1.Novel Structural Features of Isoflavone Synthase from Medicago truncatula Shed Light on Its Unique Enzymatic Mechanism
Chao SHI ; Zhao-Yang YE ; Fei XU ; Xiang-Ning DU ; Zhang-Xin CHEN ; Ming-Yue GU ; Jie DENG ; Wei WANG ; Liang-Yu LIU ; Mei-Ying WANG ; Xiao-Dong SU ; He-Li LIU ; Ming-Ying SHANG ; Li-Xin HUANG ; Zhen-Zhan CHANG
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(8):1204-1213,中插1-中插6
Isoflavones which mainly distributed in leguminous plants have plenty of health benefits.Isoflavone synthase(IFS)is a membrane-associated cytochrome P450 enzyme(CYP450)which carries out the unique aryl-ring migration and hydroxylation.So far,few crystal structures of plant P450s have been obtained.We determined the crystal structure of IFS from Medicago truncatula at 1.9 ? by MAD method using a selenomethionine substituted crystal and conducted molecular docking and mutagenesis study.The structure of IFS complexed with imidazole exhibits the helix Ⅰa-loop-helix Ⅰβ motif which cor-responds to helix Ⅰ of other P450s.Compared with structures of common P450s,IFS/imidazole structure contains an extra domain,i.e.,the γ-domain.The structure reveals a homodimer in which the γ-domain of one molecule interacts with the β-domain of another.The plane of heme group makes an angle of ap-proximately 40° with the helix Ⅰa-loop-helix Ⅰβ motif.Molecular docking combined with mutagenesis study suggested that Trp-128 and Asp-300 might play important roles in substrate binding and recogni-tion.Phe-301,Ser-303 and Gly-305 from the helix Ⅰa-loop-helix Ⅰβ motif may play important roles in the aryl-ring migration.These novel structural features reveal insights into the unique reaction mechanism of IFS and provide a basis for engineering IFS in leguminous crops for health purpose.
2.Emerging breakthroughs and future prospects of Claudin18.2 in targeted therapy and immuno-therapy for gastric cancer
Jiayu JIANG ; Zhen FANG ; Kexin ZHENG ; Baoshan CAI ; Yulong ZHAO ; Zhaodong LIU ; Changqing JING ; Leping LI ; Liang SHANG
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2025;24(3):343-349
Gastric cancer, a highly malignant tumor, has seen a persistent rise in global incidence in recent years. Claudin 18.2, a protein with highly specific expression in gastric cancer, has emerged as a prominent research target in therapeutic development. The overexpression of Claudin 18.2 in gastric cancer cells and its abnormal surface exposure provide novel opportunities for targeted and immunotherapeutic interventions. Therapeutic approaches targeting Claudin 18.2 have shown promising initial results in clinical trials, primarily including monoclonal antibodies and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapies. The authors systematically summarize the biological characteristics, mechanism of action, clinical research progress, and future treatment prospects and challenges of Claudin 18.2.
3.Current status and influencing factors of tuberculosis infection in health-care workers in designated tuberculosis medical institutions in Yantai City
Lili ZHEN ; Jingyu LIU ; Jing ZHOU ; Xiaoyun LAN ; Hongren WANG ; Shichao SHANG-GUAN ; Yuelei WANG
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2025;24(10):1435-1442
Objective To analyze the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection(LTBI)among relevant healthcare workers(HCWs)in designated tuberculosis medical institutions(MIs)in Yantai City,and explore its influencing factors.Methods The cluster random sampling method was adopted to select two county-and district-level desig-nated tuberculosis MIs.All HCWs underwent questionnaire survey and creation tuberculin skin test(C-TST)at the same time,and the influencing factors for LTBI were analyzed.Results A total of 215 HCWs from designated tu-berculosis MIs were included for analysis,37 were diagnosed with LTBI,with an infection rate of 17.21%(95%CI:12.42%-22.93%).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that clinicians(OR=3.19,95%CI:1.05-9.69),laboratory technician(OR=5.90,95%CI:1.21-28.77),working years≥10 years(OR=3.31,95%CI:1.39-7.90),and tuberculosis history of family members(OR=6.49,95%CI:1.01-41.46)were independent risk factors for LTBI.Conclusion The infection risk of clinicians and laboratory technicians who directly contact with tuberculosis patients or Mycobacterium tuberculosis is higher than that of other HCWs,and is related to the length of working years.It is suggested that healthcare-associated infection control measures should be streng-thened,and tuberculosis active screening should be carried out regularly for HCWs in key departments.
4.Current status and influencing factors of tuberculosis infection in health-care workers in designated tuberculosis medical institutions in Yantai City
Lili ZHEN ; Jingyu LIU ; Jing ZHOU ; Xiaoyun LAN ; Hongren WANG ; Shichao SHANG-GUAN ; Yuelei WANG
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2025;24(10):1435-1442
Objective To analyze the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection(LTBI)among relevant healthcare workers(HCWs)in designated tuberculosis medical institutions(MIs)in Yantai City,and explore its influencing factors.Methods The cluster random sampling method was adopted to select two county-and district-level desig-nated tuberculosis MIs.All HCWs underwent questionnaire survey and creation tuberculin skin test(C-TST)at the same time,and the influencing factors for LTBI were analyzed.Results A total of 215 HCWs from designated tu-berculosis MIs were included for analysis,37 were diagnosed with LTBI,with an infection rate of 17.21%(95%CI:12.42%-22.93%).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that clinicians(OR=3.19,95%CI:1.05-9.69),laboratory technician(OR=5.90,95%CI:1.21-28.77),working years≥10 years(OR=3.31,95%CI:1.39-7.90),and tuberculosis history of family members(OR=6.49,95%CI:1.01-41.46)were independent risk factors for LTBI.Conclusion The infection risk of clinicians and laboratory technicians who directly contact with tuberculosis patients or Mycobacterium tuberculosis is higher than that of other HCWs,and is related to the length of working years.It is suggested that healthcare-associated infection control measures should be streng-thened,and tuberculosis active screening should be carried out regularly for HCWs in key departments.
5.Design and realization of training device for flight crew plateau normobaric low-oxygen acclimatization
Chen WANG ; Yu-fei QIN ; Da-long GUO ; Zhen TIAN ; Ting-ting CUI ; La-mei SHANG ; Zhong-tian WANG ; Yu-bin ZHOU
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(8):18-24
Objective To design a training device of the flight crew for plateau normobaric low-oxygen acclimatization so as to enhance the flight crew's ability to adapt to the low oxygen environment after rushing into the plateau and reduce the incidence of acute plateau reaction.Methods The training device comprised a plateau environment simulation controller,a multimodal physiological acquisition system and hypoxia exercise training evaluation software.The plateau environment simulation controller was composed of an environment monitor for plateau acclimatization,two composite sensor sets,a control valve and an alarm device;the multimodal physiological acquisition system was made up of 20 groups of vital signs acquisi-tion devices,with a wearable dynamic ECG and respiration recorder,a wrist oximeter and an arm sphygmomano-meter included in each group.The hypoxia exercise training evaluation software was developed with a B/S architecture,Java language and JetBrains 2020.3.Results The training device proved to have the simulation altitude ranging from 0 to 6 000 m and facilitated simultaneous training of 20 persons for normobaric low-oxygen acclimatization,screening for hypoxia endurance,real-time monitoring of physiological parameters and assessment of training effect,with none of the trainees having acute plateau reaction.Conclusion The training device assists the flight crew for plateau normobaric low-oxygen acclimatization,and can be used for acclimatization training before plateau missions.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(8):18-24]
6.Robotic surgery at the forefront:highlights from the 97th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Gastric Cancer Association 2025
Fanghui DING ; Tao FU ; Shougen CAO ; Peng CUI ; Jun LU ; Hao CHEN ; Zhen FANG ; Leping LI ; Liang SHANG
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;34(5):1012-1017
The 97th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Gastric Cancer Association was held from March 12 to March 14,2025,in Nagoya,Japan.The conference was chaired by Professor Kazuhiro Uyama from Fujita Medical University and attracted nearly 2 000 scholars from around the world,including Japan,China,the republic of Korea,the United States,and Europe.With the theme of"Digital Innovation in Gastric Tumors,"the conference focused on the application of artificial intelligence,robotic surgery,and other innovations in the treatment of gastric cancer.It explored how high-precision and highly reproducible robotic surgical techniques are transforming traditional approaches to gastric cancer surgery,along with topics such as digital innovation,future medical policies,and strategies that herald a new era in healthcare.The meeting featured one main venue and 60 sub-venues with different themes,ultimately accepting 1 003 submissions.A total of 158 oral presentations covering 80 topics and 203 poster presentations were delivered.Among them,approximately 145 lectures were related to robotic surgery for gastric cancer,and when including poster presentations,nearly 255 topics were associated with gastric cancer robotic surgery.Additionally,the 7th edition of the Japanese Gastric Cancer Treatment Guidelines was released during the meeting.Our team had the honor of participating in this prestigious event.Drawing from our experience at both this conference and the 17th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Robotic Surgery held in Utsunomiya,Japan,from March 7 to March 8,2025,we provide a detailed report on the latest advancements in robotic surgery for gastric cancer,hoping to offer valuable insights and references for fellow surgeons both in China and abroad.
7.Effect of total secondary ginsenosides on apoptosis and energy metabolism of H9c2 cells under hypoxia based on mitochondrial biogenesis.
Zhong-Jie YUAN ; Yue XIAO ; Zhen LIU ; Ai-Qun ZHANG ; Bin LI ; Shang-Xian GAO
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(5):1255-1266
This study explores the effect of total secondary ginsenosides(TSG) on apoptosis and energy metabolism in H9c2 cells under hypoxia and its potential mechanisms. H9c2 cell viability was observed and the apoptosis rate was calculated to determine suitable intervention concentrations of TSG, antimycin A complex(AMA), and coenzyme Q10(CoQ10), along with the duration of hypoxia. H9c2 cells at the logarithmic phase were divided into a normal group, a model group, a TSG group, an AMA group, a TSG+AMA group, and a CoQ10 group. All groups, except the normal group, were treated with their respective intervention drugs and cultured under hypoxic conditions. Adenosine triphosphate(ATP) content and creatine kinase(CK) activity were measured using an ATP chemiluminescence assay kit and a CK colorimetric assay kit. Flow cytometry was used to assess apoptosis rates, and Western blot evaluated the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins, including B-cell lymphoma 2(Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax), cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease(caspase)-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9, as well as mitochondrial biogenesis-related proteins peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α(PGC-1α), estrogen-related receptor-α(ERRα), nuclear respiratory factor(NRF)-1, NRF-2, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-α(PPARα), and Na~+-K~+-ATPase. RT-PCR was employed to analyze the mRNA expression of mitochondrial biogenesis factors, including PGC-1α, ERRα, NRF-1, NRF-2, PPARα, mitochondrial transcription factor A(TFAM), mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase 1(COX1), and mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1(ND1), ND2. The selected intervention concentrations were 7.5 μg·mL~(-1) for TSG, 10 μmol·L~(-1) for AMA, and 1×10~(-4) mol·L~(-1) for CoQ10, with a hypoxia duration of 6 h. Compared with the normal group, the model group showed decreased ATP content and CK activity, increased apoptosis rates, decreased Bcl-2 expression, and increased Bax, caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 expression in H9c2 cells. Additionally, the protein and mRNA expression levels of mitochondrial biogenesis-related factors(PGC-1α, ERRα, NRF-1, NRF-2, PPARα), mRNA expression of TFAM, COX1, and ND1, ND2, and protein expression of Na~+-K~+-ATPase in mitochondrial DNA, were also reduced. In the TSG and CoQ10 groups, ATP content and CK activity increased, and apoptosis rates decreased compared with those in the model group. The TSG group showed decreased protein expression of apoptosis-related proteins Bax, caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9, increased protein and mRNA expression of mitochondrial biogenesis factors PGC-1α, ERRα, NRF-1, and PPARα, and increased NRF-2 protein expression and TFAM mRNA expression in mitochondrial DNA. Conversely, in the AMA group, ATP content and CK activity decreased, the apoptosis rate increased, Bcl-2 expression decreased, and Bax, caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 expression increased, alongside reductions in PGC-1α, ERRα, NRF-1, NRF-2, PPARα protein and mRNA expression, as well as TFAM, COX1, ND1, ND2 mRNA expression and Na~+-K~+-ATPase protein expression. Compared with the TSG group, the TSG+AMA group exhibited decreased ATP content and CK activity, increased apoptosis rates, decreased Bcl-2 expression, and increased Bax, caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 expression, along with decreased PGC-1α, ERRα, NRF-1, NRF-2, and PPARα protein and mRNA expression and TFAM, COX1, and ND1, ND2 mRNA expression. Compared with the AMA group, the TSG+AMA group showed increased CK activity, decreased apoptosis rate, increased Bcl-2 expression, and decreased Bax, caspase-8, and caspase-9 expression. Additionally, the protein and mRNA expression of PGC-1α, ERRα, NRF-1, PPARα, mRNA expression of TFAM, COX1, ND1, ND2, and Na~+-K~+-ATPase protein expression increased. In conclusion, TSG enhance ATP content and CK activity and inhibit apoptosis in H9c2 cells under hypoxia, and the mechanisms may be related to the regulation of PGC-1α, ERRα, NRF-1, NRF-2, PPARα, and TFAM expression, thus promoting mitochondrial biogenesis.
Apoptosis/drug effects*
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Ginsenosides/pharmacology*
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Energy Metabolism/drug effects*
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Mitochondria/metabolism*
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Animals
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Rats
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Cell Line
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Cell Hypoxia/drug effects*
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Organelle Biogenesis
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Adenosine Triphosphate/metabolism*
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Humans
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Cell Survival/drug effects*
8.Evaluation of the clinical value of electrophysiology of ocular surface in the diagnosis and treatment of blepharospasm in Meige syndrome
Gang LIU ; Qiangying GUO ; Jie XIANG ; Zhen XU ; Lili SHANG ; Yue ZHANG ; Xue YANG ; Meng LUO ; Qingqing ZHU ; Xianzhong LIU
Chinese Journal of Ocular Fundus Diseases 2025;41(6):428-434
Objective:To observe and assess the clinical value of electrophysiology of ocular surface in the diagnosis and treatment of blepharospasm in Meige syndrome (MS).Methods:A single-center, cross-sectional study. A total of 413 patients diagnosed with MS and undergoing surgical treatment at the Henan Provincial Meige Syndrome Diagnosis and Treatment Center of the Henan Provincial Third People′s Hospital from May 2022 to December 2023 were included as the MS group. A total of 110 age- and gender-matched spouses of patients and community volunteers were selected as the control group. The bioelectricity detection program of the electrooculogram was used; the frequency bandwidth was set at 0.3 to 300.0 Hz. Surface electrodes were employed to record the surface electrophysiological manifestations of the corrugator supercilii muscle and the lower orbicularis oculi muscle, as well as the conditions and temporal characteristics of spasm waves. Based on the amplitude and waveform of the electrophysiology of ocular surface signals, it can be classified into 0-4 grades. The blepharospasm was divided into conditionally induced type, spastic type, reverse spastic type, and oro-ocular elicited type. All patients were treated with neural circuit occlusion, and the postoperative follow-up time was 4.1 (0.5-19.0) months. The distribution of different grades of electrophysiology of ocular surface in the MS and control group at baseline were observed, as well as within the MS group at the last follow-up visit. Additionally, the blepharospasm grades in the MS group were also assessed. The comparison of the distribution of the number of eyes with different grades of electrophysiology of ocular surface between groups was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results:At baseline, in the MS group, the number of cases with corrugator supercilii muscle amplitudes and morphologies graded from 0 to 4 were as follows: 15 (3.60%, 15/413) for grade 0, 95 (23.00%, 95/413) for grade 1, 142 (34.38%, 142/413) for grade 2, 127 (30.75%, 127/413) for grade 3, and 34 (8.24%, 34/413) for grade 4. In the control group, the corresponding numbers of individuals were 82 (74.54%, 82/110) for grade 0, 24 (21.82%, 24/110) for grade 1, 4 (3.64%, 4/110) for grade 2, 0 (0.00%, 0/110) for grade 3, and 0 (0.00%, 0/110) for grade 4. For the orbicularis oculi muscle, there were 35 cases (8.47%) in grade 0, 124 cases (30.03%) in grade 1, 150 cases (36.32%) in grade 2, 90 cases (21.79%) in grade 3, and 14 cases (3.39%) in grade 4 in the MS group. In the control group, there were 86 cases (78.18%) in grade 0, 24 cases (21.82%) in grade 1, and 0 cases in grades 2, 3, and 4. There were statistically significant differences in the distribution of the number of eyes with different electrophysiology of ocular surface grading of the corrugator supercilii muscle and the orbicularis oculi muscle between the MS and control group ( Z=-14.51, -13.86; P<0.001). Meanwhile, there were statistically significant differences in the distribution of the number of eyes with different electrophysiology of ocular surface grading of the corrugator supercilii muscle and the orbicularis oculi muscle between preoperation and at the last follow-up in the MS group ( Z=-16.52, -17.36; P<0.001). In the MS group, there were 61 (14.77%, 61/413), 306 (74.09%, 306/413), 27 (6.54%, 27/413) and 19 (4.60%, 19/413) cases of blepharospasm conditionally induced type, spasm type, reverse spasm type and oro-ocular elicited type, respectively. Conclusion:The electrophysiology of the ocular surface can objectively reflect the activity of periocular neuromuscular.
9.Chinese Medicine for Treatment of COVID-19: A Review of Potential Pharmacological Components and Mechanisms.
Qian-Qian XU ; Dong-Dong YU ; Xiao-Dan FAN ; He-Rong CUI ; Qian-Qian DAI ; Xiao-Ying ZHONG ; Xin-Yi ZHANG ; Chen ZHAO ; Liang-Zhen YOU ; Hong-Cai SHANG
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(1):83-95
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute infectious respiratory disease that has been prevalent since December 2019. Chinese medicine (CM) has demonstrated its unique advantages in the fight against COVID-19 in the areas of disease prevention, improvement of clinical symptoms, and control of disease progression. This review summarized the relevant material components of CM in the treatment of COVID-19 by searching the relevant literature and reports on CM in the treatment of COVID-19 and combining with the physiological and pathological characteristics of the novel coronavirus. On the basis of sorting out experimental methods in vivo and in vitro, the mechanism of herb action was further clarified in terms of inhibiting virus invasion and replication and improving related complications. The aim of the article is to explore the strengths and characteristics of CM in the treatment of COVID-19, and to provide a basis for the research and scientific, standardized treatment of COVID-19 with CM.
Humans
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
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COVID-19 Drug Treatment
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SARS-CoV-2/drug effects*
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COVID-19/therapy*
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods*
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Antiviral Agents/pharmacology*
;
Animals
10.Effect of Kuanxiong Aerosol on Perioperative Coronary Microcirculation in Patients with Unstable Angina Undergoing Elective PCI: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.
Zi-Hao LIU ; Wen-Long XING ; Hong-Xu LIU ; Ju-Ju SHANG ; Ai-Yong LI ; Qi ZHOU ; Zhen-Min ZHANG ; Zhi-Bao LI ; Ke-Ji CHEN
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(3):206-214
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the immediate effect of Kuanxiong Aerosol (KXA) on perioperative coronary microcirculation in patients with unstable angina (UA) suffering from elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
METHODS:
From February 2021 to July 2023, UA inpatients who underwent PCI alone in the left anterior descending (LAD) branch were included. Random numbers were generated to divide patients into the trial group and the control group at a ratio of 1:1. The index of coronary microcirculation resistance (IMR) was measured before PCI, and the trial group was given two sprays of KXA, while the control group was not given. IMR was measured again after PCI, cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and creatine kinase isoenzyme-MB (CK-MB) were detected before and 24 h after surgery, and major cardiovascular adverse events (MACEs) were recorded for 30 days. The data statistics and analysis personnel were blinded.
RESULTS:
Totally 859 patients were screened, and 62 of them were involved into this study. Finally, 1 patient in the trial group failed to complete the post-PCI IMR and was excluded, 30 patients were included for data analysis, while 31 patients in the control group were enrolled in data analysis. There was no significant difference in baseline data (age, gender, risk factors, previous history, biochemical index, and drug therapy, etc.) between the two groups. In addition, differences in IMR, cTnI and CK-MB were not statistically significant between the two groups before surgery. After PCI, the IMR level of the trial group was significantly lower than that of the control group (19.56 ± 14.37 vs. 27.15 ± 15.03, P=0.048). Besides, the incidence of perioperative myocardial injury (PMI) was lower in the trial group, but the difference was not statistically significant (6.67% vs. 16.13%, P=0.425). No MACEs were reported in either group.
CONCLUSIONS
KXA has the potential of improving coronary microvascular dysfunction. This study provides reference for the application of KXA in UA patients undergoing elective PCI. (Registration No. ChiCTR2300069831).
Humans
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Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
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Male
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Microcirculation/drug effects*
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Female
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Angina, Unstable/physiopathology*
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Pilot Projects
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Middle Aged
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Aged
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
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Aerosols
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Troponin I/blood*
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Coronary Circulation/drug effects*
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Elective Surgical Procedures

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