ObjectiveThis study aims to compare the modeling effects of submaxillary gland antigen and salivary gland antigen in the establishment of Sjögren syndrome (SS) mouse models, and to characterize the phenotypic and immunological features of these models in comparison with spontaneous SS-prone non-obese diabetic (NOD)/LtJ mice. MethodsAdult C57BL/6J mice (equal numbers of males and females) were immunized with submaxillary gland antigen or salivary gland antigen, respectively, combined with Freund's adjuvant to induce SS models. Mice immunized with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) combined with Freund's adjuvant served as the control group. Immunization was induced via multiple subcutaneous injections in the back with antigen combined with Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) on Days 1 and 7. A booster immunization was administered via multiple subcutaneous injections in the back with antigen combined with Freund's incomplete adjuvant (FIA) on Day 14. Female NOD/LtJ mice were used as the spontaneous SS model group, with ICR mice as the corresponding control strain for comparative analysis. Body weight, water intake, and salivary flow rate of mice were dynamically monitored for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, tissue and serum samples were collected, the weights of submaxillary glands, thymus, and spleen were measured, and organ indices (organ-to-body weight ratios) were calculated. Pathological morphological analysis of the submaxillary gland and spleen was performed with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Serum interleukin-17 (IL-17) level was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of SS type A (SSA) and SS type B (SSB) in submaxillary gland tissues. ResultsFemale mice in the submaxillary gland antigen group exhibited significantly increased water intake (P<0.05) and reduced salivary flow rate (P<0.05) compared with the female control group. No statistically significant differences were observed in the submaxillary gland index, thymus index and spleen index (P>0.05). Focal lymphocytic infiltration was observed in the submaxillary glands, and the splenic marginal zone was enlarged. Serum IL-17 levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in submaxillary gland SSA/SSB expression levels (P>0.05). Compared with the female control group, female mice in the salivary gland antigen group showed no statistically significant differences in water intake, salivary flow rate, submaxillary gland index, and spleen index (P>0.05), whereas the thymus index was significantly reduced (P<0.01). Mild inflammatory cell infiltration and glandular atrophy were observed in the submaxillary glands, and the splenic white pulp and marginal zone were slightly enlarged. Serum IL-17 levels and submaxillary gland SSB mRNA expression levels were significantly increased (P<0.01), whereas no significant change was observed in submaxillary gland SSA expression levels (P>0.05). Compared with the male control group, mild submaxillary gland atrophy was observed in male mice in the submaxillary gland antigen group, whereas no obvious changes were found in other modeling-related indicators (P>0.05). Compared with the ICR control group, NOD/LtJ model mice exhibited elevated water intake (P<0.05), significantly reduced salivary flow rate (P<0.01), no significant differences in the submaxillary gland index or spleen index (P>0.05), but a significantly increased thymus index (P<0.05). Marked focal infiltration was observed in the submaxillary glands, the splenic marginal zone was obviously enlarged, and serum IL-17 concentrations as well as submaxillary gland SSA/SSB expression levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). ConclusionSubmaxillary gland antigen and salivary gland antigen can induce SS-related features in female C57BL/6J mice. The SS-related phenotype is more pronounced in the submaxillary gland antigen group than in the salivary gland antigen group, but weaker than that in spontaneously SS-prone female NOD/LtJ mice. Immunization of male C57BL/6J mice with submaxillary or salivary gland antigens fails to induce an obvious SS phenotype.

OBJECTIVES: Verrucous epidermal nevus (VEN), seborrheic keratosis (SK), verruca plana (VP), verruca vulgaris (VV), and nevus sebaceous (NS) are common verrucous proliferative skin diseases with similar clinical appearances, often posing diagnostic challenges. Dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) can aid in their differentiation, yet their specific features under these tools have not been systematically described. This study aims to summarize and analyze the dermoscopic and RCM features of VEN, SK, VP, VV, and NS. METHODS: A total of 121 patients with histopathologically confirmed verrucous proliferative skin diseases were enrolled. Dermoscopy and RCM imaging was used to observe and analyze the microscopic features of these conditions. RESULTS: Under dermoscopy, the 5 diseases displayed distinct characteristics: VEN typically showed gyriform structures; SK was characterized by gyriform structures, comedo-like openings, and milia-like cysts; VP and VV featured dotted vessels and frogspawn-like structures; NS presented as brownish-yellow globules. RCM revealed shared features such as hyperkeratosis and acanthosis across all 5 diseases. Specific features included gyriform structures and elongated rete ridges in VEN; pseudocysts and gyriform structures in SK; evenly distributed ring-like structures in VP; vacuolated cells and papillomatous proliferation in VV; and frogspawn-like structures in NS. CONCLUSIONS These 5 verrucous proliferative skin conditions exhibit distinguishable features under both dermoscopy and RCM. The combination of these 2 noninvasive imaging modalities holds significant clinical value for the differential diagnosis of verrucous proliferative skin diseases.
Humans ; Dermoscopy/methods* ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Microscopy, Confocal/methods* ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Adolescent ; Keratosis, Seborrheic/pathology* ; Young Adult ; Warts/diagnosis* ; Child ; Aged ; Skin Diseases/pathology* ; Nevus, Sebaceous of Jadassohn/diagnosis* ; Skin Neoplasms/diagnosis* ; Child, Preschool

Hypoxemia is a common pathological state characterized by low oxygen saturation in the blood. This condition compromises mucosal barrier integrity particularly in the gut and oral cavity. However, the mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. This study used periodontitis as a model to investigate the role of platelet activation in oral mucosal immunopathology under hypoxic conditions. Hypoxia upregulated methyltransferase-like protein 4 (METTL4) expression in platelets, resulting in N⁶-methyladenine modification of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). This modification impaired mitochondrial transcriptional factor A-dependent cytosolic mtDNA degradation, leading to cytosolic mtDNA accumulation. Excess cytosolic mt-DNA aberrantly activated the cGAS-STING pathway in platelets. This resulted in excessive platelet activation and neutrophil extracellular trap formation that ultimately exacerbated periodontitis. Targeting platelet METTL4 and its downstream pathways offers a potential strategy for managing oral mucosa immunopathology. Further research is needed to examine its broader implications for mucosal inflammation under hypoxic conditions.
DNA, Mitochondrial/metabolism* ; Mouth Mucosa/pathology* ; Hypoxia/immunology* ; Methyltransferases/metabolism* ; Blood Platelets/metabolism* ; Animals ; Periodontitis/immunology* ; Humans ; Platelet Activation ; Mice

Digital technologies have become an integral part of complete denture restoration. With advancement in computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), tools such as intraoral scanning, facial scanning, 3D printing, and numerical control machining are reshaping the workflow of complete denture restoration. Unlike conventional methods that rely heavily on clinical experience and manual techniques, digital technologies offer greater precision, predictability, and efficacy. They also streamline the process by reducing the number of patient visits and improving overall comfort. Despite these improvements, the clinical application of digital complete denture restoration still faces challenges that require further standardization. The major issues include appropriate case selection, establishing consistent digital workflows, and evaluating long-term outcomes. To address these challenges and provide clinical guidance for practitioners, this expert consensus outlines the principles, advantages, and limitations of digital complete denture technology. The aim of this review was to offer practical recommendations on indications, clinical procedures and precautions, evaluation metrics, and outcome assessment to support digital restoration of complete denture in clinical practice.
Humans ; Denture, Complete ; Computer-Aided Design ; Denture Design/methods* ; Consensus ; Printing, Three-Dimensional

Objective:To evaluate the feasibility of a six-step suspension technique for endoscopic lateral neck dissection (LND) through the chest-breast approach in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).Methods:This is a retrospective case series study.Clinical data of 81 PTC patients who underwent endoscopic LND via the chest-breast approach using the six-step suspension method at the Department of Thyroid Surgery, Shenzhen People′s Hospital were collected from January 2022 to October 2024. The cohort consisted of 15 male and 66 female patients, with age of (35.2±10.2)years (range:8.5 to 65.0 years). Key variables, including LND duration, total operative time, postoperative hospital stay, details of lymph node metastasis, postoperative complications, and follow-up data were recorded and analyzed.Results:The duration of LND was (131.8±42.2)minutes (range: 65 to 275 minutes), and the total operative time was (195.5±49.6)minutes (range: 110 to 390 minutes). The postoperative hospital stay was (4.8±1.5)days(range:3 to 15 days). The number of dissected lateral cervical lymph nodes was 32.7±10.1 (range: 11 to 54). The maximum tumor diameter was (16.1±10.1)mm(range:2 to 30 mm), while the maximum size of metastatic lymph nodes was (16.7±6.2)mm(range:7 to 30 mm). The positivity rate was 24.7% (841/3 410) in the lateral cervical+central lymph node and 16.1% (427/2 646) in the lateral cervical lymph node. Postoperative lymphatic leakage occurred in 2 patients, both of whom were successfully treated conservatively. No other significant complications were reported. During the postoperative follow-up period, which lasted for (18.3±7.4) months (range: 1.1 to 34.4 months), the mean postoperative serum thyroglobulin (Tg) level ( M(IQR)) was 0.05 (0.50) μg/L (range: 0.01 to 7.90 μg/L), with 86.4% of patients showing a Tg ≤1.00 μg/L. Through imaging evaluations, no evidence of residual disease or recurrence was detected. Conclusion:Endoscopic LND via the chest-breast approach, utilizing the six-step suspension method, maybe a feasible and effective technique with promising clinical outcomes.

Introduction: Early identification of patients at risk for severe multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is essential for favourable clinical outcomes. This study aims to identify the clinical characteristics, factors and outcomes associated with severe MIS-C. Materials and methods: In this retrospective cohort study involving 14 major hospitals in Malaysia, children <15 years who met the United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention case definition for MIS-C were included. Severe MIS-C was defined as children who required inotropic support, ventilatory support (invasive or non-invasive ventilation), or left ventricular ejection fraction of <55%. The factors investigated for severe MIS-C were demographic characteristics, the presence of comorbidities, clinical characteristics, and laboratory measures. Multivariable logistic regression was used to compute the adjusted odds ratio (aORs) of factors associated with severe MIS-C. Results: Among the 155 patients, 91 (58.7%) presented with severe MIS-C. Severe MIS-C was more likely in patients aged ≥5 years old (aOR 2.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08-4.21), with dehydration (aOR 3.80, 95% CI 1.53-9.45), lethargy (aOR 2.02, 95% CI 0.97-4.18), tachycardia (aOR 8.33, 95% CI 3.27-21.22), albumin <30g/L (aOR 3.36, 95% CI 1.58-7.13), creatine kinase >200U/L (aOR 3.68, 95% CI 1.57-8.64), D-dimer >3.0µg/mL (aOR 2.11, 95% CI 1.08-4.13), ferritin >500ng/mL (aOR 3.77, 95% CI 1.88-7.55), prothrombin time >12.7 seconds (aOR 3.22, 95% CI 1.61-6.43), and urea >6mmol/L (aOR 5.09, 95% CI 2.04-12.71). Conclusion: Identification of these associated factors of severity in MIS-C could aid in early recognition and prompt escalation of care, leading to better outcomes.

Kidney fibrosis is the final common pathway of virtually all chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, despite great progress in recent years, no targeted antifibrotic therapies have been approved. Epidemiologic, clinical, and molecular evidence suggest that aging is a major contributor to the increasing incidence of CKD. Senescent renal tubular cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and podocytes have been detected in the kidneys of patients with CKD and animal models. Nonetheless, although accumulated evidence supports the essential role of cellular senescence in CKD, the mechanisms that promote cell senescence and how senescent cells contribute to CKD remain largely unknown. In this review, we summarize the features of the cellular senescence of the kidney and discuss the possible functions of senescent cells in the pathogenesis of kidney fibrosis. We also address whether pharmacological approaches targeting senescent cells can be used to retard the the progression of kidney fibrosis.
Humans ; Cellular Senescence/physiology* ; Fibrosis ; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/pathology* ; Kidney/pathology* ; Animals

Red blood cell (RBC) antibodies refer to antibodies targeting erythrocyte surface antigens, which can be classified by their origin and characteristics into autoantibodies (warm and cold antibodies), alloantibodies, drug-induced antibodies, and irregular antibodies. Among them, the autoantibody can induce and mediate the autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) which represents one of the most common acquired hemolytic disorders in clinical practice, characterized by accelerated RBC destruction and shortened erythrocyte lifespan. AIHA is primarily categorized into warm antibody type, cold antibody type, and mixed type based on its optimal reaction temperature.With advancements in immunology and molecular biology research, and clinical laboratory technologies, the clinical testing methods for autoantibodies have evolved from traditional agglutination tests to high-sensitivity techniques such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), flow cytometry, and molecular diagnostics. These technological improvements have not only enhanced the detection rate of anti-RBC antibodies but also significantly expanded their clinical applications.This article provides a critical review of the clinical significance of warm and cold antibodies in AIHA, encompassing their detection methods, pathogenic mechanisms, and therapeutic progress, aiming to serve as a reference for both clinicians and laboratory physicians.

Objective:To investigate the bone augmentation effects of domestic decellularized porcine small intestinal submucosa (PSIS) absorbable biomembrane and domestic bovine pericardium tissue (BPT) absorbable biomembrane in guided bone regeneration (GBR) for single-tooth implantation in diabetic patients.Methods:A prospective case-control study was conducted with 48 diabetic patients who received single-tooth implant restoration at the Department of Prosthodontics, School of Stomatology. The Fourth Military Medical University, between January 2023 and January 2024. Patients were randomly assigned to the study group (PSIS group) and the control group (BPT group) using a random number table, with 24 patients in each group. GBR was performed simultaneously with the implant surgery. Cone-beam CT was used to compare the buccal-side horizontal bone gain at 6 months post-operation between the two groups. Wound healing was evaluated at 1 and 4 weeks post-operation using wound healing scores.Results:At 6 months post-operation, the buccal-side horizontal bone gain at 2 mm below the implant abutment in the study group [69.1 (55.2, 82.4) mm] and the control group [71.4 (59.8, 77.0) mm] showed no statistically significant difference ( Z=-0.25, P=0.805). The wound healing scores at 1 and 4 weeks post-operation in the study group did not differ significantly from those in the control group at the same time points (1 week: Z=-0.49, P=0.627; 4 weeks: Z=-0.61, P=0.539). Conclusions:The use of two types of domestic absorbable collagen membranes for GBR in single-tooth implantation in diabetic patients showed comparable buccal-side horizontal bone gain effects at 6 months post-operation and similar clinical outcomes for wound healing at 1 and 4 weeks post-operation in both groups. The GBR effects of PSIS and BPT are similar.

The integration of digital technology with dentistry has become a central driving force in 21st-century dental innovation. Within the realm of occlusal function research, analytical methodologies are undergoing a paradigm shift: evolving from traditional empirical models toward multidimensional intelligent systems capable of digital precision assessment. The critical need for accurate occlusal contact analysis in both clinical practice and scientific research underscores the strategic importance of selecting context-appropriate analysis technologies, a process fundamental to ensuring diagnostic precision and research reproducibility. This investigation systematically discussed the evolutionary trajectory of occlusal analysis technologies through three key dimensions: technical principles, metric innovation, and efficacy evaluation framework. By conducting comparative analyses of various methodologies, we focus on delineating their unique technical advantages and clinical applicability boundaries. The study ultimately aims to establish evidence-based selection protocols for precision occlusal diagnostics while charting technical roadmaps for the iterative advancement of intelligent occlusal analysis systems.