1.Exploring the mechanism of myofascial trigger points deactivation by Tuina via the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway
Liya TANG ; Xiaowei LIU ; Jiadong ZANG ; Yuqiao ZHANG ; Xiang FENG ; Wu LI ; Jiangshan LI
Digital Chinese Medicine 2026;9(1):103-113
Objective:
To investigate whether Tuina alleviates fibrotic symptoms in myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) by regulating transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway, thereby deactivating these points.
Methods:
This study comprised two experimental phases. In phase 1, 27 specific pathogen-free (SPF) grade female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomized into three groups: control 1, model 1, and Tuina 1 groups. Model 1 and Tuina 1 groups underwent an 8-week MTrPs modeling protocol involving blunt impact and eccentric exercise. After successful modeling, rats in Tuina 1 group received manual pressing on nodules or cord-like taut bands on the medial aspect of the left hindlimb. Pain sensitivity and tissue stiffness were evaluated via pressure pain threshold (PPT) and soft tissue tension (STT). Muscle histopathology and fibrosis were observed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson staining. Inflammatory factors in muscle were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while immunofluorescence (IF) and Western blot (WB) were used to detect the expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen Ⅲ, and TGF-β1. In phase 2, 45 SPF female SD rats were randomized into five groups: control 2, model 2, Tuina 2, TGF-β1 inhibitor (TI), and Tuina + TGF-β1 agonist (Tuina + TA) groups. All groups except control 2 underwent standardized MTrPs modeling. Rats in Tuina 2 group received consistent pressing manipulation. TI group received intraperitoneal injections of oxymatrine, while Tuina + TA group received intraperitoneal injections of SRI-011381 hydrochloride followed by the same pressing protocol as Tuina 2 group. WB was used to detect the expression of collagen I, collagen III, TGF-β1, and phosphorylated-Smad3 (p-Smad3)/Smad3.
Results:
In phase 1, Tuina significantly improved PPT and STT in MTrPs of rats (P < 0.01), reversed pathological damages including disorganized muscle fiber arrangement, abnormal myocyte morphology, and exacerbated fibrosis. In addition, in MTrPs of rats in model 1 group, expression levels of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and fibrosis markers (α-SMA, collagen I, and collagen III) were upregulated, and all exhibited a significant downward trend after Tuina intervention (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). This indicates that the therapeutic effects of Tuina are directly associated with reduced local inflammation and fibrosis in MTrPs. In phase 2, compared with model 2 group, rats in TI and Tuina 2 groups had decreased expression levels of TGF-β1 and p-Smad3/Smad3 in MTrPs, alongside reduced levels of inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, NF-κB, and TNF-α) and fibrosis markers (α-SMA, collagen I, and collagen III) (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). When co-administered with TGF-β1 agonist, the therapeutic effects of Tuina were significantly attenuated, with rebounded TGF-β1 expression and p-Smad3/Smad3 in local MTrPs, and fibrosis and inflammatory responses were re-exacerbated (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).
Conclusion
Tuina can effectively reduce inflammatory responses and fibrosis in MTrPs tissue, and its mechanism is closely related to the inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway, which plays a critical role in Tuina-mediated regulation of MTrPs fibrosis.
2.Comparison of Wild and Cultivated Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus Based on Traditional Quality Evaluation
Fengfan WANG ; Yajie XIANG ; Jian FENG ; Wencheng HOU ; Wenlan LI ; Yangyang LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):235-244
ObjectiveTo compare the differences between wild Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus(WAOF) and cultivated Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus(CAOF) through a traditional quality evaluation system for medicinal materials. MethodsA total of 10 batches of WAOF and 12 batches of CAOF samples were collected from various regions of Hainan province. Relevant analytical methods from the 2020 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China were employed to observe the characteristics of WAOF and CAOF, followed by microscopic identification, thin-layer chromatography(TLC) identification, moisture content(toluene method), total ash, acid-insoluble ash, water-soluble and alcohol-soluble extracts(hot dipping method), water-soluble protein, total polysaccharides and total flavonoids(ultraviolet spectrophotometry), and volatile oil content(method A under general rule 2204). The contents of five active components(protocatechuic acid, chrysin, kaempferol, tectochrysin and nootkatone) were quantified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography(UPLC), and the antioxidant activity was evaluated. Building upon traditional quality evaluation of AOF, quantitative measurements were conducted on its appearance traits including diameter, length, plumpness(diameter/length ratio), and color. Canonical correlation analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0 to explore relationships between appearance traits and intrinsic quality. ResultsNo significant differences were observed between WAOF and CAOF in microscopic observation, TLC identification, moisture content, protocatechuic acid content, kaempferol content, odor, or antioxidant activity measured by 2,2ʹ-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)(ABTS) method. WAOF exhibited significantly higher levels in water-soluble extracts, alcohol-soluble extracts, total polysaccharide content, water-soluble protein content, 100-grain weight, length, and total color difference(ΔE*ab) compared to CAOF(P<0.01). In contrast, CAOF showed significantly higher levels of total ash, acid-insoluble ash, content of total flavonoids, volatile oil content, chrysin content, tectochrysin content, nootkatone content, diameter, plumpness, lightness(L*), red-green chromaticity(a*), yellow-blue chromaticity(b*), and antioxidant activity measured by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) method compared to WAOF(P<0.01). Correlation analysis between 7 phenotypic traits and 8 quality traits revealed that among the phenotypic traits, plumpness, L*, a*, and b* exerted significant influence on intrinsic quality. Among the quality traits, total flavonoids, volatile oils, nootkatone, chrysin, and tectochrysin contributed substantially to intrinsic quality. ConclusionPlumpness, L*, a*, and b* of AOF significantly influence its intrinsic quality, and higher values of these parameters indicate relatively superior intrinsic quality. The comprehensive quality evaluation reveals that CAOF samples collected in this study are superior to their wild counterparts.
3.Guidelines for standardized implementation of pharmacist-managed clinics (2026 edition)
Pengxiang ZHOU ; Maobai LIU ; Xiaoli DU ; Xiaoyang LU ; Mei DONG ; Rong DUAN ; Ruigang HOU ; Xiaoyu LI ; Qi CHEN ; Yanxiao XIANG ; Weiyi FENG ; Rong CHEN ; Deshi DONG ; Yong YANG ; Li LI ; Xiaocong ZUO ; Jinfang HU ; Hongliang ZHANG ; Qingchun ZHAO ; Qi LIN ; Yang HU ; Jiaying WU ; Rongsheng ZHAO
China Pharmacy 2026;37(9):1105-1112
OBJECTIVE To formulate Guidelines for the standardized implementation of pharmacist-managed clinics ( 2026 edition ) in response to the challenges faced by such clinics in China, including uneven development, large discrepancies in service specifications, insufficient patient awareness, and limited medical insurance coverage. METHODS Led by the Pharmaceutical Affairs Professional Committee of the Chinese Hospital Association, the Evidence-based Pharmacy Professional Committee of the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association, and the Hospital Pharmacy Professional Committee of the Cross-strait Medical and Health Exchange Association, a total of 19 domestic hospital pharmacy experts were organized. Through a systematic review of national policies and literature research, current practical experience was summarized. Consensus on the contents of the guidelines was reached after in-depth discussions. RESULTS &CONCLUSIONS The guidelines covered five sections: definition and connotation of pharmacist-managed clinics, establishment requirements, implementation and management, post competency, and practical research. Firstly, the definition and connotation included three operational forms of pharmacist-managed clinics (independent mode, physician-pharmacist joint mode, and online pharmacist-managed clinic mode) and classified service modes (specialty-specific, drug-specific, and disease-specific pharmacist-managed clinics). The establishment requirements were further refined, covering system construction (pharmaceutical service management system, quality control and assessment mechanism), personnel qualifications (professional credentials, continuing education and professional training, etc), service recipients, as well as service venues and facilities. Subsequently, the implementation and management of pharmacist-managed clinics were proposed, involving service procedures, intervention measures, documentation and records, patient education and follow-up, humanistic care, as well as risk management and quality control. Finally, post competency encompassed the competency requirements for pharmacists providing services in pharmacist-managed clinics, as well as the suggestions on teaching methods; practical research encouraged the conduct of high-quality pharmaceutical practice in the setting of pharmacist-managed clinics. The guidelines provide valuable guidance for the standardized implementation of pharmacist-managed clinics in China in terms of establishment, management, teaching, and research, fill the guideline gap in this field, and can promote the high-quality development of pharmacist-managed clinics.
4.Clinical features and multimodal quantitative radiological features of primary liver cancer patients with different traditional Chinese medicine syndrome types
Feng WU ; Muqing LUO ; Wantingting WEN ; Ziwei CAI ; Yinqi LIU ; Jian XIANG ; Xiaona ZHOU ; Qian GUO ; Kun ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(5):1093-1100
ObjectiveTo investigate the association of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome types of primary liver cancer (PLC) with clinical features and multimodal quantitative radiological features on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and to provide a reference for the objectification of TCM syndrome differentiation and precise diagnosis and treatment. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 312 patients who were diagnosed with PLC in The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine from March 2020 to June 2025, and according to the TCM syndrome type, they were divided into stagnation of liver Qi group with 40 patients, stagnation of liver Qi and spleen deficiency group with 109 patients, Qi stagnation and blood stasis group with 62 patients, dampness-heat toxin amassment group with 81 patients, and liver-kidney Yin deficiency group with 20 patients. Clinical features and multimodal quantitative radiological features were compared between the patients with different TCM syndrome types. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups; the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between multiple groups, and the Dunn’s multiple test was used for further comparison between two groups; the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups, and the Bonferroni method was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsThere were significant differences between the patients with different TCM syndrome types in China liver cancer staging (CNLC), Child-Pugh class, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, albumin, direct bilirubin, total bilirubin, prothrombin time, neutrophil, and albumin-bilirubin score (all P<0.05). In the stagnation of liver Qi group, the patients with Child-Pugh class A accounted for 75.00%; among the patients with CNLC stage I PLC, the patients with stagnation of liver Qi accounted for 60.00%, and those with Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome accounted for 59.68%, while among the patients with CNLC stage IV PLC, the distribution proportion of dampness-heat toxin amassment (27.16%) and liver-kidney Yin deficiency (30.00%) was significantly higher than that of stagnation of liver Qi (2.50%) (all P<0.05). Radiological examination showed that there were significant differences between the patients with different TCM syndrome types in the number of tumors, ascites, venous tumor thrombus, maximum tumor diameter, intrahepatic metastasis, and lymph node metastasis in the hepatic hilar and retroperitoneal regions (all P<0.05). Compared with the patients with stagnation of liver Qi, the patients with liver depression and spleen deficiency or liver-kidney Yin deficiency were more likely to develop intrahepatic metastasis; the patients with liver depression and spleen deficiency, dampness-heat toxin amassment, or liver-kidney Yin deficiency were more likely to develop lymph node metastasis in the hepatic hilar and retroperitoneal regions; the patients with liver-kidney Yin deficiency were more likely to experience multiple tumors; the patients with liver depression and spleen deficiency or dampness-heat toxin amassment were more likely to develop ascites (all P<0.05). Compared with the patients with Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome, the patients with liver depression and spleen deficiency had a significantly longer maximum tumor diameter and a significantly higher proportion of patients with venous tumor thrombus (both P<0.05). Furthermore, among the 184 patients with MRI diffusion-weighted imaging sequences, the patients with dampness-heat toxin amassment or Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome had significantly higher ADC values and relative ADC values than those with stagnation of liver Qi (all P<0.05). ConclusionThere are significant differences in CT/MRI radiological features and clinical features between PLC patients with different TCM syndrome types, among whom the patients with liver depression and spleen deficiency, dampness-heat toxin amassment, and liver-kidney Yin deficiency tend to exhibit progressive radiological features, and those with dampness-heat toxin amassment or Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome tend to have higher ADC values. These findings provide an objective basis for TCM syndrome differentiation in PLC.
5.The first record of Anopheles messeae (Diptera: Culicidae) parasitized by water mites in China
Xue-ru CHEN ; Wen-zhen YAO ; Yu-hao LI ; Gui-chang LI ; Tao MENG ; Qun-ling FENG ; Xin-hui LIU ; Li-hong QIAO ; Xiang-ting WU ; Xue-feng ZHANG ; Cheng-lin LI ; Xue-cheng DONG ; Da-wei WANG ; Xiao-yan SI ; Yu-hong GUO
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(1):53-57
Objective This study reports on the obligatory parasitism of water mites Arrenurus sp. on Anopheles messeae at the Manzhouli Port, Inner Mongolia, China. Methods Duing July 2024, a survey on the mosquito diversity was conducted at the Manzhouli Port. Captured mosquitoes and their ectoparasites were identified to species level. Results A total of 1840 adult mosquitoes were collected, representing species from three genera: Culex(Cx. modestus, Cx. pipiens pallens), Aedes(Ae. dorsalis, Ae. flavidorsalis, Ae. flavescens), and Anopheles (An. messeae). Among all the mosqutioes specimens,3 out of 150 captured An. messeae were found to carry ectoparasitic mites, with number of 2,4,27 mites separately. Morphological and molecular identification reached the same result as water mites(Hydrachnidiae, Hydracrina). COI gene sequence showed 94% similarity with the closest species Arrenurus truncatellus. Conlusions Literature review suggests water mites are host-specific parasitism of mosquito species and herein with the first record of Arrenurus sp. parasiting on An. Messeae in the most high-latitude region globally.
6.Effect of atosiban on hemodynamic parameters of uterine arteries and clinical effect evaluation in patients with previous implantation failure undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer
Lanlan CHENG ; Jie ZHANG ; Yungai XIANG ; Lijing WAN ; Chao LIU ; Zonggang FENG ; Li TAN
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(7):702-708
Objective:To investigate the effect of atosiban on hemodynamic parameters of uterine arteries and clinical effect evaluation in patients with previous implantation failure undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze 298 cycles of FET in the Department of Reproductive Medicine of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2021 to June 2023. Patients were categorized into atosiban group ( n=149) and control group ( n=149) according to whether administered atosiban or not. The related indicators and clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups. Hemodynamic parameters of the uterine arteries, including bilateral uterine artery peak systolic velocity/diastolic velocity (S/D), pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), and serum levels of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) and oxytocin were compared before and after atosiban treatment. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were applied to assess the effect of atosiban on pregnancy outcomes. The effect of atosiban on live birth rate was analyzed by age stratification. Results:The implantation rate [51.92% (135/260)], the clinical pregnancy rate [67.11% (100/149)] and the live birth rate [59.06% (88/149)] in atosiban group were significantly higher than those in control group [41.13% (102/248), P=0.015; 51.01% (76/149), P=0.005; 40.27% (60/149), P=0.001]; and the early miscarriage rate [9.00% (9/100)] was lower than that of control group [19.74% (15/76), P=0.040]. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that atosiban was an independent influencing factor of live birth rate ( OR=2.236, 95% CI: 1.371-3.646, P=0.001). The post-treatment right uterine artery blood flow S/D [4.61 (4.00, 5.36)], PI [1.81 (1.58, 2.05)], RI [0.79 (0.75, 0.82)], and left uterine artery blood flow S/D [4.62 (3.83, 5.61)], PI (1.84±0.38), RI [0.79 (0.74, 0.82)] were all lower than those before treatment [right S/D 4.93 (4.06, 6.04), P<0.001; PI 1.93 (1.60, 2.17), P=0.001; RI 0.80 (0.76, 0.83), P<0.001; left S/D 5.05 (4.20, 6.32), P<0.001; PI 1.95±0.43, P<0.001; RI 0.81 (0.76, 0.84), P<0.001]. Besides, the levels of PGF2α [97.01 (85.15, 109.93) ng/L] and oxytocin [41.18 (37.16, 46.78) ng/L] after treatment in atosiban group were significantly lower than those before treatment [119.71 (108.85, 129.99) ng/L, P<0.001; 51.87 (46.44, 55.54) ng/L, P<0.001). Moreover, the endometrial peristalsis waves in atosiban group were significantly less after treatment [1.00 (0.00, 2.00) times/min] than before treatment [2.00 (1.00, 3.00) times/min], and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.001). Conclusion:Atosiban can improve uterine artery blood flow and reduce endometrial peristalsis waves in women with previous implantation failure, which increases endometrial blood perfusion. Additionally, it can also reduce the levels of PGF2α and oxytocin, and optimize the pregnancy outcome of the frozen-thawed embryo transfer.
7.Expert consensus on infection prevention and control of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in medical institutions
Tianxiang GE ; Yangyang JIA ; Chunhui LI ; Jianrong HUANG ; Xiujuan MENG ; Xiaodong GAO ; Jingping ZHANG ; Fu QIAO ; Lijuan XIONG ; Hui LIANG ; Wei LI ; Haiyan LOU ; Wenjuan WU ; Tianxin XIANG ; Jiansen CHEN ; Biao ZHU ; Kaijin XU ; Zhihui ZHOU ; Hongliu CAI ; Meihong YU ; Yan ZHANG ; Yanwan SHANGGUAN ; Haiting FENG ; Hangping YAO ; Lei GUO ; Tieer GAN ; Weihong ZHANG ; Jimin SUN ; Ye LU ; Qun LU ; Meng CAI ; Jin SHEN ; Yunsong YU ; Anhua WU ; Liu-yi LI ; Tingting QU
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2025;24(4):437-450
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease(CJD)is a rapidly progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by prions,with certain infectivity and iatrogenic transmission risks.With the rapid progress and application of new dia-gnostic biomarkers and detection methods,as well as the construction and improvement of surveillance and reporting systems,the detection of CJD in patients domestically and internationally has shown an increasing trend year by year.Due to its long incubation period and heterogeneity of early symptoms,early identification and diagnosis of the disease is difficult,increasing the risk of transmission within medical institutions.Currently,there is a lack of con-sensus on the infection prevention and control of CJD.In order to timely identify and diagnose CJD as well as effec-tively block its transmission in medical institutions,this consensus summarizes 15 clinical concerns and formulates 24 specific recommendations based on the latest domestic and international research findings and clinical evidence,as well as combines with clinical practice,aiming to standardize healthcare-associated infection prevention and control measures for CJD and reduce its transmission risk in medical institutions.
8.Application of Third-Generation Sequencing Technology in RHD Genotyping of a Chinese Pedigree with Weak D Phenotype.
Ling MA ; Tai-Xiang LIU ; Li-Li SHI ; Chen-Chen FENG ; Ruo-Yang ZHANG ; Fang ZHAO
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(4):1199-1202
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the molecular mechanism of weak D phenotype in a Chinese family.
METHODS:
Routine Rh typing tests were performed first, and RHD exons 1-10 of the proband and his family members were sequenced by first-generation sequencing. RHD zygosity was also determined. Third-generation sequencing was used to analyze the haplotypes of the RHD gene.
RESULTS:
The proband showed a weak D serological phenotype. First-generation sequencing revealed a c.787G>A point mutation in exon 5. The family pedigree investigation showed that the proband and his younger sister had the same serological phenotype and molecular mechanism. His father carried this gene mutation, while his mother and younger brother were normal. Hybrid box was not detected, suggesting that all the family members did not have a haplotype with a complete deletion of the RHD gene. The results of third-generation sequencing showed that the proband and his sister inherited the weak D allele from their father and the non-functional allele RHD -CE(3-9)-D from their mother, respectively.
CONCLUSION
Third-generation sequencing technology enables haplotype analysis of the RHD gene and can detect complex genotypes such as genetic exchanges between RHD and RHCE combined with other mutations.
Female
;
Humans
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Male
;
Alleles
;
Exons
;
Genotype
;
Haplotypes
;
High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
;
Pedigree
;
Phenotype
;
Rh-Hr Blood-Group System/genetics*
;
East Asian People/genetics*
9.Erratum: Author Correction: Targeting of AUF1 to vascular endothelial cells as a novel anti-aging therapy.
Jian HE ; Ya-Feng JIANG ; Liu LIANG ; Du-Jin WANG ; Wen-Xin WEI ; Pan-Pan JI ; Yao-Chan HUANG ; Hui SONG ; Xiao-Ling LU ; Yong-Xiang ZHAO
Journal of Geriatric Cardiology 2025;22(9):834-834
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.11909/j.issn.1671-5411.2017.08.005.].
10.Clinical analysis of treatment for lingual thyroglossal duct cyst with trans-oral robotic surgery.
Lanjun CAI ; Kai XU ; Chao HE ; Qimiao FENG ; Zheng LIU ; Xiang LU
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;39(11):1034-1037
Objective:To investigate the safety, feasibility and efficacy of trans-oral robotic surgery in the treatment of lingual thyroglossal duct cyst. Methods:The clinical data of 21 patients with lingual thyroglossal duct cyst underwent trans-oral robotic surgery from May 2017 to March 2025 were analyzed retrospectively. Results:The cysts in all 21 patients were successfully excised by trans-oral robotic surgery. The mean robotic set-up and exposure time, operation time, estimated intraoperative blood loss and recovery time for oral intake were (14.3±7.2) min ([range 5.0-32.0]min), (17.0±8.4) min (range[6.0-36.0]min), (8.4±5.9) mL (range[2.0-25.0]mL) and (2.1±2.2) days (range[0-7]days), respectively. No patients required tracheostomy, and no severe postoperative complications occurred. The patients were followed up for 2 to 96 months, with median follow-up time of 47 months, and 1 recurrence was observed. Conclusion:Excision of lingual thyroglossal duct cyst by trans-oral robotic surgery is safe and feasible, with rapid recovery and low recurrence rate, which is worth popularizing in clinical practice.
Humans
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Thyroglossal Cyst/surgery*
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Robotic Surgical Procedures/methods*
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Retrospective Studies
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Female
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Male
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Adult
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Treatment Outcome
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Middle Aged
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Adolescent


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