1.Retrospective Study on Tongue Image Characteristics of Patients with Glucolipid Metabolism Disorders with Different Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndromes
Shi LIU ; Yang GAO ; Tao JIANG ; Zhanhong CHEN ; Jialin DENG ; Jiatuo XU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(8):826-833
ObjectiveTo explore the distribution pattern of tongue image characteristics in patients with glucolipid metabolic disorders and its main syndromes. MethodsA total of 841 patients with glucolipid metabolic disorders (disease group), and 380 healthy subjects (control group) were included. The disease group was classified into three syndrome types: 283 cases of liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome, 311 cases of phlegm-dampness obstruction syndrome, and 247 cases of qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome. Tongue image data were collected using the TFDA-1 Tongue Diagnosis Instrument, and the TDAS V3.0 software was used to analyze the color, texture, and morphological features of the tongue body (TB) and tongue coating (TC) in patents with different syndromes of disease group (including lightness (L), red-green axis (a), yellow-blue axis (b), luminance (Y), difference between red signal and brightness (Cr), difference between blue signal and brightness (Cb), contrast (CON), angular second moment (ASM), entropy (ENT), mean value (MEAN), tongue coating area/tongue surface area (perAll), and tongue coating area/non-coated area (perPart)). Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify influencing factors for different syndrome types of glucolipid metabolic disorders. ResultsThe tongue body indicators TB-L, TB-Y, and TB-Cb in the disease group were significantly higher than those in the control group, while TB-a, TB-b, and TB-Cr were significantly lower. The tongue coating indicators TC-L, TC-Y, TC-Cb, perAll, and perPart in the disease group were significantly higher than those in the control group, while TC-a, TC-b, and TC-Cr were significantly lower (P<0.05). Comparing with the different syndromes in disease group, the TB-L and TB-Y of the liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome, and the phlegm-damp obstruction syndrome were higher than those of the qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome; the TB-a and TB-Cr of the phlegm-damp obstruction syndrome were lower than those of the qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome; the perAll of the phlegm-damp obstruction syndrome was higher than that of the qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome (P<0.05). In the analysis of the morphological characteristics of tongue signs, more spotted tongue in disease group compared with control group, more teeth-marked tongue in liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome than the other two syndromes, more greasy coating in phlegm-damp obstruction syndrome, and more stasis spots of tongue in qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis identified that greasy coating, spotted tongue, stasis spots of tongue, tooth-marked tongue, perAll, and TB-Cb are the influencing factors of liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome; greasy coating, tooth-marked tongue, TC-Cb, and TC-Cr are the influencing factors of phlegm-damp obstruction syndrome; cracked tongue, stasis spots of tongue, tooth-marked tongue, and TB-Y are the influencing factors of qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome (P<0.05). ConclusionCompared to healthy individuals, patients with glycolipid metabolic disorder have darker tongue color and thicker, greasy tongue coating. Glycolipid metabolic disorder patients of liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome exhibit a reddish tongue with finer textures and more tooth marks; patients of phlegm-damp obstruction syndrome have lighter tongue coating with a coarser texture and a higher prevalence of greasy coating; patients of qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome display lower tongue brightness with a higher prevalence of blood stasis spots.
2.Recommendations for Standardized Reporting of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis of Animal Experiments
Qingyong ZHENG ; Donghua YANG ; Zhichao MA ; Ziyu ZHOU ; Yang LU ; Jingyu WANG ; Lina XING ; Yingying KANG ; Li DU ; Chunxiang ZHAO ; Baoshan DI ; Jinhui TIAN
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(4):496-507
Animal experiments are an essential component of life sciences and medical research. However, the external validity and reliability of individual animal studies are frequently challenged by inherent limitations such as small sample sizes, high design heterogeneity, and poor reproducibility, which impede the effective translation of research findings into clinical practice. Systematic reviews and meta-analysis represent a key methodology for integrating existing evidence and enhancing the robustness of conclusions. Currently, however, the application of systematic reviews and meta-analysis in the field of animal experiments lacks standardized guidelines for their conduct and reporting, resulting in inconsistent quality and, to some extent, diminishing their evidence value. To address this issue, this paper aims to systematically delineate the reporting process for systematic reviews and meta-analysis of animal experiments and to propose a set of standardized recommendations that are both scientific and practical. The article's scope encompasses the entire process, from the preliminary preparatory phase [including formulating the population, intervention, comparison and outcome (PICO) question, assessing feasibility, and protocol pre-registration] to the key writing points for each section of the main report. In the core methods section, the paper elaborates on how to implement literature searches, establish eligibility criteria, perform data extraction, and assess the risk of bias, based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement, in conjunction with relevant guidelines and tools such as Animal Research: Reporting of in Vivo Experiments (ARRIVE) and a risk of bias assessment tool developed by the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation (SYRCLE). For the presentation of results, strategies are proposed for clear and transparent display using flow diagrams and tables of characteristics. The discussion section places particular emphasis on how to scientifically interpret pooled effects, thoroughly analyze sources of heterogeneity, evaluate the impact of publication bias, and cautiously discuss the validity and limitations of extrapolating findings from animal studies to clinical settings. Furthermore, this paper recommends adopting the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology to comprehensively grade the quality of evidence. Through a modular analysis of the entire reporting process, this paper aims to provide researchers in the field with a clear and practical guide, thereby promoting the standardized development of systematic reviews and meta-analysis of animal experiments and enhancing their application value in scientific decision-making and translational medicine.
3.Health risk assessment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances contamination in animal-derived foods in Shanghai
Chenlin GU ; Jingjin YANG ; Baozhang LUO ; Danping QIU ; Hong LIU ; Hua CAI
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(7):556-561
ObjectiveTo analyze the current status of per⁃ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) contamination in animal⁃derived foods in Shanghai and to assess the risk of dietary exposure among local residents, thereby providing a scientific basis for future dietary safety and risk management. MethodsA total of 300 commonly consumed animal⁃derived food samples were collected in Shanghai in 2023 and tested for 17 types of PFASs. Based on local dietary consumption data, the weekly exposure intake (EWI) of four representative PFASs was calculated using the exposure assessment model recommended by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The calculated EWI was compared with the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to assess the health risks associated with dietary intake of PFASs. ResultsThe predominant PFASs detected in aquatic products were PFUnDA (98.67%), PFTrDA (98.00%), and PFOS (95.33%), with PFUnDA having the highest median mass fraction (0.378 ng·g-1). In meat samples, PFBA (54.17%), PFOA (20.83%), and PFOS (18.33%) were mainly detected, with PFBA showing the highest median mass fraction (0.027 ng·g-1). In egg samples, the most frequently detected compounds were PFBA (90.00%), PFOA (63.33%), PFOS (50.00%), PFDA (50.00%), PFNA (50.00%), and PFHxDA (50.00%), with PFBA again having the highest median mass fraction (0.068 ng·g-1). The median mass fractions of the four key PFASs (PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, and PFHxS) in aquatic products were significantly higher than those in meat products and eggs (all P<0.001), and there were statistically significant differences in the median mass fractions of the four PFASs among different types of aquatic products (all P<0.05). The EWI of the four PFASs was 2.970 ng·kg-1 for the mean consumption group and 6.676 ng·kg-1 for the high consumption group (P95), with females having higher EWI values than males. ConclusionPFOS, PFOA, and PFBA are the major PFAS contaminants in animal⁃derived foods consumed by Shanghai residents, with aquatic products having the highest levels of contamination. The EWIs of four PFASs among Shanghai residents did not exceed EFSA’s recommended TWI at average consumption levels. However, the EWIs for high⁃consumption populations exceeded the EFSA⁃recommended TWI, posing potential health risks to these populations. Aquatic products contribute the most to dietary PFAS exposure. It is necessary to strengthen PFAS monitoring in aquatic products and conduct targeted risk assessments for high⁃consumption groups.
4.Quantify changes in ambient PM2.5 and three heavy metal components before and after relocation of a steel plant using interrupted time series analysis
Shaofeng SUI ; Xianbiao SHEN ; Yangyang REN ; Zhen YUAN ; Fengchan HAN ; Cheng YANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(12):1491-1496
Background Industrial emissions are a well-established major source of urban fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and associated heavy metals. To improve local air quality, Shanghai No. 1 Iron and Steel Plant in Baoshan District was entirely relocated, with all production lines successively shut down in 2018. Objective To evaluate the trends in PM2.5 and three heavy metal concentrations - chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), and thallium (Tl) —in the local atmosphere pre- and post- relocation of the steel plant. Methods Taking the steel plant relocation in 2019 as the intervention cutoff point, this study was divided into two phases: pre-intervention (January 2017 to December 2018) and post-intervention (January 2019 to December 2021). Monthly mean pollutant concentrations were used to construct an interrupted time series (ITS) model, followed by segmented linear regression to assess the pre- and post-intervention trends in ambient PM2.5 and three heavy metals surrounding thesteel plant. Results The ITS regression analysis revealed that the change in PM2.5 concentration (b2) after the intervention was −7.16 μg·m−3, while the changes in Cr, Hg, and Tl concentrations (b2) were −0.46, −0.03, and −0.06 ng·m−3, respectively. Prior to the intervention, PM2.5 mass concentrations exhibited a temporal decline with a slope of b1 = –0.69 (P<0.05); seasonal adjustment further strengthened the overall significance of the model. Before the intervention, the concentration of Cr increased over time, with a slope of b1=0.12 (P<0.05). After the intervention, the concentration of Cr showed a gradual downward trend over time, with a slope (b1 + b3) of −0.04, and significant seasonal variations were observed. The concentration of Hg decreased over time before the intervention, with a slope of b1=−
5.Validity of questionnaires in screening chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in communities of Shanghai
Qundi YANG ; Danni LIU ; Qiuyun SU ; Xiaoxia LIU ; Xin ZHANG ; Cui WU ; Xuena LA ; Yang ZHENG ; Yan SHI
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(12):1118-1123
ObjectiveTo evaluate the validity of four screening questionnaires on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among community residents in Shanghai, and to provide a scientific basis for selecting suitable screening questionnaires and plans for the community use. MethodsA multi-stage random sampling method was used to select community residents aged ≥40 for COPD questionnaire screening and spirometry. The screening questionnaires included the COPD Population Screener Questionnaire (COPD-PS), the COPD Screening Questionnaire (COPD-SQ), the COPD Diagnosis Questionnaire (CDQ), and the Lung Function Questionnaire (LFQ). The diagnostic gold standard for COPD was defined as a ratio of post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) less than 0.7. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the validity of each questionnaire, and DeLong’s test was used to compare the area under the curve (AUC) of different questionnaires. ResultsAmong the 1 122 residents screened, 99 (8.8%) were diagnosed with COPD based on the gold standard criteria. The AUC values for the four questionnaires ranged from 0.643 to 0.682, with no statistically significant differences in screening accuracy among them (P>0.05). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) for each questionnaire at recommended cut-off points were as follows: COPD-PS (sensitivity: 33.3%, specificity: 84.9%, PPV: 17.6%, NPV: 92.9%), COPD-SQ (34.3%, 85.8%, 19.0%, 93.1%), CDQ (73.7%, 42.4%, 11.0%, 94.4%), and LFQ (48.5%, 74.8%, 15.7%, 93.8%). Optimal cut-off values for this population differed from the recommended values. When selecting the optimal cut-off value, the sensitivity of COPD-PS (58.6%), COPD-SQ (55.6%), and LFQ (64.7%) increased, while the specificity of CDQ (75.9%) increased. The AUC of sequential lung function testing for all four screening questionnaires increased to 0.7 or above. The optimal cut-off values for the four questionnaires in this population differed from the recommended values. When applying the optimal cut-off values, the sensitivity of three questionnaires increased: COPD-PS (58.6%), COPD-SQ (55.6%), and LFQ (64.7%), while the specificity of CDQ rose to 75.9%. The AUC of each questionnaire increased to above 0.7 when followed by sequential lung function testing. ConclusionThe COPD-PS, COPD-SQ, CDQ, and LFQ have limited value for COPD screening among Shanghai community residents, indicating that further refinement of these tools is needed.
6.Comparison of surveillance efficacy between black box and light trap methods
Yingyu YANG ; Chunwei SUN ; Jiang ZHU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(7):697-700
ObjectiveTo evaluate the field mosquito surveillance efficacy between the black box method and the light trap method. MethodsEight light traps and eight black boxes were placed in each of the eight field sites in Baoshan District of Shanghai, with a minimum distance of 10 meters between each traps. Surveillance was conducted twice a month from May to September 2023. ResultsThe total number of mosquitoes (273) and female mosquitoes (228) captured by the black box method were 0.795 and 0.774 times higher than those caught by the light trap method, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) between the mosquito density (t=1.723 5, P=0.100 2) and the female mosquito density (t=1.805 9, P=0.101 1), and there was a correlation (P<0.001) between the mosquito density (r=0.942 7) and the female mosquito density (r=0.896 5). There were no significant differences in the composition ratio of mosquito species(χ2=0.100 1, P>0.05) and female mosquitoes(χ2=0.394 4, P>0.05) captured by black box and light trap methods. In four different habitats, the composition ratios of mosquito species captured by the black box and light trap methods were: hospitals (38.10% and 38.77%) > rural housing areas (36.26% and 37.61%) > parks (14.65% and 12.54%)> urban housing areas (10.99% and 11.08%), and the composition ratios of female mosquitoes captured by the black box and light trap methods were: rural housing areas (40.35% and 42.52%) > hospitals (37.72% and 36.05%) > parks (13.16% and 13.27%) > urban housing areas (8.77% and 8.16%). In different habitats, there was no significant difference in the composition ratio of mosquitoes captured by two monitoring methods(χ2=0.5987, P>0.05), and there was no significant difference in the composition ratio of female mosquitoes(χ2=0.2993, P>0.05). ConclusionWith widen application and fewer requirements for equipment, operation skills, and use cost the black box method can be interchanged with the light trap method for monitoring mosquito density, especially in disaster areas or remote areas with difficult in having access to electricity.
7.Application of Collateral Bloodletting from Sha Zhang Yu Heng (《痧胀玉衡》) for Treatment of Sha (痧)
Linna WU ; Hanyu XU ; Linxuan YANG ; Juyi WANG ; Mingde CHANG ; Yichun SHANG ; Guiping LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(17):1835-1838
Sha (痧) is an acute infectious disease characterised by the appearance of rashes on the skin, caused by exposure to epidemic toxin and pestilent qi. Sha Zhang Yu Heng (《痧胀玉衡》) discussed the treatment principles and methods, and listed collateral bloodletting as one of the main treatments. Through organizing the articles and proved cases, we found that the author believes Sha (痧) is caused by epidemic pathogen, belonging to heat toxin with rapid changes, so timely treatment for qi and blood simultaneously could achieve the effect of transforming qi into defensive qi. Sha Zhang Yu Heng focuses on patient's position during treatmet, the material of the needle, the site of treatment, the quantum of stimulation and the operation of the contraindications and other essentials. According to the depth of the disease location, use traditional Chinese herbal medicine, scraping together to identify the root of the disease. In addition, diet suggestions for the prevention of the recrudescence of disease are also described in detail.
8.Epidemiological characteristics of high-risk population for cardiovascular disease of Shanghai residents
Yuzhuo WANG ; Yang ZHENG ; Yingquan WANG ; Cui WU ; Haiyan GU ; Yiying ZHANG ; Yan XU ; Sen WANG ; Xin ZHANG ; Yu JIANG ; Jia ZHAO ; Yan SHI
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(1):64-71
ObjectiveTo investigate the high-risk detection rate and aggregation of cardiovascular diseases(CVD) in 8 districts of Shanghai and influencing factors, and to provide scientific references for prevention and control of CVD. MethodsBased on the Cardiovascular Disease Screening and Management Program in Shanghai from 2016 to 2021, 104 685 participants aged 35 to 75 in 8 districts of Shanghai were selected for analysis. χ2 test and multivariate logistic regression were used for statistical analysis of the influencing factors of CVD and aggregation of CVD. ResultsThe proportion of high-risk CVD individuals in the population was 19.17%, including the high-risk individuals with hypertension (8.65%), dyslipidemia (6.33%), CVD history (5.58%), and WHO assessed risk ≥20% types (2.69%), respectively. Old age, overweight and obesity, central obesity, smoking, drinking, farmers, unmarried, and low family income were the risk factors of CVD, while high education level was the protective factor. In the participants, 16 323 people (81.34%) were classified as CVD high-risk groups; The number of aggregation of 1, 2 and ≥3 high risk types of CVD were 16 323(81.34%), 3 236(16.13%), 509(2.54%), respectively. Old age, low education level, low annual family income, farmers, unmarried, smoking, drinking, overweight, obesity and central obesity were associated with the risk of aggregation of high risk types of CVD, and the correlation strength increased with the increase of aggregation types. ConclusionThe prevention and control of CVD in Shanghai should focus on the hypertension, elderly, overweight, obesity, central obesity, smoking, drinking, low educated, low family income, farmers and unmarried people, and targeted intervention measures should be taken to reduce the risk of CVD among residents.
9.Modified Liuwei Dihuangtang Combined with Losartan Potassium Regulates ACE1/AngⅡ/AT1R Axis and Intestinal Flora in Rat Model of Diabetic Kidney Disease
Chaomao YANG ; Shunxiao ZHANG ; Yuanyuan LI ; Jiandong GAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(6):1-9
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of modified Liuwei Dihuangtang in preventing and treating renal injury in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) via the angiotensin-converting enzyme 1 (ACE1)/angiotensin Ⅱ (AngⅡ)/angiotensin Ⅱ type 1 receptor (AT1R) axis. MethodFifty male SD rats were randomized into a normal group (n=8) and a modeling group (n=42). The rats in the modeling group were fed with a high-sugar and high-fat diet for 6 weeks and intraperitoneally injected with 35 mg
10.Treatment of intrauterine adhesions in rats with hypoxia-cultured BMSC-derived exosomes.
Zheng Hua XIONG ; Bei Bei LIU ; Lin Juan YANG ; Qin LI ; Wen Jiao JIN ; Meng Ni XIANG ; Rong Fen DAI ; Jia CHEN ; Xue Song HAN
Chinese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2023;58(12):911-921
Objective: To perform intrauterine adhesion modeling, and to investigate the repair effect of hypoxic treated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) and their derived exosomes (BMSC-exo) on endometrial injury. Methods: BMSC and their exosomes BMSC-exo extracted from rats' femur were cultured under conventional oxygen condition (21%O2) or hypoxia condition (1%O2). Intrauterine adhesion modeling was performed on 40 healthy female SD rats by intrauterine injection of bacterial lipopolysaccharide after curettage. On the 28th day of modeling, 40 rat models were randomly divided into five groups, and interventions were performed: (1) NC group: 0.2 ml phosphate buffered solution was injected into each uterine cavity; (2) BMSC group: 0.2 ml BMSC (1×106/ml) with conventional oxygen culture was injected intrauterine; (3) L-BMSC group: 0.2 ml of hypoxic cultured BMSC (1×106/ml) was injected intrauterine; (4) BMSC-exo group: 0.2 ml of BMSC-exo cultured with conventional oxygen at a concentration of 500 μg/ml was injected into the uterine cavity; (5) L-BMSC-exo group: 0.2 ml hypoxic cultured BMSC-exo (500 μg/ml) was injected intrauterine. On the 14th and 28th day of treatment, four rats in each group were sacrificed by cervical dislocation after anesthesia, and endometrial tissues were collected. Then HE and Masson staining were used to observe and calculate the number of glands and fibrosis area in the endometrium. The expressions of angiogenesis related cytokines [vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and CD31], and fibrosis-related proteins [collagen-Ⅰ, collagen-Ⅲ, smooth muscle actin α (α-SMA), and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1)] in endometrial tissues were detected by western blot. Results: (1) HE and Masson staining showed that the number of endometrial glands in L-BMSC group, BMSC-exo group and L-BMSC-exo group increased and the fibrosis area decreased compared with NC group on the 14th and 28th day of treatment (all P<0.05). Noteworthily, the changes of L-BMSC-exo group were more significant than those of BMSC-exo group (all P<0.05), and the changes of BMSC-exo group were greater than those of BMSC group (all P<0.05). (2) Western blot analysis showed that, compared with NC group, the expressions of collagen-Ⅲ and TGF-β1 in BMSC group, L-BMSC group, BMSC-exo group and L-BMSC-exo group decreased on the 14th and 28th day of treatment (all P<0.05). As the treatment time went on, the expressions of fibrosis-related proteins were different. Compared with BMSC group, the expressions of collagen-Ⅲ, α-SMA and TGF-β1 in the BMSC-exo group and L-BMSC group decreased on the 28th day (all P<0.05). Moreover, the expressions of collagen-Ⅲ and TGF-β1 in L-BMSC-exo group were lower than those in BMSC-exo group on the 28th day (all P<0.05). And the expressions of collagen-Ⅰ, α-SMA and TGF-β1 in L-BMSC-exo group were lower than those in L-BMSC group on the 28th day (all P<0.05). (3) The results of western blot analysis of VEGFA and CD31 showed that, the expressions of VEGFA and CD31 in BMSC group, L-BMSC group, BMSC-exo group and L-BMSC-exo group increased on the 14th and 28th day of treatment compared with NC group (all P<0.05). Treatment for 28 days, the expressions of VEGFA and CD31 in BMSC-exo group and CD31 in L-BMSC group were higher than those in BMSC group (all P<0.05). Moreover, the expressions of VEGFA and CD31 in L-BMSC-exo group were higher than those in BMSC-exo group and L-BMSC group on the 28th day (all P<0.05). Conclusions: Treatment of BMSC and their exosomes BMSC-exo with hypoxia could promote endometrial gland hyperplasia, inhibit tissue fibrosis, and further repair the damaged endometrium in rats with intrauterine adhesion. Importantly, hypoxic treatment of BMSC-exo is the most effective in intrauterine adhesion rats.
Rats
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Female
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Humans
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Animals
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Transforming Growth Factor beta1/metabolism*
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Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
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Exosomes/metabolism*
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Uterine Diseases/therapy*
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Collagen
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Hypoxia/therapy*
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Fibrosis
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Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism*
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Oxygen

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