate cell activation and improve liver fibrosis, possibly by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
2.Research progress on the intervention of sarcopenia with traditional Chinese medicine based on the AMPK signaling pathway
Wenyu FAN ; Bairong HUANG ; Congmin HONG ; Yan CHEN ; Jiayin WANG ; Jing GAO ; Xiaodong FENG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(9):1229-1235
arcopenia is a systemic skeletal muscle disorder characterized by a decrease in skeletal muscle mass and progressive decline in function, with multiple signaling pathways involved in its occurrence and development. Among them, the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway, as a key pathway regulating cellular energy homeostasis, plays an important role in the regulation of skeletal muscle metabolism and functional maintenance by improving abnormalities in glucose and lipid metabolism, balancing skeletal muscle protein synthesis and degradation, improving mitochondrial function, promoting autophagy, and inhibiting inflammatory responses and oxidative stress. This article reviews the research progress on how various traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) monomers, including polyphenols, flavonoids, and terpenoids; various traditional Chinese medicine extracts, such as those from Lycium barbarum , Asini Corii Colla, and Panax quinquefolium , and TCM compounds, such as Guiqi zhuangjin decoction, Jianpi qiangji granules, and Qigu capsules, intervene in sarcopenia by regulating the AMPK signaling pathway to promote muscle protein synthesis, inhibit protein degradation, improve mitochondrial function, and alleviate inflammation and oxidative stress. Additionally, their molecular mechanisms are explored. The aim is to deeply elucidate the basis of TCM in the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia and to provide theoretical support for the development of related innovative drugs.
3.Comparison of clinical efficiency between neuroendoscope-assisted evacuation and navigation-assisted puncture in treating thalamic hemorrhage breaking into the ventricle
Yonghui HUANG ; Yang GAO ; Chen LI ; Puyuan ZHAO ; Tian HUAI ; Rujiang BAI ; Xuefu WANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(1):108-112
Objective To compare the clinical efficacy of neuroendoscope-assisted evacuation and navigation-assisted puncture drainage in treating thalamic hemorrhage breaking into the ventricle. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 93 patients with thalamic hemorrhage breaking into the ventricle at Taihe Hospital of Wannan Medical College between January 2022 and February 2024. The patients received neuroendoscope-assisted removal of thalamic hematoma combined with contralateral extraventricular drainage (n=44, neuroendoscope group) and navigation-assisted thalamic hematoma puncture drainage combined with contralateral extraventricular drainage (n=49, navigation group), respectively. The treatment efficacy, surgical situation, and prognosis between the two groups were compared. Results The neuroendoscope group had longer operation duration, more intraoperative blood loss, higher hospitalization costs than the navigation group (P<0.05). The neuroendoscope group had higher hematoma clearance rate 3rd after surgery and shorter length of stay than the navigation group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of intracranial infection after surgery between the two groups. The neuroendoscope group had higher Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score at 1 week after surgery and Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) score at 3 months after surgery (P<0.01). Conclusions Compared with navigation-assisted puncture, neuroendoscope-assisted evacuation can improve the thalamic hemorrhage clearance rate, shorten the length of stay, and improve the prognosis of patients.
4.Mechanisms of Jiangtang No. 3 Prescription in Alleviating Adipose Tissue Insulin Resistance in Diabetic Rats via TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway-mediated Inflammation
Tongxun WANG ; Lantian LIU ; Runqi LI ; Haoxiang LI ; Yi ZHAO ; Tian TIAN ; Rufeng MA ; Sihua GAO ; Dandan ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):109-117
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Jiangtang No. 3 prescription on inflammatory pathways and insulin resistance-related indicators in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and to elucidate its molecular mechanism in combating diabetes. MethodsA T2DM rat model was established using a high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Successfully modeled rats were randomly assigned to the model group, metformin group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose Jiangtang No. 3 prescription groups, and a normal group was also set. Daily gavage was administered for 8 weeks as follows: metformin at 0.1 g·kg-1·d-1, Jiangtang No. 3 prescription granules at 1.62, 3.24, 6.48 g·kg-1·d-1 for the respective dose groups, and sterile water for the normal and model groups. Rat body weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and insulin tolerance test (ITT) were measured. After drug intervention, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, and insulin (INS). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe morphological changes in adipose tissue. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), Caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18, and gasdermin D (GSDMD) in adipose tissue. Western blot was used to measure the corresponding protein expression levels. ResultsCompared with the model group, Jiangtang No. 3 prescription groups exhibited significantly increased body weight (P<0.05, P<0.01), significantly reduced FBG (P<0.05, P<0.01), significant reductions in TC, TG, NEFA, and LDL (P<0.05, P<0.01), and a significant increase in HDL (P<0.01). Serum levels of inflammatory mediators IL-1β and IL-18 were significantly decreased (P<0.01), the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index was significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), and adipose tissue pathology was improved. The protein expression levels of TLR4, NF-κB, NLRP3, Caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18, and GSDMD were markedly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the mRNA expression levels of these indicators were also significantly downregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Some effects were superior to those of the positive control drug metformin, and certain indicators exhibited dose-dependent improvements. ConclusionT2DM rats display significant inflammatory responses, disordered glucose and lipid metabolism, and insulin resistance. Jiangtang No. 3 prescription effectively suppresses inflammatory mediators, improves glucose and lipid metabolism and insulin resistance, and ameliorates pathological changes in adipose tissue. Its mechanism may be related to the regulation of the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway in visceral adipose tissue, thereby influencing downstream inflammatory mediators.
5.Brain-computer interface technology in treatment for spinal cord injury: a bibliometric analysis
Kui SUN ; Hailun HUANG ; Yongai LIU ; Heng GAO
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(3):317-328
ObjectiveTo analyze the research hotspots and development trends of brain-computer interface (BCI) in the treatment for spinal cord injury (SCI). MethodsRelevant literatures on BCI applied in SCI treatment, published from the inception of the Web of Science Core Collection to July, 2025, were retrieved. Visualization analysis was performed using CiteSpace, VOSviewer and Tableau Desktop. ResultsA total of 437 literatures were included, and the annual number of publications showed an overall increasing trend. The United States ranked first in the number of publications; Graz University of Technology was the institution with the highest number of publication; Gernot R Mueller-Putz was the most productive author, while Jonathan R Wolpaw was the most cited author. Brain-computer interface and artificial intelligence were identified as the high-frequency and bursting keywords in this field. The researches were characterized by the cross-integration of five core disciplines: neuroscience and rehabilitation medicine, biomedical engineering, computer science and artificial intelligence, neurophysiology, and materials science. ConclusionResearches on BCI in SCI treatment are accelerating continuously, and technological integration is becoming the core trend.
6.Brain-computer interface technology in treatment for spinal cord injury: a bibliometric analysis
Kui SUN ; Hailun HUANG ; Yongai LIU ; Heng GAO
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(3):317-328
ObjectiveTo analyze the research hotspots and development trends of brain-computer interface (BCI) in the treatment for spinal cord injury (SCI). MethodsRelevant literatures on BCI applied in SCI treatment, published from the inception of the Web of Science Core Collection to July, 2025, were retrieved. Visualization analysis was performed using CiteSpace, VOSviewer and Tableau Desktop. ResultsA total of 437 literatures were included, and the annual number of publications showed an overall increasing trend. The United States ranked first in the number of publications; Graz University of Technology was the institution with the highest number of publication; Gernot R Mueller-Putz was the most productive author, while Jonathan R Wolpaw was the most cited author. Brain-computer interface and artificial intelligence were identified as the high-frequency and bursting keywords in this field. The researches were characterized by the cross-integration of five core disciplines: neuroscience and rehabilitation medicine, biomedical engineering, computer science and artificial intelligence, neurophysiology, and materials science. ConclusionResearches on BCI in SCI treatment are accelerating continuously, and technological integration is becoming the core trend.
7.Analyses of the epidemiological characteristics of multiple pathogens in people aged 14 years and above with acute respiratory infection in Huangpu District of Shanghai from 2015 to 2024
Yun ZHANG ; Yinzi CHEN ; Zhenzi ZUO ; Yu WANG ; Fujie SHEN ; Yuliang HUANG ; Qiang GAO ; Chenyan JIANG ; Yijun WANG
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(2):116-121
ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological characteristics of 8 major respiratory pathogens in influenza-like illness (ILI) cases with acute respiratory infections at fever clinics in Huangpu District, Shanghai from 2015 to 2024, and to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases. MethodsA retrospective study was conducted in Huangpu District. Individuals meeting the case definition of ILI from 2015 to 2024 was registered. Their nasopharyngeal swabs were collected for pathogen detection. A total of 8 respiratory viruses were tested, including Influenza A virus (Flu A), Influenza B virus (Flu B), adenovirus (ADV), enterovirus/human rhinovirus (EV/HRV), human parainfluenza virus (HPIV), human coronavirus (HCoV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and human metapneumovirus (HMPV). ResultsFrom 2015 to 2019, a total of 344 ILI cases were tested, of which 192 out of 344 cases (55.81%) were tested positive for single respiratory pathogen. From 2023 to 2024, 1 557 ILI cases were tested, with 572 out of 1 557 cases (36.74%) being positive for single pathogen. From 2023 to 2024, the positive rate of single pathogen in ILI cases was significantly lower than that in 2015‒2019 (χ2=42.66, P<0.001). Specifically, the positive rate of Flu A (χ2=74.43, P<0.001) decreased, while that of HPIV (χ2=8.66, P=0.003) increased, both with statistically significant differences. According to the seasonal pattern, the epidemic intensity of Flu A decreased in summer, while that of HPIV increased in summer and autumn. Demographic results showed statistically significant differences in the positive rates of EV/HRV between genders (χ2=22.38, P<0.001), with males exhibiting a higher positive rate than females. No statistically significant differences were identified in the positive rates of single pathogen among different age groups (χ2=4.42, P=0.110). Nevertheless, statistically significant differences were noted when comparing the positive rates of EV/HRV, Flu A, Flu B and HPIV across different age groups (P<0.05). EV/HRV was more commonly detected in the 15‒<25 age group (10.93%), while Flu A and HPIV had the highest positive rates in the ≥60 age group (21.24% and 4.77%). Flu B had the highest positive rate in the 25‒<60 age group (11.26%). 52.63% of cases with co-infections occurred during winter, with the primary pathogens involved being EV/HRV (9 cases) and HCoV (6 cases). The most prevalent combination of co-infection was Flu A with EV/HRV. ConclusionThe prevalence of respiratory pathogens among ILI cases from 2023 to 2024 exhibited notable fluctuations compared to that from 2015 to 2019. Therefore, influenza surveillance should be strengthened, and attention should also be paid to the prevalence of respiratory pathogens such as HPIV. These findings have profound implications for future research, surveillance, vaccine planning, and public health policy making.
8.Safety of endoscopic variceal ligation and endoscopic cyanoacrylate injection in treatment of esophagogastric varices in patients with liver cirrhosis and influencing factors for postoperative bleeding
Luyao JIA ; Baoying CAO ; Chunming HUANG ; Biao XIE ; Hongbo GAO ; Chuo LI ; Qinghua HUANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(2):356-361
ObjectiveTo investigate the risk factors for bleeding within 5 days and 2 weeks after endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) or endoscopic cyanoacrylate injection (ECI) for the treatment of esophagogastric varices in patients with liver cirrhosis, as well as the safety of EVL/ECI in patients with thrombocytopenia. MethodsA total of 489 patients with liver cirrhosis and esophagogastric varices who underwent EVL/ECI in Guangzhou Eighth People’s Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, from January 2018 to December 2023 were enrolled as subjects, and according to the presence or absence of bleeding after surgery, they were divided into bleeding group and non-bleeding group. The risk factors for bleeding within 5 days and 2 weeks after surgery were analyzed. The independent-samples t test or the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous data between groups, and the chi-square test or the continuity-corrected chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups; the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to determine the cut-off value of MELD score; a multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent risk factors for postoperative bleeding. ResultsThere were no significant differences in the bleeding rates within 5 days and 2 weeks after EVL/ECI between the 386 patients with a platelet count of ≥50×109/L and the 103 patients with a platelet count of (25 — 49)×109/L (5 days: 1.94% vs 2.85%, P=0.870; 2 weeks: 2.91% vs 4.92%, P=0.544). The overall bleeding rate was 2.66% (13/489) and 4.50% (22/489), respectively, within 5 days and 2 weeks after EVL/ECI. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that MELD score was an independent risk factor for bleeding within 5 days (odds ratio [OR]=3.726, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.214 — 11.429, P=0.021) and 2 weeks (OR=5.760, 95%CI: 1.779 — 18.651, P=0.003) after EVL/ECI, while hemoglobin (Hb) was a protective factor against bleeding within 5 days (OR=0.972, 95%CI: 0.948 — 0.996, P=0.025) and 2 weeks (OR=0.976, 95%CI: 0.957 — 0.995, P=0.016) after surgery; portal vein tumor thrombus (OR=2.667, 95%CI: 1.000 — 7.117, P=0.050) was an independent risk factor for bleeding within 2 weeks after surgery, while platelet count [(25 — 49)×10⁹/L] was not a risk factor for postoperative bleeding (P>0.05). ConclusionBoth EVL and ECI have good safety in patients with liver diseases and grade 3 thrombocytopenia. MELD score is an independent risk factor for bleeding within 5 days and 2 weeks after EVL/ECI, while Hb is a protective factor; portal vein tumor thrombus is an independent risk factor for bleeding within 2 weeks after surgery.
9.Brain-computer interface technology in treatment for spinal cord injury: a bibliometric analysis
Kui SUN ; Hailun HUANG ; Yongai LIU ; Heng GAO
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(3):317-328
ObjectiveTo analyze the research hotspots and development trends of brain-computer interface (BCI) in the treatment for spinal cord injury (SCI). MethodsRelevant literatures on BCI applied in SCI treatment, published from the inception of the Web of Science Core Collection to July, 2025, were retrieved. Visualization analysis was performed using CiteSpace, VOSviewer and Tableau Desktop. ResultsA total of 437 literatures were included, and the annual number of publications showed an overall increasing trend. The United States ranked first in the number of publications; Graz University of Technology was the institution with the highest number of publication; Gernot R Mueller-Putz was the most productive author, while Jonathan R Wolpaw was the most cited author. Brain-computer interface and artificial intelligence were identified as the high-frequency and bursting keywords in this field. The researches were characterized by the cross-integration of five core disciplines: neuroscience and rehabilitation medicine, biomedical engineering, computer science and artificial intelligence, neurophysiology, and materials science. ConclusionResearches on BCI in SCI treatment are accelerating continuously, and technological integration is becoming the core trend.
10.Clinical efficacy analysis of seven pediatric patients with Acute myeloid leukemia and the t(16;21)(p11;q22) FUS::ERG fusion gene.
Lihuan SHI ; Shan HUANG ; Xing XIE ; Pengkai FAN ; Haili GAO ; Yanna MAO
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2026;43(2):90-95
OBJECTIVE:
To analyze the clinical characteristics, treatment, and prognosis of seven pediatric patients with Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) positive for the t(16;21)(p11;q22) FUS::ERG fusion gene.
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis was carried out on the clinical data, treatment, and prognosis of seven AML patients with t(16;21)(p11;q22) FUS::ERG fusion gene admitted to Henan Children's Hospital between June 2015 and November 2024. Relevant literature was also reviewed. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Hospital (Ethics No.: 2024-102-001).
RESULTS:
Among 297 pediatric patients with AML, 7 cases (2.36%) were positive for the t(16;21)(p11;q22) FUS::ERG fusion gene, including 3 males and 4 females, with a median age of 11 years (range: 3 ~ 12 years). According to the FAB classification, these included 1 case of M2, 3 cases of M5, and 3 cases of AML-not otherwise specified (non-M3). All 7 patients were found to harbor the t(16;21)(p11;q22) translocation, with 3 cases showing additional chromosomal abnormalities. Immunophenotyping revealed universal expression of CD13, CD33, CD34, and CD117, with partial expression of CD56, CD4, CD64, CD123, CD15, CD38, CD11b, HLA-DR, cMPO, and CD16. One patient achieved complete remission (CR) after the first course of DAE (cytarabine + daunorubicin + etoposide) induction chemotherapy but relapsed and discontinued the treatment. Six patients received DAH (cytarabine + daunorubicin + homoharringtonine) induction therapy, of whom 2 achieved CR after two courses and underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), resulting in an overall CR rate of 42.86%. Five children did not receive allo-HSCT and had a median overall survival of 9 months (range: 6 ~ 18 months). Two children who underwent transplantation achieved bone marrow morphological and molecular biological relapse at 6 and 9 months post-transplantation, respectively. After receiving combined chemotherapy and donor lymphocyte infusion, one child failed to achieve remission and died at 22 months post-transplantation, while the other has been followed up to date with positive fusion gene status. Their overall survival was 25 months and 30 months, respectively.
CONCLUSION
The t(16;21)(p11;q22) FUS::ERG fusion gene is rare in pediatric AML and associated with poor prognosis. Allo-HSCT may mitigate the adverse prognostic impact of the FUS::ERG fusion gene and contribute to prolonged survival.
Humans
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Male
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Child
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Female
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Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy*
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Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics*
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Translocation, Genetic
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Retrospective Studies
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RNA-Binding Protein FUS/genetics*
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Chromosomes, Human, Pair 16/genetics*
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Adolescent
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Child, Preschool
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Chromosomes, Human, Pair 21/genetics*
;
Prognosis
;
Treatment Outcome

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