1.Optimization of Extraction Process and Material Basis Analysis of Modified Banxia Xiexintang
Yuling LIU ; Ruying TANG ; Dongxue ZHENG ; Qiling ZHANG ; Xinmin LIU ; Donghan BAI ; Longfei LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):129-139
ObjectiveTo optimize and validate the optimal sequential alcohol-water extraction process of modified Banxia Xiexintang(MBXT) based on pharmacodynamic evaluation, combined with the G1-entropy weight method and Box-Behnken response surface methodology, and to systematically and comprehensively analyze the material basis of this formula, providing a scientific basis for its quality control and industrial production. MethodsRats were randomly divided into the normal group, model group, metformin group, and MBXT water extraction, water extraction and ethanol precipitation, sequential ethanol-water extraction groups. Except for the normal group, a polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance(PCOS-IR) model was established in all rats via a high-fat diet combined with letrozole induction. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) biochemical assay kits and hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining were used to compare sex hormone levels in serum and ovarian histopathology, thereby screening extraction process routes. Based on this, a comprehensive score was constructed using the G1-entropy weight method based on the transfer rates of index components(berberine hydrochloride and baicalin) and the dry extract rate. Box-Behnken response surface methodology was then utilized to optimize the extraction process parameters. Finally, the chemical constituents of the sample from the optimal process were qualitatively analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic field orbitrap mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS). ResultsPharmacodynamic findings revealed that compared with the normal group, serum testosterone(T) and luteinizing hormone(LH) levels were significantly elevated in the model group, while estradiol(E2) and follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH) levels were significantly decreased(P<0.01), with polycystic changes observed in ovarian tissues. Compared with the model group, all treatment groups significantly reversed the changes in sex hormone levels, with the sequential ethanol-water extraction group showing the optimal effect in improving the aforementioned indicators and pathological morphology, followed by subsequent process optimization. The optimized process involved adding 12 times the amount of 70% ethanol for extracting twice, each lasting 120 min, and adding 12 times the amount of water for extracting thrice, each lasting 90 min. Validation test results showed that under optimal process conditions, the average transfer rates of berberine hydrochloride and baicalin were 76.05% and 93.38%, respectively. MS analysis identified a total of 377 compounds, including 112 flavonoids, 41 terpenoids, 28 organic acids, 22 coumarins, and 8 alkaloids, while elucidating the cleavage patterns of key components. ConclusionThe optimized sequential ethanol-water extraction process is stable and feasible, effectively preserving the material basis of MBXT for treating PCOS-IR. It further clarifies the main chemical composition of this formula, providing a scientific basis for the development and quality control of its preparations.
2.Exploring Mechanism of Modified Banxia Xiexintang in Ameliorating Metabolic Disorders and Reproductive Function in PCOS-IR Rats Based on Metabolomics and Transcriptomics
Donghan BAI ; Ruying TANG ; Longfei LIN ; Yuling LIU ; Dongxue ZHENG ; Qiling ZHANG ; Xinmin LIU ; Hui LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):140-149
ObjectiveTo evaluate the therapeutic effects of modified Banxia Xiexintang(MBXT) on polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance(PCOS-IR) rats and reveal its potential mechanisms based on the integrated analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics. MethodsFemale SD rats were selected, and a PCOS-IR model was established by intragastric administration of letrozole combined with a high-fat diet for 21 days. The modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group, MBXT low-, medium-, and high-dose groups(6.62, 13.23, 26.46 g·kg-1), and metformin group(0.158 g·kg-1), with a normal group set up separately. After 14 days of administration, the estrous cycle was observed, ovarian morphology was examined by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, and the levels of testosterone(T), estradiol(E2), follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH), and luteinizing hormone(LH) in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Serum metabolites and ovarian tissue gene expression were detected using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic orbitrap mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS) and RNA-Seq technology, respectively, followed by multi-omics integrated analysis. ResultsPharmacodynamic findings revealed that all MBXT dose groups could reversed abnormal estrous cycles in PCOS-IR rats, improve polycystic ovarian lesions, and normalize dysregulated serum hormone levels(T, LH, E2, FS, P<0.05, P<0.01). Metabolomic analysis revealed that compared with the model group, MBXT reversed 278 differential metabolites such as estrone and S-formylglutathione, mainly involving pathways such as steroid hormone biosynthesis, glutathione metabolism, and lipid peroxidation regulation. Transcriptomic analysis identified 434 differentially expressed genes, and enrichment analysis revealed that MBXT significantly regulated lipid peroxidation defense systems, including glutathione metabolism, peroxisome function, and fatty acid metabolism, thereby intervening in ferroptosis processes. It also engaged in inflammation-related pathways such as the chemokine signaling pathway. Integrated analysis revealed that both metabolomics and transcriptomics co-enriched metabolic pathways associated with ferroptosis and fatty acid metabolism. And key Hub genes[such as Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 2 gene(Rac2) and Fas ligand gene(Faslg)] showed significant correlations with differential metabolites. ConclusionMBXT can effectively ameliorate reproductive dysfunction and metabolic disorders in PCOS-IR rats. Its mechanism may be related to remodeling the immune-metabolism network, particularly by regulating MHC-mediated immune responses, inhibiting local ovarian ferroptosis, and enhancing steroid hormone synthesis pathways.
3.Investigation on Mechanism of Modified Banxia Xiexintang in Improving Ovarian Dysfunction of PCOS-IR Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via AMPK/FASN/GPX4 Signaling Pathway
Donghan BAI ; Ruying TANG ; Longfei LIN ; Yuling LIU ; Dongxue ZHENG ; Qiling ZHANG ; Xinmin LIU ; Hui LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):150-160
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of modified Banxia Xiexintang(MBXT) in improving ovarian dysfunction in polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance(PCOS-IR) rats by inhibiting ferroptosis through the adenosine monophosphate(AMP)-activated protein kinase(AMPK)/fatty acid synthase(FASN)/glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4) signaling pathway. MethodsSeventy-six female SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group(n=13) and a modeling group(n=63). The modeling group established a PCOS-IR model by intragastric administration of letrozole combined with a high-fat diet for 21 days. After successful modeling, these rats were randomly divided into the model group, MBXT low-, medium-, and high-dose groups(6.62, 13.23, 26.46 g·kg-1), metformin group(0.158 g·kg-1), and high-dose of MBXT combined with ferroptosis inducer Erastin group(15 mg·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. After 14 days of intervention, ovarian pathological morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, the mitochondrial ultrastructure of granulosa cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy(TEM), ovarian reactive oxygen species(ROS) levels were detected by dihydroethidium(DHE) probe, biochemical methods were used to detect Fe2+, malondialdehyde(MDA), glutathione(GSH) and other indicators in ovarian tissues, serum sex hormone and insulin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and the protein expressions of AMPK, FASN, acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4(ACSL4), GPX4, and solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11) in ovarian tissues were detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed polycystic changes in the ovaries, with atrophy of mitochondria in granulosa cells and increased membrane density. Serum levels of testosterone(T), luteinizing hormone(LH), and insulin were significantly increased(P<0.01). The levels of ROS, MDA, 4-hydroxynonenal(4-HNE), and Fe2+ in ovarian tissues were significantly elevated(P<0.01), while adenosine triphosphate(ATP), GSH, and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) levels were significantly decreased(P<0.01). The phosphorylation levels of AMPK and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), as well as the protein expressions of SLC7A11, GPX4, and ferroptosis suppressor protein 1(FSP1) were significantly downregulated(P<0.01), whereas the expressions of FASN, ACSL4, and nuclear receptor coactivator 4(NCOA4) were significantly upregulated(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, MBXT intervention at various doses improved the above pathological changes and biochemical indicators in a dose-dependent manner, with the high-dose group showing the most significant effect(P<0.01). Compared with the MBXT high-dose group, the high-dose of MBXT combined with ferroptosis inducer Erastin group restored ovarian ferroptosis characteristics in rats, with increased ROS and lipid peroxidation products, and altered expressions of key proteins(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMBXT can effectively improve ovarian function and metabolic disorders in PCOS-IR rats. Its mechanism may be related to activating the AMPK/ACC signaling pathway, downregulating FASN and ACSL4 to reduce lipid peroxidation substrates, and restoring glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase/phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase(G6PD/PHGDH) metabolic flux to enhance the GPX4/FSP1 antioxidant defense system, thereby inhibiting ferroptosis in ovarian granulosa cells.
4.Genetic Transformation for Medicinal Plants: A Review
Haoxiyu ZHANG ; Longfei LIN ; Yuan YUAN ; Yuling LIU ; Hui LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):323-330
Medicinal plants, with diverse species, high heterozygosity, and special breeding objectives, can be hardly bred with conventional hybridization techniques. Plant genetic transformation is highly selective and can specifically change the traits of plants, serving as an important technical means for the breeding of medicinal plants. The commonly used plant genetic transformation technologies include Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and particle bombardment. Agrobacterium-mediated transformation is the most widely used method, while it is not applicable to all medicinal plants due to the high specificity. Although not specific, particle bombardment is limited in application due to the low conversion efficiency and external force damage to cells and tissue. With the rise and development of nanotechnology, the emerging nanomaterial-mediated transformation has solved the problems of the above two technologies. However, limited by its late development, the mechanism of nanomaterial-mediated introduction of genetic materials into plant cells remains unclear, and thus this technology is rarely used in medicinal plants. This article summarizes the development status of several commonly used or emerging plant genetic transformation technologies such as Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, particle bombardment, and nanomaterial-mediated transformation, as well as their application in different medicinal plants. Furthermore, this article looks forward to the development trend of genetic transformation technologies for plants and their application prospects in medicinal plants and Chinese materia medica resources, aiming to provide new technical ideas for the genetic improvement and germplasm innovation of medicinal plants and inject new impetus into the sustainable development of Chinese materia medica resources.
5.Gradient artificial bone repair scaffold regulates skeletal system tissue repair and regeneration
Yu ZHANG ; Ruian XU ; Lei FANG ; Longfei LI ; Shuyan LIU ; Lingxue DING ; Yuexi WANG ; Ziyan GUO ; Feng TIAN ; Jiajia XUE
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(4):846-855
BACKGROUND:Gradient artificial bone repair scaffolds can mimic unique anatomical features in musculoskeletal tissues,showing great potential for repairing injured musculoskeletal tissues. OBJECTIVE:To review the latest research advances in gradient artificial bone repair scaffolds for tissue engineering in the musculoskeletal system and describe their advantages and fabrication strategies. METHODS:The first author of the article searched the Web of Science and PubMed databases for articles published from 2000 to 2023 with search terms"gradient,bone regeneration,scaffold".Finally,76 papers were analyzed and summarized after the screening. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)As an important means of efficient and high-quality repair of skeletal system tissues,gradient artificial bone repair scaffolds are currently designed bionically for the natural gradient characteristics of bone tissue,bone-cartilage,and tendon-bone tissue.These scaffolds can mimic the extracellular matrix of native tissues to a certain extent in terms of structure and composition,thus promoting cell adhesion,migration,proliferation,differentiation,and regenerative recovery of damaged tissues to their native state.(2)Advanced manufacturing technology provides more possibilities for gradient artificial bone repair scaffold preparation:Gradient electrospun fiber scaffolds constructed by spatially differentiated fiber arrangement and loading of biologically active substances have been developed;gradient 3D printed scaffolds fabricated by layered stacking,graded porosity,and bio-3D printing technology;gradient hydrogel scaffolds fabricated by in-situ layered injections,simple layer-by-layer stacking,and freeze-drying method;and in addition,there are also scaffolds made by other modalities or multi-method coupling.These scaffolds have demonstrated good biocompatibility in vitro experiments,were able to accelerate tissue regeneration in small animal tests,and were observed to have significantly improved histological structure.(3)The currently developed gradient artificial bone repair scaffolds have problems such as mismatch of gradient scales,unclear material-tissue interactions,and side effects caused by degradation products,which need to be further optimized by combining the strengths of related disciplines and clinical needs in the future.
6.Summary of clinical experience of 9 children with anterior cervical enterogenic cysts.
Huashan ZHAO ; Shumin ZHAO ; Yunpeng ZHAI ; Rui GUO ; Hongxiu XU ; Sai HUANG ; Longfei LYU ; Shisong ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;39(7):662-666
Objective:To summarized the clinical characteristics and surgical management of anterior cervical enterogenic in pediatric patients. Methods:Clinical data were retrospectively analyzed for 9 children with pathologically confirmed anterior cervical enterogenic cysts(including bronchogenic and esophagogenic subtypes) treated at the Children's Hospital of Shandong University(Jinan Children's Hospital) between January 1, 2020, and November 30, 2023. Results:Nine patients(6 males and 3 females) were involved in this study, aged 14 days to 10 years old. There were 4 cases on the left side, 4 on the right side, and 1 in the middle of the neck. All patients presented with neck masses. The patients were followed up from 3 months to 35 months after surgery and recovered well, with no recurrence or complications observed. Conclusion:①Anterior intestinal cysts in children are rare and easy to be misdiagnosed. ②Concurrent branchial cleft fistulas or associated anomalies may coexist, necessitating comprehensive evaluation. ③Preoperative diagnosis is not easy and mainly depends on pathological diagnosis. ④The treatment of anterior cervical enterogenic cysts in children is surgical resection of the lesion.
Humans
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Male
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Female
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Child
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Retrospective Studies
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Child, Preschool
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Infant
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Neck
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Cysts/surgery*
7.Nanomedicine-driven tumor glucose metabolic reprogramming for enhanced cancer immunotherapy.
Chenwei JIANG ; Minglu TANG ; Yun SU ; Junjie XIE ; Qi SHANG ; Mingmei GUO ; Xiaoran AN ; Longfei LIN ; Ruibin WANG ; Qian HUANG ; Guangji ZHANG ; Hui LI ; Feihu WANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(6):2845-2866
Tumors exhibit abnormal glucose metabolism, consuming excessive glucose and excreting lactate, which constructs a tumor microenvironment that facilitates cancer progression and disrupts immunotherapeutic efficacy. Currently, tumor glucose metabolic dysregulation to reshape the immunosuppressive microenvironment and enhance immunotherapy efficacy is emerging as an innovative therapeutic strategy. However, glucose metabolism modulators lack specificity and still face significant challenges in overcoming tumor delivery barriers, microenvironmental complexity, and metabolic heterogeneity, resulting in poor clinical benefit. Nanomedicines, with their ability to selectively target tumors or immune cells, respond to the tumor microenvironment, co-deliver multiple drugs, and facilitate combinatorial therapies, hold significant promise for enhancing immunotherapy through tumor glucose metabolic reprogramming. This review explores the complex interactions between tumor glucose metabolism-specifically metabolite transport, glycolysis processes, and lactate-and the immune microenvironment. We summarize how nanomedicine-mediated reprogramming of tumor glucose metabolism can enhance immunotherapy efficacy and outline the prospects and challenges in this field.
8.Construction of a Three-dimensional Syndrome Differentiation System for Pulmonary Nodules under the Perspective of Qi, Blood and Fluids
Longfei ZHANG ; Hengzhou LAI ; Xi FU ; Fang LI ; Xueke LI ; Chuan ZHENG ; Fengming YOU ; Yifeng REN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(2):144-148
Based on the theory of qi, blood and fluids, and taking into account of the pathogenesis evolution process from constraint to phlegm, stasis and then mass in pulmonary nodules, an attempt has been made to construct a three-dimensional differentiation system for pulmonary nodules from the dimensions of time and space. The temporal progression of the early, middle, and late stages of pulmonary nodules reflects the pathological changes from constraint to phlegm and then stasis in the metabolism disorders of qi, blood and fluid. The spatial structures such as size, density, and morphology of pulmonary nodules reflect the pathological states of the duration, severity, and primary and secondary conditions of qi, blood and fluid metabolism disorders. Based on the temporal progression, the therapeutic principles have been proposed, which are dispelling pathogenic factors and promoting the use of beneficial factors to interrupt the growth momentum in the early stage, removing turbidity and dispersing phlegm to reduce the degree of nodules in the middle stage, and dispersing nodulation and eliminating abnormalities in the late stage. Based on the spatial structures, the suggested therapeutic methods are using wind herbs, employing multiple approaches to treat phlegm, and promoting blood circulation to resolve stasis, so as to provide theoretical reference for the systematic diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary nodules in traditional Chinese medicine.
9.Aerobic exercise inhibits neuroinflammation and alleviates cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease model mice
Longfei DENG ; Yeting ZHANG ; Yan FU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(14):2209-2214
BACKGROUND:Patients with Alzheimer's disease mainly show cognitive and memory dysfunctions.Aerobic exercise can inhibit endoplasmic reticulum stress and improve cognitive function of the patients.However,whether aerobic exercise can inhibit endoplasmic reticulum stress dependent neuroinflammation is still unclear. OBJECTIVE:To explore the effect of aerobic exercise on neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. METHODS:Fifty C57BL/6J wild-type male mouse mice were randomly divided into wild-type control and wild-type exercise groups,while another 50 APP/PS1 double transgenic male mice were randomly divided into Alzheimer's disease group and Alzheimer's disease exercise group,with 25 mice in each group.Mice in the wild-type exercise and Alzheimer's disease exercise groups received aerobic exercise training(treadmill training,45 min/d,12 m/min,5 d/wk,8 weeks in total).Mice in the wild-type control and Alzheimer's disease groups were placed on the quiet running platform.Morris water maze test was used to detect the cognitive ability of mice.Hematoxylin-eosin staining and Nissl staining were used to detect hippocampal tissue damage in mice.Thioflavin-S staining was used to detect β-amyloid content in hippocampal tissue.Immunohistochemistry was used to detect β-amyloid and p-Tau levels in hippocampal tissue.Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the number of positive cells for neuroinflammation-related factors in hippocampal tissue.Western blot was used to detect p-IRE1,IRE1,p-PERK,PERK,ATF6,GRP78,Bip,Caspase-12,Iba-1,and GFAP protein levels. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the wild-type control group,escape latency was increased,the number of times they reached the previous platform and the time they stayed on the platform were decreased,β-amyloid and Tau levels,p-IRE1/IRE1,p-PERK/PERK,ATF6,GRP78,Bip,Caspase-12,Iba-1,and GFAP protein levels,Iba-1+,Iba-1+TNF-α+,Iba-1+IL-6+,Iba-1+IL-1β+,GFAP+,GFAP+TNF-α+,GFAP+IL-6+,GFAP+IL-1β+ positive cells in hippocampal tissue were increased,and Iba-1+IL-4+,Iba-1+IL-10+,GFAP+IL-4+,GFAP+IL-10+ positive cells were decreased in the Alzheimer's disease group(P<0.05).Compared with Alzheimer's disease group,escape latency was decreased,the number of times they reached the previous platform and the time they stayed on the platform were increased,β-amyloid and Tau levels,p-IRE1/IRE1,p-PERK/PERK,ATF6,GRP78,Bip,Caspase-12,Iba-1,GFAP protein levels,Iba-1+,Iba-1+TNF-α+,Iba-1+IL-6+,Iba-1+IL-1β+,GFAP+,GFAP+TNF-α+,GFAP+IL-6+,and GFAP+IL-1β+ positive cells in hippocampal tissue were decreased,and Iba-1+IL-4+,Iba-1+IL-10+,GFAP+IL-4+,GFAP+IL-10+ positive cells were increased in the Alzheimer's disease exercise group(P<0.05).To conclude,aerobic exercise can reduce cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease mice by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress and neuroinflammation in hippocampal tissue.
10.Prone position-cardiopulmonary resuscitation in adults: a scoping review
Xuhong LAN ; Longfei GUO ; Hongfang ZHOU ; Hengyang WANG ; Qian WANG ; Donghui JIA ; Wenjuan YUAN ; Yuchen WU ; Zhigang ZHANG ; Caili PENG
Chinese Critical Care Medicine 2024;36(10):1049-1055
Objective:To comprehensively search the relevant literature on prone position-cardiopulmonary resuscitation (PP-CPR) in adults at home and abroad, analyze the content, summarize the evidence, and provide reference for clinical health care professionals.Methods:Systematic search of CNKI, China Biomedical Literature Service System (SinoMed), Wanfang Data, VIP database, PubMed, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochran Library, Web of Science, Scopus literature database and other Chinese and English databases was conducted. The search period was from inception to June 15 in 2024. The contents of PP-CPR from randomized controlled trial (RCT), non-RCT (prospective or retrospective), cohort studies and case reports were extracted and systematically analyzed. The search results were standardized by the method of scoping review.Results:A total of 523 articles were obtained through preliminary search, and 14 references and gray literature were retrieved, totaling 537 articles. After strict screening by two researchers, a total of 26 literatures were included, 3 were non-RCT and 23 were case reports, involving 12 countries, including 3 in Chinese, 19 in English, 2 in French, 1 in German, and 1 in Korean. Three non-RCT demonstrated that compared with standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), PP-CPR could produce higher pressure, and provide good respiratory and circulatory support. A total of 25 adult patients were included in the 23 case reports, of which 17 reported total recovery time and 13 reported PP-CPR time ≤ 5 minutes, all of which recovered spontaneous circulation, indicating the effectiveness of PP-CPR technology. In terms of final outcome, 4 patients (16.0%) died and 21 patients (84.0%) survived, indicating that PP-CPR technology could provide timely blood circulation and improve clinical outcomes for prone cardiac arrest patients. Among the 11 patients who reported complications after resuscitation, no neurological damage was found in the short-term outcomes, indicating that PP-CPR technology had a certain level of safety.Conclusions:PP-CPR can provide timely blood circulation for patients with cardiac arrest who are unable to lie supine quickly, and win "golden time" for defibrillation and further treatment. In clinical practice, medical staff need to evaluate the emergency environment, the number of rescuers and the specific condition of the patient, and implement first aid as soon as possible, so as to reduce the time of no blood flow in the vital organs of patients with cardiac arrest in prone position, and improve the clinical prognosis.

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