1.Reconceptualizing Critical Illness in Cancer Through the Lens of Host Unregulated Response
Yun CHU ; Shiyi GONG ; Xin DING ; Hua ZHAO ; Huan CHEN ; Qing ZHANG ; Xiaoting WANG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):1-9
Onco-critical care has emerged as an important subspecialty at the intersection of critical care medicine and oncology, attracting increasing attention in recent years. With continuous innovations in cancer therapies, patient survival has improved significantly; however, the incidence of associated critical complications has also increased. The reasons for cancer patients requiring intensive care unit admission are diverse and can be broadly categorized into three groups: progression of the underlying malignancy, treatment-related complications, and coexisting classical critical illnesses. Traditional critical care concepts and practices face limitations in addressing the multidimensional and heterogeneous challenges of onco-critical care. Based on the core mechanism of critical illness development—host/organ unregulated response (HOUR)—this article systematically elaborates on how this framework advances understanding and clinical practice into onco-critical care, with emphasis on its manifestations in neuroendocrine, immune-inflammatory, and coagulation-metabolic pathways. The review summarizes recent advances in clinical assessment and phenotyping systems for onco-critical illness and discusses a multidisciplinary, integrated management strategy centered on the "Disease Control, Host Response Modulation, Organ Support" triad. Finally, major challenges and future directions in this field are outlined. By integrating existing evidence and theoretical insights, this review aims to provide new perspectives and a theoretical foundation for the clinical management of onco-critical illness, thereby promoting its evolution toward precision and standardization.
2.Effect of Guilu Taohong Formula on semen quality and spermatogenic cell apoptosis in a varicocele model of rats
Biao WANG ; Yang YANG ; Ze-rui QIU ; En-min FENG ; Xiang ZHAO ; Neng WANG ; Xin HUANG ; Qun-fang LIN ; Qing ZHOU
National Journal of Andrology 2025;31(2):150-156
Objective:To observe the effect of Guilu Taohong Formula on semen quality in varicocele(VC)models of rats,and to explore its possible mechanism.Methods:Forty-eight male SD rats were randomly divided into four groups(sham group,model group,Guilu Taohong Formula group and L-carnitine group).After the establishment of models,the rats were treated with intra-gastric administration for eight consecutive weeks.The general condition of the rats was observed.After the gavage,the testicular and epididymal indices were calculated.Semen quality was assessed using an automatic semen analyzer.Apoptosis of testicular cells was assessed by TUNEL staining.And the expression levels of B-cell lymphocytoma-2(Bcl-2),Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax)and cys-teine aspartate protease-3(caspase-3)in testicular tissue were detected by Western blot.Results:Compared with the sham group,testicular index,epididymal index,sperm concentration,the percentage of progressive motility of sperm(PR%)and the expression level of Bcl-2 decreased in model group(P<0.01).An increased apoptosis rate of spermatogenic cells and the expression levels of Bax and caspase-3 proteins were observed in model group as well(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the testicular index,epidid-ymal index,sperm concentration,PR%and the expression level of Bcl-2 in Guilu Taohong Formula group increased significantly(P<0.05,P<0.01).A decreased apoptosis rate of spermatogenic cells and the expression levels of Bax and caspase-3 proteins were de-tected in Guilu Taohong Formula group as well(P<0.01).Similarly,the L-carnitine group showed increased testicular index,epidid-ymal index,sperm concentration,PR%and the expression level of Bcl-2 protein(P<0.05,P<0.01),where showed decreased ap-optosis rate of spermatogenic cells and the expression levels of Bax and caspase-3 proteins compared with model group(P<0.01,P<0.05).Conclusion:Guilu Taohong Formula improves semen quality in VC model rats and reduces the apoptosis rate of spermato-genic cells in testicular tissue,which may be related to the promotion of Bcl-2 protein expression and the inhibition of Bax and caspase-3 protein expression levels.
3.The mediating effect of disease uncertainty on cancer-related fatigue and quality of life in postoperative thyroid cancer patients
Yang JIANG ; Xin MA ; Qing CHU ; Weiting ZHAO ; Yaoyao JIANG
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(7):530-537
Objective:To explore the mediating effect of disease uncertainty on cancer-related fatigue and quality of life in postoperative thyroid cancer patients, and to provide assistance for health management of thyroid cancer patients.Methods:From January 2023 to June 2024, thyroid cancer patients who underwent surgical treatment in Xiang′an Hospital of Xiamen University were selected by convenience sampling method. Conduct a survey using The general information questionnaire, Cancer Quality of Life for Thyroid Cancer 34, Cancer Fatigue Scale, and Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale were used to conduct cross-sectional investigation. SPSS 22.0 was used to statistically analyze the relationship between the three factors, and AMOS 24.0 software was used to establish a structural equation model to analyze the mediating effect of disease uncertainty on cancer-related fatigue and quality of life in postoperative thyroid cancer patients.Results:Finally, 495 valid questionnaires were ultimately collected. Among 495 postoperative patients with thyroid cancer, there were 135 males and 360 females, with an age of (39.58 ± 12.97) years old. The uncertainty score of postoperative thyroid cancer patients was (60.98 ± 11.61) points, cancer-related fatigue score was (42.85 ± 7.35) points, and quality of life score was (57.51 ± 9.81) points. Pearson correlation analysis showed that cancer-related fatigue was positively correlated with disease uncertainty ( r=0.392, P<0.01) and negatively correlated with quality of life ( r=-0.465, P<0.01). Disease uncertainty was negatively correlated with quality of life ( r=-0.378, P<0.01). Disease uncertainty partially mediated the relationship between cancer-related fatigue and quality of life in postoperative thyroid cancer patients, with a mediation effect value of -0.14, accounting for 32.56% of the total effect. Conclusions:The disease uncertainty score and the quality of life score of postoperative thyroid cancer patients were at a moderate level, the cancer-related fatigue score was at an upper moderate level. Disease uncertainty is an important mediating variable between cancer-related fatigue and quality of life in postoperative thyroid cancer patients. Improving disease uncertainty in postoperative thyroid cancer patients can reduce cancer-related fatigue and improve their quality of life.
4.Best evidence summary for prevention and management of high-output ileostomy
Qing ZHANG ; Haiyan HU ; Xin YIN ; Xiaoshuang ZHAO ; Yuting XU ; Tingting HE ; Jianan SUN
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(29):2301-2307
Objective:To retrieve, appraise and synthesize evidence regarding the prevention and management of high-output ileostomy in post-enterostomy patients, thereby providing a scientific reference for clinical practice.Methods:A computerized search was conducted, systematically exploring national and international databases, as well as the websites of pertinent associations, to gather evidence relevant to the topic. The literature types included clinical decision-making, evidence summaries, guidelines, expert consensus, and systematic reviews. The search timeframe was established from the date of database construction until 23 August 2024. The methodological quality assessment of the literature, along with the extraction and synthesis of the evidence, was performed by two independent researchers utilizing established criteria and adhering to rigorous standards.Results:A total of 13 papers were included in the review, comprising one clinical decision, four guidelines, and eight systematic reviews. Eighteen pieces of best evidence were distilled and summarized across six key areas: diagnosis and risk identification, fluid/diet/nutrition management, medication administration, skin management, monitoring and health education, and follow-up care.Conclusions:The clinical practice rationale for the prevention and management of high-output ileostomy in post-enterostomy patients, when summarized, would offer scientific and effective evidence-based support for practice changes by clinical care staff. The practical application and translation of this evidence should thoroughly consider the nuances of clinical practice in China, as well as individual patient differences, to ensure the effective implementation of the best evidence for maximizing patient benefit.
5.Immunological features of a patient with CHARGE syndrome caused by the CHD7 gene c.5122C>T nonsense mutation
Chenlin LI ; Xin CHEN ; Qing LIU ; Ran CHEN ; Wenli HE ; Lin TONG ; Yulin LI ; Zhengxia PAN ; Yunfei AN ; Lu ZHAO
Immunological Journal 2025;41(2):97-102,122
Objective To analyze the clinical and immunological characteristics of a rare case of CHARGE syndrome,we summarize the genotype and phenotype in the Chinese patient population,and explore the underlying immunopathogenic mechanisms.Methods Clinical data from a pediatric patient with CHARGE syndrome were collected and analyzed.A comprehensive analysis of the Chinese patient population was conducted.Gene analysis and immunological characterization were performed using flow cytometry,deep sequencing,and quantitative PCR.Results The proband was a premature female infant whose primary clinical manifestations included congenital heart disease,recurrent respiratory infections,respiratory failure,airway dysplasia,hearing impairment,and bilateral choroidal coloboma.Whole-exome sequencing revealed a de novo heterozygous nonsense mutation in the CHD7 gene,c.5122C>T(p.Gln1708Ter),classified as pathogenic according to ACMG criteria.Immunological studies indicated impaired thymic output of T cells,significant alterations in the number and proportion of CD8+T cell subsets,increased apoptosis,and defective activation and production of key effector cytokines such as IFN-γ by CD8+T cells.However,no significant abnormalities were observed in peripheral lymphocyte proliferation.Conclusion CHARGE syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder primarily caused by mutations in the CHD7 gene.The main clinical features include ocular defects,cardiac disease,choanal atresia/cleft lip and palate,growth retardation,gonadal hypoplasia,and ear anomalies.This case study suggests that CHARGE syndrome is associated with abnormalities in the development,apoptosis,and effector functions of immune cells.
6.Survival advantage of first-line chemoimmunotherapy combined with radiotherapy for advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: A propensity score matching analysis
Peixin FENG ; Qing HOU ; Ningning YAO ; Wenjuan ZHANG ; Bochen SUN ; Wenxia NIU ; Anqi ZHAO ; Wenlu CHEN ; Baixue WU ; Yuying ZHOU ; Yiwen ZHANG ; Yu LIANG ; Xin CAO ; Wei BAI ; Jianting LIU ; Shuangping ZHANG ; Jianzhong CAO
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2025;45(8):766-773
Objective:To investigate the efficacy of radiotherapy in patients with advanced esophageal cancer receiving first-line chemoimmunotherapy.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of 137 patients with Stage Ⅳ esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) treated at our hospital from January 2018 to May 2023. These patients were divided into two groups: a group treated with first-line chemoimmunotherapy combined with radiotherapy (chemoimmunotherapy + radiotherapy group, n = 43) and a group treated with only chemoimmunotherapy ( n = 94). Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was applied to balance baseline characteristics between the groups. With overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) as study endpoints, the survival data were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method, the log-rank test, and the Cox regression method. Results:Before calibration, the chemoimmunotherapy + radiotherapy group significantly outperformed the sole chemoimmunotherapy group in median PFS (13.6 months vs. 7.0 months; HR: 0.501, 95% CI: 0.309-0.811, P = 0.005). After calibration using the COX proportional-hazards model for age, gender, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, smoking history, T/N/M stage, and tumor location, the chemoimmunotherapy + radiotherapy group still had significant advantages in PFS (14.7 months vs. 7.0 months; HR: 0.441, 95% CI: 0.261-0.745, P = 0.002). IPTW analysis further confirmed this trend (13.9 months vs. 7.0 months; HR: 0.492, 95% CI: 0.304-0.795, P < 0.001). Specifically, the median OS of the chemoimmunotherapy + radiotherapy group demonstrated significant improvement in all analyses: pre-calibration (29.5 months vs. 18.0 months; HR: 0.507, 95% CI: 0.297-0.867, P = 0.013), after calibration using the Cox model (27.5 months vs. 16.7 months; HR: 0.470, 95% CI: 0.266-0.830, P = 0.009), and after calibration using IPTW (29.5 months vs. 16.9 months; HR: 0.448, 95% CI: 0.262-0.764, P < 0.001). Conclusions:The combination of radiotherapy and first-line chemoimmunotherapy can significantly improve survival outcomes of patients with advanced ESCC, suggesting its potential as a standard treatment strategy.
7.Expert consensus on apical microsurgery.
Hanguo WANG ; Xin XU ; Zhuan BIAN ; Jingping LIANG ; Zhi CHEN ; Benxiang HOU ; Lihong QIU ; Wenxia CHEN ; Xi WEI ; Kaijin HU ; Qintao WANG ; Zuhua WANG ; Jiyao LI ; Dingming HUANG ; Xiaoyan WANG ; Zhengwei HUANG ; Liuyan MENG ; Chen ZHANG ; Fangfang XIE ; Di YANG ; Jinhua YU ; Jin ZHAO ; Yihuai PAN ; Shuang PAN ; Deqin YANG ; Weidong NIU ; Qi ZHANG ; Shuli DENG ; Jingzhi MA ; Xiuping MENG ; Jian YANG ; Jiayuan WU ; Yi DU ; Junqi LING ; Lin YUE ; Xuedong ZHOU ; Qing YU
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):2-2
Apical microsurgery is accurate and minimally invasive, produces few complications, and has a success rate of more than 90%. However, due to the lack of awareness and understanding of apical microsurgery by dental general practitioners and even endodontists, many clinical problems remain to be overcome. The consensus has gathered well-known domestic experts to hold a series of special discussions and reached the consensus. This document specifies the indications, contraindications, preoperative preparations, operational procedures, complication prevention measures, and efficacy evaluation of apical microsurgery and is applicable to dentists who perform apical microsurgery after systematic training.
Microsurgery/standards*
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Humans
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Apicoectomy
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Contraindications, Procedure
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Tooth Apex/diagnostic imaging*
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Postoperative Complications/prevention & control*
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Consensus
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Treatment Outcome
8.Expert consensus on management of instrument separation in root canal therapy.
Yi FAN ; Yuan GAO ; Xiangzhu WANG ; Bing FAN ; Zhi CHEN ; Qing YU ; Ming XUE ; Xiaoyan WANG ; Zhengwei HUANG ; Deqin YANG ; Zhengmei LIN ; Yihuai PAN ; Jin ZHAO ; Jinhua YU ; Zhuo CHEN ; Sijing XIE ; He YUAN ; Kehua QUE ; Shuang PAN ; Xiaojing HUANG ; Jun LUO ; Xiuping MENG ; Jin ZHANG ; Yi DU ; Lei ZHANG ; Hong LI ; Wenxia CHEN ; Jiayuan WU ; Xin XU ; Jing ZOU ; Jiyao LI ; Dingming HUANG ; Lei CHENG ; Tiemei WANG ; Benxiang HOU ; Xuedong ZHOU
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):46-46
Instrument separation is a critical complication during root canal therapy, impacting treatment success and long-term tooth preservation. The etiology of instrument separation is multifactorial, involving the intricate anatomy of the root canal system, instrument-related factors, and instrumentation techniques. Instrument separation can hinder thorough cleaning, shaping, and obturation of the root canal, posing challenges to successful treatment outcomes. Although retrieval of separated instrument is often feasible, it carries risks including perforation, excessive removal of tooth structure and root fractures. Effective management of separated instruments requires a comprehensive understanding of the contributing factors, meticulous preoperative assessment, and precise evaluation of the retrieval difficulty. The application of appropriate retrieval techniques is essential to minimize complications and optimize clinical outcomes. The current manuscript provides a framework for understanding the causes, risk factors, and clinical management principles of instrument separation. By integrating effective strategies, endodontists can enhance decision-making, improve endodontic treatment success and ensure the preservation of natural dentition.
Humans
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Root Canal Therapy/adverse effects*
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Consensus
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Root Canal Preparation/adverse effects*
9.Mechanism of Colquhounia Root Tablets against diabetic kidney disease via RAGE-ROS-PI3K-AKT-NF-κB-NLRP3 signaling axis.
Ming-Zhu XU ; Zhao-Chen MA ; Zi-Qing XIAO ; Shuang-Rong GAO ; Yi-Xin YANG ; Jia-Yun SHEN ; Chu ZHANG ; Feng HUANG ; Jiang-Rui WANG ; Bei-Lei CAI ; Na LIN ; Yan-Qiong ZHANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(7):1830-1840
This study aimed to explore the therapeutic mechanisms of Colquhounia Root Tablets(CRT) in treating diabetic kidney disease(DKD) by integrating biomolecular network mining with animal model verification. By analyzing clinical transcriptomics data, an interaction network was constructed between candidate targets of CRT and DKD-related genes. Based on the topological eigenvalues of network nodes, 101 core network targets of CRT against DKD were identified. These targets were found to be closely related to multiple pathways associated with type 2 diabetes, immune response, and metabolic reprogramming. Given that immune-inflammatory imbalance driven by metabolic reprogramming is one of the key pathogenic mechanisms of DKD, and that many core network targets of CRT are involved in this pathological process, receptor for advanced glycation end products(RAGE)-reactive oxygen species(ROS)-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)-protein kinase B(AKT)-nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)-NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3) signaling axis was selected as a candidate target for in-depth research. Further, a rat model of DKD induced by a high-sugar, high-fat diet and streptozotocin was established to evaluate the pharmacological effects of CRT and verify the expression of related targets. The experimental results showed that CRT could effectively correct metabolic disturbances in DKD, restore immune-inflammatory balance, and improve renal function and its pathological changes by inhibiting the activation of the RAGE-ROS-PI3K-AKT-NF-κB-NLRP3 signaling axis. In conclusion, this study reveals that CRT alleviates the progression of DKD through dual regulation of metabolic reprogramming and immune-inflammatory responses, providing strong experimental evidence for its clinical application in DKD.
Animals
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Diabetic Nephropathies/metabolism*
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Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products/genetics*
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NF-kappa B/genetics*
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
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Rats
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NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/genetics*
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/genetics*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Male
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Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/genetics*
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Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism*
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Humans
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Plant Roots/chemistry*
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Tablets/administration & dosage*
10.Buzhong Yiqi Decoction alleviates immune injury of autoimmune thyroiditis in NOD.H-2~(h4)mice via c GAS-STING signaling pathway.
Yi-Ran CHEN ; Lan-Ting WANG ; Qing-Yang LIU ; Zhao-Han ZHAI ; Shou-Xin JU ; Xue-Ying CHEN ; Zi-Yu LIU ; Xiao YANG ; Tian-Shu GAO ; Zhi-Min WANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(7):1872-1880
This study aims to explore the effects of Buzhong Yiqi Decoction(BYD) on the cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase(cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes(STING) signaling pathway in the mouse model of autoimmune thyroiditis(AIT) and the mechanism of BYD in alleviating the immune injury. Forty-eight NOD.H-2~(h4) mice were assigned into normal, model, low-, medium-, and high-dose BYD, and selenium yeast tablets groups(n=8). Mice of 8 weeks old were treated with 0.05% sodium iodide solution for 8 weeks for the modeling of AIT and then administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage for 8 weeks before sampling. High performance liquid chromatography was employed to measure the astragaloside Ⅳ content in BYD. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe the pathological changes in the mouse thyroid tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the serum levels of thyroid peroxidase antibody(TPO-Ab), thyroglobulin antibody(TgAb), and interferon-γ(IFN-γ). Flow cytometry was employed to detect the distribution of T cell subsets in the spleen. The immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expression of cGAS, STING, TANK-binding kinase 1(TBK1), and interferon regulatory factor 3(IRF3). Real-time PCR and Western blot were employed to determine the mRNA and protein levels, respectively, of markers related to the cGAS-STING signaling pathway in the thyroid tissue. The results showed that the content of astragaloside Ⅳ in BYD was(7.06±0.08) mg·mL~(-1). Compared with the normal group, the model group showed disrupted structures of thyroid follicular epithelial cells, massive infiltration of lymphocytes, and elevated levels of TgAb and TPO-Ab. Compared with the model group, the four treatment groups showed intact epithelial cells, reduced lymphocyte infiltration, and lowered levels of TgAb and TPO-Ab. Compared with the normal group, the model group showed increases in the proportions of Th1 and Th17 cells, a decrease in the proportion of Th2 cells, and an increase in the IFN-γ level. Compared with the model group, the four treatment groups presented decreased proportions of Th1 and Th17 cells and lowered levels of IFN-γ, and the medium-dose BYD group showed an increase in the proportion of Th2 cells. Compared with the normal group, the modeling up-regulated the mRNA levels of cGAS, STING, TBK1, and IRF3 and the protein levels of cGAS, p-STING, p-TBK1, and p-IRF3. Compared with the model group, the four treatment groups showed reduced levels of cGAS, STING, TBK1, and IRF3-positive products, down-regulated mRNA levels of cGAS, STING, and TBK1, and down-regulated protein levels of cGAS and p-STING. The high-dose BYD group showed down-regulations in the mRNA level of IRF3 and the protein levels of p-TBK1 and p-IRF3. The above results indicate that BYD can repair the imbalance of T cell subsets, alleviate immune injury, and reduce thyroid lymphocyte infiltration in AIT mice by inhibiting the cGAS-STING signaling pathway.
Animals
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
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Thyroiditis, Autoimmune/metabolism*
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Mice
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Membrane Proteins/metabolism*
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Mice, Inbred NOD
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Humans
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Female
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Nucleotidyltransferases/metabolism*
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Male
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Disease Models, Animal

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