1.Effects of Yangxin Tongmai Formula (养心通脉方) on Methylation Key Genes and the PERK/ATF4/CHOP Signaling Pathway in Myocardial Tissue of Coronary Heart Disease Model Rats with Blood Stasis Syndrome
Chun ZHANG ; Shumeng ZHANG ; Yan MAO ; Xing CHEN ; Huifang KUANG ; Yi YANG ; Lingli CHEN ; Jie LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(7):784-791
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Yangxin Tongmai Formula (养心通脉方, YTF) in trea-ting coronary heart disease with blood stasis syndrome based on DNA methylation. MethodsSeventy-two SD rats were randomly divided into a control group (n=12) and a modeling group (n=60). The modeling group was subjected to a high-fat diet, intragastric administration of vitamin D3, and subcutaneous injection of isoprenaline to establish the rat model of coronary heart disease with blood stasis syndrome. Forty-one successfully modeled rats were then randomly allocated into model group, YTF low-, medium-, and high-dose groups, and the atorvastatin calcium group, with 8 rats in each group and 1 rat reserved. The YTF low-, medium-, and high-dose groups received YTF at 6, 12, and 18 g/(kg·d) by gavage, respectively. The atorvastatin calcium group received atorvastatin calcium tablets at 1.8 mg/(kg·d) by gavage. The control group and the model group received 0.9% sodium chloride injection at 4 ml/(kg·d) by gavage. All administrations were performed once daily for 3 weeks. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, serum lipid levels including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), myocardial enzymes including cardiac troponin T (cTnT), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and inflammatory factors including interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were detected by ELISA. Pathological changes in myocardial tissue were observed via HE staining. Whole blood DNA methylation sequencing was used to analyze differential methylation gene expression among the control group, model group, and YTF high-dose group. Western Blotting was used to verify the protein levels of the key genes and downstream signaling pathways. ResultsCompared to the control group, the model group showed increased levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, cTnT, CK-MB, LDH, and IL-1β, along with decreased levels of HDL-C and IL-10 (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the model group, all treatment groups exhibited decreased levels of TC, LDL-C, CK-MB, and LDH, along with increased IL-10 levels. Among these, the high-dose YTF group demonstrated superior efficacy in reducing cTnT levels compared to the other TCM groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01). HE staining indicated that the YTF high-dose group ameliorated myocardial cell swelling, disordered arrangement, pyknosis, and disappearance of nuclei, thereby reducing myocardial cell damage. Whole blood DNA methylation sequencing identified 240 differentially methylated genes shared by the control group, model group, and YTF high-dose group, including 109 hypermethylated and 131 hypomethylated genes; eif2ak3 was identified as a key differentially methylated gene. Compared to the control group, the model group exhibited increased protein levels of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha kinase 3 (eIf2ak3), phosphorylated protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (p-PERK), activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), and Bax, along with a decreased level of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) protein (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the YTF high-dose group showed decreased protein levels of eIf2ak3, p-PERK, ATF4, CHOP, and Bax, and an increased level of Bcl-2 protein (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionYTF may regulate key differentially methylated genes such as eIf2ak3 and the PERK/ATF4/CHOP signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress, reducing myocardial cell apoptosis, and exerting therapeutic effects in coronary heart disease blood stasis syndrome.
2.Genetic disease diagnosis and treatment in Shanghai: Survey and countermeasures for clinical genetics specialist training.
Xiaoju HUANG ; Lin HAN ; Li CAO ; Taosheng HUANG ; Duan MA ; Jian WANG ; Wenjuan QIU ; Fanyi ZENG ; Luming SUN ; Chenming XU ; Songchang CHEN ; Xinyu KUANG ; Hong TIAN
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2026;43(4):241-247
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the current status of clinical genetics specialization development and the diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities for hereditary diseases across medical institutions in Shanghai, and to assess the necessity and feasibility of establishing training bases for clinical genetics specialists.
METHODS:
By employing a cross-sectional survey design, the Clinical Genetics Committee of Shanghai Medical Association has conducted questionnaire surveys from March to April 2025 across 54 healthcare institutions in Shanghai (including 33 tertiary hospitals and 21 secondary hospitals). The survey involved administrative departments and medical personnel from 15 clinical specialties. The survey has covered current genetic disease diagnosis and treatment practices, relevant and specialised disease types, genetic department establishment, testing capabilities, personnel teams, and training requirements.
RESULTS:
The results revealed that 78.0% of clinical departments surveyed had treated patients with hereditary disorders. Shanghai possesses diagnostic and therapeutic expertise for over 95% of hereditary diseases listed in its rare disease catalogue, reflecting both the practical clinical demand for such conditions and the city's overall diagnostic and therapeutic strengths in this field. Nevertheless, significant disparities exist in the development of genetics departments across different tiers of healthcare institutions. Resources for genetic testing capabilities (including molecular, cellular, and biochemical testing) are also unevenly distributed across different tiers of hospitals. The survey further revealed that only 26.0% of departments believe that their current physician structure fully meets the diagnostic and treatment demands. Over 90% of departments consider standard training for clinical genetic specialists necessary, with 74.0% expressing willingness to participate in establishing training bases. Based on above findings and thorough deliberation, the Clinical Genetics Committee of the Shanghai Medical Association proposes advancing specialist training and discipline development through establishing a standard training system. The committee has drafted a three-year training protocol featuring a "joint training"-centered model, recommending a pilot-first, dynamically optimized strategy for steadily advancing training base development.
CONCLUSION
Shanghai faces substantial demand for genetic disease diagnosis and treatment, yet exhibits shortcomings in clinical genetics specialization development, resource allocation, and talent pipeline cultivation. To establish a standard training system holds significant practical importance and is underpinned by a broad demand.
Humans
;
China
;
Surveys and Questionnaires
;
Genetic Diseases, Inborn/genetics*
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Cross-Sectional Studies
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Genetics, Medical/education*
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Genetic Testing
3.A comprehensive review of risk factors for pulmonary infection after kidney transplantation
Jiayuan CHEN ; Mingxi KUANG ; Youqing YAN ; Jingting WANG ; Zhen LI
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(3):503-511
Objective To conduct a comprehensive review of the risk factors for post-transplant pulmonary infection in kidney transplant recipients. Methods Following the methodology guidelines for systematic reviews, the research question was clearly defined. Systematic searches were conducted in both Chinese and English literature databases, with the search period ranging from the establishment of the database to May 1, 2025. Two researchers independently screened and extracted the risk factors related to post-transplant pulmonary infection in kidney transplant recipients, and the research results were qualitatively described. Results A total of 45 articles were finally included, involving 30 risk factors for post-transplant pulmonary infection in kidney transplant recipients, including five aspects as donor factors, recipient factors, disease factors, treatment factors and laboratory test result factors. Conclusions The occurrence of post-transplant pulmonary infection in kidney transplant recipients is related to donor factors, recipient factors, disease factors, treatment factors and laboratory test result factors, providing a reference for clinical prevention, screening, and intervention.
4.Role of IL-17A in acute inhalational pneumonia caused by highly virulent and multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Qi KUANG ; Xiaoyu ZHU ; Lu LI ; Xueyan WANG ; Peijie YAN ; Lili ZHANG ; Meng LÜ ; Lingfei HU ; Dongsheng ZHOU ; Wenhui YANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(4):599-605
ObjectiveTo investigate the role of interleukin (IL)-17A in acute inhalational pneumonia induced by the highly drug-resistant and hypervirulent Staphylococcus aureus strain USA300-R in mice. MethodsAn acute inhalational pneumonia model was established in mice using an aerosolized pulmonary delivery technique. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were employed to examine the expression dynamics of Il17a mRNA and IL-17A protein, respectively, in the lungs of infected mice. Il17a knockout (Il17a-/-) mice were generated using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology. The survival rate, body weight, bacterial load in lung tissue, and histopathological changes were compared between Il17a-/- and wild-type (WT) mice following inhalational infection with USA300-R. Results12 hours after USA300-R infection, compared to pre-infection, the expression level of Il17a mRNA in lung tissue and the level of IL-17A protein in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) increased by approximately 50-fold (P<0.01) and 6-fold (P<0.001), respectively. Compared to WT mice, Il17a-/- mice exhibited approximately 10-fold higher bacterial loads in lung tissue at both 12 and 24 hours post-infection (P<0.001, P<0.05). However, they showed significantly attenuated lung histopathological injury, reduced alveolar wall thickening, markedly decreased neutrophil infiltration, and an approximately 50% improvement in survival rate (P<0.05). ConclusionIn acute Staphylococcus aureus USA300-R inhalational pneumonia, IL-17A contributes to bacterial clearance by recruiting neutrophils; however, excessive neutrophil infiltration exacerbates pulmonary inflammation and injury, reduces survival rates, and represents a potential therapeutic target.
5.PDGF-C: an Emerging Target in The Treatment of Organ Fibrosis
Chao YANG ; Zi-Yi SONG ; Chang-Xin WANG ; Yuan-Yuan KUANG ; Yi-Jing CHENG ; Ke-Xin REN ; Xue LI ; Yan LIN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1059-1069
Fibrosis, the pathological scarring of vital organs, is a severe and often irreversible condition that leads to progressive organ dysfunction. It is particularly pronounced in organs like the liver, kidneys, lungs, and heart. Despite its clinical significance, the full understanding of its etiology and complex pathogenesis remains incomplete, posing substantial challenges to diagnosing, treating, and preventing the progression of fibrosis. Among the various molecular players involved, platelet-derived growth factor-C (PDGF-C) has emerged as a crucial factor in fibrotic diseases, contributing to the pathological transformation of tissues in several key organs. PDGF-C is a member of the PDGFs family of growth factors and is synthesized and secreted by various cell types, including fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells. It acts through both autocrine and paracrine mechanisms, exerting its biological effects by binding to and activating the PDGF receptors (PDGFRs), specifically PDGFRα and PDGFRβ. This binding triggers multiple intracellular signaling pathways, such as JAK/STAT, PI3K/AKT and Ras-MAPK pathways. which are integral to the regulation of cell proliferation, survival, migration, and fibrosis. Notably, PDGF-C has been shown to promote the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts, key effector cells in the fibrotic process, thus accelerating the accumulation of extracellular matrix components and the formation of fibrotic tissue. Numerous studies have documented an upregulation of PDGF-C expression in various fibrotic diseases, suggesting its significant role in the initiation and progression of fibrosis. For instance, in liver fibrosis, PDGF-C stimulates hepatic stellate cell activation, contributing to the excessive deposition of collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins. Similarly, in pulmonary fibrosis, PDGF-C enhances the migration of fibroblasts into the damaged areas of lungs, thereby worsening the pathological process. Such findings highlight the pivotal role of PDGF-C in fibrotic diseases and underscore its potential as a therapeutic target for these conditions. Given its central role in the pathogenesis of fibrosis, PDGF-C has become an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. Several studies have focused on developing inhibitors that block the PDGF-C/PDGFR signaling pathway. These inhibitors aim to reduce fibroblast activation, prevent the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix components, and halt the progression of fibrosis. Preclinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of such inhibitors in animal models of liver, kidney, and lung fibrosis, with promising results in reducing fibrotic lesions and improving organ function. Furthermore, several clinical inhibitors, such as Olaratumab and Seralutinib, are ongoing to assess the safety and efficacy of these inhibitors in human patients, offering hope for novel therapeutic options in the treatment of fibrotic diseases. In conclusion, PDGF-C plays a critical role in the development and progression of fibrosis in vital organs. Its ability to regulate fibroblast activity and influence key signaling pathways makes it a promising target for therapeutic strategies aiming at combating fibrosis. Ongoing research into the regulation of PDGF-C expression and the development of PDGF-C/PDGFR inhibitors holds the potential to offer new insights and approaches for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of fibrotic diseases. Ultimately, these efforts may lead to the development of more effective and targeted therapies that can mitigate the impact of fibrosis and improve patient outcomes.
6.Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation improves learning memory and enhances drainage efficiency of intracerebral glymphatic system in cerebral amyloid angiopathy model mice
Sijing LI ; Feng YANG ; Guijuan ZHOU ; Limin DENG ; Xuanwei WEN ; Shudong LIN ; Jingming KUANG ; Zijian XIAO
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2025;34(2):111-117
Objective:To investigate the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation(rTMS) on learning memory and abnormal Aβ deposition in cerebral amyloid angiopathy(CAA) model mice, and further to investigate whether the mechanism involves the transport function of glymphatic system.Methods:Eight-month-old SPF grade Tg-SWDI mice were randomly divided into the CAA group and the rTMS group according to the random number table method with 7 in each group.Seven wild-type mice of the same genetic background and age served as the control group. The mice in rTMS group received two weeks of high-frequency rTMS intervention, and the mice in CAA group and control group were only restrained without rTMS intervention.Learning and memory functions were evaluated using the Morris water maze test.Amyloid-beta deposition, glymphatic system clearance, and aquaporin-4(AQP4) polarization were assessed using immunofluorescence, and AQP4 expression levels were measured by Western blot.Statistical analysis of the data was conducted using SPSS 25.0 and GraphPad Prism 9.5 softwares.Repeated-measures ANOVA was used for data on escape latency, and one-way ANOVA was used for comparisons between multiple groups for other data.Results:(1)In the novel object recognition test, there were statistically significant differences in recognition indices among the three groups of mice ( F=22.59, P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the mice in the CAA group showed a significant decrease in the new object recognition index ( P<0.05).Compared with the CAA group, the mice in the rTMS group showed a significant increase in the new object recognition index ( P<0.05).(2)In the Y-maze, there were statistical differences in the spontaneous alternation rates among the three groups ( F=5.00, P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the spontaneous alternation rate in the CAA group was significantly lower ( P<0.05).And compared with the CAA group, the spontaneous alternation rate in the rTMS group was significantly higher ( P<0.05).(3)In the Morris water maze test, there were significant interactions in escape latency among the three groups ( F=4.05, P=0.02), significant main effects of time ( F=713.22, P<0.01), and significant main effects of group ( F=421.55, P<0.01). There was no significant statistical difference in swimming speed among the three groups ( F=0.19, P>0.05), while the difference of the number of entries into the inner zone and the proportion of time spent were statistically significant( F=71.67, 294.14, both P<0.05).Compared with the control group, the CAA group mice significantly decreased in the number of entries into the inner zone and the proportion of time spent in the middle zone (both P<0.01).(4)Compared with the CAA group, the rTMS group significantly increased in the number of entries into the inner zone and the proportion of time spent in the middle zone (both P<0.01).The result of immunofluorescence test showed that there was a statistically significant difference in the levels of Aβ in the cerebral vessels among the three groups( F=385.76, P<0.01).The levels of Aβ in the cerebral vessels of the CAA group (62.00±2.65) were significantly higher than those in the control group (9.00±1.00, P<0.01).The levels in the rTMS group (51.33±3.21) were significantly lower than those in the CAA group (62.00±2.65, P<0.01). Using the residual fluorescence tracer levels of the control group as a baseline, there were statistically significant differences in the tracer intensities in the corpus callosum and cerebral cortex( F=258.97, 46.44, both P<0.05), the tracer intensities in the corpus callosum (3.57±0.21) and cerebral cortex (4.96±0.79) of the CAA group mice were significantly higher than those in the rTMS group (1.45±0.14, 1.78±0.47, P<0.01). The polarization of AQP4 in the cerebral cortex of rTMS group (0.51±0.07) was significantly higher than that in the CAA group (0.30±0.02, P<0.01). Conclusion:rTMS can alleviate learning memory and abnormal Aβ deposition in CAA model mice by modulating AQP4 polarisation and promoting transport function of glymphatic system.
7.Retinal neurovascular characteristics and their correlation with depression severity in patients with coronary artery disease and depression
Xue HE ; Huan MA ; Cong LI ; Yan WANG ; Yu KUANG ; Lei LIU ; Hong-hua YU ; Xiaohong YANG
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(4):515-521
Objective To evaluate retinal vascular and neural changes in patients with coronary artery disease with depression(CADD)and to investigate their association with depression severity.Methods A total of 40 patients with CADD,56 patients with CAD without depressive disorder(CADND),and 31 healthy controls were included in this study.The vessel density of superficial capillary plexus(SCP)and deep capillary plexus(DCP),and the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer(RNFL)and ganglion cell complex(GCC),were quanti-fied using optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA)to analyze the differences between the groups and their correlation with PHQ-9 scores.Results Compared with the healthy control group,SCP and DCP were signifi-cantly decreased in both CADD and CADND groups(P<0.05).Both superior hemi in RNFL thickness and GCC thickness(including mean,superior hemi,and inferior hemi)were significantly increased in patients with CADD compared with patients with CADND(P<0.05).PHQ-9 scores were negatively correlated with the mean and infe-rior RNFL thickness(P<0.05).Conclusion Both retinal vascular neural structures were altered in patients with CADD,and the neural alterations were strongly correlated with the severity of the patient's depression symptom.
8.Construction and validation of a laparoscopic skills assessment system based on entrustable professional activities
Yao LIANG ; Baiwei ZHAO ; Tang LI ; Yubao TAN ; Wan HUANG ; Kunsong ZHANG ; Ming KUANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2025;24(6):751-757
Objective:To construct and validate a competency-oriented entrustable professional activities (EPAs)-Competency-Milestones system for assessment of laparoscopic skills (ESALS).Methods:A research team composed of 15 members from five medical institutions was established. Taking the Staged Training and Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills program as the basis for EPAs, ESALS was constructed through scoping review and behavioral event interviews and the use of the Kawakita Jiro method. ESALS was applied to evaluate 49 trainees and 10 specialists (including 5 novices and 5 experts) on basic and advanced laparoscopic skills, respectively, in comparison with two other assessment tools—the Training and Assessment of Basic Laparoscopic Techniques (TABLT) and the Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (GOALS). Perform Mann Whitney U test using SPSS 23.0 software, and use Spearman coefficient for correlation analysis.Results:Through reviewing 13 literuature articles and interviewing 10 senior surgeons, the ESALS was developed, comprising 10 EPAs, 8 dimensions of competency characteristics, and 5 entrustable levels. In the basic skills evaluation, the ESALS score was significantly positively correlated with the TABLT score ( R=0.881, P<0.001). In the advanced skills evaluation, significant differences were observed between the novice and expert groups in all the ESALS competency scores (all P<0.05), while no difference was detected in the GOALS score of tissue handling ability. Conclusions:ESALS provides comprehensive evaluation, detailed standards, and precise feedback, with comparable efficacy to conventional tools. Future work should focus on expanding sample size to verify its generalizability and developing an electronic tool to enhance application efficiency.
9.Whole genome sequencing and analysis of multidrug resistant ST314 Salmonella Kentucky from a broiler slaughterhouse
Jia-rui LI ; Rui-yuan SUN ; Pei-jie HE ; Hao-tian LIU ; Ru-yi KUANG ; Jing XIA ; Min CUI ; Yong HUANG ; Li-kou ZOU ; Xin-feng HAN
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(5):537-543
This study investigated the potential pathogenicity and genetic characteristics of ST314 Salmonella Kentucky(S.Ken-tucky)isolates from a broiler slaughterhouse.Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole-genome sequencing(WGS)were used to determine antimicrobial resistance,virulence factors,and the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes(ARGs)and mobile genetic elements(MGEs)among the isolates.The three multidrug resistant(MDR)isolates exhibited high resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents.The F4-2S strain exhibited resistance to 14 drugs across seven categories,whereas the F4T strain showed resistance to 13 drugs in the same number of categories.In contrast,the Y23 strain was resistant to nine drugs in six categories.Notably,F4-2S dem-onstrated high homology with F4T:both possessed 13 ARGs distributed across nine categories,in addition to a wide range of virulence factors,including secretion systems and effector proteins.The presence of IncR and IncX1 plasmids significantly enhanced both the antimicrobial resistance and pathogenicity of the isolates.The genome map of Y23 revealed a chromosome alongside two plasmids.The chromosome containedonly one resistance gene but several virulence factors,including the type III secretion system(T3SS),which is crucial for bacterial invasion.The plasmid pY23-1 contained eight types of 19 ARGs.Comparative analysis indicated that pY23-1 ex-hibited high homology with pZ1323SSL0055 and pSAL-045,all of which contained multiple ARGs,thus suggesting critical roles of these genes in the evolution of bacterial resistance.In conclusion,ST314 S.Kentucky demonstrated a complex mechanism of resis-tance coupled with significant pathogenic potential.The ARGs and MGEs in the plasmid contributed to the emergence and dissemina-tion of antimicrobial resistance.The multiple virulence factors present in the chromosome may be key factors driving the increasing virulence of ST314 S.Kentucky.
10.Application of interprofessional cooperative simulation in teaching emergency care for shock patients for ICU undergraduate nursing students
Bin HE ; Sixuan DU ; Yuju QIN ; Yunsheng YUAN ; Ling YI ; Zheng YANG ; Siya MENG ; Wenhong LI ; Yihua KUANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2025;24(11):1567-1572
Objective:To explore the effectiveness of interprofessional cooperative simulation in teaching emergency care for shock patients among intensive care unit (ICU) undergraduate nursing students.Methods:An interprofessional cooperative simulation-based teaching faculty team was established for ICU undergraduate nursing students, and a shock case library was developed. Using convenience sampling, 32 ICU undergraduate nursing students in 2022 were selected as the control group and received conventional simulation-based teaching, with students rotating through roles as nurses, standardized patients, doctors, and family members. In the experimental group, 34 ICU undergraduate nursing students in 2023 and 24 ICU clinical medicine interns were recruited to act as doctors for interprofessional cooperative simulation-based teaching. Each group was divided into subgroups, with each subgroup consisting of 4-5 nursing students. One group completed simulation-based training per month for a total of 8 sessions, with each session lasting 3 hours. The teaching adopted the on-site "tidal ward" in situ simulation, and the scenarios included patient history collection and health assessment, shock emergency care, nursing evaluation, and health education. The differences between the two groups of nursing students were compared in terms of ICU exit theoretical assessment score, objective structured clinical examination skill assessment score, and satisfaction with simulation-based teaching. SPSS 22.0 was used for independent samples t test and Mann-Whitney U test. Results:The experimental group achieved significantly higher scores in theoretical assessment (84.65±8.06), total score of satisfaction with simulation-based teaching (101.00±5.13), and clinical learning and multiprofessional team dimensions (47.32±3.35) compared to the control group ( P<0.001). The experimental group achieved higher scores in objective structured clinical examination skill assessment (81.40±7.22), guiding feedback and reflection (37.50±3.04), and judgmental thinking and clinical reasoning (16.00±2.03) compared to the control group, though the differences were not significant ( P=0.977, 0.668, and 0.636). Conclusions:Interprofessional cooperative simulation enhances the shock patient emergency care abilities and satisfaction with simulation-based teaching for undergraduate nursing students.

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