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Tsui YM, Tian L, Lu J, Ma H, Ng IOL. Interplay among extracellular vesicles, cancer stemness and immune regulation in driving hepatocellular carcinoma progression. Cancer Lett 2024; 597:217084. [PMID: 38925362 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.217084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The intricate interplay among extracellular vesicles, cancer stemness properties, and the immune system significantly impacts hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression, treatment response, and patient prognosis. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are membrane-bound structures, play a pivotal role in conveying proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids between cells, thereby serving as essential mediators of intercellular communication. Since a lot of current research focuses on small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), with diameters ranging from 30 nm to 200 nm, this review emphasizes the role of sEVs in the context of interactions between HCC stemness-bearing cells and the immune cells. sEVs offer promising opportunities for the clinical application of innovative diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in HCC. By specifically targeting sEVs, novel therapeutics aimed at cancer stemness can be developed. Ongoing investigations into the roles of sEVs in cancer stemness and immune regulation in HCC will broaden our understanding and ultimately pave the way for groundbreaking therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Man Tsui
- Department of Pathology, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Lu Tian
- Department of Pathology, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Jingyi Lu
- Department of Pathology, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Huanhuan Ma
- Department of Pathology, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Irene Oi-Lin Ng
- Department of Pathology, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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2
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Olarewaju O, Hu Y, Tsay HC, Yuan Q, Eimterbäumer S, Xie Y, Qin R, Ott M, Sharma AD, Balakrishnan A. MicroRNA miR-20a-5p targets CYCS to inhibit apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:456. [PMID: 38937450 PMCID: PMC11211328 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06841-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is a primary liver cancer, characterised by diverse etiology, late diagnoses, and poor prognosis. Hepatocellular carcinoma is mostly resistant to current treatment options, therefore, identification of more effective druggable therapeutic targets is needed. We found microRNA miR-20a-5p is upregulated during mouse liver tumor progression and in human hepatocellular carcinoma patients. In this study, we elucidated the therapeutic potential of targeting oncogenic miR-20a-5p, in vivo, in a xenograft model and in two transgenic hepatocellular carcinoma mouse models via adeno-associated virus-mediated miR-20a-Tough-Decoy treatment. In vivo knockdown of miR-20a-5p attenuates tumor burden and prolongs survival in the two independent hepatocellular carcinoma mouse models. We identified and validated cytochrome c as a novel target of miR-20a-5p. Cytochrome c plays a key role in initiation of the apoptotic cascade and in the electron transport chain. We show for the first time, that miR-20a modulation affects both these key functions of cytochrome c during HCC development. Our study thus demonstrates the promising 'two birds with one stone' approach of therapeutic in vivo targeting of an oncogenic miRNA, whereby more than one key deregulated cellular process is affected, and unequivocally leads to more effective attenuation of HCC progression and significantly longer overall survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olaniyi Olarewaju
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- AAV Gene Therapy Research Group, Research Beyond Borders (RBB), Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, 88400, Germany
| | - Yuhai Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, China
| | - Hsin-Chieh Tsay
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Qinggong Yuan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Simon Eimterbäumer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Yu Xie
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Renyi Qin
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Michael Ott
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Amar Deep Sharma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
- Research Group RNA Therapeutics & Liver Regeneration, REBIRTH Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Asha Balakrishnan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
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Tian Y, Zhang M, Liu LX, Wang ZC, Liu B, Huang Y, Wang X, Ling YZ, Wang F, Feng X, Tu Y. Exploring non-coding RNA mechanisms in hepatocellular carcinoma: implications for therapy and prognosis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1400744. [PMID: 38799446 PMCID: PMC11116607 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1400744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant contributor to cancer-related deaths in the world. The development and progression of HCC are closely correlated with the abnormal regulation of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs). Important biological pathways in cancer biology, such as cell proliferation, death, and metastasis, are impacted by these ncRNAs, which modulate gene expression. The abnormal expression of non-coding RNAs in HCC raises the possibility that they could be applied as new biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment targets. Furthermore, by controlling the expression of cancer-related genes, miRNAs can function as either tumor suppressors or oncogenes. On the other hand, lncRNAs play a role in the advancement of cancer by interacting with other molecules within the cell, which, in turn, affects processes such as chromatin remodeling, transcription, and post-transcriptional processes. The importance of ncRNA-driven regulatory systems in HCC is being highlighted by current research, which sheds light on tumor behavior and therapy response. This research highlights the great potential of ncRNAs to improve patient outcomes in this difficult disease landscape by augmenting the present methods of HCC care through the use of precision medicine approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Tian
- Research Center, The Huizhou Central People’s Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Huizhou, Guangdong, China
- School of Public Health, Benedictine University, Lisle, IL, United States
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Li-xia Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, Hebei Key Laboratory of Precise Imaging of Inflammation Related Tumors, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Zi-chao Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, Hebei Key Laboratory of Precise Imaging of Inflammation Related Tumors, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Central Laboratory, Hebei Key Laboratory of Cancer Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Youcai Huang
- Research Center, The Huizhou Central People’s Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Huizhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoling Wang
- Research Center, The Huizhou Central People’s Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Huizhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yun-zhi Ling
- Research Center, The Huizhou Central People’s Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Huizhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Furong Wang
- Department of Pathology, The Huizhou Central People’s Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Huizhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Feng
- Center of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Gaozhou People’s Hospital, Gaozhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanyang Tu
- Research Center, The Huizhou Central People’s Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Huizhou, Guangdong, China
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Huang Q, Zhong X, Li J, Hu R, Yi J, Sun J, Xu Y, Zhou X. Exosomal ncRNAs: Multifunctional contributors to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116409. [PMID: 38460375 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant liver cancer characterized by aggressive progression, unfavorable prognosis, and an increasing global health burden. Therapies that precisely target immunological checkpoints and immune cells have gained significant attention as possible therapeutics in recent years. In truth, the efficacy of immunotherapy is heavily contingent upon the tumor microenvironment (TME). Recent studies have indicated that exosomes serve as a sophisticated means of communication among biomolecules, executing an essential part in the TME of immune suppression. Exosomal non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) can induce the activation of tumor cells and immunosuppressive immune cells that suppress the immune system, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs), CD+8 T cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs), and regulatory B cells (Bregs). This cell-cell crosstalk triggered by exosomal ncRNAs promotes tumor proliferation and metastasis, angiogenesis, malignant phenotype transformation, and drug resistance. Hence, it is imperative to comprehend how exosomal ncRNAs regulate tumor cells or immune cells within the TME to devise more comprehensive and productive immunotherapy programs. This study discusses the features of exosomal ncRNAs in HCC and how the activation of the exosomes redefines the tumor's immunosuppressive microenvironment, hence facilitating the advancement of HCC. Furthermore, we also explored the potential of exosomal ncRNAs as a viable biological target or natural vehicle for HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Huang
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao PR China; Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, PR China; Department of Liver Disease, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Xin Zhong
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, PR China; Department of Liver Disease, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Jing Li
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao PR China; Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, PR China; Department of Liver Disease, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Rui Hu
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao PR China; Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, PR China; Department of Liver Disease, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Jinyu Yi
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao PR China; Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, PR China; Department of Liver Disease, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Jialing Sun
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, PR China; Department of Liver Disease, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Youhua Xu
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao PR China.
| | - Xiaozhou Zhou
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, PR China; Department of Liver Disease, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, PR China.
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Chen W, Wu X, Hu J, Liu X, Guo Z, Wu J, Shao Y, Hao M, Zhang S, Hu W, Wang Y, Zhang M, Zhu M, Wang C, Wu Y, Wang J, Xing D. The translational potential of miR-26 in atherosclerosis and development of agents for its target genes ACC1/2, COL1A1, CPT1A, FBP1, DGAT2, and SMAD7. Cardiovasc Diabetol 2024; 23:21. [PMID: 38195542 PMCID: PMC10777520 DOI: 10.1186/s12933-024-02119-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. miR-26 is a potential biomarker of atherosclerosis. Standardized diagnostic tests for miR-26 (MIR26-DX) have been developed, but the fastest progress has been in predicting the efficacy of IFN-α therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC, phase 3). MiR-26 slows atherosclerosis development by suppressing ACC1/2, ACLY, ACSL3/4, ALDH3A2, ALPL, BMP2, CD36, COL1A1, CPT1A, CTGF, DGAT2, EHHADH, FAS, FBP1, GATA4, GSK3β, G6PC, Gys2, HMGA1, HMGB1, LDLR, LIPC, IL-1β, IL-6, JAG2, KCNJ2, MALT1, β-MHC, NF-κB, PCK1, PLCβ1, PYGL, RUNX2, SCD1, SMAD1/4/5/7, SREBF1, TAB3, TAK1, TCF7L2, and TNF-α expression. Many agents targeting these genes, such as the ACC1/2 inhibitors GS-0976, PF-05221304, and MK-4074; the DGAT2 inhibitors IONIS-DGAT2Rx, PF-06427878, PF-0685571, and PF-07202954; the COL1A1 inhibitor HT-100; the stimulants 68Ga-CBP8 and RCT-01; the CPT1A inhibitors etomoxir, perhexiline, and teglicar; the FBP1 inhibitors CS-917 and MB07803; and the SMAD7 inhibitor mongersen, have been investigated in clinical trials. Interestingly, miR-26 better reduced intima-media thickness (IMT) than PCSK9 or CT-1 knockout. Many PCSK9 inhibitors, including alirocumab, evolocumab, inclisiran, AZD8233, Civi-007, MK-0616, and LIB003, have been investigated in clinical trials. Recombinant CT-1 was also investigated in clinical trials. Therefore, miR-26 is a promising target for agent development. miR-26 promotes foam cell formation by reducing ABCA1 and ARL4C expression. Multiple materials can be used to deliver miR-26, but it is unclear which material is most suitable for mass production and clinical applications. This review focuses on the potential use of miR-26 in treating atherosclerosis to support the development of agents targeting it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wujun Chen
- Cancer Institute, Department of Orthopaedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaolin Wu
- Cancer Institute, Department of Orthopaedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Jianxia Hu
- Department of Endocrinology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaolei Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China
| | - Zhu Guo
- Cancer Institute, Department of Orthopaedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Jianfeng Wu
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Key Laboratory of Heart Failure Prevention & Treatment of Hengyang, Clinical Medicine Research Center of Arteriosclerotic Disease of Hunan Province, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Yingchun Shao
- Cancer Institute, Department of Orthopaedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Minglu Hao
- Cancer Institute, Department of Orthopaedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Shuangshuang Zhang
- Cancer Institute, Department of Orthopaedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Weichao Hu
- Cancer Institute, Department of Orthopaedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China
| | - Yanhong Wang
- Cancer Institute, Department of Orthopaedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Miao Zhang
- Cancer Institute, Department of Orthopaedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Meng Zhu
- Cancer Institute, Department of Orthopaedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Cancer Institute, Department of Orthopaedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China.
| | - Yudong Wu
- Cancer Institute, Department of Orthopaedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China.
| | - Jie Wang
- Cancer Institute, Department of Orthopaedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China.
| | - Dongming Xing
- Cancer Institute, Department of Orthopaedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China.
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
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Xu D, Guo Q. miR-26a Improves Microglial Activation and Neuronal Apoptosis in a Rat Model of Cerebral Infarction by Regulating the TREM1-TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Axis. Dev Neurosci 2023; 46:221-236. [PMID: 37703835 DOI: 10.1159/000533813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging studies have indicated that abnormally expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) are related to the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemia. Nevertheless, the function of miR-26a in neuronal damage and microglial activation during cerebral infarction remains elusive. It was revealed that miR-26a was downregulated in oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)-treated microglia and neurons. Overexpressing miR-26a reduced the inflammatory reaction in BV2 cells and decreased neuronal apoptosis following OGD stimulation. miR-26a upregulation inactivated the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway and inhibited TREM1 expression. Repressing NF-κB phosphorylation inhibited the miR-26a level. As supported by the dual-luciferase reporter assay, TREM1 was directly targeted by miR-26a. Furthermore, a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was built. We discovered that miR-26a improved cognitive, learning, and motor functions and reduced cerebral edema in MCAO rats. Mechanistically, upregulating miR-26a reduced inflammation and neuronal apoptosis by mitigating the TREM1-TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway in the MCAO rat model. Collectively, this study verified that the miR-26a-TREM1-TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB axis contributes to modulating OGD-mediated microglial activation and neuronal injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daxiong Xu
- Department of Neurology, Bazhong Central Hospital, Bazhong, China
| | - Qi'an Guo
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China,
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