1.Analysis of factors influencing the achievement of target vancomycin plasma concentration and construction of a predictive model in patients from high-altitude regions: a single-center retrospective study
Ya’e CHANG ; NI ZHAO ; Zhilan HUAN ; Guiqin XU ; Xue WU ; Yafeng WANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):198-203
OBJECTIVE To analyze the influencing factors for achieving target plasma drug concentration (trough) (abbreviated as “PDC”) of vancomycin in patients from high-altitude regions and establish a predictive model for PDC using single- center data, providing references for rational clinical drug use. METHODS Inpatients with vancomycin (1 g, q12 h) administered intravenously in our hospital from January 2021 to June 2024 were retrospectively included. Demographic data, liver and kidney function and hematological indexes were collected. Spearman correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between vancomycin PDC and each detection index. Univariate analysis was used to evaluate the differences of each index in patients with different PDC, and the effects of different gender, body mass index, age and underlying diseases (hypertension/diabetes) on vancomycin PDC. Based on the results of correlation analysis and univariate analysis, multiple linear stepwise regression analysis was used to obtain the independent predictors of vancomycin PDC and construct the prediction model. RESULTS A total of 141 patients were included, with an overall attainment rate of 46.81% for the target PDC of vancomycin. Correlation analysis showed that the vancomycin PDC was positively correlated with age, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid (UA), serum creatinine (CRE) and β2- microglobulin (β2-MG), and negatively correlated with height, weight, creatinine clearance rate (CCR), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), alanine transaminase (ALT), hemoglobin (HGB), white blood cell count and neutrophils (P<0.05). There were significant differences in age, CRE and other 14 indexes among different PDC groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Age and underlying diseases had significant effects on vancomycin PDC (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CCR, direct bilirubin (DBil), β2-MG, UA, HGB and height (standardized coefficients were -0.371, 0.367, 0.169, 0.232, -0.140, -0.132; P<0.05) were independent predictors of vancomycin PDC. The F value of the regression equation was 34.858 (P<0.05), the R2 was 0.610, and the adjusted R2 was 0.592. CONCLUSIONS The vancomycin PDC of patients in high-altitude regions is affected by multiple factors such as renal function, liver function and hematological indexes. CCR, HGB and height could be used to predict vancomycin PDC negatively, while DBil, β2-MG and UA could be used to predict vancomycin PDC positively. The variables of the established prediction model could explain 59.2% of the variation of vancomycin PDC.
2.Fibroblast Growth Factors in Parkinson’s Disease: Multi-target Neuroprotective Mechanisms Involving Neuroinflammation, Cellular Stress, and Ferroptosis
Hui WANG ; Zi-Gui ZHOU ; Teng-Teng HAN ; Chang-Zhi YANG ; Xue-Wen TIAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):855-874
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the selective loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta and the pathological accumulation ofα‑synuclein. Although extensive progress has been made in elucidating its pathogenesis, current therapeutic approaches remain largely symptomatic, and effective disease-modifying treatments are still unavailable. Increasing evidence indicates that PD is driven by the interaction of multiple pathological processes, including neuroinflammation, iron homeostasis dysregulation and ferroptosis, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and impaired protein homeostasis, which together contribute to neuronal vulnerability and degeneration. Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) comprise a family of 22 ligands that play important roles in neural development, stress responses, metabolic regulation, and the maintenance of nervous system homeostasis. Recent studies have shown that several FGF family members, such as FGF1, FGF2, FGF9, and FGF21, exert neuroprotective effects in cellular and animal models of PD. These effects include the regulation of inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, iron homeostasis, cellular stress adaptation, and neuronal survival. Compared with therapeutic strategies targeting a single pathogenic pathway, FGFs appear to influence multiple disease-related processes, suggesting their potential relevance to the complex pathophysiology of PD. Experimental evidence indicates that altered FGF signaling may contribute to dopaminergic neuron dysfunction through the coordinated regulation of several interconnected mechanisms. FGFs have been reported to modulate neuroinflammation by affecting the activation of microglia and astrocytes, thereby influencing the inflammatory environment in the central nervous system. In addition, FGFs are involved in the regulation of iron homeostasis and ferroptosis, partly through antioxidant signaling pathways associated with NRF2, SLC7A11, and GPX4. Moreover, FGFs can alleviate ER stress and mitochondrial dysfunction by activating intracellular signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT, AMPK-PGC-1α, as well as SIRT1-dependent programs, which support cellular energy metabolism and redox balance. Recent advances in single-cell and spatial transcriptomic studies further suggest that FGF signaling is not limited to neuron-intrinsic mechanisms but also involves interactions among different glial cell types. Altered FGF ligand-receptor communication between astrocytes and oligodendrocytes has been observed in PD models and is associated with increased susceptibility of dopaminergic neurons to oxidative stress and ferroptosis. These findings indicate that the biological effects of FGFs are influenced by cell type and disease stage and may vary under different pathological conditions. In this review, we summarize recent progress in understanding the roles of FGF family members in PD, with a focus on their involvement in iron homeostasis dysregulation and ferroptosis, neuroinflammation, cellular stress responses, and neuronal protection and regeneration. By integrating current evidence, this review aims to provide a clearer understanding of how FGFs participate in PD pathogenesis and to offer a theoretical basis for future studies exploring their potential value in disease-modifying therapeutic strategies.
3.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.
4.The Dual Roles of ERK Signaling in Parkinson’s Disease: From Neurotoxicity to Neuroprotection
Chang-Zhi YANG ; Hui WANG ; Min YAN ; Shuai WEI ; Xue-Wen TIAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(9):2316-2333
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta and abnormal accumulation of α‑synuclein. Its pathogenesis involves multiple interconnected processes, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, neuroinflammation, and impaired protein homeostasis. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), a major component of the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling network, plays an important role in neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, stress responses, and cell death. However, accumulating evidence indicates that ERK signaling in PD is not unidirectional, as both insufficient activity and sustained overactivation have been associated with neuronal dysfunction and disease progression. In this review, we systematically summarize the evidence for the pathological and protective roles of ERK signaling in PD. Insufficient ERK activity may impair neurotrophic support, synaptic plasticity, mitochondrial homeostasis, and neuronal adaptation to stress, thereby increasing the vulnerability of dopaminergic neurons. In contrast, persistent and excessive ERK activation may promote neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, autophagy-lysosomal impairment, and abnormal α-synuclein accumulation. Conversely, moderate and transient ERK activation induced by neurotrophic factors, bioactive compounds, or exercise may enhance neuronal survival, antioxidant defense, synaptic plasticity, and functional recovery. These apparently contradictory findings suggest that ERK activation itself cannot be simply classified as either neuroprotective or neurotoxic. Based on the available evidence, we propose the concept of an “ERK activity window” to explain the context-dependent effects of ERK signaling in PD. This hypothesis suggests that ERK activity needs to remain within an appropriate dynamic range to maintain neuronal homeostasis and adaptive responses. ERK activity below this range may weaken neurotrophic support and stress resistance, whereas prolonged and high-intensity activation may exceed the adaptive capacity of neurons and glial cells, thereby promoting inflammatory and degenerative processes. Importantly, this functional window should not be regarded as a fixed threshold. Its biological effects are likely determined by the intensity and duration of activation, cell type, subcellular localization, upstream stimuli, interaction with other signaling pathways, and disease stage. This framework may therefore help reconcile the apparently inconsistent findings among different PD models and experimental conditions. From a therapeutic perspective, these findings indicate that ERK should not necessarily be considered a target for simple activation or inhibition. Instead, restoring ERK signaling toward an appropriate functional state may represent a more rational strategy. Exercise is of particular interest because it can simultaneously influence neurotrophic signaling, oxidative stress, inflammation, synaptic plasticity, and ERK activity, potentially promoting adaptive remodeling of ERK signaling according to pathological conditions. Nevertheless, current evidence is predominantly derived from cellular and animal studies, and the dynamic, cell-specific, and spatial characteristics of ERK signaling remain insufficiently defined. Blood-brain barrier penetration, long-term safety, preservation of physiological ERK functions, and the lack of reliable biomarkers for monitoring brain ERK activity also limit clinical translation. Importantly, the “ERK activity window” remains a theoretical framework, and direct clinical evidence that ERK modulation can alter the progression of human PD is currently lacking. Future studies should therefore integrate longitudinal analysis, cell-specific and spatial approaches, and clinical biomarker validation to determine whether precise regulation of ERK signaling can provide a viable strategy for disease-modifying intervention in PD.
5.Mechanistic Study on IRF7-mediated Regulation of Learning and Memory Function by Aerobic Exercise in Aged Mice
Min-Yan ZHENG ; Xiao-Han HUANG ; Chang-Ling WEI ; Yuan-Ting ZHANG ; Yu JIN ; Xue LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(9):2449-2461
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which aerobic exercise improves hippocampal neuroinflammation and learning and memory ability in brain-aged mice via interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7). MethodsA total of 60 male specific pathogen-free (SPF) C57BL/6J mice were enrolled in the experiment, including 30 young mice (2 months old) and 30 naturally aging mice (12 months old). Young mice and old mice were respectively randomly assigned to four groups: young control group (group C, n=15), young exercise group (group CE, n=15), and aging control group (group A, n=15), aging exercise group (group AE, n=15). Mice in the exercise groups received an 8-week continuous treadmill aerobic exercise intervention, while control mice were kept under routine feeding without exercise intervention. After the intervention, Barnes maze and Y-maze behavioral tests were performed to comprehensively assess the learning and memory abilities of each group of mice. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructural morphological changes of hippocampal synapses. Western blot assay was utilized to detect the protein expression and phosphorylation levels of Janus kinase 1 (JAK1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), as well as the expression of postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95). Immunofluorescence staining was applied to quantify the fluorescence intensity of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (IBA1) in hippocampal tissues. The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines including interferon-α (IFN-α), interferon-β (IFN-β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to detect the mRNA expression level of IRF7, and DNA methylation assay was further conducted to analyze the methylation level of the IRF7 gene in mouse hippocampus. ResultsAt the molecular level, compared with group C, the protein expression levels of JAK1, STAT1, p‑JAK1, and p‑STAT1 in group A were significantly increased (P<0.05), whereas PSD95 expression was decreased (P<0.05). ELISA assays showed that the levels of IFN‑α, IFN‑β, TNF‑α, and IL‑1β were significantly elevated in group A (P<0.001). RT‑PCR analysis revealed that, compared with group C, the mRNA expression of IRF7 in group A was markedly upregulated (P<0.000 1), while the CpG methylation rate of the IRF7 promoter was significantly reduced (P<0.05). In contrast, all the above parameters in the AE group showed improvements relative to those in group A. Immunofluorescence staining indicated positive IBA1 expression in the brain tissues of group A mice. Exercise intervention reversed these abnormal changes. ConclusionIn aged mice, aerobic exercise induces hypermethylation of the IRF7 promoter region, suppresses IRF7 expression and activation of the downstream IFN‑I/JAK1/STAT1 signaling pathway, accompanied by alleviated neuroinflammation, improved learning and memory, and ameliorated brain aging-related phenotypes.
6.Visual analysis of international research hotspots and trends of nursing ethical decision-making based on Web of Science
Kaili FAN ; Yixi HUANG ; Jingwen ZHANG ; Haixia REN ; Xue LI ; Yuran CHANG ; Huiyun YANG
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(8):1113-1120
ObjectiveTo analyze the research hotpots and development trends of international nursing ethical decision-making in the past 10 years by bibliometric methods. MethodsLiterature related to nursing ethical decision-making published in the Web of Science core collection database from 2014 to 2023 was retrieved. VOSviewer 1.6.18 software was utilized to visually present and analyze data regarding the number of publications, journal sources, countries of origin, author information, research institutions, key terms, co-cited references, and others. ResultsA total of 149 articles were included, involving 85 source journals, of which Nursing Ethics and BMC Medical Ethics were the most prolific. The number of publications on nursing ethical decision-making showed an overall upward trend, with the United States leading other countries in the number of publications. These publications involved 567 authors from 302 research institutions, and the degree of inter-institutional collaboration was relatively low. Keyword clustering, timeline overlay, and density analysis revealed that current research hotspots and trends included the ethical issues and decision-making in clinical nursing practice, the ethical decision-making level and competence of university nursing undergraduates, the ethical decision-making of nursing managers, and ethical decision-making dilemmas encountered by nursing staff during public health emergencies. ConclusionResearch on nursing ethical decision-making is gradually deepening but remains fragmented, lacking sustainability and collaboration. The ethical decision-making levels and competencies of university nursing students, as well as the field of ethical decision-making among nursing managers, may emerge as novel research hotspots in the future. Henceforth, it is necessary to strengthen in-depth exchanges among authors and institutions, pay close attention to international research frontiers, and enhance both the depth and breadth of research.
7.Molecular biological research and molecular homologous modeling of Bw.03 subgroup
Li WANG ; Yongkui KONG ; Huifang JIN ; Xin LIU ; Ying XIE ; Xue LIU ; Yanli CHANG ; Yafang WANG ; Shumiao YANG ; Di ZHU ; Qiankun YANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(1):112-115
[Objective] To study the molecular biological mechanism for a case of ABO blood group B subtype, and perform three-dimensional modeling of the mutant enzyme. [Methods] The ABO phenotype was identified by the tube method and microcolumn gel method; the ABO gene of the proband was detected by sequence-specific primer polymerase chain reaction (PCR-SSP), and the exon 6 and 7 of the ABO gene were sequenced and analyzed. Homologous modeling of Bw.03 glycosyltransferase (GT) was carried out by Modeller and analyzed by PyMOL2.5.0 software. [Results] The weakening B antigen was detected in the proband sample by forward typing, and anti-B antibody was detected by reverse typing. PCR-SSP detection showed B, O gene, and the sequencing results showed c.721 C>T mutation in exon 7 of the B gene, resulting in p. Arg 241 Trp. Compared with the wild type, the structure of Bw.03GT was partially changed, and the intermolecular force analysis showed that the original three hydrogen bonds at 241 position disappeared. [Conclusion] Blood group molecular biology examination is helpful for the accurate identification of ambiguous blood group. Homologous modeling more intuitively shows the key site for the weakening of Bw.03 GT activity. The intermolecular force analysis can explain the root cause of enzyme activity weakening.
8.Outcome of endovascular aortic repair under digital subtraction angiography in the treatment of Stanford type B aortic dissection
Jian-qiang WU ; Zheng WANG ; Zhi WEN ; Ming-wu TIAN ; Jing LYU ; Chang-xue WU
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(1):28-32
Objective To investigate the outcome of endovascular aortic repair under digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in the treatment of Stanford type B aortic dissection (TBAD). Methods A total of 104 TBAD patients admitted to our hospital from October 2019 to October 2022 were selected,of which 52 patients treated with best medication treat (BMT) were included into the BMT group,and 52 patients who underwent endovascular aortic repair under DSA on the basis of BMT were included into the combination group. The acute physiological and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ) score,serum inflammatory indicators,liver and kidney function indicators,and coagulation function indicators before and after treatment,and hospital stay were compared between the two groups. Results The APACHE Ⅱ score,liver and kidney function indicators and inflammatory factors after treatment in the combination group were lower than those before treatment and in the BMT group (P<0.05). The combination group had more significant changes of coagulation function indicators after treatment than those before treatment and in the BMT group (P<0.05). The hospital stay of the combination group was shorter than that of the BMT group (P<0.05). Conclusion Endovascular aortic repair under DSA for TBAD can reduce inflammatory response,improve liver and kidney functions and coagulation function,and shorten the hospital stay,which has a better therapeutic effect than conservative drug treatment.
9.Investigation on the current nursing practice status of prone position ventilation in patients with moderate to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome among intensive care unit nurses in Shandong province
Lixia CHANG ; Jicheng ZHANG ; Min DING ; Fengzhi CHEN ; Yan CHEN ; Beibei LIU ; Li CHEN ; Xue BAI
Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine in Intensive and Critical Care 2025;32(1):67-72
Objective To understand the nursing practice of prone position ventilation for patients with moderate to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS)in intensive care unit(ICU)in Shandong province,so as to provide basis for standardizing the nursing practice process of prone position ventilation and carrying out training for hospitals.Methods A self-made questionnaire was used,and convenience sampling was adopted.From September 15th to November 5th,2023,ICU nurses were selected from various hospital levels in Shandong province to investigate the obstructive factors of prone ventilation implementation,the weak links in nursing practice and status,and the occurrence of complications.Results A total of 1 188 questionnaires were collected,of which 991 were valid.92.8%(920/991)of nurses had performed prone position ventilation.The biggest obstacle to the implementation of prone position ventilation was the complexity of patient treatments and multiple devices involved[74.6%(686/920)].Regarding the status of training,90.5%(897/991)of nurses had received training on prone position ventilation and 77.0%(763/991)of nurses felt that training was needed.As for pre-operation assessment,more than 80.0%of nurses evaluated patients'vital signs,airway and secretions and so on,among which the evaluation awareness of analgesia was the worst[81.6%(751/920)].As for the main points of implementation,only 14.0%(129/920)of nurses chose the opposite side of the most important pipeline as the turning direction;48.6%(447/920)of nurses chose the anti-Trendelenburg position;36.3%(334/920)of nurses chose to ventilate≥12 hours.Facial edema[81.7%(752/920)],skin pressure injury[78.9%(726/920)]and eye complication[75.8%(697/920)]were the top 3 most frequent complications.Conclusions ICU nurses'prone position ventilation practices were generally line with the nursing team standard for prone position of adult mechanically ventilated patients and the best evidence recommendation,and needs to be further standardized in aspects of turning direction,position management,ventilation duration,and enteral nutrition management.It is recommended that nursing managers at all levels of hospitals further improve the quality of nursing practice of prone position ventilation according to relevant evidence-based evidence and the actual situation of hospitals.
10.Sini Powder Alleviates Stress Response and Suppresses Hepatocellular Carcinoma Development by Restoring Gut Microbiota.
Si MEI ; Zhe DENG ; Fan-Ying MENG ; Qian-Qian GUO ; He-Yun TAO ; Lin ZHANG ; Chang XI ; Qing ZHOU ; Xue-Fei TIAN
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(9):802-811
OBJECTIVES:
To explore the underlying pharmacological mechanisms and its potential effects of Chinese medicine herbal formula Sini Powder (SNP) on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
METHODS:
The active components of SNP and their in vivo distribution were identified using ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Construction of component-target-disease networks, protein-protein interaction network, Gene Ontology function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis, and molecular docking were employed to analyze the active components and anti-HCC mechanisms of SNP. Cell viability assay and wound healing assay were utilized to confirm the effect of SNP-containing serum (2.5%, 5.0%, 10%, 20%, and 40%), isoprenaline or propranolol (both 10, 100, and 1,000 µ mol/L) on proliferation and migration of HepG 2 or Huh7 cells. Meanwhile, the effect of isoprenaline or propranolol on the β 2 adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) mRNA expression on HepG2 cells were measured by real-time quantitative reverse transcription (RT-qPCR). Mice with subcutaneous tumors were either subjected to chronic restraint stress (CRS) followed by SNP administration (364 mg/mL) or directly treated with SNP (364 mg/mL). These two parallel experiments were performed to validate the effects of SNP on stress responses. Stress-related proteins and hormones were quantified using RT-qPCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and immunohistochemistry. Metagenomic sequencing was performed to confirm the influence of SNP on the gut microbiota in the tumor-bearing CRS mice.
RESULTS:
The distribution of the 12 active components of SNP was confirmed in various tissues and feces. Network pharmacology analysis confirmed the anti-HCC effects of the 5 active components. The potential anti-HCC mechanisms of SNP may involve the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase Src (SRC) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathways. SNP-containing serum inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 and Huh7 cells at concentrations of 2.5% and 5.0%, respectively, after 24 h of treatment. Furthermore, SNP suppressed tumor progression in tumor-bearing mice exposed to CRS. SNP treatment also downregulated the expressions of stress-related proteins and pro-inflammatory cytokines, primarily by modulating the gut microbiota. Specifically, the abundance of Alistipes and Prevotella, which belong to the phylum Bacteroidetes, increased in the SNP-treated group, whereas Lachnospira, in the phylum Firmicutes, decreased.
CONCLUSION
SNP can combat HCC by alleviating stress responses through the regulation of gut microbiota.
Animals
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Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects*
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Liver Neoplasms/microbiology*
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Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/microbiology*
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Humans
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
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Powders
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Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
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Mice
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Molecular Docking Simulation
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Cell Line, Tumor
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Hep G2 Cells
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Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2/genetics*
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Stress, Physiological/drug effects*
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Cell Movement/drug effects*
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Male
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Protein Interaction Maps/drug effects*
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Cell Survival/drug effects*
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Proto-Oncogene Mas


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