1.Olfactory Receptors Expressed in The Intestine and Their Functions
Pei-Wen YANG ; Meng-Meng YUAN ; Ying ZHOU ; Peng LI ; Gui-Hong QI ; Ying YANG ; Zhong-Yi MAO ; Meng-Sha ZHOU ; Xiao-Shuang MAO ; Jian-Ping XIE ; Yi-Nan YANG ; Shi-Hao SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):534-549
Olfactory receptors (ORs) form the largest superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Traditionally recognized for their role in the nasal olfactory epithelium, where they mediate the sense of smell, accumulating evidence has firmly established their ectopic expression in non-olfactory tissues, including the intestine, lungs, and kidneys. The intestine, as the primary site for nutrient digestion and absorption, harbors a highly complex chemical environment. To adapt to this environment, the gut employs a sophisticated network of “chemosensors” to monitor luminal contents and maintain homeostasis. Among these sensors, intestinal ORs have emerged as crucial functional components, serving as a molecular bridge that connects environmental chemical signals—such as food-derived odorants—to specific physiological responses. This discovery has significantly deepened our understanding of how dietary flavors and compounds influence intestinal physiology at the molecular level. This review systematically summarizes the expression profiles, ligand classification, and biological functions of ORs within the gastrointestinal tract. Studies indicate that intestinal ORs exhibit distinct spatial distribution patterns across different gut segments and display cell-type specificity, particularly within enterocytes and enteroendocrine cells. These receptors function as versatile sensors capable of recognizing a wide variety of ligands, including exogenous dietary components, gut microbiota metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, and endogenous small molecules like azelaic acid. Upon activation by specific ligands, intestinal ORs trigger intracellular signaling cascades, primarily involving the AC-cAMP-PKA pathway or calcium influx channels. A major focus of this review is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which these receptors regulate the secretion of gut hormones. Activation of specific ORs in enteroendocrine cells has been shown to stimulate the release of hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY), and serotonin (5-HT), thereby modulating systemic energy metabolism, glucose homeostasis, and gastrointestinal motility. Furthermore, the review addresses the critical roles of ORs in immune regulation and pathology. Evidence suggests that specific ORs contribute to the maintenance of intestinal immune homeostasis and may offer protection against inflammation. Beyond their involvement in inflammatory responses, ORs such as Olfr78 have been shown to regulate the differentiation and function of intestinal endocrine cells. Similarly, Olfr544 has been demonstrated to alleviate intestinal inflammation by remodeling the gut microbiome and metabolome. These findings collectively suggest that specific ORs hold promise as therapeutic targets for mitigating intestinal inflammation and maintaining gut homeostasis. Additionally, the review explores the emerging role of ORs in cancer. Although OR expression is often downregulated in tumor tissues compared to normal mucosa, activation of specific ORs by certain ligands can inhibit tumor cell proliferation and migration and induce apoptosis via pathways such as MEK/ERK and p38 MAPK. Conversely, other receptors, such as OR7C1, may serve as biomarkers for cancer-initiating cells. In conclusion, intestinal ORs represent a vital component of the gut’s sensory network. The review also discusses the translational potential of these findings. By elucidating the precise pairing relationships between dietary components and specific ORs, novel therapeutic strategies could be developed. Intestinal ORs may thus emerge as promising targets for nutritional and pharmacological interventions in metabolic diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, and malignancies.
2.Relationship between negative parenting styles and borderline personality features of middle school students: the moderating effect of emotional regulation strategies
Run ZHONG ; Congwen YANG ; Junhong LIU ; Maoqian SUN ; Yujia WENG ; Jian WEN ; Guoping HUANG
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(1):76-82
BackgroundThe middle school stage represents a crucial period for the development of borderline personality features. Negative parenting styles and emotional regulation strategies are associated with the formation of borderline personality features. However, the moderating role of emotional regulation strategies between negative parenting styles and borderline personality features among middle school students remains unclear. ObjectiveTo explore the moderating influence of emotional regulation strategies in the relationship between negative parenting styles and borderline personality features among middle school students, and to provide references for the intervention of borderline personality features. MethodsIn October 2023, a total of 5 965 middle school students from three middle schools in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region were selected by cluster sampling, and assessed by the Borderline Personality Features Scale for Children (BPFS-C), the Egna Minnen Barndoms Uppfostran (EMBU), and the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire-Chinese Revised Version (ERQ-CRV). Pearson correlation analysis was used to test the correlation between the scores of each scale, and the model 1 of the Process macro program was used to conduct the moderating effect test. ResultsA total of 5 572 middle school students (93.41%) completed this study, and 1 388 of them (24.91%) were identified as having high borderline personality features. The BPFS-C score of middle school students was positively correlated with the score of the negative parenting style dimension of EMBU (r=0.367, P<0.01), negatively correlated with the score of the cognitive reappraisal dimension of ERQ-CRV (r=-0.168, P<0.01), and positively correlated with the score of the expression inhibition dimension of ERQ-CRV (r=0.344, P<0.01). Cognitive reappraisal played a negative moderating effect between negative parenting styles and borderline personality features (β=-0.072, 95% CI: -0.104–-0.041, P<0.01), while expressive suppression played a positive moderating effect (β=0.076, 95% CI: 0.055–0.097, P<0.01). ConclusionCognitive reappraisal strategy may help mitigate the negative influence of negative parenting styles on middle school students' borderline personality features, while expressive suppression may exacerbate the harm of negative parenting styles to the borderline personality features of middle school students.
3.Comparison of bioelectrical impedance analysis and dual energy X ray absorptiometry in measuring body composition among Tibetan children and adolescents
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(4):569-573
Objective:
To compare the consistency between bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and dual energy X ray absorptiometry (DXA) in measuring body composition among Tibetan children and adolescents and to explore the applicability of BIA in plateau region, so as to provide scientific and convenient body composition measurement support among children and adolescents.
Methods:
From May to June, 2022, a total of 344 Tibetan children and adolescents aged 6-17 years were selected from Golmud Municipal National Middle School and Changjiangyuan Nationality Primary School in Qinghai Province by cluster sampling method, and their fat mass, fat mass percentage and lean mass were measured by DXA and BIA. The consistency and correlation between the two methods were assessed by using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test, Spearman correlation analysis, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and Bland-Altman analysis.
Results:
DXA measured fat mass and fat mass percentage were significantly higher than those obtained by BIA (6-12 years old: Z =9.91, 11.28; 13-17 years old: Z =9.02, 10.21), while lean mass and lean mass percentage were significantly lower than BIA results (6-12 years old: Z =-11.60, -11.30; 13-17 years old: Z =-10.77, -10.36) (all P < 0.05 ). The two methods showed strong correlations in fat mass and lean mass (all r >0.80, all ICC >0.90), but exhibited poor agreement in fat mass percentage and lean mass percentage (6-12 years old: Lin s CCC =0.64, 0.41; 13-17 years old: Lin s CCC = 0.79 , 0.35). Bland-Altman analysis showed that the difference between the two methods was negatively correlated with the average value in FM%(6-12 years old: r =-0.75, 13-17 years old: r =-0.79, both P <0.01).
Conclusion
BIA and DXA show high consistency in measuring body fat mass and lean body mass in Tibetan children and adolescents, although some bias is still present in certain individuals.
4.Association Between Alterations in Oral Microbiota and Progression of Esophageal Carcinogenesis
Qin WEN ; Zhaolai HUA ; Jian SUN ; Xuhua MAO ; Jianming WANG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(7):618-624
Objective To explore the association between oral microbiota and esophageal carcinogenesis. Methods A case-control study design was employed. A total of 309 subjects were recruited, consisting of 159 healthy controls, 32 cases of esophageal basal cell hyperplasia, 32 cases of low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia, 14 cases of high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia, and 72 cases of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Tongue swab samples were collected for 16S rRNA sequencing. The α-diversity and β-diversity of the microbiota were analyzed, and the characteristics of the microbial communities at different stages of esophageal carcinogenesis were compared. The strength of the association was expressed by odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results α-diversity analysis indicated significant differences in the observed species number (Sobs) index across various stages of esophageal cancer progression (P<0.001). After adjusting for confounding factors such as age, gender, smoking, and alcohol consumption, the Simpson index was positively correlated with carcinogenesis (P=0.006). β-diversity analysis revealed differences in microbiota structure among the groups. After ordered multinomial logistic regression analysis and adjustment for multiple confounding factors, the relative abundance of Peptostreptococcus (OR: 2.06, 95%CI: 1.22–3.60), Patescibacteria (OR: 1.31, 95%CI: 1.04–1.67), Capnocytophaga (OR: 1.24, 95%CI: 1.05–1.54), and Bacteroidota (OR: 1.02, 95%CI: 1.00–1.05) was positively correlated with carcinogenesis. The relative abundance of Stomatobaculum (OR: 0.57, 95%CI: 0.30–1.00) and Actinobacteriota (OR: 0.95, 95%CI: 0.92–0.98) was negatively correlated with carcinogenesis. Conclusion Specific oral microbiotas are significantly associated with esophageal carcinogenesis, and synergistic or antagonistic interactions may be observed among the microbiota.
5.Advances in the role of protein post-translational modifications in circadian rhythm regulation.
Zi-Di ZHAO ; Qi-Miao HU ; Zi-Yi YANG ; Peng-Cheng SUN ; Bo-Wen JING ; Rong-Xi MAN ; Yuan XU ; Ru-Yu YAN ; Si-Yao QU ; Jian-Fei PEI
Acta Physiologica Sinica 2025;77(4):605-626
The circadian clock plays a critical role in regulating various physiological processes, including gene expression, metabolic regulation, immune response, and the sleep-wake cycle in living organisms. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are crucial regulatory mechanisms to maintain the precise oscillation of the circadian clock. By modulating the stability, activity, cell localization and protein-protein interactions of core clock proteins, PTMs enable these proteins to respond dynamically to environmental and intracellular changes, thereby sustaining the periodic oscillations of the circadian clock. Different types of PTMs exert their effects through distincting molecular mechanisms, collectively ensuring the proper function of the circadian system. This review systematically summarized several major types of PTMs, including phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation and oxidative modification, and overviewed their roles in regulating the core clock proteins and the associated pathways, with the goals of providing a theoretical foundation for the deeper understanding of clock mechanisms and the treatment of diseases associated with circadian disruption.
Protein Processing, Post-Translational/physiology*
;
Circadian Rhythm/physiology*
;
Humans
;
Animals
;
CLOCK Proteins/physiology*
;
Circadian Clocks/physiology*
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Phosphorylation
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Acetylation
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Ubiquitination
;
Sumoylation
6.Optimization of extraction process for Shenxiong Huanglian Jiedu Granules based on AHP-CRITIC hybrid weighting method, grey correlation analysis, and BP-ANN.
Zi-An LI ; De-Wen LIU ; Xin-Jian LI ; Bing-Yu WU ; Qun LAN ; Meng-Jia GUO ; Jia-Hui SUN ; Nan-Yang LIU ; Hui PEI ; Hao LI ; Hong YI ; Jin-Yu WANG ; Liang-Mian CHEN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(10):2674-2683
By employing the analytic hierarchy process(AHP), the CRITIC method(a weight determination method based on indicator correlations), and the AHP-CRITIC hybrid weighting method, the weight coefficients of evaluation indicators were determined, followed by a comprehensive score comparison. The grey correlation analysis was then performed to analyze the results calculated using the hybrid weighting method. Subsequently, a backpropagation-artificial neural network(BP-ANN) model was constructed to predict the extraction process parameters and optimize the extraction process for Shenxiong Huanglian Jiedu Granules(SHJG). In the extraction process, an L_9(3~4) orthogonal experiment was designed to optimize three factors at three levels, including extraction frequency, water addition amount, and extraction time. The evaluation indicators included geniposide, berberine, ginsenoside Rg_1 + Re, ginsenoside Rb_1, ferulic acid, and extract yield. Finally, the optimal extraction results obtained by the orthogonal experiment, grey correlation analysis, and BP-ANN method were compared, and validation experiments were conducted. The results showed that the optimal extraction process involved two rounds of aqueous extraction, each lasting one hour; the first extraction used ten times the amount of added water, while the second extraction used eight times the amount. In the validation experiments, the average content of each indicator component was higher than the average content obtained in the orthogonal experiment, with a higher comprehensive score. The optimized extraction process parameters were reliable and stable, making them suitable for subsequent preparation process research.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/analysis*
;
Neural Networks, Computer
7.Characterization of hippocampal components of Danzhi Xiaoyao Formula based on HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and network pharmacology and assessment of its therapeutic potential for nervous system diseases.
Wen-Qing HU ; Hui-Yuan GAO ; Li YANG ; Yu-Xin WANG ; Hao-Jie CHENG ; Si-Yu YANG ; Mei-Yu ZHANG ; Jian SUN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(14):4053-4062
In this study, the pharmacodynamic components and potential pharmacological functions of Danzhi Xiaoyao Formula in treating nervous system diseases were investigated by hippocampal component characterization and network pharmacology. After rats were administrated with Danzhi Xiaoyao Formula by gavage, high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry(HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) was employed to explore the components in the hippocampus of rats. Fifty-seven components were identified in the hippocampus of rats by comparing the extract of Danzhi Xiaoyao Formula, herbal components in the hippocampus after administration, and blank samples. KEGG and GO analyses predicted 74 core targets including GSK3B, MAPK1, AKT, IL6. These targets were involved in PI3K/Akt, NF-κB, MAPK, JAK/STAT, Wnt, and other signaling pathways. The results indicated that Danzhi Xiaoyao Formula may ameliorate other nervous system diseases enriched in DO, such as neurodegenerative diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, and mental and emotional disorders by mediating target pathways, inhibiting inflammation, reducing neuronal damage, and alleviating hippocampal atrophy. The relevant activities exhibited by this formula in nervous system diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and diabetic neuropathy have extremely high development value and are worthy of further in-depth research. This study provides a theoretical basis and practical guidance for expanding the application of Danzhi Xiaoyao Formula in the treatment of nervous system diseases.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Animals
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Rats
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Hippocampus/metabolism*
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Network Pharmacology
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Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
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Tandem Mass Spectrometry
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Male
;
Nervous System Diseases/genetics*
;
Humans
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
8.Risk Factors for Prolonged Postoperative Length of Stay After Hip Fracture Surgery in Very Elderly Patients.
Bo-Wen XU ; Wei-Yun CHEN ; Chen SUN ; Ling LAN ; Lu-Lu MA ; Li-Jian PEI
Chinese Medical Sciences Journal 2025;40(2):111-119
OBJECTIVES:
To identify risk factors contributing to prolonged postoperative length of stay (LOS) in very elderly patients following hip fracture surgery, with a focus on postoperative complications and the impact of different anesthesia approaches.
METHODS:
This retrospective single-center cohort study enrolled patients aged 90 years or older who underwent hip fracture surgery at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between January 31, 2013 and December 31, 2023. Relevant perioperative data were collected. The primary outcome was postoperative LOS, and the study cohort was divided into two groups: postoperative LOS ≤ 7 days and LOS > 7 days. Logistic regression was performed to identify factors related to prolonged postoperative LOS.
RESULTS:
A total of 155 patients were included. The average age was 92.7 ± 2.6 years. There were 73 (47%) patients with postoperative LOS > 7 days. Postoperative pneumonia was the only factor associated with a prolonged postoperative LOS (OR = 2.12, 95% CI [1.09, 4.16], P = 0.028). Neither the type of anesthesia (regional vs. general anesthesia, OR = 1.00, 95% CI [0.53, 1.90], P = 0.993) nor the method of airway management (laryngeal mask ventilation vs. spontaneous breathing, OR = 1.46, 95% CI [0.58, 3.76], P = 0.424; endotracheal intubation vs. spontaneous breathing, OR = 0.82, 95% CI [0.39, 1.69], P = 0.592) showed a significant association with a prolonged postoperative LOS. Preoperative chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR = 2.78, 95% CI [1.05, 7.65], P = 0.040) and preoperative neutrophil count (OR = 1.13, 95% CI [1.01, 1.26], P = 0.029) were both significantly associated with the occurrence of postoperative pneumonia, while anesthesia type and airway management method were not.
CONCLUSIONS
Postoperative pneumonia was associated with prolonged postoperative LOS in very elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery, whereas anesthesia types and airway management methods show no association with prolonged postoperative LOS or postoperative pneumonia. Preoperative comorbidities, especially respiratory conditions and systemic inflammation, potentially play a substantial role in postoperative recovery.
Humans
;
Hip Fractures/surgery*
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Aged, 80 and over
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Risk Factors
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Length of Stay
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Female
;
Male
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Postoperative Complications/etiology*
9.Micronucleus counts correlating with male infertility: a clinical analysis of chromosomal abnormalities and reproductive parameters.
Shun-Han ZHANG ; Ying-Jun XIE ; Wen-Jun QIU ; Qian-Ying PAN ; Li-Hao CHEN ; Jian-Feng WU ; Si-Qi HUANG ; Ding WANG ; Xiao-Fang SUN
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(4):537-542
Investigating the correlation between micronucleus formation and male infertility has the potential to improve clinical diagnosis and deepen our understanding of pathological progression. Our study enrolled 2252 male patients whose semen was analyzed from March 2023 to July 2023. Their clinical data, including semen parameters and age, were also collected. Genetic analysis was used to determine whether the sex chromosome involved in male infertility was abnormal (including the increase, deletion, and translocation of the X and Y chromosomes), and subsequent semen analysis was conducted for clinical grouping purposes. The participants were categorized into five groups: normozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, oligozoospermia, oligoasthenozoospermia, and azoospermia. Patients were randomly selected for further study; 41 patients with normozoospermia were included in the control group and 117 patients with non-normozoospermia were included in the study group according to the proportions of all enrolled patients. Cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) screening was conducted through peripheral blood. Statistical analysis was used to determine the differences in micronuclei (MNi) among the groups and the relationships between MNi and clinical data. There was a significant increase in MNi in infertile men, including those with azoospermia, compared with normozoospermic patients, but there was no significant difference between the genetic and nongenetic groups in azoospermic men. The presence of MNi was associated with sperm concentration, progressive sperm motility, immotile spermatozoa, malformed spermatozoa, total sperm count, and total sperm motility. This study underscores the potential utility of MNi as a diagnostic tool and highlights the need for further research to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of male infertility.
Humans
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Male
;
Infertility, Male/genetics*
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Adult
;
Micronucleus Tests
;
Semen Analysis
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Oligospermia/genetics*
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Azoospermia/genetics*
;
Chromosome Aberrations
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Sperm Count
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Micronuclei, Chromosome-Defective
;
Middle Aged
10.Prognostic significance of molecular minimal residual disease before and after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children with acute myeloid leukemia.
Xiu-Wen XU ; Hao XIONG ; Jian-Xin LI ; Zhi CHEN ; Fang TAO ; Yu DU ; Zhuo WANG ; Li YANG ; Wen-Jie LU ; Ming SUN
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(6):675-681
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the prognostic value of molecular minimal residual disease (Mol-MRD) monitored before and after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
METHODS:
Clinical data of 71 pediatric AML patients who underwent HSCT between August 2016 and December 2023 were analyzed. Mol-MRD levels were dynamically monitored in MRD-positive patients, and survival outcomes were evaluated.
RESULTS:
No significant difference in the 3-year overall survival (OS) rate was observed between patients with pre-HSCT Mol-MRD ≥0.01% and <0.01% (77.3% ± 8.9% vs 80.4% ± 7.9%, P=0.705). However, patients with pre-HSCT Mol-MRD <1.75% had a significantly higher 3-year OS rate than those with Mol-MRD ≥1.75% (86.6% ± 5.6% vs 44.4% ± 16.6%, P=0.020). The median Mol-MRD level in long-term survivors was significantly lower than in non-survivors [0.61% (range: 0.04%-51.58%)] vs 10.60% (range: 1.90%-19.75%), P=0.035]. Concurrent flow cytometry-based MRD positivity was significantly higher in non-survivors (80% vs 24%, P=0.039). There was no significant difference in the 3-year overall survival rate between patients with Mol-MRD ≥0.01% and those with <0.01% at 30 days post-HSCT (P=0.527). For children with Mol-MRD <0.22% at 30 days post-HSCT, the 3-year overall survival rate was 80.4% ± 5.9%, showing no significant difference compared to those with molecular negativity (87.0% ± 7.0%) (P=0.523).
CONCLUSIONS
Patients with pre-HSCT Mol-MRD <1.75% or post-HSCT Mol-MRD <0.22% may achieve long-term survival outcomes comparable to Mol-MRD-negative cases through HSCT and targeted interventions.
Humans
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Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
;
Neoplasm, Residual
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Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics*
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Child
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Male
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Female
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Child, Preschool
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Prognosis
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Adolescent
;
Infant
;
Transplantation, Homologous


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