1.Nanopackaged Astaxanthin Improves Demyelination in Multiple Sclerosis Model Mice by Scavenging Excessive Endogenous Formaldehyde
Wan-Jia LÜ ; Xin ZENG ; Zhi-Qian TONG ; Yang XING ; Xu YANG ; Mei-Na WU ; Ping MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):442-457
ObjectiveMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS); however, its underlying neurological pathogenic mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Endogenous formaldehyde (FA), a metabolic byproduct of methylation-demethylation cycles, has recently been implicated in neurotoxicity, oxidative damage, and cognitive impairment. This study aimed to investigate whether excessive FA contributes to myelin sheath demyelination in mice and to evaluate the protective effects and mechanisms of two FA-elimination strategies: sodium bisulfite (NaHSO3), a classical FA scavenger, and polyethylene glycol-modified astaxanthin nanoparticles (PEG-ATX@NPs), a brain-targeted nano-antioxidant formulation. MethodsA chronic demyelination model was established by feeding female C57BL/6J mice a diet containing 0.2% cuprizone (CPZ) for four weeks, followed by a two-week intervention period. Eighty mice were randomly assigned to four groups: NS (normal saline), CPZ+NS, CPZ+NaHSO3, and CPZ+PEG-ATX@NPs. Behavioral tests, including open-field, Y-maze, and pole-climbing assays, were conducted to assess locomotor activity, motor coordination, and working memory. FA levels in serum, corpus callosum, and spinal cord were measured using an Na-FA fluorescent probe and quantified via in vivo and ex vivo fluorescence imaging. Neuroinflammatory responses were evaluated by measuring TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels using ELISA, while oxidative stress was assessed by reactive oxygen species (ROS) fluorescence intensity. Demyelination was examined via Luxol fast blue staining, and microglial activation was analyzed by Iba1 immunofluorescence. Correlation analyses were performed to explore relationships among FA levels, inflammatory cytokines, ROS intensity, and behavioral parameters. ResultsCompared with the NS group, mice in the CPZ+NS group exhibited significant weight loss, impaired motor coordination and memory, and markedly reduced myelin regeneration (P<0.05). FA levels and pro-inflammatory cytokines were significantly elevated in serum, corpus callosum, and spinal cord (P<0.05). FA-associated fluorescence in brain and spinal tissues, as well as ROS intensity across all tissues examined, also increased substantially (P<0.05). CPZ treatment induced pronounced microglial activation and severe demyelination in the corpus callosum (P<0.01). Both NaHSO3 and PEG-ATX@NPs effectively reduced FA accumulation in the brain and spinal cord, attenuated demyelination, suppressed microglial activation, decreased inflammatory cytokine levels, and improved motor and cognitive performance. These results confirm that CPZ induced severe demyelination accompanied by oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and abnormal FA accumulation. Following intervention with either NaHSO3 or PEG-ATX@NPs, endogenous FA levels in the CNS were substantially reduced. Both treatments alleviated demyelination and significantly decreased the number of activated microglia. Levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in serum, corpus callosum, and spinal cord were downregulated. Behavioral performance improved significantly, as evidenced by enhanced locomotor activity, better coordination, and improved memory function. These findings indicate that both FA-scavenging agents mitigate CPZ-induced biochemical and behavioral abnormalities. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that excessive endogenous FA is closely associated with cognitive impairment, inflammatory dysregulation, and demyelination in a CPZ-induced chronic demyelination mouse model. Clearing abnormally elevated FA effectively reduces neuroinflammation, suppresses microglial overactivation, decreases oxidative stress, and alleviates demyelination, ultimately improving motor and cognitive outcomes in mice. These results suggest that targeting endogenous FA represents a promising therapeutic strategy for MS and other demyelinating disorders. Further investigations are warranted to explore the long-term safety, dosage optimization, and molecular pathways involved in FA-mediated neurotoxicity.
2.Nanopackaged Astaxanthin Improves Demyelination in Multiple Sclerosis Model Mice by Scavenging Excessive Endogenous Formaldehyde
Wan-Jia LÜ ; Xin ZENG ; Zhi-Qian TONG ; Yang XING ; Xu YANG ; Mei-Na WU ; Ping MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):442-457
ObjectiveMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS); however, its underlying neurological pathogenic mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Endogenous formaldehyde (FA), a metabolic byproduct of methylation-demethylation cycles, has recently been implicated in neurotoxicity, oxidative damage, and cognitive impairment. This study aimed to investigate whether excessive FA contributes to myelin sheath demyelination in mice and to evaluate the protective effects and mechanisms of two FA-elimination strategies: sodium bisulfite (NaHSO3), a classical FA scavenger, and polyethylene glycol-modified astaxanthin nanoparticles (PEG-ATX@NPs), a brain-targeted nano-antioxidant formulation. MethodsA chronic demyelination model was established by feeding female C57BL/6J mice a diet containing 0.2% cuprizone (CPZ) for four weeks, followed by a two-week intervention period. Eighty mice were randomly assigned to four groups: NS (normal saline), CPZ+NS, CPZ+NaHSO3, and CPZ+PEG-ATX@NPs. Behavioral tests, including open-field, Y-maze, and pole-climbing assays, were conducted to assess locomotor activity, motor coordination, and working memory. FA levels in serum, corpus callosum, and spinal cord were measured using an Na-FA fluorescent probe and quantified via in vivo and ex vivo fluorescence imaging. Neuroinflammatory responses were evaluated by measuring TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels using ELISA, while oxidative stress was assessed by reactive oxygen species (ROS) fluorescence intensity. Demyelination was examined via Luxol fast blue staining, and microglial activation was analyzed by Iba1 immunofluorescence. Correlation analyses were performed to explore relationships among FA levels, inflammatory cytokines, ROS intensity, and behavioral parameters. ResultsCompared with the NS group, mice in the CPZ+NS group exhibited significant weight loss, impaired motor coordination and memory, and markedly reduced myelin regeneration (P<0.05). FA levels and pro-inflammatory cytokines were significantly elevated in serum, corpus callosum, and spinal cord (P<0.05). FA-associated fluorescence in brain and spinal tissues, as well as ROS intensity across all tissues examined, also increased substantially (P<0.05). CPZ treatment induced pronounced microglial activation and severe demyelination in the corpus callosum (P<0.01). Both NaHSO3 and PEG-ATX@NPs effectively reduced FA accumulation in the brain and spinal cord, attenuated demyelination, suppressed microglial activation, decreased inflammatory cytokine levels, and improved motor and cognitive performance. These results confirm that CPZ induced severe demyelination accompanied by oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and abnormal FA accumulation. Following intervention with either NaHSO3 or PEG-ATX@NPs, endogenous FA levels in the CNS were substantially reduced. Both treatments alleviated demyelination and significantly decreased the number of activated microglia. Levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in serum, corpus callosum, and spinal cord were downregulated. Behavioral performance improved significantly, as evidenced by enhanced locomotor activity, better coordination, and improved memory function. These findings indicate that both FA-scavenging agents mitigate CPZ-induced biochemical and behavioral abnormalities. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that excessive endogenous FA is closely associated with cognitive impairment, inflammatory dysregulation, and demyelination in a CPZ-induced chronic demyelination mouse model. Clearing abnormally elevated FA effectively reduces neuroinflammation, suppresses microglial overactivation, decreases oxidative stress, and alleviates demyelination, ultimately improving motor and cognitive outcomes in mice. These results suggest that targeting endogenous FA represents a promising therapeutic strategy for MS and other demyelinating disorders. Further investigations are warranted to explore the long-term safety, dosage optimization, and molecular pathways involved in FA-mediated neurotoxicity.
3.A systematic review on the integrated application of evidence-based narrative education and undergraduate nursing teaching
Nannan BAI ; Meng LI ; Qian LIANG ; Chou YAO ; Yan WANG ; Ju HAN ; Chenyang HOU ; Nana XING
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(2):229-237
ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the application of narrative education in undergraduate nursing teaching, to understand the current application status of narrative education, and to provide a theoretical basis for the subsequent establishment of a sound narrative education system. MethodsA systematic search was conducted for studies published in Chinese and English databases on applying narrative education to undergraduate nursing teaching, with the search period ranging from database inception to February 23, 2025. Literature was screened, and relevant information was extracted. A rigorous quality evaluation was conducted on the included studies, and a descriptive analysis was performed on their content. ResultsA total of 20 papers were included, involving 3,180 research subjects, all of whom were undergraduate nursing students. The results of descriptive analysis showed that the teaching model of narrative education primarily encompassed reading narrative works, watching films and videos, performing narrative scenarios, and writing reflective journals. The course setting and content covered pre-teaching preparation and in-teaching implementation. The evaluation of teaching effectiveness included the evaluation of teachers’ teaching methods (student evaluation/self-evaluation) and the evaluation of students’ learning effectiveness (course grade evaluation/humanistic care scale/empathy scale assessment, and others). ConclusionNarrative education combines abstract concepts with concrete clinical situations, which not only enriches students’ learning experiences but also enhances their humanistic literacy. Meanwhile, it provides teachers with opportunities to develop their narrative teaching skills, which requires them to possess profound professional knowledge and employ narrative techniques to guide students in reflection and critical thinking, thereby improving teaching quality and learning outcomes. Future efforts should consistently deepen the connotation research of narrative education and build a systematic nursing education system.
4.Design and application effect of continuing education case library combined with case-based learning for rehabilitation therapists
Liguo QIAN ; Tongxuan WU ; Qiaoyun ZHANG ; Jian XING ; Yanyan YANG
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(3):249-257
ObjectiveTo investigate the demand and the application outcomes of case-based learning (CBL) combined with teaching case library in continuing education courses for rehabilitation therapists. MethodsA convergent mixed-methods research design was adopted, involving 51 rehabilitation therapists and 31 instructors who participated in the advanced training program at the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital between October, 2022 and October, 2024. Self-developed questionnaires were used to collect data on the perceived needs of teachers and students regarding CBL and teaching case library. Differences between CBL + teaching case library and traditional lecturing in student evaluations, classroom participation and interaction were compared using Student Evaluation of Teaching in Medical Lectures, Classroom Participation Scale and Flanders Interaction Analysis System. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to obtain evaluations and attitudes towards this method from both instructors and students' perspectives. ResultsThe survey showed that 91.4% of participating teachers and students supported the use of CBL in the courses, and 82.7% advocated that the teaching case library should include typical cases. Significant differences were observed in teaching preference between teachers and students (χ² = 17.597, P < 0.01). Application effects demonstrated that CBL+teaching library significantly outperformed traditional teaching methods in student previewing behaviors, classroom interaction and learning outcomes (|Z| ≥ 2.646, P < 0.01). Flanders Interaction Analysis indicated that CBL+teaching library was superior to traditional teaching in terms of students' motivation to speak and autonomous learning. Qualitative Research generated four positive themes including cultivating clinical reasoning, being close to clinical practice, deepening knowledge understanding and improving teaching quality; and three negative themes including increasing teaching burden, high software and hardware requirements and posing great challenges to students were generated. ConclusionCompared with traditional teaching methods, CBL combined with teaching case library is closely linked to clinical practice, facilitating students' clinical reasoning, enhancing teaching effectiveness and satisfaction, and therefore aligning with the goals and needs of continuing education for rehabilitation therapists, which is highly recognized by both instructors and students.
5.Design and application effect of continuing education case library combined with case-based learning for rehabilitation therapists
Liguo QIAN ; Tongxuan WU ; Qiaoyun ZHANG ; Jian XING ; Yanyan YANG
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(3):249-257
ObjectiveTo investigate the demand and the application outcomes of case-based learning (CBL) combined with teaching case library in continuing education courses for rehabilitation therapists. MethodsA convergent mixed-methods research design was adopted, involving 51 rehabilitation therapists and 31 instructors who participated in the advanced training program at the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital between October, 2022 and October, 2024. Self-developed questionnaires were used to collect data on the perceived needs of teachers and students regarding CBL and teaching case library. Differences between CBL + teaching case library and traditional lecturing in student evaluations, classroom participation and interaction were compared using Student Evaluation of Teaching in Medical Lectures, Classroom Participation Scale and Flanders Interaction Analysis System. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to obtain evaluations and attitudes towards this method from both instructors and students' perspectives. ResultsThe survey showed that 91.4% of participating teachers and students supported the use of CBL in the courses, and 82.7% advocated that the teaching case library should include typical cases. Significant differences were observed in teaching preference between teachers and students (χ² = 17.597, P < 0.01). Application effects demonstrated that CBL+teaching library significantly outperformed traditional teaching methods in student previewing behaviors, classroom interaction and learning outcomes (|Z| ≥ 2.646, P < 0.01). Flanders Interaction Analysis indicated that CBL+teaching library was superior to traditional teaching in terms of students' motivation to speak and autonomous learning. Qualitative Research generated four positive themes including cultivating clinical reasoning, being close to clinical practice, deepening knowledge understanding and improving teaching quality; and three negative themes including increasing teaching burden, high software and hardware requirements and posing great challenges to students were generated. ConclusionCompared with traditional teaching methods, CBL combined with teaching case library is closely linked to clinical practice, facilitating students' clinical reasoning, enhancing teaching effectiveness and satisfaction, and therefore aligning with the goals and needs of continuing education for rehabilitation therapists, which is highly recognized by both instructors and students.
6.Design and application effect of continuing education case library combined with case-based learning for rehabilitation therapists
Liguo QIAN ; Tongxuan WU ; Qiaoyun ZHANG ; Jian XING ; Yanyan YANG
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(3):249-257
ObjectiveTo investigate the demand and the application outcomes of case-based learning (CBL) combined with teaching case library in continuing education courses for rehabilitation therapists. MethodsA convergent mixed-methods research design was adopted, involving 51 rehabilitation therapists and 31 instructors who participated in the advanced training program at the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital between October, 2022 and October, 2024. Self-developed questionnaires were used to collect data on the perceived needs of teachers and students regarding CBL and teaching case library. Differences between CBL + teaching case library and traditional lecturing in student evaluations, classroom participation and interaction were compared using Student Evaluation of Teaching in Medical Lectures, Classroom Participation Scale and Flanders Interaction Analysis System. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to obtain evaluations and attitudes towards this method from both instructors and students' perspectives. ResultsThe survey showed that 91.4% of participating teachers and students supported the use of CBL in the courses, and 82.7% advocated that the teaching case library should include typical cases. Significant differences were observed in teaching preference between teachers and students (χ² = 17.597, P < 0.01). Application effects demonstrated that CBL+teaching library significantly outperformed traditional teaching methods in student previewing behaviors, classroom interaction and learning outcomes (|Z| ≥ 2.646, P < 0.01). Flanders Interaction Analysis indicated that CBL+teaching library was superior to traditional teaching in terms of students' motivation to speak and autonomous learning. Qualitative Research generated four positive themes including cultivating clinical reasoning, being close to clinical practice, deepening knowledge understanding and improving teaching quality; and three negative themes including increasing teaching burden, high software and hardware requirements and posing great challenges to students were generated. ConclusionCompared with traditional teaching methods, CBL combined with teaching case library is closely linked to clinical practice, facilitating students' clinical reasoning, enhancing teaching effectiveness and satisfaction, and therefore aligning with the goals and needs of continuing education for rehabilitation therapists, which is highly recognized by both instructors and students.
7.Impact of an emotion management course on emotion regulation, coping strategies, and mental health among first-year university students
Yating NIU ; Ming QIAN ; Jinping ZHOU ; Qin YUAN ; Xiaoping XING
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(3):265-270
ObjectiveTo develop an emotion management course and evaluate its effectiveness in improving emotion regulation, coping strategies, and anxiety and depression among first-year university students, so as to provide a basis for colleges to optimize mental health education courses. MethodsUsing a multi-stage cluster random sampling method, five classes of first-year students (n=169) from a university were randomly selected as participants, with three classes assigned to the experimental group (n=102) and two classes to the control group (n=67). The experimental group attended both the standard mental health education course and the emotion management course developed in this study, while the control group only attended the standard mental health education course. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted using the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). ResultsBefore the intervention, there were no significant differences between the experimental group and the control group in ERQ, SCSQ, SDS, and SAS scores (P>0.05). After the intervention, the experimental group demonstrated greater improvements than the control group in the ERQ expression inhibition subscale (14.42±5.05, 16.12±5.65), SCSQ positive coping tendency (1.97±0.51, 1.80±0.49) and negative coping tendency (1.26±0.55, 1.47±0.50), as well as in SDS (50.26±11.48, 53.86±8.21) and SAS (43.96±11.97, 47.59±9.50) scores (t value: 2.039, 2.144, 2.572; Z value: -2.214, -2.486; P<0.05). Compared with pre-intervention scores, the experimental group also showed improvements in the ERQ cognitive reappraisal subscale (32.19±5.76, 30.92±6.18), SCSQ positive coping tendency (1.97±0.51, 1.83±0.48), and SDS scores (50.26±11.48, 50.75±11.59) (t value: -2.654, -3.027; Z value: -2.100, P<0.05). ConclusionThe emotion management course effectively enhances students’ use of cognitive reappraisal strategies while reducing reliance on expressive suppression. It also contributes to improvements in coping strategies for life events and alleviates symptoms of depression and anxiety. Universities should consider integrating emotion management education into their curricula to enhance the mental well-being of first-year students.
8.Concordance and pathogenicity of copy number variants detected by non-invasive prenatal screening in 38,611 pregnant women without fetal structural abnormalities.
Yunyun LIU ; Jing WANG ; Ling WANG ; Lin CHEN ; Dan XIE ; Li WANG ; Sha LIU ; Jianlong LIU ; Ting BAI ; Xiaosha JING ; Cechuan DENG ; Tianyu XIA ; Jing CHENG ; Lingling XING ; Xiang WEI ; Yuan LUO ; Quanfang ZHOU ; Ling LIU ; Qian ZHU ; Hongqian LIU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(4):499-501
9.Molecular mechanism of verbascoside in promoting acetylcholine release of neurotransmitter.
Zhi-Hua ZHOU ; Hai-Yan XING ; Yan LIANG ; Jie GAO ; Yang LIU ; Ting ZHANG ; Li ZHU ; Jia-Long QIAN ; Chuan ZHOU ; Gang LI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(2):335-348
The molecular mechanism of verbascoside(OC1) in promoting acetylcholine(ACh) release in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease(AD) was studied. Adrenal pheochromocytoma cells(PC12) of rats induced by β-amyloid protein(1-42)(Aβ_(1-42)) were used as AD models in vitro and were divided into control group, model group(Aβ_(1-42) 10 μmol·L~(-1)), OC1 treatment group(2 and 10 μg·mL~(-1)). The effect of OC1 on phosphorylated proteins in AD models was analyzed by whole protein phosphorylation quantitative omics, and the selectivity of OC1 for calcium channel subtypes was virtually screened in combination with computer-aided drug design. The fluorescence probe Fluo-3/AM was used to detect Ca~(2+) concentration in cells. Western blot analysis was performed to detect the effects of OC1 on the expression of phosphorylated calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱ(p-CaMKⅡ, Thr286) and synaptic vesicle-related proteins, and UPLC/Q Exactive MS was used to detect the effects of OC1 on ACh release in AD models. The effects of OC1 on acetylcholine esterase(AChE) activity in AD models were detected. The results showed that the differentially modified proteins in the model group and the OC1 treatment group were related to calcium channel activation at three levels: GO classification, KEGG pathway, and protein domain. The results of molecular docking revealed the dominant role of L-type calcium channels. Fluo-3/AM fluorescence intensity decreased under the presence of Ca~(2+) chelating agent ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid(EGTA), L-type calcium channel blocker verapamil, and N-type calcium channel blocker conotoxin, and the effect of verapamil was stronger than that of conotoxin. This confirmed that OC1 promoted extracellular Ca~(2+) influx mainly through its interaction with L-type calcium channel protein. In addition, proteomic analysis and Western blot results showed that the expression of p-CaMKⅡ and downstream vesicle-related proteins was up-regulated after OC1 treatment, indicating that OC1 acted on vesicle-related proteins by activating CaMKⅡ and participated in synaptic remodeling and transmitter release, thus affecting learning and memory. OC1 also decreased the activity of AChE and prolonged the action time of ACh in synaptic gaps.
Animals
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Rats
;
Glucosides/administration & dosage*
;
Acetylcholine/metabolism*
;
Alzheimer Disease/genetics*
;
PC12 Cells
;
Phenols/chemistry*
;
Neurotransmitter Agents/metabolism*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal
;
Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Type 2/genetics*
;
Humans
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Phosphorylation/drug effects*
;
Calcium/metabolism*
;
Polyphenols
10.Traditional Chinese medicine understanding and treatment of acute myocardial infarction complicated with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
Xing-Jiang XIONG ; Fu-Kun LUO ; Xiao-Ya WANG ; Yu LAN ; Peng-Qian WANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(7):1969-1973
Acute myocardial infarction and acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding are both critical internal medicine conditions. The incidence of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with acute myocardial infarction ranges from 5.31% to 8.90%, with a mortality rate as high as 20.50% to 35.70%. The pathogenesis may be related to the use of antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs, as well as stress-induced injury. In treatment, the contradiction between antiplatelet/anticoagulation therapy and bleeding has made this disease a significant challenge in modern medicine. Therefore, re-exploring the etiology, pathogenesis, treatment principles, and methods of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) for acute myocardial infarction and acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding is of great clinical importance. The research team has been working year-round in the coronary care unit(CCU), managing a large number of such severe patients. By revisiting classic texts and delving into the foundational theories of TCM and historical medical literature, it has been found that this disease falls under the category of "distant blood" in the Synopsis of the Golden Chamber. In terms of etiology, it is primarily associated with weakness of healthy Qi and damage caused by drug toxicity. In terms of pathogenesis, in the acute stage, it mainly manifests as insufficient spleen Yang, deficiency of spleen Qi, and failure of the spleen to control blood. In the remission stage, it is characterized by deficiency of both heart Qi and spleen blood. For treatment, during the acute stage, Huangtu Decoction is used to warm Yang and restrain blood, while in the remission stage, Guipi Decoction is administered to tonify Qi and nourish blood. During the treatment process, for patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding, it is crucial to flexibly apply the treatment principles of "Nil per os" in western medicine and "where there is stomach Qi, there is life; where there is no stomach Qi, there is death" in TCM. Early intervention with Huangtu Decoction can also prevent bleeding, with large doses being key to achieving hemostasis. It is important to address the pathogenesis of heat syndrome in addition to the core pathogenesis of Yang deficiency bleeding and to emphasize the follow-up treatment with Guipi Decoction for a successful outcome.
Humans
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Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage/etiology*
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Myocardial Infarction/drug therapy*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional
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Acute Disease

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