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Zhao M, Xiang T, Dong Z, Liu G, Wang P, Qi X, Hao Q, Han N, Liu Z, Li S, Yin J, Zhai J. Shenqu xiaoshi oral solution enhances digestive function and stabilizes the gastrointestinal microbiota of juvenile rats with infantile anorexia. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117112. [PMID: 37739107 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Massa Medicata Fermentata ("Shenqu") has long been applied in the treatment of indigestion in China; in fact, it is the active ingredient in the medicine Shenqu xiaoshi oral solution (SQXSOS). Based on robust clinical evidence, SQXSOS has shown efficacy in treating infantile anorexia (IFA). AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the underlying mechanisms by which SQXSOS treats IFA. MATERIAL AND METHODS The pharmacodynamic efficacy of SQXSOS was validated through a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced IFA model of juvenile rats, which share physiological similarities to two-year-old humans. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-TOF MS) was utilized to analyze the blood-dissolved components of SQXSOS in rats. After identification of the blood-dissolved components, the key components and target genes were predicted through network pharmacology analysis. To further validate the predicted key targets of the blood-dissolved components, RT-PCR and Western blotting were employed to measure the changes in their concentrations. Meanwhile, the efficacy of SQXSOS on the structure of gastrointestinal microbiota (GM) in IFA rats was investigated. RESULTS SQXSOS, when administered to the IFA rats at a dosage equivalent to its clinical dose in humans (3.78 mL/kg/day), induced a significant increase in the gastric emptying rate (+1.9-fold) and small intestine advancement rate (+0.5-fold) compared to the IFA rats. Additionally, SQXSOS reversed the pathological changes observed in the serum levels of digestive functioning biochemicals (-32.4%~+250% compared to the model group, p < 0.05). A total of 40 blood-dissolved components were identified by UHPLC-TOF MS. Berberine, oleanolic acid, ganolucidic acid A, slicyluric acid, and glycyrrhetinic acid were identified as the key components of SQXSOS, while AKT1, STAT3, TP53, JUN, and MAPK1 were identified as the key targets enabling the therapeutic efficacy of SQXSOS in treating IFA. In a target validation study, the mRNA transcript levels of the abovementioned target genes were found to be significantly higher in the gastric antrum of IFA rats. However, SQXSOS administration (3.78 and 7.56 mL/kg/day) reduced the elevated mRNA transcript levels of the abovementioned target genes (41.1-77.3% compared to model group, p < 0.05). GM analysis revealed a significant increase in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio (F/B ratio, +214.2%) in the IFA fecal samples compared to normal rats, but the high dosage of SQXSOS induced a marked decrease in the F/B ratio (-44.1%) compared to IFA rats. Furthermore, the therapeutic efficacy of SQXSOS against IFA might be attributed to the increase in Muribaculaceae abundance and the decrease in Prevotellaceae_UCG_003 abundance. CONCLUSION Mechanistic investigations indicated that the efficacy of SQXSOS in treating IFA could be manifested by regulating the transcription and expression levels of AKT1, MAPK1, STAT3, and TP53 genes in the gastric antrum as well as modulating the abundance of Muribaculaceae and Prevotellaceae_UCG_003 family. Furthermore, there are still some limitations: the contents of the key biochemicals remained to be determined, similar STAT3 transcription levels were observed in both normal rats and IFA rats, and it is crucial to further validate the potential target GM when transitioning from animal populations to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhao
- School of Traditional Chinese Material, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
| | - Ting Xiang
- Jiangsu Longfengtang Traditional Chinese Medicine Co. Ltd, Yangtze River Pharmaceutical Group, China.
| | - Zhikui Dong
- Beijing Haiyan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Yangtze River Pharmaceutical Group, China.
| | - Guorui Liu
- Jiangsu Longfengtang Traditional Chinese Medicine Co. Ltd, Yangtze River Pharmaceutical Group, China.
| | - Pengran Wang
- Jiangsu Longfengtang Traditional Chinese Medicine Co. Ltd, Yangtze River Pharmaceutical Group, China.
| | - Xiaoxu Qi
- Jiangsu Longfengtang Traditional Chinese Medicine Co. Ltd, Yangtze River Pharmaceutical Group, China.
| | - Qingqing Hao
- School of Traditional Chinese Material, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
| | - Na Han
- School of Traditional Chinese Material, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
| | - Zhihui Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Material, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
| | - Sikai Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Material, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
| | - Jun Yin
- School of Traditional Chinese Material, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
| | - Jianxiu Zhai
- School of Traditional Chinese Material, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
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Cui M, Cheng L, Zhou Z, Zhu Z, Liu Y, Li C, Liao B, Fan M, Duan B. Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and safety concerns of hawthorn (Crataegus genus): A comprehensive review. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117229. [PMID: 37788786 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The genus Crataegus (hawthorn), a member of the Rosaceae family, encompasses several species with broad geographical distribution across the Northern Hemisphere, including Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Hawthorn is recognized as an edible medicinal plant with applications related to strengthening the digestive system, promoting blood circulation, and resolving blood stasis. AIM OF THE REVIEW This study critically summarized the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties to provide a theoretical basis for further studies on hawthorn and its applications in medicine and food. MATERIALS AND METHODS The available information on hawthorn was gathered from scientific databases (including Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Baidu Scholar, CNKI, online ethnobotanical databases, and ethnobotanical monographs, and considered data from 1952 to 2023). Information about traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and safety concerns of the collected data is comprehensively summarized in this paper. RESULTS The literature review revealed that hawthorn includes more than 1000 species primarily distributed in the northern temperate zone. Traditional uses of hawthorn have lasted for millennia in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Within the past decade, 337 chemical compounds, including flavonoids, lignans, fatty acids and organic acids, monoterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids, terpenoids and steroids, have been identified from hawthorn. Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed numerous bioactivities, such as cardiovascular system influence, antitumor activity, hepatoprotective activity, antimicrobial properties, immunomodulatory functions, and anti-inflammatory activities. Additionally, evaluations have indicated that hawthorn lacks toxicity. CONCLUSIONS Based on its traditional uses, chemical composition, and pharmacological studies, hawthorn has significant potential as a medicinal and edible plant with a diverse range of pharmacological activities. Traditional uses of the hawthorn include the treatment of indigestion, dysmenorrhea, and osteoporosis. However, modern pharmacological research primarily focuses on its cardiovascular and cerebrovascular system effects, antitumor effects, and liver protection properties. Currently, there is a lack of correlative research involving its traditional uses and pharmacological activities. Moreover, phytochemical and pharmacological research has yet to focus on many types of hawthorn with traditional applications. Therefore, it is imperative to research the genus Crataegus extensively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Cui
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Dali University, Dali, 671000, China
| | - Lei Cheng
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Dali University, Dali, 671000, China
| | - Zhongyu Zhou
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Dali University, Dali, 671000, China; Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, China
| | - Zemei Zhu
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Dali University, Dali, 671000, China
| | - Yinglin Liu
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Dali University, Dali, 671000, China
| | - Chaohai Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Dali University, Dali, 671000, China
| | - Binbin Liao
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Dali University, Dali, 671000, China
| | - Min Fan
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Dali University, Dali, 671000, China.
| | - Baozhong Duan
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Dali University, Dali, 671000, China.
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Bi Y, Lv C, Zhu J, Zhou Q, Xu X, Yang S, Shi D, Zhou Q, Dai Y. Effects of Hawthorn Flavonoids on Intestinal Microbial Community and Metabolic Phenotype in Obese Rats. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2024:e2300514. [PMID: 38217312 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Obesity (OB) is a prevalent metabolic disorder. With the advancement of the economy, the prevention and treatment of obesity is a big problem for the global community. The methods to lose weight include exercise, diet, medicine, and surgery. Compared with other methods, diet regulation is safer and more effective. Hawthorn fruit has the effect of reducing weight, but the mechanism of effectiveness are not clear. In this study, obesity model rats are used to conduct scientific pharmacological research on hawthorn flavonoids. Hawthorn flavonoids can effectively improve the body weight, lipid accumulation, and lipid levels of obese rats. The contents of the colon of rats are analyzed using 16S rDNA sequencing technology. The intestinal microflora in obese rats changed significantly after flavonoids treatment, and they tended to be the control group. Based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, serum metabolomics showed that the metabolites in the serum changed significantly, after hawthorn flavonoids treatment. Hawthorn flavonoids are especially involved in the biological processes of grade bile acid biosynthesis, histidine metabolism, and lipid metabolism. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the disorder of intestinal microorganisms is connected to changes in serum metabolites. These findings give a new idea about how hawthorn flavonoids help with obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Bi
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 4655 University Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250355, China
| | - Chang Lv
- Shandong Academy of Chinese Medicine, No.7 Yanzi Shanxi Road, Lixia District, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, China
| | - Juanjuan Zhu
- Shandong Academy of Chinese Medicine, No.7 Yanzi Shanxi Road, Lixia District, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, China
| | - Qiao Zhou
- Shandong Academy of Chinese Medicine, No.7 Yanzi Shanxi Road, Lixia District, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Xu
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 4655 University Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250355, China
| | - Shuo Yang
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 4655 University Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250355, China
| | - Dianhua Shi
- Shandong Academy of Chinese Medicine, No.7 Yanzi Shanxi Road, Lixia District, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, China
| | - Qian Zhou
- Shandong Academy of Chinese Medicine, No.7 Yanzi Shanxi Road, Lixia District, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, China
| | - Yanpeng Dai
- Shandong Academy of Chinese Medicine, No.7 Yanzi Shanxi Road, Lixia District, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, China
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Lu M, Zhang L, Pan J, Shi H, Zhang M, Li C. Advances in the study of the vascular protective effects and molecular mechanisms of hawthorn ( Crataegus anamesa Sarg.) extracts in cardiovascular diseases. Food Funct 2023. [PMID: 37337667 DOI: 10.1039/d3fo01688a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Hawthorn belongs to the rose family and is a type of functional food. It contains various chemicals, including flavonoids, terpenoids, and organic acid compounds. This study aimed to review the vascular protective effects and molecular mechanisms of hawthorn and its extracts on cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Hawthorn has a wide range of biological functions. Evidence suggests that the active components of HE reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, regulate lipid levels to prevent lipid accumulation, and inhibit free cholesterol accumulation in macrophages and foam cell formation. Additionally, hawthorn extract (HE) can protect vascular endothelial function, regulate endothelial dysfunction, and promote vascular endothelial relaxation. It has also been reported that the effective components of hawthorn can prevent age-related endothelial dysfunction, increase cellular calcium levels, cause antiplatelet aggregation, and promote antithrombosis. In clinical trials, HE has been proved to reduce the adverse effects of CVDs on blood lipids, blood pressure, left ventricular ejection fraction, heart rate, and exercise tolerance. Previous studies have pointed to the benefits of hawthorn and its extracts in treating atherosclerosis and other vascular diseases. Therefore, as both medicine and food, hawthorn can be used as a new drug source for treating cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengkai Lu
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China.
| | - Lei Zhang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Jinyuan Pan
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China.
| | - Huishan Shi
- School of Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Muxin Zhang
- First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Chao Li
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China.
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Tang J, Zhou L, Yuan G, Liu Y, Shi X, Lu Y, Chen D. Therapeutic effects on H1N1-induced pneumonia in mice and intestinal bacteria biotransformation of four main flavonoids from Houttuynia cordata Thunb. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2023; 233:115469. [PMID: 37244222 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2023.115469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Flavonoids widely exist in a large number of Chinese herbal medicines with antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Houttuynia cordata Thunb. is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine for heat-clearing and detoxification. In our previous research, total flavonoids from H. cordata (HCTF) effectively alleviated H1N1-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in mice. In this study, 8 flavonoids were recognized from HCTF (containing 63.06 % ± 0.26 % of total flavonoids, as quercitrin equivalents) by UPLC-LTQ-MS/MS. Four main flavonoid glycosides in HCTF (rutin, hyperoside, isoquercitrin and quercitrin) and their common aglycone quercetin (100 mg/kg) all showed therapeutic effects on H1N1-induced ALI in mice. The two flavonoids (hyperoside and quercitrin) with higher contents and quercetin showed stronger therapeutic effects on H1N1-induced ALI in mice. Hyperoside, quercitrin and quercetin significantly reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory factors, chemokines, or neuraminidase activity compared with the same dose of HCTF (p < 0.05). The results of mice intestinal bacteria biotransformation in vitro showed that quercetin was the main metabolite. The conversion rates of hyperoside and quercitrin were significantly higher by the intestinal bacteria under the pathological state (0.81 ± 0.02 and 0.91 ± 0.01, respectively) than normal state (0.18 ± 0.01 and 0.18 ± 0.12, respectively, p < 0.001). Our findings showed that hyperoside and quercitrin were the main efficacious components of HCTF for treating H1N1-induced ALI in mice and could be metabolized to quercetin by intestinal bacteria in pathological state to exert their effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayue Tang
- Department of Natural Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lishuang Zhou
- Department of Natural Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoqi Yuan
- Department of Natural Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Natural Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xunlong Shi
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Lu
- Department of Natural Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Daofeng Chen
- Department of Natural Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Lien HM, Lin HT, Huang SH, Chen YR, Huang CL, Chen CC, Chyau CC. Protective Effect of Hawthorn Fruit Extract against High Fructose-Induced Oxidative Stress and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Pancreatic β-Cells. Foods 2023; 12:foods12061130. [PMID: 36981057 PMCID: PMC10047983 DOI: 10.3390/foods12061130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperglycemia has deleterious effects on pancreatic β-cells, causing dysfunction and insulin resistance that lead to diabetes mellitus (DM). The possible causes of injury can be caused by glucose- or fructose-induced oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida) fruit has been widely used as a hypolipidemic agent in traditional herbal medicine. The study aimed to investigate whether high fructose-induced pancreatic β-cell dysfunction could be reversed through amelioration of ER stress by the treatment of polyphenol-enriched extract (PEHE) from hawthorn fruit. The extract was partitioned using ethyl acetate as a solvent from crude water extract (WE) of hawthorn fruits, followed by column fractionation. The results showed that the contents of total polyphenols, flavonoids and triterpenoids in PEHE could be enhanced by 2.2-, 7.7- and 1.1-fold, respectively, in comparison to the original obtained WE from hawthorn fruit. In ER stress studies, a sharp increase in the inhibitory activity on the gene expression levels of GRP79, ATF6, IRE1α and CHOP involved in ER stress was evident when dosages of PEHE at 50–100 μg/mL were used against high-fructose (150 mM)-treated cells. HPLC–MS/MS analysis showed that polyphenols and flavonoids collectively accounted for 87.03% of the total content of PEHE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiu-Man Lien
- Research Institute of Biotechnology, Hungkuang University, Shalu District, Taichung 43302, Taiwan
- SYi Biotek, 2F, No. 26, Keyuan Rd., Xitun District, Taichung 40763, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (H.-M.L.); (C.-C.C.)
| | - Hsin-Tang Lin
- Graduate Institute of Food Safety, National Chung Hsing University, 145, Xingda Road, Taichung 40227, Taiwan
| | - Shiau-Huei Huang
- Research Institute of Biotechnology, Hungkuang University, Shalu District, Taichung 43302, Taiwan
| | - Yìng-Ru Chen
- Research Institute of Biotechnology, Hungkuang University, Shalu District, Taichung 43302, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Lu Huang
- SYi Biotek, 2F, No. 26, Keyuan Rd., Xitun District, Taichung 40763, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chang Chen
- SYi Biotek, 2F, No. 26, Keyuan Rd., Xitun District, Taichung 40763, Taiwan
| | - Charng-Cherng Chyau
- Research Institute of Biotechnology, Hungkuang University, Shalu District, Taichung 43302, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (H.-M.L.); (C.-C.C.)
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Ma B, Miao W, Xiao J, Chen X, Xu J, Li Y. The Role of FOXP3 on Tumor Metastasis and Its Interaction with Traditional Chinese Medicine. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27196706. [PMID: 36235242 PMCID: PMC9570879 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27196706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Forkhead box protein 3 (FOXP3) is an important transcription factor for regulatory T cells (Tregs) and plays an important role in their immunosuppressive function. In recent years, studies have found that FOXP3 is expressed in many kinds of tumors and plays different roles in tumors' biological behaviors, including tumor proliferation, metastasis, drug resistance, and prognosis. However, the effects of FOXP3 on tumor metastasis and its interaction with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) remain unclear. Therefore, in this review, we focus on the effects of FOXP3 on tumor metastasis and its relationship with TCM, which can provide evidence for further research and therapy in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benxu Ma
- Affiliated Qingdao Central Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Wenjun Miao
- College of Chemistry and Pharmarceutical Sciences, Qingdao Agricutural University, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Jieqiong Xiao
- Affiliated Qingdao Central Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Xinyi Chen
- Affiliated Qingdao Central Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Affiliated Qingdao Central Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Yinan Li
- Affiliated Qingdao Central Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China
- Correspondence:
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