1.Quality Evaluation of Naomaili Granules Based on Multi-component Content Determination and Fingerprint and Screening of Its Anti-neuroinflammatory Substance Basis
Ya WANG ; Yanan KANG ; Bo LIU ; Zimo WANG ; Xuan ZHANG ; Wei LAN ; Wen ZHANG ; Lu YANG ; Yi SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):170-178
ObjectiveTo establish an ultra-performance liquid fingerprint and multi-components determination method for Naomaili granules. To evaluate the quality of different batches by chemometrics, and the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of water extract and main components of Naomaili granules were tested in vitro. MethodsThe similarity and common peaks of 27 batches of Naomaili granules were evaluated by using Ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) fingerprint detection. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) technology was used to determine the content of the index components in Naomaili granules and to evaluate the quality of different batches of Naomaili granules by chemometrics. LPS-induced BV-2 cell inflammation model was used to investigate the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of the water extract and main components of Naomaili granules. ResultsThe similarity of fingerprints of 27 batches of samples was > 0.90. A total of 32 common peaks were calibrated, and 23 of them were identified and assigned. In 27 batches of Naomaili granules, the mass fractions of 14 components that were stachydrine hydrochloride, leonurine hydrochloride, calycosin-7-O-glucoside, calycosin,tanshinoneⅠ, cryptotanshinone, tanshinoneⅡA, ginsenoside Rb1, notoginsenoside R1, ginsenoside Rg1, paeoniflorin, albiflorin, lactiflorin, and salvianolic acid B were found to be 2.902-3.498, 0.233-0.343, 0.111-0.301, 0.07-0.152, 0.136-0.228, 0.195-0.390, 0.324-0.482, 1.056-1.435, 0.271-0.397, 1.318-1.649, 3.038-4.059, 2.263-3.455, 0.152-0.232, 2.931-3.991 mg∙g-1, respectively. Multivariate statistical analysis showed that paeoniflorin, ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Rb1 and staphylline hydrochloride were quality difference markers to control the stability of the preparation. The results of bioactive experiment showed that the water extract of Naomaili granules and the eight main components with high content in the prescription had a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the release of NO in the cell supernatant. Among them, salvianolic acid B and ginsenoside Rb1 had strong anti-inflammatory activity, with IC50 values of (36.11±0.15) mg∙L-1 and (27.24±0.54) mg∙L-1, respectively. ConclusionThe quality evaluation method of Naomaili granules established in this study was accurate and reproducible. Four quality difference markers were screened out, and eight key pharmacodynamic substances of Naomaili granules against neuroinflammation were screened out by in vitro cell experiments.
2.Identification of Chemical Constituents of Painong Powder and Constituents Absorbed into Blood by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS
Han SUN ; Hongsu ZHAO ; Zihua XUAN ; Jinwei QIAO ; Fangfang ZHANG ; Manqin YANG ; Shuangying GUI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):256-263
ObjectiveTo study the chemical constituents of Painong powder and the constituents absorbed into blood after oral administration to rats by ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS). MethodsUPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS was employed for mass spectrometry data acquisition. The chemical constituents of Painong Powder and the constituents absorbed into blood were characterized and identified via Xcalibur 4.2 and Compound Discoverer v3.3.1 (CD) based on retention time, accurate molecular weights, secondary fragmentation ions, and comparison with reference standards and literature reports. ResultsA total of 176 chemical compounds, including 56 flavonoids, 42 triterpenoid saponins, 23 monoterpenes, 7 coumarins, 5 tannins, and other 43 compounds were identified from Painong powder. 49 components were identified in the rat plasma after oral administration of Painong powder, including 33 prototype constituents and 16 metabolites. The major metabolic pathways included hydrolysis in phase Ⅰ metabolic reactions, as well as methylation, sulfation, and glucuronidation in phase Ⅱ metabolic reaction. ConclusionThe method comprehensively identified the chemical constituents of Painong powder both in vitro and in vivo, and may provide a reference for the study of quality control and clinical applications.
3.Mechanism of Kidney-tonifying Therapy in Treating Panvascular Disease Through "Immune-metabolic-genetic" Axis
Xuan SUN ; Jie WANG ; Zhenpeng ZHANG ; Lanchun LIU ; Yongmei LIU ; Chao LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):1-11
Pan vascular disease (PVD) is a systemic vascular disorder that has become the leading cause of death among the Chinese residents, and there is currently a lack of effective systemic treatment options. Clinical practice has found that the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) method of kidney tonification can effectively intervene in PVD and target key pathological mechanisms of PVD recognized in Western medicine. Accordingly, this paper conducts research from the following three aspects: First, it clarifies that immune dysregulation, metabolic disorders, and genetic susceptibility constitute the core pathological mechanisms of PVD in Western medicine. Typical pathological manifestations include progressive vascular endothelial injury, lipid deposition, and plaque formation, ultimately leading to multi-organ damage and dysfunction. PVD activates pathways such as the NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain-associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, triggering immune dysregulation; it also induces disorders of mitochondrial energy metabolism, water-salt metabolism, and hormonal metabolism, synergizing with genetic susceptibility factors (e.g., apolipoprotein E gene) to accelerate vascular homeostasis imbalance. Second, this study analyzes the intrinsic relationship between the TCM theory of "kidney deficiency" and the "immune-metabolic-genetic" axis, revealing the theoretical basis for kidney tonification in intervening PVD. The kidney stores essence, governs bones, and produces marrow, which is related to the generation and differentiation of immune cells. It regulates Qi transformation and governs water, overseeing material and energy metabolism. The kidney is the root of congenital essence and governs reproduction, closely related to genetic mechanisms. Third, by integrating modern clinical research, this study elaborates on the unique advantages and clinical value of kidney tonification in targeting the "immune-metabolic-genetic" axis of heart, brain, and kidney organs. Traditional kidney-tonifying formulas and their active ingredients improve immune-inflammatory responses, enhance material and energy metabolism homeostasis, and modulate epigenetic pathways through multiple pathways, targeting various pathways to intervene in PVD. This study systematically elucidates the scientific connotation of kidney tonification in treating PVD, providing theoretical support and practical guidance for integrated TCM-Western medicine approaches and contributing to innovation and improvement in diagnostic and treatment strategies for PVD.
4.Mechanisms of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Regulating Angiogenesis: A Review
Zeming ZHANG ; Lanchun LIU ; Qiyang LI ; Xuan SUN ; Ruoqi ZHANG ; Yiyao ZHANG ; Jie WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):277-286
Angiogenesis, as a core mechanism for maintaining tissue perfusion and repairing ischemic injury, plays a crucial role in ischemic diseases such as coronary heart disease and peripheral arterial disease. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), with its advantages of multi-target and synergistic regulation, provides a unique perspective for therapeutic angiogenesis. Based on this, this article intends to delve into the synergistic effects of key signaling pathways, including vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)/VEGF receptor(VEGFR), Notch, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/ protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin(PI3K/Akt/mTOR), and angiopoietin/endothelial TEK tyrosine kinase(Ang/Tie2), and elucidate the driving mechanisms of endothelial cell metabolic reprogramming and exosome-mediated intercellular communication within this process. Based on existing literature, it summarizes the microenvironment-dependent and bidirectional regulatory characteristics of natural active components of TCM(such as terpenes, tanshinones, and flavonoids) on angiogenesis. Furthermore, it systematically discusses how classical TCM formulas achieve blood vessel formation and functional maturation by protecting the neurovascular units, recruiting pericytes, and remodeling the microenvironment. Current evidence highlights the advantages of multi-target synergy and temporal regulation in TCM, but also reveals challenges such as high heterogeneity and a lack of functional evaluations and high-quality clinical trials. Future efforts should integrate multi-omics to decipher network mechanisms, optimize formula compatibility, and conduct multicenter studies to promote the development of innovative preparations. This review highlights the academic value of TCM in angiogenesis, provides an evidence base for treating ischemic diseases, and supports multidisciplinary integration and innovation.
5.Clinical efficacy of minimally invasive robot-assisted coronary artery bypass grafting for multivessel coronary artery disease
Jiahui LI ; Chenyi CUI ; Haoqi LI ; Jizhong XUAN ; Zhao LI ; Sheng WANG ; Junjie SUN ; Zhaoyun CHENG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(05):728-733
Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of robot-assisted coronary artery bypass grafting through a small incision in the left intercostal space in the treatment of multivessel coronary disease. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting through a small incision in the left intercostal space at Central China Fuwai Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 1, 2023 to October 15, 2024. Patients were divided into a robotic group and a minimally invasive group based on whether the surgery was assisted by the Da Vinci robot. Results A total of 81 patients were included, with 57 in the minimally invasive group, including 41 males and 16 females, with a median age of 65.0 (57.5, 69.5) years; and 24 in the robotic group, including 17 males and 7 females, with a median age of 61.0 (56.0, 69.0) years. There was no statistically significant difference in baseline data between the two groups (P>0.05). The robotic group had less intraoperative bleeding [300 (200, 438) mL vs. 500 (375, 600) mL, P=0.006], shorter postoperative mechanical ventilation time [15.0 (13.3, 23.5) h vs. 22.0 (15.5, 39.5) h, P=0.037], and lower incidence of postoperative pain [8 (33.3%) vs. 33 (57.9%), P=0.043]. The hospitalization cost in the robotic group was higher than that in the minimally invasive group [130491 (123298, 135691) yuan vs. 123892 (115543, 133449) yuan, P=0.023]. There was no statistical difference in postoperative laboratory indicators between the two groups (P>0.05). There was also no statistical difference in the duration of surgery, postoperative 24 h drainage volume, ICU stay time, postoperative hospital stay or incidences of perioperative compications including pleural effusion, transfusion, new-onset atrial fibrillation, acute kidney injury, non-union of incision, major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular adverse events, and reoperation between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion Compared with the minimally invasive group, the robotic group shows satisfactory efficacy and can effectively reduce postoperative pain and intraoperative bleeding, and shorten postoperative mechanical ventilation time.
6.Correlations Between Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndromes and Lipid Metabolism in 341 Children with Wilson Disease
Han WANG ; Wenming YANG ; Daiping HUA ; Lanting SUN ; Qiaoyu XUAN ; Wei DONG ; Xin YIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):140-146
ObjectiveTo study the correlations between traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes and lipid metabolism in children with Wilson disease (WD). MethodsClinical data and lipid metabolism indicators [total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), and lipoprotein a (Lpa)] were retrospectively collected from 341 children with WD. The clinical data were compared among WD children with different syndromes, and the correlations between TCM syndromes and lipid metabolism in children with WD were analyzed. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used for variable screening, and unordered multinomial Logistic regression was employed to analyze the effects of lipid metabolism indicators on TCM syndromes. ResultsThe 341 children with WD included 121 (35.5%) children with the dampness-heat accumulation syndrome, 103 (30.2%) children with the liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome, 68 children with the combined phlegm and stasis syndrome, 29 children with the spleen-kidney Yang deficiency syndrome, and 20 children with the liver qi stagnation syndrome. The liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome, combined phlegm and stasis syndrome, and spleen-kidney Yang deficiency syndrome had correlations with the levels of lipid metabolism indicators (P<0.05). Lipid metabolism abnormalities occurred in 232 (68.0%) children, including hypertriglyceridemia (108), hypercholesterolemia (23), mixed hyperlipidemia (67), lipoprotein a-hyperlipoproteinemia (12), and hypo-HDL-cholesterolemia (22). The percentages of hypertriglyceridemia and hypo-HDL-cholesterolemia varied among children with different TCM syndromes (P<0.05). Correlations existed for the liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome with TG, TC, and HDL-C, the combined phlegm and stasis syndrome with TG, the spleen-kidney Yang deficiency syndrome with TG, TC, and LDL-C, and the liver Qi stagnation syndrome with TC and LDL-C (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe TCM syndromes of children with WD are dominated by the dampness-heat accumulation syndrome and the liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome, and dyslipidemia in the children with WD is dominated by hypertriglyceridemia and mixed hyperlipidemia. There are different correlations between TCM syndromes and lipid metabolism indicators, among which TG, TC, LDL-C, and HDL-C could assist in identifying TCM syndromes in children with WD.
7.Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Sleep Deprivation-induced Acceleration of Alzheimer’s Disease Pathology
Si-Ru YAN ; Ming-Yang CAI ; Ya-Xuan SUN ; Qing HUO ; Xue-Ling DAI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2474-2485
Sleep deprivation (SD) has emerged as a significant modifiable risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), with mounting evidence demonstrating its multifaceted role in accelerating AD pathogenesis through diverse molecular, cellular, and systemic mechanisms. SD is refined within the broader spectrum of sleep-wake and circadian disruption, emphasizing that both acute total sleep loss and chronic sleep restriction destabilize the homeostatic and circadian processes governing glymphatic clearance of neurotoxic proteins. During normal sleep, concentrations of interstitial Aβ and tau fall as cerebrospinal fluid oscillations flush extracellular waste; SD abolishes this rhythm, causing overnight rises in soluble Aβ and tau species in rodent hippocampus and human CSF. Orexinergic neurons sustain arousal, and become hyperactive under SD, further delaying sleep onset and amplifying Aβ production. At the molecular level, SD disrupts Aβ homeostasis through multiple converging pathways, including enhanced production via beta-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) upregulation, coupled with impaired clearance mechanisms involving the glymphatic system dysfunction and reduced Aβ-degrading enzymes (neprilysin and insulin-degrading enzyme). Cellular and histological analyses revealed that these proteinopathies are significantly exacerbated by SD-induced neuroinflammatory cascades characterized by microglial overactivation, astrocyte reactivity, and sustained elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6) through NF‑κB signaling and NLRP3 inflammasome activation, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of neurotoxicity. The synaptic and neuronal consequences of chronic SD are particularly profound and potentially irreversible, featuring reduced expression of critical synaptic markers (PSD95, synaptophysin), impaired long-term potentiation (LTP), dendritic spine loss, and diminished neurotrophic support, especially brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) depletion, which collectively contribute to progressive cognitive decline and memory deficits. Mechanistic investigations identify three core pathways through which SD exerts its neurodegenerative effects: circadian rhythm disruption via BMAL1 suppression, orexin system hyperactivity leading to sustained wakefulness and metabolic stress, and oxidative stress accumulation through mitochondrial dysfunction and reactive oxygen species overproduction. The review critically evaluates promising therapeutic interventions including pharmacological approaches (melatonin, dual orexin receptor antagonists), metabolic strategies (ketogenic diets, and Mediterranean diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids), lifestyle modifications (targeted exercise regimens, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia), and emerging technologies (non-invasive photobiomodulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation). Current research limitations include insufficient understanding of dose-response relationships between SD duration/intensity and AD pathology progression, lack of long-term longitudinal clinical data in genetically vulnerable populations (particularly APOE ε4 carriers and those with familial AD mutations), the absence of standardized SD protocols across experimental models that accurately mimic human chronic sleep restriction patterns, and limited investigation of sex differences in SD-induced AD risk. The accumulated evidence underscores the importance of addressing sleep disturbances as part of multimodal AD prevention strategies and highlights the urgent need for clinical trials evaluating sleep-focused interventions in at-risk populations. The review proposes future directions focused on translating mechanistic insights into precision medicine approaches, emphasizing the need for biomarkers to identify SD-vulnerable individuals, chronotherapeutic strategies aligned with circadian biology, and multi-omics integration across sleep, proteostasis and immune profiles may delineate precision-medicine strategies for at-risk populations. By systematically examining these critical connections, this analysis positions sleep quality optimization as a viable strategy for AD prevention and early intervention while providing a comprehensive roadmap for future mechanistic and interventional research in this rapidly evolving field.
8.Key technologies and challenges in online adaptive radiotherapy for lung cancer.
Baiqiang DONG ; Shuohan ZHENG ; Kelly CHEN ; Xuan ZHU ; Sijuan HUANG ; Xiaobo JIANG ; Wenchao DIAO ; Hua LI ; Lecheng JIA ; Feng CHI ; Xiaoyan HUANG ; Qiwen LI ; Ming CHEN
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(13):1559-1567
Definitive treatment of lung cancer with radiotherapy is challenging, as respiratory motion and anatomical changes can increase the risk of severe off-target effects during radiotherapy. Online adaptive radiotherapy (ART) is an evolving approach that enables timely modification of a treatment plan during the interfraction of radiotherapy, in response to physiologic or anatomic variations, aiming to improve the dose distribution for precise targeting and delivery in lung cancer patients. The effectiveness of online ART depends on the seamless integration of multiple components: sufficient quality of linear accelerator-integrated imaging guidance, deformable image registration, automatic recontouring, and efficient quality assurance and workflow. This review summarizes the present status of online ART for lung cancer, including key technologies, as well as the challenges and areas of active research in this field.
Humans
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Lung Neoplasms/radiotherapy*
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Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted/methods*
9.Pain, agitation, and delirium practices in Chinese intensive care units: A national multicenter survey study.
Xiaofeng OU ; Lijie WANG ; Jie YANG ; Pan TAO ; Cunzhen WANG ; Minying CHEN ; Xuan SONG ; Zhiyong LIU ; Zhenguo ZENG ; Man HUANG ; Xiaogan JIANG ; Shusheng LI ; Erzhen CHEN ; Lixia LIU ; Xuelian LIAO ; Yan KANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(22):3031-3033
10.Verification of resveratrol ameliorating vascular endothelial damage in sepsis-associated encephalopathy through HIF-1α pathway based on network pharmacology and experiment.
Rong LI ; Yue WU ; Wen-Xuan ZHU ; Meng QIN ; Si-Yu SUN ; Li-Ya WANG ; Mei-Hui TIAN ; Ying YU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(4):1087-1097
This study aims to investigate the mechanism by which resveratrol(RES) alleviates cerebral vascular endothelial damage in sepsis-associated encephalopathy(SAE) through network pharmacology and animal experiments. By using network pharmacology, the study identified common targets and genes associated with RES and SAE and constructed a protein-protein interaction( PPI) network. Gene Ontology(GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed to pinpoint key signaling pathways, followed by molecular docking validation. In the animal experiments, a cecum ligation and puncture(CLP) method was employed to induce SAE in mice. The mice were randomly assigned to the sham group, CLP group, and medium-dose and high-dose groups of RES. The sham group underwent open surgery without CLP, and the CLP group received an intraperitoneal injection of 0. 9% sodium chloride solution after surgery. The medium-dose and high-dose groups of RES were injected intraperitoneally with 40 mg·kg-1 and 60 mg·kg~(-1) of RES after modeling, respectively, and samples were collected 12 hours later. Neurological function scores were assessed, and the wet-dry weight ratio of brain tissue was detected. Serum superoxide dismutase(SOD), catalase( CAT) activity, and malondialdehyde( MDA) content were measured by oxidative stress kit. Histopathological changes in brain tissue were examined using hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to evaluate tight cell junctions and mitochondrial ultrastructure changes in cerebral vascular endothelium. Western blot analysis was performed to detect the expression of zonula occludens1( ZO-1), occludin, claudins-5, optic atrophy 1( OPA1), mitofusin 2(Mfn2), dynamin-related protein 1(Drp1), fission 1(Fis1), and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α). Network pharmacology identified 76 intersecting targets for RES and SAE, with the top five core targets being EGFR, PTGS2, ESR1, HIF-1α, and APP. GO enrichment analysis showed that RES participated in the SAE mechanism through oxidative stress reaction. KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that RES participated in SAE therapy through HIF-1α, Rap1, and other signaling pathways. Molecular docking results showed favorable docking activity between RES and key targets such as HIF-1α. Animal experiment results demonstrated that compared to the sham group, the CLP group exhibited reduced nervous reflexes, decreased water content in brain tissue, as well as serum SOD and CAT activity, and increased MDA content. In addition, the CLP group exhibited disrupted tight junctions in cerebral vascular endothelium and abnormal mitochondrial morphology. The protein expression levels of Drp1, Fis1, and HIF-1α in brain tissue were increased, while those of ZO-1, occludin, claudin-5, Mfn2, and OPA1 were decreased. In contrast, the medium-dose and high-dose groups of RES showed improved neurological function, increased water content in brain tissue and SOD and CAT activity, and decreased MDA content. Cell morphology in brain tissue, tight junctions between endothelial cells, and mitochondrial structure were improved. The protein expressions of Drp1, Fis1, and HIF-1α were decreased, while those of ZO-1, occludin, claudin-5, Mfn2, and OPA1 were increased. This study suggested that RES could ameliorate cerebrovascular endothelial barrier function and maintain mitochondrial homeostasis by inhibiting oxidative stress after SAE damage, potentially through modulation of the HIF-1α signaling pathway.
Animals
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Mice
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Network Pharmacology
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Resveratrol/administration & dosage*
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Male
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Sepsis-Associated Encephalopathy/genetics*
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
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Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/genetics*
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Endothelium, Vascular/metabolism*
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Molecular Docking Simulation
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Protein Interaction Maps/drug effects*
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Humans
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Sepsis/complications*
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Oxidative Stress/drug effects*

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