1.Integrating Transcriptomics and 3D Organoids to Investigate Mechanism of Periplaneta americana Extract Against Lung Adenocarcinoma
Qiong MA ; Chunxia HUANG ; Jiawei HE ; Yuting BAI ; Xingyue LIU ; Yuxuan XIONG ; Yang ZHONG ; Hengzhou LAI ; Yuling JIANG ; Xueke LI ; Qian WANG ; Yifeng REN ; Xi FU ; Funeng GENG ; Taoqing WU ; Ping XIAO ; Fengming YOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):124-132
ObjectiveTo evaluate the antitumor activity of Periplaneta americana extract(PAE) against human-derived lung adenocarcinoma organoids(LUAD-PDOs) and to elucidate its potential mechanism based on transcriptomics. MethodsFresh tumor and adjacent normal tissues from patients with LUAD were collected to construct LUAD-PDOs and normal lung organoid(Nor-PDOs) models using 3D organoid culture technology. The effective intervention concentration of PAE was determined using the cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) assay. Experimental groups included the model group(LUAD-PDOs), normal group, model administration group(LUAD-PDOs+PAE), and normal administration group(Nor-PDOs+PAE). Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the pathological structures of PDOs, immunohistochemistry(IHC) was performed to detect the expressions of the proliferation marker Ki-67 and lung adenocarcinoma differentiation markers cytokeratin-7(CK-7) and Napsin A, TUNEL staining was applied to detect cell apoptosis. RNA sequencing(RNA-Seq) was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes(DEGs), followed by Gene Ontology(GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG), and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis(GSEA), alongside protein-protein interaction(PPI) network analysis to screen core mechanisms. Finally, key targets were validated by integrating external database analysis with immunofluorescence(IF). ResultsNor-PDOs and LUAD-PDOs that highly recapitulated the pathological characteristics of the primary tissues were successfully established. The CCK-8 assay determined that the effective intervention concentration of PAE was 16 g·L-1. Morphological observation showed that Nor-PDOs exhibited lumen-forming structures, whereas LUAD-PDOs displayed dense, solid structures. CCK-8 and TUNEL assays revealed that, compared with the model group, PAE intervention inhibited the proliferation of LUAD-PDOs and promoted apoptosis in LUAD cells, while showing no significant effect on the viability of Nor-PDOs. Transcriptomic analysis identified 719 DEGs that were significantly reversed after PAE intervention(347 up-regulated and 372 down-regulated)(P<0.05). GO enrichment analysis indicated that DEGs in the model administration group were significantly enriched in biological processes related to cell cycle regulation compared to the model group. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that PAE affected pathways related to proliferation and metabolism, including pathways in cancer and the p53 signaling pathway. GSEA further confirmed that PAE significantly enhanced the activity of the p53 signaling pathway(P<0.05). PPI network analysis indicated that breast cancer type 1 susceptibility protein(BRCA1) and checkpoint kinase 1(CHEK1) were the core down-regulated targets in the p53 pathway. IF verified the high expression of BRCA1 and CHEK1 in LUAD-PDOs and their significant downregulation after PAE intervention(P<0.05). Furthermore, survival analysis based on The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA) database indicated that low expression of BRCA1 and CHEK1 was significantly associated with prolonged overall survival in patients with LUAD(P<0.05). ConclusionPAE effectively inhibits proliferation of LUAD-PDOs and promotes their apoptosis, its anti-tumor mechanism is potentially associated with the activation of the p53 signaling pathway, with BRCA1 and CHEK1 genes likely serving as key downstream targets for the effects of PAE.
2.An animal model of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome for translational research
Kuo‑An CHU ; Chia‑Yu LAI ; Yu‑Hui CHEN ; Fu‑Hsien KUO ; I.‑Yuan CHEN ; You‑Cheng JIANG ; Ya‑Ling LIU ; Tsui‑Ling KO ; Yu‑Show FU
Laboratory Animal Research 2025;41(1):81-92
Background:
Despite the fact that an increasing number of studies have focused on developing therapies for acute lung injury, managing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remains a challenge in intensive care medicine.Whether the pathology of animal models with acute lung injury in prior studies differed from clinical symptoms of ARDS, resulting in questionable management for human ARDS. To evaluate precisely the therapeutic effect of trans‑ planted stem cells or medications on acute lung injury, we developed an animal model of severe ARDS with lower lung function, capable of keeping the experimental animals survive with consistent reproducibility. Establishing this animal model could help develop the treatment of ARDS with higher efficiency.
Results:
In this approach, we intratracheally delivered bleomycin (BLM, 5 mg/rat) into rats’ left trachea via a needle connected with polyethylene tube, and simultaneously rotated the rats to the left side by 60 degrees. Within sevendays after the injury, we found that arterial blood oxygen saturation (SpO2 ) significantly decreased to 83.7%, partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2 ) markedly reduced to 65.3 mmHg, partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2 )amplified to 49.2 mmHg, and the respiratory rate increased over time. Morphologically, the surface of the left lung appeared uneven on Day 1, the alveoli of the left lung disappeared on Day 2, and the left lung shrank on Day 7. A his‑ tological examination revealed that considerable cell infiltration began on Day 1 and lasted until Day 7, with a larger area of cell infiltration. Serum levels of IL-5, IL-6, IFN-γ, MCP-1, MIP-2, G-CSF, and TNF-α substantially rose on Day 7.
Conclusions
This modified approach for BLM-induced lung injury provided a severe, stable, and one-sided (left-lobe) ARDS animal model with consistent reproducibility. The physiological symptoms observed in this severe ARDS animal model are entirely consistent with the characteristics of clinical ARDS. The establishment of this ARDS animal model could help develop treatment for ARDS.
3.Treating secondary organizing pneumonia after infection based on Sanjiao membranous tube theory
Yanni LI ; Xiaomei ZHANG ; Tianshu YANG ; Yunlong SUN ; Mengqian LI ; Yuxin LAI ; Liangduo JIANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(6):746-750
Secondary organizing pneumonia after infection is a pathological condition characterized by connective tissue filling and obstructing the alveoli and bronchioles, in which following an infection in the lung, the inflammatory response is not controlled in a timely and effective manner. The pathogenesis and treatment of this condition can be interpreted through the Sanjiao membranous tube theory and the concept of stagnation within the pulmonary micro-membrane. Sanjiao is conceptualized as a four-way membranous tube that internally connects with the zangfu organs and externally with the skin and muscles, enabling the circulation of energy and fluids throughout the body. It also maintains communication with the zangfu micro-membranes. Within the lungs, the pulmonary micro-membrane is distributed and connected to the upper jiao membranous tube, facilitating the movement of qi and fluids and supporting nutrient distribution. External pathogens may invade the Sanjiao membranous system through the external membranous tube, travel internally along this system, and transform into latent pathogens that settle within the pulmonary micro-membrane. These latent pathogens can subsequently transform into heat or dampness, leading to the depletion of lung qi and impairing the lung′s ability to regulate and transport body fluids. Consequently, fluids may seep into the pulmonary micro-membrane, where they are transformed into dampness, turbidity, and phlegm. The accumulation of damp-turbidity and phlegm obstructs the flow of qi and blood, resulting in blood stasis in the pulmonary collaterals. This stagnation occurring within both the pulmonary micro-membrane and its associated collaterals underlies the development of secondary organizing pneumonia after infection. In severe cases, this condition may progress to pulmonary interstitial fibrosis. The therapeutic approach emphasizes expelling latent pathogens, regulating and dredging the pulmonary micro-membrane, tonifying the healthy qi, and supporting health. Regulating and dredging the pulmonary micro-membrane is a crucial step, with a focus on promoting the flow of lung qi, resolving dampness and phlegm, and activating blood circulation to remove stasis.
4.Comprehensive analysis of the structural phenotypes and functional characteristics of B cells in oral lichen planus and oral lichenoid lesions through single-cell and spatial transcriptomics
Xiaojie YANG ; Yirao LAI ; Xinke JIANG ; Yiwen DENG ; Lei PAN ; Annan DAI ; Lei SUN ; Yufeng WANG ; Guoyao TANG
Chinese Journal of Stomatology 2025;60(3):201-210
Objective:Comprehensive characterization of B-cell phenotypes and spatial distribution in oral lichen planus (OLP) and related oral lichenoid lesions (OLL)(OLP/OLL), with an emphasis on transcriptomic profiling and functional analysis, to uncover the epigenetic mechanisms underlying B cell-mediated immune regulation within the oral mucosal microenvironment.Methods:Single-cell RNA sequencing raw data were sourced from the GSE211630 database, encompassing samples from 2 cases of erosive OLP (EOLP), 3 cases of non-erosive OLP (NEOLP) and 1 healthy control (NORMAL). Following stringent quality control, the data underwent normalization, selection of highly variable genes and batch effect correction. Subsequent analyses included dimensionality reduction and unsupervised clustering to identify distinct cell populations. This study collected pathological specimens from 3 OLP/OLL patients and 3 healthy controls who were treated at the Department of Oral Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from January 2021 to December 2023. Using 10X Genomics Visium HD spatial transcriptomics technology, tissue sections were processed through dewaxing, staining and histological imaging, enabling the reconstruction of nucleic acid structures and the capture of gene expression profiles. Data analysis included quality assessment, gene quantification, normalization, dimensionality reduction and clustering. Furthermore, cell type deconvolution was performed using the robust cell type decomposition algorithm, integrating single-cell transcriptomic data to accurately predict and spatially resolve cell type distributions within the tissue microenvironment.Results:After integrating single-cell data from EOLP, NEOLP and NORMAL, cells were classified into seven major categories: B/plasma cells, endothelial cells, epithelial cells, fibroblasts, myeloid cells, smooth muscle cells and T/natural killer cells. The proportion of B/plasma cells varied significantly among the three groups, accounting for 10.7% (1 693/15 815), 3.8% (833/21 653) and 0.4% (47/11 556) of the total cells respectively. Further clustering analysis of B/plasma cells identified four distinct subpopulations: naive B cells, activated B cells, memory B cells and plasma cells. In the EOLP group, these subpopulations constituted 25.9% (348/1 344), 45.9% (617/1 344), 3.3% (45/1 344) and 24.9% (334/1 344) of the B/plasma cells respectively. In the NEOLP group, they represented 31.6% (195/617), 59.6% (368/617), 0.2% (1/617) and 8.6% (53/617). Howerer, only plasma cells were detected in the NORMAL group. Spatial analysis revealed that B cells were actively involved in the formation of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) at various stages in OLP/OLL samples, with a prominent structural organization observed in secondary follicle-like TLS. Within these structures, the expressions of T cells marker gene CD3E and B cells marker gene MS4A1 were significantly elevated. Additionally, in secondary follicle-like TLS, the gene encoding follicular dendritic cell secreted protein, germinal center marker gene B cell lymphoma 6 and the gene for activation induced cytidine deaminase also showed strong expression. In OLP/OLL samples, plasma cell marker gene CD38, immunoglobulin (IGH) G3, IGHG1, IGHM, IGHD, IGHE, imunoglobulin Kappa constant, immunoglobulin alpha 1, immunoglobulin Lambda constant 1 and complement gene C3 all exhibited high levels of expression.Conclusions:Compared to normal mucosa, extensive B-cell infiltration is observed in both OLP and OLL, accompanied by significant differences in B-cell phenotypes and proportions. B cells appear to play a central role in local immune responses, primarily through the formation of TLS. However, the precise functional mechanisms underlying their involvement require further investigation.
5.Effectiveness of Xuanshen Yishen Decoction on Intensive Blood Pressure Control: Emulation of a Randomized Target Trial Using Real-World Data.
Xiao-Jie WANG ; Yuan-Long HU ; Jia-Ming HUAN ; Shi-Bing LIANG ; Lai-Yun XIN ; Feng JIANG ; Zhen HUA ; Zhen-Yuan WANG ; Ling-Hui KONG ; Qi-Biao WU ; Yun-Lun LI
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(8):677-684
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the effectiveness of Xuanshen Yishen Decoction (XYD) in the treatment of hypertension.
METHODS:
Hospital electronic medical records from 2019-2023 were utilized to emulate a randomized pragmatic clinical trial. Hypertensive participants were eligible if they were aged ⩾40 years with baseline systolic blood pressure (BP) ⩾140 mm Hg. Patients treated with XYD plus antihypertensive regimen were assigned to the treatment group, whereas those who followed only antihypertensive regimen were assigned to the control group. The primary outcome assessed was the attainment rate of intensive BP control at discharge, with the secondary outcome focusing on the 6-month all-cause readmission rate.
RESULTS:
The study included 3,302 patients, comprising 2,943 individuals in the control group and 359 in the treatment group. Compared with the control group, a higher proportion in the treatment group achieved the target BP for intensive BP control [8.09% vs. 17.5%; odds ratio (OR)=2.29, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.68 to 3.13; P<0.001], particularly in individuals with high homocysteine levels (OR=3.13; 95% CI=1.72 to 5.71; P<0.001; P for interaction=0.041). Furthermore, the 6-month all-cause readmission rate in the treatment group was lower than in the control group (hazard ratio=0.58; 95% CI=0.36 to 0.91; P=0.019), and the robustness of the results was confirmed by sensitivity analyse.
CONCLUSIONS
XYD could be a complementary therapy for intensive BP control. Our study offers real-world evidence and guides the choice of complementary and alternative therapies. (Registration No. ChiCTR2400086589).
Adult
;
Aged
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Female
;
Humans
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Male
;
Middle Aged
;
Antihypertensive Agents/pharmacology*
;
Blood Pressure/drug effects*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
;
Hypertension/physiopathology*
;
Patient Readmission
;
Treatment Outcome
6.SP7 transcription factor ameliorates bone defect healing in low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5)-dependent osteoporosis mice.
Yue XI ; Qifeng JIANG ; Wei DAI ; Chaozhen CHEN ; Yang WANG ; Xiaoyan MIAO ; Kaichen LAI ; Zhiwei JIANG ; Guoli YANG ; Ying WANG
Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B 2025;26(3):254-268
Loss-of-function variants of low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5) can lead to reduced bone formation, culminating in diminished bone mass. Our previous study reported transcription factor osterix (SP7)-binding sites on the LRP5 promoter and its pivotal role in upregulating LRP5 expression during implant osseointegration. However, the potential role of SP7 in ameliorating LRP5-dependent osteoporosis remained unknown. In this study, we used mice with a conditional knockout (cKO) of LRP5 in mature osteoblasts, which presented decreased osteogenesis. The in vitro experimental results showed that SP7 could promote LRP5 expression, thereby upregulating the osteogenic markers such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), and β-catenin (P<0.05). For the in vivo experiment, the SP7 overexpression virus was injected into a bone defect model of LRP5 cKO mice, resulting in increased bone mineral density (BMD) (P<0.001) and volumetric density (bone volume (BV)/total volume (TV)) (P<0.001), and decreased trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) (P<0.05). These data suggested that SP7 could ameliorate bone defect healing in LRP5 cKO mice. Our study provides new insights into potential therapeutic opportunities for ameliorating LRP5-dependent osteoporosis.
Animals
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Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein-5/metabolism*
;
Osteoporosis/genetics*
;
Mice
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Mice, Knockout
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Sp7 Transcription Factor/physiology*
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Osteogenesis
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Bone Density
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Osteoblasts/metabolism*
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Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit/metabolism*
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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beta Catenin/metabolism*
7.Analysis of diagnosis and treatment of IgG4-related disease involving the nasal cavity and skull base(with 8 case reports).
Wei ZHONG ; Xuan YUAN ; Lai MENG ; Jiaxin JIA ; Shaobing XIE ; Shumin XIE ; Junyi ZHANG ; Hua ZHANG ; Weihong JIANG ; Zhihai XIE
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;39(6):553-558
Objective:To investigate the clinical diagnosis and treatment of IgG4-related disease(IgG4-RD) primarily involving the nasal cavity and skull base. Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 8 patients with IgG4-RD primarily involving the nasal cavity and skull base who visited the Nasal and Skull Base Surgery Department at Xiangya Hospital from October 2017 to January 2024. The cohort comprised 4 males and 4 females, aged 8 to 69 years. Clinical data, laboratory examination results, imaging findings, histopathological results, and treatment plans were collected. The clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up results of IgG4-RD primarily involving nasal cavity and skull base were summarized and previous literature were also reviewed. Results:The initial symptoms in the 8 patients included nasal congestion, headache, sensory function decline, and facial deformities. Three patients also had parotid and pulmonary involvement. Among the 8 patients, 4 underwent partial surgical resection combined with glucocorticoid therapy; 1 underwent partial surgical resection combined with glucocorticoid and immunosuppressant therapy; 1 received glucocorticoid therapy alone; and 2 received glucocorticoid combined with immunosuppressant therapy. Follow-up was conducted one month after treatment, lasting from 5 to 79 months. During the follow-up period, recurrence was observed in 1 patient treated with glucocorticoid combined with immunosuppressants and in 1 patient treated with glucocorticoid alone, while the other 6 patients achieved significant remission. Conclusion:The diagnosis of nasal cavity and skull base IgG4-RD requires the combination of histopathology, laboratory tests, and imaging results. Treatment primarily includes glucocorticoids or combined immunosuppressants. For patients with significant compression symptoms, sensory function impairment, or facial deformities, surgical resection is an important treatment option. Given the high risk of recurrence, early intervention, active treatment, and long-term follow-up are crucial.
Humans
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Male
;
Skull Base/pathology*
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Female
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Middle Aged
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Retrospective Studies
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Aged
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Nasal Cavity/pathology*
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Adult
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Immunoglobulin G4-Related Disease/therapy*
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Immunoglobulin G
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Child
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Young Adult
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Adolescent
8.RXRα modulates hepatic stellate cell activation and liver fibrosis by targeting CaMKKβ-AMPKα axis.
Lijun CAI ; Meimei YIN ; Shuangzhou PENG ; Fen LIN ; Liangliang LAI ; Xindao ZHANG ; Lei XIE ; Chuanying WANG ; Huiying ZHOU ; Yunfeng ZHAN ; Gulimiran ALITONGBIEKE ; Baohuan LIAN ; Zhibin SU ; Tenghui LIU ; Yuqi ZHOU ; Zongxi LI ; Xiaohui CHEN ; Qi ZHAO ; Ting DENG ; Lulu CHEN ; Jingwei SU ; Luoyan SHENG ; Ying SU ; Ling-Juan ZHANG ; Fu-Quan JIANG ; Xiao-Kun ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(7):3611-3631
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the primary fibrogenic cells in the liver, and their activation plays a crucial role in the development and progression of hepatic fibrosis. Here, we report that retinoid X receptor-alpha (RXRα), a unique member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, is a key modulator of HSC activation and liver fibrosis. RXRα exerts its effects by modulating calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase β (CaMKKβ)-mediated activation of AMP-activated protein kinase-alpha (AMPKα). In addition, we demonstrate that K-80003, which binds RXRα by a unique mechanism, effectively suppresses HSC activation, proliferation, and migration, thereby inhibiting liver fibrosis in the CCl4 and amylin liver NASH (AMLN) diet animal models. The effect is mediated by AMPKα activation, promoting mitophagy in HSCs. Mechanistically, K-80003 activates AMPKα by inducing RXRα to form condensates with CaMKKβ and AMPKα via a two-phase process. The formation of RXRα condensates is driven by its N-terminal intrinsic disorder region and requires phosphorylation by CaMKKβ. Our results reveal a crucial role of RXRα in liver fibrosis regulation through modulating mitochondrial activities in HSCs. Furthermore, they suggest that K-80003 and related RXRα modulators hold promise as therapeutic agents for fibrosis-related diseases.
9.Expert consensus on peri-implant keratinized mucosa augmentation at second-stage surgery.
Shiwen ZHANG ; Rui SHENG ; Zhen FAN ; Fang WANG ; Ping DI ; Junyu SHI ; Duohong ZOU ; Dehua LI ; Yufeng ZHANG ; Zhuofan CHEN ; Guoli YANG ; Wei GENG ; Lin WANG ; Jian ZHANG ; Yuanding HUANG ; Baohong ZHAO ; Chunbo TANG ; Dong WU ; Shulan XU ; Cheng YANG ; Yongbin MOU ; Jiacai HE ; Xingmei YANG ; Zhen TAN ; Xiaoxiao CAI ; Jiang CHEN ; Hongchang LAI ; Zuolin WANG ; Quan YUAN
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):51-51
Peri-implant keratinized mucosa (PIKM) augmentation refers to surgical procedures aimed at increasing the width of PIKM. Consensus reports emphasize the necessity of maintaining a minimum width of PIKM to ensure long-term peri-implant health. Currently, several surgical techniques have been validated for their effectiveness in increasing PIKM. However, the selection and application of PIKM augmentation methods may present challenges for dental practitioners due to heterogeneity in surgical techniques, variations in clinical scenarios, and anatomical differences. Therefore, clear guidelines and considerations for PIKM augmentation are needed. This expert consensus focuses on the commonly employed surgical techniques for PIKM augmentation and the factors influencing their selection at second-stage surgery. It aims to establish a standardized framework for assessing, planning, and executing PIKM augmentation procedures, with the goal of offering evidence-based guidance to enhance the predictability and success of PIKM augmentation.
Humans
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Consensus
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Dental Implants
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Mouth Mucosa/surgery*
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Keratins
10.Inhibition of KLK8 promotes pulmonary endothelial repair by restoring the VE-cadherin/Akt/FOXM1 pathway.
Ying ZHAO ; Hui JI ; Feng HAN ; Qing-Feng XU ; Hui ZHANG ; Di LIU ; Juan WEI ; Dan-Hong XU ; Lai JIANG ; Jian-Kui DU ; Ping-Bo XU ; Yu-Jian LIU ; Xiao-Yan ZHU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(4):101153-101153
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