1.The Role of NEAT1 in Bone and Cartilage Metabolism and Bone Diseases
Rui-Ming WEN ; Rui-Qi HUANG ; Yi-Xing CHANG ; Ke XU ; Xue-Jie YI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):930-945
In the process of maintaining the steady state of bone tissue, the transcription network and signal pathway of the body play a vital role. These complex regulatory mechanisms need precise coordination to ensure the balance between bone formation and bone absorption. Once this balance is broken, it may lead to pathological changes of bone and cartilage, and then lead to various bone diseases. Therefore, it is of great significance to understand these regulatory mechanisms for the prevention and treatment of bone diseases. In recent years, with the deepening of research, more and more lncRNA has been found to be closely related to bone health. Among them, nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1), as an extremely abundant RNA molecule in mammalian nuclei, has attracted extensive attention. NEAT1 is mainly transcribed from a specific site in human chromosome 11 by RNA polymerase II (RNaseP), which can form two different subtypes NEAT1_1 and NEAT1_2. These two subtypes are different in intracellular distribution and function, but they participate in many biological processes together. Studies have shown that NEAT1 plays a specific role in the process of cell growth and stress response. For example, it can regulate the development of osteoblasts (OB), osteoclasts (OC) and chondrocytes by balancing the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), thus maintaining the steady state of bone metabolism. This discovery reveals the important role of NEAT1 in bone development and remodeling. In addition, NEAT1 is closely related to a variety of bone diseases. In patients with bone diseases such as osteoporosis (OP), osteoarthritis (OA) and osteosarcoma (OS), the expression level of NEAT1 is different. These differential expressions may be closely related to the pathogenesis and progression of bone diseases. By regulating the level of NEAT1, it can affect a variety of signal transduction pathways, and then affect the development of bone diseases. For example, some studies show that by regulating the expression level of NEAT1, the activity of osteoclasts can be inhibited, and the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts can be promoted, thus improving the symptoms of osteoporosis. It is worth noting that NEAT1 can also be used as a key sensor for the prevention and treatment of bone diseases. When exercising or receiving some natural products, the expression level of NEAT1 will change, thus reflecting the response of bones to external stimuli. This feature makes NEAT1 an important target for studying the prevention and treatment strategies of bone diseases. However, although the role of NEAT1 in bone biology and bone diseases has been initially recognized, its specific mechanism and regulatory relationship are still controversial. For example, the expression level, mode of action and interaction with other molecules of NEAT1 in different bone diseases still need further in-depth study. This paper reviews the role of NEAT1 in maintaining bone and cartilage metabolism, and discusses its expression and function in various bone diseases. By combing the existing research results and controversial points, this paper aims to provide new perspectives and ideas for the prevention and treatment of bone diseases, and provide useful reference and enlightenment for future research.
2.Alterations of brain mirror homotopic functional connectivity in vestibular migraine patients:a resting-state functional MRI study
Qifang FENG ; Wen CHEN ; Xing XIONG ; Hongru ZHAO ; Jun KE ; Minmin JIN ; Chunhong HU
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(3):364-367
Objective To investigate the brain voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity(VMHC)alterations in patients with ves-tibular migraine(VM)by using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging(rs-fMRI).Methods The rs-fMRI data of 30 VM patients(VM group)and 30 healthy volunteers(control group)were prospectively collected.The brain VMHC values in all subjects were calculated and the differences between the two groups were compared.The correlations between VMHC values of significant brain regions and clinical scale scores were analyzed in the VM group.Results Compared with the control group,the VMHC values of the cerebellum region 6,orbital inferior frontal gyrus,insula,superior temporal gyrus and postcentral gyrus in the VM group were all decreased[cluster-level family wise error(FWE)corrected,Pvoxel-level<0.001,Pcluster-level<0.05].In the VM group,the VMHC values of the postcentral gyrus were negatively correlated with dizziness handicap inventory(DHI)score(r=-0.383,P=0.037).Additionally,the VMHC values of the insula were negatively correlated with headache impact test-6(HIT-6)score(r=-0.430,P=0.018).Conclusion VM patients have altered VMHC in certain brain regions,indicating related dysfunctions in vestibule,pain,hearing and emotion.
3.Evaluation of early outcomes and discussion of revisions of total hip arthroplasty in treatment for Kashin-Beck disease with hip problem
Haotian WU ; Xiaoyuan ZHANG ; Hui LI ; Yan KE ; Kai WANG ; Dan XING ; Zhichang LI ; Jianhao LIN
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2025;45(6):335-342
Objective:To evaluate the early outcomes of total hip arthroplasty (THA) and discuss the revisions post THA in the treatment for Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) with severe hip problems.Methods:This retrospective cohort study enrolled 50 patients (64 hips) with a mean age of 52.4±8.7 years, including 25 male patients and 25 female patients (36 left hips and 28 right hips), who were diagnosed as KBD with hip problems and received THA at Arthritis Clinical and Research Centre, Peking University People's Hospital from October 2019 to January 2024. The leg length discrepancy (LLD), femoral offset (FO), abduction angle and anteversion angle were calculated preoperatively and one week post-operation. The postoperative radiological indexes and the functional outcomes in the last follow-up were compared with the preoperative assessment.Results:The surgical duration was 105(80, 120) min and the bleeding amount was 300(200, 400) ml. All the cases were followed up for an average of 37 months (ranging from 21 to 44 months). Significant differences were found on postoperative radiological images, with LLD improving to 0.50±0.78 cm from a preoperative value of -1.36±0.79 cm, and FO increasing to 3.28±1.01 cm from 2.72±0.83 cm ( P<0.05). The mean postoperative abduction angle and anteversion angle were 42.5°±7.7° and 15.1°±5.9°, respectively. A total of 71.8% and 95.3% hips fell within the Lewinnek safe zones of abduction angle and anteversion angle, respectively. In terms of functional outcomes, the average range of motion improved significantly to 185°(173°, 210°) from a preoperative value of 99°(76°, 123°), and the Harris Hip Score increased from 35(26, 43) preoperatively to 70(63, 80) postoperatively ( P<0.05). During the follow-up, there were complications for two cases of femoral stem loosening, one case of periprosthetic femoral fracture, one case of hip dislocation, and one case of acetabular component loosening with hip subluxation. Additionally, seven patients exhibited Trendelenburg gait. A total of five hips required revision surgery due to severe complications, including two cases of femoral stem loosening, one case of periprosthetic femoral fracture, one case of hip dislocation, and one case of acetabular component loosening with subluxation. Conclusions:Patients with KBD demonstrated significant early improvements in both radiological and functional outcomes following THA.
4.Prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and related factors in people living with HIV in Taizhou, Zhejiang Province
Ke WANG ; Yali XIE ; Qiguo MENG ; Shanling WANG ; Tingting HUA ; Congcong LI ; Congcong GUO ; Na HE ; Haijiang LIN ; Xing LIU
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(5):810-819
Objective:To describe the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in people living with HIV in Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, and identify the factors associated with NAFLD in this population.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted from 2021 to 2023. Based on the routine follow-up management of people living with HIV, liver ultrasound examination, physical examination and laboratory test were conducted to collect the information about the diagnosis of NAFLD and biochemical indicators in this population. Logistic regression model was used to identify the factors associated with the prevalence of NAFLD.Results:In the 2 550 study participants, the prevalence of NAFLD was 21.5% (548/2 550), abnormal liver function was found in 23.7% (604/2 550) of the study participants, and liver fibrosis was found in 45.2% (1 152/2 550) of the study participants. Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that being women (a OR=0.55, 95% CI: 0.42-0.73), being overweight or obese (a OR=3.22, 95% CI: 2.59-4.01), having diabetes (a OR=3.37, 95% CI: 2.15-5.29), having dyslipidemia (a OR=2.96, 95% CI: 2.25-3.89), CD4 + T lymphocyte (CD4) counts <200 cells/μl (a OR=0.61, 95% CI: 0.42-0.88), and receiving Efavirenz (EFV) + Lamivudine (3TC) + Zidovudine (AZT) for antiretroviral therapy (ART)(a OR=1.52, 95% CI: 1.17-1.98) were associated with NAFLD. NAFLD was positively associated with abnormal liver function (a OR=2.01, 95% CI: 1.60-2.52) and inversely associated with liver fibrosis (a OR=0.76, 95% CI: 0.59-0.98). The 45-59 age group (a OR=7.05, 95% CI: 5.65-8.80), CD4 counts <200 cells/μl (a OR=1.45, 95% CI: 1.06-1.97) and receiving Nevirapine (NVP)+3TC+AZT of ART (a OR=1.87,95% CI: 1.44-2.43) were the main factors associated with liver fibrosis. Conclusions:The prevalence of NAFLD in people living with HIV Taizhou was more than 20.0%, with a significant proportion of them having abnormal liver function and liver fibrosis. Being overweight or obese, suffering from diabetes, having dyslipidemia, low CD4 counts, and receiving specific ART were associated with NAFLD. NAFLD, CD4 counts and specific ART were the main factors associated with abnormal liver function and liver fibrosis.
5.Clinical characteristics and therapeutic experience with rivaroxaban in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia associated with pulmonary thromboembolism
Jing ZHANG ; Fengqin LIU ; Xing CHEN ; Chunyan GUO ; Juan YANG ; Yan LIANG ; Ke WANG
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2025;63(4):373-378
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban and investigate the clinical features of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) associated with pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) in children. Methods:A case series study was conducted on 36 children, diagnosed with MPP associated with PTE and hospitalized in our institution from January 2020 to June 2024 of Department of Pediatric Respiratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University. Clinical data and follow-up information were collected to analyze their clinical characteristics, outcomes, and adverse events to rivaroxaban. Comparison of coagulation indices before and after treatment with rivaroxaban using the Mann-Whitney rank sum test.Results:Among the 36 children, there were 27 males and 9 females, and the age of onset was (7.8±2.8) years. PTE was diagnosed (17±6) days after the onset of MPP. Thirty-four cases (94%) were classified as low-risk PTE, and 13 cases (36%) had thromboembolism of multiple anatomic sites. All patients presented with cough and fever, manifesting as shortness of breath in 33 cases (92%), chest pain in 12 case (33%), hemoptysis in 6 case (17%) and dyspnea in 5 cases (14%). Pulmonary artery involvement was demonstrated by CT pulmonary angiography in all 36 children. The D-dimer level was 5.1 (4.2, 12.2) mg/L. D-dimer levels were 5.1 (4.2, 12.2) mg/L, of which 29 cases (81%) were ≥4.0 mg/L. The total duration of anticoagulation 3.1 (2.5, 4.2) months. All children received rivaroxaban for 2.7 (2.2, 3.8) months. Of the 36 children, 35 cases were followed up after 3 months of anticoagulant therapy, and 30 cases (83%) showed pulmonary artery thrombus absorption. Finally, follow-up outcome data were available for 34 cases, of which 33 showed complete resolution of thrombus in the affected areas, and 1 showed partial resolution. There were no cases of death, thrombus recurrence or progression, major bleeding events occurred or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Adverse events included hemoptysis in 2 cases and elevated liver enzymes in 4 cases. After the treatment of rivaroxaban, the levels of D-dimer were decreased compared with those before the treatment of PTE (0.3 (0.2, 0.5) vs. 5.1 (4.2, 12.2) mg/L, Z=-7.12, P<0.05), and the levels of prothrombin time levels were significantly longer compared with those before the treatment of PTE (3.6 (12.4, 14.9) vs. 13.0 (11.8, 13.6) s, Z=2.34, P<0.05). Conclusions:During the course of MPP, the emergence of clinical symptoms such as short of breath, chest pain, hemoptysis, dyspnea or along with elevated D-dimer levels, should raise suspicion for the occurrence of PTE. Rivaroxaban has shown good efficacy and a favorable safety profile.
6.Clinical analysis of 15 cases of severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia complicated by cardiac thrombosis in children
Juan YANG ; Fengqin LIU ; Xing CHEN ; Chunyan GUO ; Yan LIANG ; Fangfang DAI ; Ning DING ; Ke WANG ; Jing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2025;63(5):535-540
Objective:To investigate the clinical manifestations, therapeutic strategies and prognostic outcomes in pediatric patients with severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (SMPP) complicated by cardiac thrombosis. Methods:This case series study retrospectively analyzed 15 pediatric patients with SMPP complicated by cardiac thrombosis. The patients was recruited from the Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine at Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University between July 2018 and January 2025. Comprehensive clinical data and follow-up information were collected.Results:Among the 15 children, 10 were male and 5 were female, and the age of onset was 8.0 (6.3, 10.0) years. All 15 children presented with fever and cough, while additional symptoms included dyspnea in 7 cases, chest pain in 6 cases, hemoptysis in 3 cases, and chest tightness in 1 case. The white blood cell count was 11.7 (9.5, 15.9)×10 9/L, C-reactive protein was 31.6 (17.5, 64.8) mg/L and lactate dehydrogenase was 548.2 (410.4, 768.3) U/L. A total of 14 children underwent testing for the Mycoplasma pneumoniae drug resistance genes 2063A>G and 2064A>G, of which 13 tested positive. The plasma D-dimer levels of 15 children were 8.77 (7.23, 12.50) mg/L, all of which were higher than normal. Among the 15 children, 5 had decreased activity of anticoagulant proteins (protein C, protein S, antithrombin Ⅲ), and 8 tested positive for antiphospholipid antibodies. Chest CT scans of all 15 children showed pulmonary consolidation and (or) atelectasis, with pleural effusion present in 12 cases. In the 15 children, thrombosis was detected at 14.0 (11.0, 18.0) days after the onset of illness. The locations of cardiac thrombosis included the right ventricle in 9 cases, the right atrium in 5 cases, and the left atrium in 1 case. Additionally, 10 cases had pulmonary vascular embolism, comprising 9 cases of pulmonary artery thrombosis and 1 case of pulmonary vein thrombosis. After anticoagulant treatment, cardiac thrombi disappeared in 10 children. Five children who did not show improvement with anticoagulation underwent surgical thrombectomy. In the follow-up of 15 children, lung imaging basically returned to normal, with no major hemorrhagic events or other adverse events. Conclusions:In children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia, the presence of clinical symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain and hemoptysis, along with elevated plasma D-dimer levels, should raise suspicion for the possibility of cardiac thrombosis. SMPP complicated by cardiac thrombosis, prognosis is good following anticoagulation or surgical treatment.
7.Research progress on Parkinson's disease treatment with traditional Chinese medicine via regulating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.
Le SHU ; Xing-Ke YAN ; Si-Rui MA ; Gui-Shun HE
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(11):2982-2993
Parkinson's disease(PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and the accumulation of Lewy bodies. While conventional drugs like levodopa can improve early symptoms, their efficacy diminishes over time, and they may cause severe side effects. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), with its multi-target therapeutic approach, has shown unique advantages in PD treatment, particularly in slowing disease progression and improving clinical symptoms. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) signaling pathway plays a critical role in cellular antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and cellular repair mechanisms, which are crucial for neuroprotection against PD. Studies indicate that TCM regulates the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway to enhance neuronal antioxidative capacity, inhibit neuroinflammation, promote dopaminergic neuron repair and survival, and slow pathological progression. This review explores the neuroprotective role of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in PD patients, including alleviating oxidative stress, suppressing neuroinflammation, promoting neuronal repair, and regulating iron metabolism and autophagy. It also discusses the mechanisms by which TCM active ingredients(flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenes, saponins, polyphenols, etc.), single herbs(Cistanche deserticola, Uraria crinite, and Melissa officinalis, etc.), and formulas(Bushen Jianpi Decoction, Didang Decoction, and Gancao Yangyin Decoction, etc.) modulate the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in PD treatment, providing a theoretical basis for the clinical application and new drug development of TCM in PD prevention and treatment.
Humans
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Parkinson Disease/genetics*
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NF-E2-Related Factor 2/genetics*
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
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Animals
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Heme Oxygenase-1/genetics*
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional
8.Minimally invasive reduction of irreducible, sagittally unstable peritrochanteric fractures: Novel technique and early results.
Ke LI ; Xing DU ; Zhongyao CHEN ; Wei SHUI
Chinese Journal of Traumatology 2025;28(5):330-335
PURPOSE:
The management of irreducible, sagittally unstable peritrochanteric fractures presents a significant challenge due to the inability to achieve closed reduction using conventional techniques. This study introduces a novel minimally invasive technique leveraging the mechanical advantage principle with long, angled hemostatic clamps.
METHODS:
A retrospective review was performed on 16 patients who sustained sagittally unstable peritrochanteric fractures and underwent a percutaneous hemostatic clamp leverage reduction procedure.
INCLUSION CRITERIA:
(1) Preoperative confirmation of fracture type as peritrochanteric fracture; (2) Intraoperative imaging confirms the presence of sagittal plane displacement at the fracture site; (3) Age > 18 years.
EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
(1) Open fractures, pathological fractures, and diabetes; (2) Long-term use of corticosteroids; (3) Patients with local skin or systemic conditions not suitable for surgery. Regular follow-ups at intervals of 6 - 8 weeks continued until evidence of bone consolidation was apparent in radiographic assessments. Evaluation of the alignment quality considered factors such as the re-establishment of the neck-shaft angle, the integrity of all cortical bone edges, and the rectification of any translational displacement, while the assessment of hip functionality was performed using the Harris scoring system. Statistical analysis of the relevant data was performed using SPSS 25.0 software.
RESULTS:
The average age of these 16 patients was 56.8 years (ranging from 25 to 81 years), consisting of 8 males and 8 females. According to the AO/OTA fracture classification, the cohort included 13 cases of type 31A, 2 cases of type 32A, and 1 case of type 32C. The time from hospital admission to the day of surgery ranged from 3 to 11 days, with an average of 5.1 days. Closed reduction was successfully implemented in all 10 instances, negating the necessity for transition to open reduction procedures. The mean operative duration was 105.8 min (range 80 - 180 min). Satisfactory results of the quality of reduction were determined by comparison with the normal side. The average Harris hip score was 94.1 (range 87 - 99), and the fracture healing time was 4.2 months (3 - 6 months). Implant failure and malunion were not observed.
CONCLUSIONS
This study provides an alternative, minimally invasive technique for reducing sagittally unstable, irreducible peritrochanteric fractures. This technique holds the potential to manage complex fractures with the same efficacy as is typically reserved for simple and easily reducible fractures.
Humans
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Male
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Female
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Retrospective Studies
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Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures/methods*
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Aged
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Middle Aged
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Aged, 80 and over
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Hip Fractures/diagnostic imaging*
;
Adult
9.A preclinical evaluation and first-in-man case for transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair using PulveClip® transcatheter repair device.
Gang-Jun ZONG ; Jie-Wen DENG ; Ke-Yu CHEN ; Hua WANG ; Fei-Fei DONG ; Xing-Hua SHAN ; Jia-Feng WANG ; Ni ZHU ; Fei LUO ; Peng-Fei DAI ; Zhi-Fu GUO ; Yong-Wen QIN ; Yuan BAI
Journal of Geriatric Cardiology 2025;22(2):265-269
10.Effect of Kuanxiong Aerosol on Perioperative Coronary Microcirculation in Patients with Unstable Angina Undergoing Elective PCI: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.
Zi-Hao LIU ; Wen-Long XING ; Hong-Xu LIU ; Ju-Ju SHANG ; Ai-Yong LI ; Qi ZHOU ; Zhen-Min ZHANG ; Zhi-Bao LI ; Ke-Ji CHEN
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(3):206-214
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the immediate effect of Kuanxiong Aerosol (KXA) on perioperative coronary microcirculation in patients with unstable angina (UA) suffering from elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
METHODS:
From February 2021 to July 2023, UA inpatients who underwent PCI alone in the left anterior descending (LAD) branch were included. Random numbers were generated to divide patients into the trial group and the control group at a ratio of 1:1. The index of coronary microcirculation resistance (IMR) was measured before PCI, and the trial group was given two sprays of KXA, while the control group was not given. IMR was measured again after PCI, cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and creatine kinase isoenzyme-MB (CK-MB) were detected before and 24 h after surgery, and major cardiovascular adverse events (MACEs) were recorded for 30 days. The data statistics and analysis personnel were blinded.
RESULTS:
Totally 859 patients were screened, and 62 of them were involved into this study. Finally, 1 patient in the trial group failed to complete the post-PCI IMR and was excluded, 30 patients were included for data analysis, while 31 patients in the control group were enrolled in data analysis. There was no significant difference in baseline data (age, gender, risk factors, previous history, biochemical index, and drug therapy, etc.) between the two groups. In addition, differences in IMR, cTnI and CK-MB were not statistically significant between the two groups before surgery. After PCI, the IMR level of the trial group was significantly lower than that of the control group (19.56 ± 14.37 vs. 27.15 ± 15.03, P=0.048). Besides, the incidence of perioperative myocardial injury (PMI) was lower in the trial group, but the difference was not statistically significant (6.67% vs. 16.13%, P=0.425). No MACEs were reported in either group.
CONCLUSIONS
KXA has the potential of improving coronary microvascular dysfunction. This study provides reference for the application of KXA in UA patients undergoing elective PCI. (Registration No. ChiCTR2300069831).
Humans
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Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
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Male
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Microcirculation/drug effects*
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Female
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Angina, Unstable/physiopathology*
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Pilot Projects
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Middle Aged
;
Aged
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
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Aerosols
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Troponin I/blood*
;
Coronary Circulation/drug effects*
;
Elective Surgical Procedures

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