1.Mechanisms of Xiaozhi Qinggan Decoction in Treatment of Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease by Regulating Ferroptosis
Haihang DONG ; Yuying TU ; Xingrong LI ; Yujie CAI ; Yi REN ; Huiqin ZHANG ; Yinqiang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):109-119
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Xiaozhi Qinggan decoction (XQD) in preventing and treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) by regulating ferroptosis, network pharmacology, in vitro and in vivo experiments. MethodsIn the in vivo experiment, mouse MASLD models were established by high-fat diet (HFD) induction. The model mice were randomly assigned to a positive control group (silybin, 50 mg·kg-1), low-, medium- and high-dose XQD groups (4.725, 9.45, 18.9 g·kg-1), with a normal control group. After 4 weeks of modeling, mice except the normal group were administered intragastrically for 8 consecutive weeks. Liver function, serum lipid levels, hepatic histopathology, as well as the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and Fe2+ were detected. The mRNA and protein expression of p53, SLC7A11 and GPX4 were determined by quantitative Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) and Western blot. In the network pharmacology analysis, active components and potential targets of XQD for MASLD were screened, followed by functional and pathway enrichment analyses, and molecular docking was performed to verify the target binding activity. In the in vitro experiment, the optimal concentration of XQD-containing serum was screened by cytotoxicity assay. HepG2 cells were transfected with ov-NC or ov-p53 plasmid, and a lipid accumulation model was induced by free fatty acid (FFA, 1.0 mmol·L-1). Cells were divided into a normal group, FFA model group, ov-NC+XQD (15%) group and ov-p53+XQD (15%) group. Intracellular Fe2+ level and lipid accumulation were evaluated, and the protein expression of p53, SLC7A11 and GPX4 was measured by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited markedly elevated body weight, liver weight, liver index, fasting blood glucose, AUC of glucose tolerance test, serum liver function and blood lipid levels at week 12 (P<0.01). Hepatic steatosis and inflammatory infiltration were observed by pathological staining. Additionally, hepatic levels of MDA, SOD and Fe2+ were increased (P<0.01), while GSH, GSSG and the GSH/GSSG ratio were decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of hepatic p53 was upregulated (P<0.01), whereas the expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 was downregulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the low- and medium-dose XQD groups showed significantly decreased body weight at week 12 (P<0.05). The silybin group, together with the medium- and high-dose XQD groups, presented reduced liver weight and liver index (P<0.05). Fasting blood glucose and the AUC of glucose tolerance test were lowered in all four treatment groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). Pathological staining revealed alleviated hepatic steatosis and inflammation, accompanied by decreased serum liver function and blood lipid levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, hepatic MDA and SOD levels were markedly reduced, while GSH, GSSG and the GSH/GSSG ratio were significantly elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Hepatic Fe2+ level was decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of hepatic p53 was downregulated, and the expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 was upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Network pharmacology analysis identified quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, tanshinone IIA and isorhamnetin as the core active components of XQD, with p53 serving as the key target. Stable binding was verified between these active components and the p53 protein. The optimal concentration of XQD-containing serum in vitro was determined to be 15%. Compared with the normal group, the model group showed increased intracellular Fe2+ and lipid accumulation, significantly upregulated p53 protein expression (P<0.01), and markedly downregulated SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein expression (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the ov-NC group exhibited reduced Fe2+ and lipid accumulation, downregulated p53 expression, and upregulated SLC7A11 and GPX4 expression. In the ov-p53 group, p53 expression was upregulated (P<0.01), while SLC7A11 and GPX4 expression was downregulated (P<0.01). ConclusionXQD inhibits ferroptosis by downregulating p53 and upregulating SLC7A11 and GPX4, thereby alleviating oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in hepatocytes and improving MASLD.
2.Spinal cord stimulation for spinal cord injury from 1999 to 2025: a bibliometric analysis
Yuanyuan QI ; Haifeng GAO ; Lina LIU ; Yujie XIE ; Jing XU ; Feng GAO ; Liang CHEN ; Degang YANG ; Jun LI
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(4):373-386
ObjectiveTo analyze the research hotspots and development trends in the field of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for spinal cord injury (SCI). MethodsLiterature about SCS for SCI was retrieve from the Web of Science (WOS) Core Collection database, with a time range from January, 1999 to July, 2025. VOSviewer 1.6.20 and CiteSpace 6.4.R2 were used to analyze the annual publication volume, countries, authors, institutions, journals and keywords. ResultsA total of 636 literatures were included. From 1999 to 2025, the overall publication trend in this field showed an upward trajectory, with recent years fluctuating but tending to stabilize. The country with the most publications was the United States (429 papers), followed by Russia (98 papers) and China (70 papers). The institution with the highest number of publications was the University of California, Los Angeles (76 papers), the author with the most publications was V. Reggie Edgerton (70 papers), and the journal with the most publications was Journal of Clinical Medicine (31 papers). The most frequently cited study focused on exploring the combination of epidural spinal cord stimulation with task-specific training to restore motor function in patients with complete SCI. Keyword analysis showed that the research hotspots in this field were mainly focused on neuroregulation mechanisms, recovery of motor and autonomic nervous dysfunction, artificial intelligence, closed-loop stimulation and brain-computer interface technology innovations. In recent years, the research focus gradually shifted from basic mechanisms to personalized and precise multifunctional rehabilitation strategies. ConclusionThe field of SCS for SCI has undergone phases of basic mechanism exploration and clinical application expansion. Current research hotspots and future trends focus primarily on the development of new stimulation paradigms and combined innovative technologies.
3.Ancient and Modern Documentation of Classic Formula Sangjuyin
Xiaofang WANG ; Lyuyuan LIANG ; Jialei CAO ; Ziming XU ; Wangju ZHOU ; Yiping WANG ; Yujie CHANG ; Ruiting SU ; Yihan LI ; Jingwen LI ; Bingqi WEI ; Bingxiang MA ; Wenli SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):200-207
Sangjuyin, as a pungent and cooling agent with precise therapeutic effect, is a classic pungent formula for cooling relief of the epidermis, which is highly respected by medical practitioners. This formula is from the Wenbing Tiaobian written by WU Jutong in the Qing dynasty, on the basis of which subsequent medical practitioners have made additions and subtractions to apply it. The authors used the bibliometric method to systematically organize the medical books from the Qing dynasty and the Republic of China and modern literature to analyze the composition, concoction, decoction, efficacy, and previous and modern application of Sangjuyin. After examination, the drug base of this formula is basically clear. Armeniacae Semen Amarum is the dried mature seeds of Armeniaca vulgaris, family Rosaceae. Forsythiae Fructus is the dried fruit of Forsythia suspensa, family Mulleinaceae. Menthae Haplocalycis Herba is the dried above-ground part of Mentha haplocalyx, family Labiatae. Mori Folium is the dried leaves of Morus alba, family Moraceae. Chrysanthemi Flos is the dried head of Chrysanthemum morifolium, family Asteraceae. Platycodonis Radix is the dried root of Eryngium grandiflorum, family Eryngium. Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma is the dried root and rhizome of Glycyrrhiza uralensis of the Leguminosae family, and Phragmitis Rhizoma is the fresh or dried rhizome of Phragmites communis of the Gramineae family. It is recommended that the eight drugs be used in raw form as medicine. The dosage and method of decoction were converted into a modern single dosage of 7.46 g Armeniacae Semen Amarum, 5.60 g Forsythiae Fructus, 2.98 g Menthae Haplocalycis Herba, 9.33 g Mori Folium, 3.73 g Chrysanthemi Flos, 7.46 g Platycodonis Radix, 2.98 g Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, and 11.19 g Phragmitis Rhizoma, with 400 mL water added, and the solution was boiled to obtain 200 mL, taken twice a day. Sangjuyin has the efficacy of dispersing wind and clearing heat, promoting lung and relieving cough, and it is used for treating the initial onset of wind-warmth and the evidence of evil spirits in the lungs and collaterals. Modern research has shown that Sangjuyin is often used in the treatment of cough, pneumonia, rhinitis, and other respiratory diseases, and the results of this study provide a reference for the later development of Sangjuyin.
4.Proteome-wide Mendelian randomization analysis of plasma proteins identifies biomarkers for anxiety disorders
Xuelian LI ; Min DENG ; Rongting RAN ; Yuqian HE ; Geman WANG ; Yujie LI ; Zhili ZOU
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(1):63-69
BackgroundAnxiety disorder is a common mental disorder, with its prevalence showing a continuous upward trend, significantly affecting the quality of life and social function of patients. Due to the lack of objective and reliable biomarkers in clinical practice, the early identification and treatment of anxiety disorder have been somewhat limited. Plasma proteins have the potential to serve as biomarkers for mental diseases, however, the causal relationship between them and anxiety disorder remains unclear. ObjectiveTo identify the plasma proteins that have a causal relationship with anxiety disorders, and to elucidate the associated biological pathways, in order to provide references for the search for biomarkers of anxiety disorders and the exploration of potential therapeutic targets. MethodsBased on the protein quantitative trait locus (pQTL) data of 4 907 plasma proteins covering 35 559 Icelandic individuals from the deCODE database, and the genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data of 50 486 patients with anxiety disorders and 330 460 healthy controls, the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was used as the main analysis method, supplemented by MR-Egger method, weighted median method, simple model method, and weighted model method for bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis. Enrichment analysis of gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways was conducted for the related proteins. Sensitivity analysis was performed using Cochran's Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, MR-PRESSO test, and leave-one-out analysis to evaluate the robustness of the results. ResultsA total of 10 plasma proteins were identified as significantly associated with anxiety disorders. Among these, SPATA9 (OR=0.856, 95% CI: 0.784–0.934, P<0.01) and PDE5A (OR=0.911, 95% CI: 0.864–0.961, P<0.01) were identified as protective factors, while CRYGD (OR=1.209, 95% CI: 1.095–1.334, P<0.01), BTN3A3 (OR=1.045, 95% CI: 1.018–1.073, P<0.01), SERPINB13 (OR=1.102, 95% CI: 1.040–1.168, P<0.01), ERBB4 (OR=1.283, 95% CI: 1.109–1.484, P<0.01), LSAMP (OR=1.096, 95% CI: 1.037–1.158, P<0.01), ICOSLG (OR=1.283, 95% CI: 1.104–1.490, P<0.01), DNAJB11 (OR=1.172, 95% CI: 1.076–1.277, P<0.01), and TREML1 (OR=1.115, 95% CI: 1.054–1.179, P<0.01) were identified as risk factors. The sensitivity analysis showed that the results were robust, with no heterogeneity (Cochran's Q test P>0.05) or pleiotropy (MR-Egger intercept test P>0.05). Enrichment analysis indicated that these plasma proteins were enriched in biological processes such as T-cell signal transduction, lymphocyte proliferation, cell membrane structure and synaptic function, as well as the intestinal immune network that produces IgA and the ErbB signaling pathway. ConclusionThis study identified 10 plasma proteins associated with anxiety disorders. The functions of these plasma proteins involve multiple biological processes such as neural development and immune regulation.
5.Posaconazole for prevention of invasive fungal infections:a rapid health technology assessment
Yujie LI ; Jiantong MA ; Gerile HUANG ; Wenjing ZHANG ; Hao GUO
China Pharmacy 2026;37(10):1364-1369
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of posaconazole for the prevention of invasive fungal infections (IFIs). METHODS PubMed, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang data and other Chinese and English databases were searched, as well as the official websites of related health technology assessment (HTA). Systematic review (SR)/meta-analysis, pharmacoeconomic studies, and HTA reports of posaconazole for the prevention of IFIs were collected. The retrieval time limit was from the establishment of the database to November 1, 2025. After screening the literature, extracting the data, and evaluating the quality of the literature, the results of the included studies were descriptively analyzed. RESULTS A total of 45 studies were included, involving 17 SR/meta-analyses, 26 pharmacoeconomic studies, 1 SR/meta-analysis combined with a pharmacoeconomic study, and 1 HTA report. In terms of effectiveness, posaconazole was significantly superior to other antifungal drugs (eg., fluconazole, itraconazole) in reducing the incidence of IFIs, the incidence of invasive aspergillosis, all-cause mortality, and IFI-related mortality ( P <0.05). In terms of safety, posaconazole was significantly superior to other antifungal drugs in the incidence of total adverse reactions ( P <0.05), but there was no significant difference in the incidence of serious adverse reactions, the incidence of gastrointestinal advers e reactions, drug-induced liver injury, and the withdrawal rate due to adverse drug reactions ( P >0.05). In terms of cost-effectiveness, most studies have shown that posaconazole possesses more cost-effectiveness advantages. CONCLUSIONS Posaconazole demonstrates favorable efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness in preventing IFIs.
6.Clinical effect of Bufei Huoxue Capsule combined therapy on patients with pneumoconiosis: A meta-analysis
Chunlu BU ; Wenlu HANG ; Xu SHI ; Yujie LI ; Foxiao LI ; Haiquan LI
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(1):65-75
Background Bufei Huoxue Capsule (BHC) has gradually been used in clinical practice to treat patients with pneumoconiosis in recent years. However, the comprehensive evaluation of its efficacy and safety is lacking. Objective To systematically assess the therapeutic potential of BHC for pneumoconiosis. Methods By searching 9 databases, e.g. China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, VIP Chinese Science and Technology Journals Database, SinoMed, Yiigle, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related to the use of BHC for the treatment of pneumoconiosis were identified. The search covered the period from the inception of these databases to August 31, 2025. This systematic review conformed to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020. The included studies underwent quality appraisal by the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were applied to assess the robustness of results and explore the potential heterogeneity among the studies. Results A total of 19 RCTs were included and all were reported in Chinese. The therapy containing BHC showed a superior impact on forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (95%CI: 0.38, 0.66; I2=69%, P<0.05), FEV1% (95%CI: 3.37, 5.72; I2=12%, P<0.05), forced vital capacity (FVC) (95%CI: 0.34, 0.45; I2=0%, P<0.05), FEV1/FVC% (95%CI: 6.29, 10.35; I2=21%, P<0.05), 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) score (95%CI: 16.32, 27.64; I2=22%, P<0.05), St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) score (95%CI: −1.47, −1.05; I2=13%, P<0.05), and total effective rate (95%CI: 2.71, 6.78; I2=0%, P<0.05) in patients with pneumoconiosis. In addition, BHC had less adverse reactions reported (95%CI: 0.69, 1.74; I2=0%, P=0.70). Conclusions Combined BHC therapy can significantly improve the lung function and the quality of life in patients with pneumoconiosis, with a good safety profile. However, high-quality RCTs with multicenter, large-sample, double-blind, and standardized protocols still need to be conducted in the future to provide more reliable evidence.
7.Core signaling axes of TGF-β-mediated scleral remodeling and their significance in myopia progression
International Eye Science 2026;26(7):1228-1233
Myopia is a globally prevalent refractive eye disease, with abnormal axial elongation as its core structural feature, and scleral remodeling is the key terminal event driving axial elongation. Transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β), as a core cytokine regulating tissue remodeling, modulates the phenotype of scleral fibroblasts, extracellular matrix(ECM)metabolism, and tissue mechanical properties through a multi-signaling axis network, thereby playing a crucial role in myopic scleral remodeling. This article systematically summarizes the core signaling mechanisms of TGF-β-mediated scleral remodeling. As a core driver, TGF-β synergistically promotes scleral remodeling at both transcriptional regulatory and cellular mechanical levels through its two downstream core signaling axes, namely Smad and Rho/ROCK. Bone morphogenetic protein(BMP), an important member of the TGF-β superfamily and a key negative regulator of the core signaling axes, maintains scleral homeostasis by antagonizing the TGF-β/Smad signaling. Additionally, the TGF-β core signaling axes may crosstalk with pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/Akt. This article clarifies the core significance of the TGF-β-mediated signaling axis network in the progression of myopia, provides a systematic framework for understanding the molecular mechanisms of myopic scleral remodeling, and identifies research gaps in areas such as crosstalk molecules among signaling axes, stage-specific functions, and clinical translation. It also offers novel insights for the precise prevention, control, and targeted treatment of myopia.
8.Key Information Research and Ancient and Modern Application Analysis of Classic Prescription Houpo Sanwutang
Wenli SHI ; Qing TANG ; Huimin CHEN ; Jialei CAO ; Bingqi WEI ; Lan LIU ; Keke LIU ; Yun ZHANG ; Yujie CHANG ; Yihan LI ; Jingwen LI ; Bingxiang MA ; Lvyuan LIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(20):214-221
Houpo Sanwutang, included in the Catalogue of Ancient Classical Prescriptions (Second Batch), was first recorded in the Synopsis of Golden Chamber written by ZHANG Zhongjing from the Eastern Han dynasty and was modified by successive generations of medical experts. A total of 37 pieces of effective data involving 37 ancient Chinese medical books were retrieved from different databases. Through literature mining, statistical analysis, and data processing, combined with modern articles, this study employed bibliometrics to investigate the historical origin, composition, decoction methods, clinical application, and other key information. The results showed that the medicinal origin of Houpo Sanwutang was clearly documented in classic books. Based on the conversion of the measurements from the Han Dynasty, it is recommended that 110.4 g Magnolia Officinalis Cortex, 55.2 g Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, and 72 g Aurantii Fructus Immaturus should be taken. Magnolia Officinalis Cortex and Aurantii Fructus Immaturus should be decocted with 2 400 mL water first, and 1 000 mL should be taken from the decocted liquid. Following this, Rhei Radix et Rhizoma should be added for further decoction, and then 600 mL should be taken from the decocted liquid. A single dose of administration is 200 mL, and the medication can be stopped when patients restore smooth bowel movement. Houpo Sanwutang has the effect of moving Qi, relieving stuffiness and fullness, removing food stagnation, and regulating bowels. It can be used in treating abdominal distending pain, guarding, constipation, and other diseases with the pathogenesis of stagnated heat and stagnated Qi in the stomach. The above results provide reference for the future development and research of Houpo Sanwutang.
9.Study on the chemical constituents of the active parts of Piper wallichii
Ling ZENG ; Yujie HU ; Ling LI ; Xiaojian GONG ; Chanyuan ZHOU ; Dongsheng FAN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(21):2632-2637
OBJECTIVE To analyze the chemical constituents of the active parts of Piper wallichii. METHODS The petroleum ether-extract fraction was prepared from the methanol extract of P. wallichii. Separation and purification were performed using semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography. The structures of the compounds were identified by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. RESULTS Nineteen compounds were isolated from the petroleum ether-extract fraction from the methanol extract of P. wallichii, identified as 3-acetoxybenzyl benzoate (1), 2-acetoxybenzyl benzoate (2), 2-methoxybenzyl benzoate (3), 3-methoxybenzyl benzoate (4), 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzyl benzoate (5), 3-hydroxybenzyl benzoate(6), benzyl benzoate (7), ganschisandrine (8), lancifolin A (9), (7R,8R,3′R)-7-acetoxy-3′,4′-dimethoxy-3,4-methylenedioxy-6′-oxo- Δ1′,4′,8′-8.3′-lignan (10), (7S,8R,3′S)-Δ8′-3′,6′-dihydro-3′-methoxy-3,4-methylenedioxy-6′-oxo-8.3′,7.O.4′-lignan (11), (7R, 8R,3′S)-Δ8′-3′,6′-dihydro-3′-methoxy-3,4-methylenedioxy-6′-oxo-8.3′,7.O.4′-lignan (12), isodihydrofutoquinol A (13), licarin A (14), licarin B (15), 2-(2′,5′-dimethoxyphenyl)-3,4- dimethyl-5-(3″,4″-dimethoxyphenyl)- tetrahydrofuran (16), galgravin (17), velutin (18), and piyunin A (19). CONCLUSIONS Compound 1 is a new benzyl benzoate compound. Compounds 3-5, 8 and 9 are isolated from the Piper genus for the first time, while compounds 2, 6, 10-13 and 15-19 are isolated from P. wallichii for the first time.
10.Acupuncture combined with blade needle therapy for knee osteoarthritis:a randomized controlled trial.
Xiao LI ; Yujie CUI ; Wenjin YANG ; Yuanyuan LI ; Xiao GUO ; Di LIU ; Mengyun YU ; Hui HU ; Hua LI
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(11):1571-1576
OBJECTIVE:
To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined with blade needle therapy for knee osteoarthritis (KOA).
METHODS:
A total of 60 patients with KOA were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases each group. The control group received acupuncture at Neixiyan (EX-LE4),Dubi (ST35), Yinlingquan (SP9), Liangqiu (ST34), Xuehai (SP10), Yanglingquan (GB34) and Zusanli (ST36) on the affected side, once every other day, 3 times a week. The observation group received blade needle therapy on the basis of the treatment in the control group, once every 3 days, 2 times a week. Both groups were treated for 4 weeks. Before treatment, after 2, 4 weeks of treatment, and after 1 month of treatment completion (in follow-up), the scores of pain visual analogue scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) and Lequesne index were observed in the two groups, and the clinical efficacy and safety were evaluated.
RESULTS:
After 2, 4 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the pain VAS scores, Lequesne index scores, and pain, stiffness, function scores of WOMAC in both groups were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.05), and the VAS scores, Lequesne index scores and pain, function scores of WOMAC in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The effective response rate in the observation group was 76.7% (23/30), while that in the control group was 70.0% (21/30), there was no statistically significant difference in the effective response rates between the two groups (P>0.05). No adverse reactions were observed in either group.
CONCLUSION
Acupuncture combined with blade needle therapy could alleviate pain and promote functional recovery in KOA patients, and achieve long-lasting improvements.
Humans
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Osteoarthritis, Knee/physiopathology*
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Acupuncture Therapy/instrumentation*
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Male
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Female
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Middle Aged
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Aged
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Acupuncture Points
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Treatment Outcome
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Adult
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Needles
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Combined Modality Therapy

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