Analysis of the histological assessment among four groups.

Values were expressed as medians (range). The lung injury was scored by a 5-point scale according to combined assessments of alveolar congestion, hemorrhage and edema, infiltration or aggregation of neutrophils in the airspace or vessel wall and thickness of alveolar wall/hyaline membrane formation: Score of 0 = minimal (little) damage; 1+ = mild damage; 2+ = moderate damage; 3+ = severe damage; and 4+ = maximal damage. Minimum and maximum possible lung injury scores are 0 and 16, respectively.*P0.05 versus Group C;+P0.05 versus Group L.