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Yan J, Chen J, Mao X, Li Q. Improvements in skills and knowledge after a comprehensive ELISA teaching course for biotechnology undergraduates. BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY EDUCATION : A BIMONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL UNION OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 51:418-427. [PMID: 37139960 DOI: 10.1002/bmb.21739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
As a universal and extensively adopted technique, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) can be used to detect and quantify small molecules in many applications both clinical and analytical. However, generally, students experiment mechanically using commercial ELISA kits according to the instructions and eventually produce a standard curve to calculate the concentration of the sample to be measured, cannot understand the critical factors and process of method establishment. This study systematically introduced undergraduates to using the pathogen-specific antigen and establishing an indirect ELISA method to detect the diagnostic target pathogen Burkholderia pseudomallei. This course aimed to develop the experimental skills of the students and improve their scientific research knowledge, which fully embody the organic combination of scientific research and teaching. Students independently selected the diagnostic antigen target of interest, obtained the antigen proteins using genetic engineering techniques, and established an ELISA method through a series of conditional optimization experiments. In addition, typical student-generated data, experimental methods, and a student feedback interpretation are presented in this study. Overall, the students were able to combine abstract knowledge with practice and understand the principles and applications of antigen-antibody interactions, thus enabling them to gain practical experience in molecular biology techniques, and learn how to use this principle to establish an ELISA method for detecting infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingmin Yan
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Pharmacy and Medical Laboratory, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jiangao Chen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Pharmacy and Medical Laboratory, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Department of General Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Xuhu Mao
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Pharmacy and Medical Laboratory, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Pharmacy and Medical Laboratory, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
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Goller CC, Srougi MC, Chen SH, Schenkman LR, Kelly RM. Integrating Bioinformatics Tools Into Inquiry-Based Molecular Biology Laboratory Education Modules. FRONTIERS IN EDUCATION 2021; 6:711403. [PMID: 35036827 PMCID: PMC8758113 DOI: 10.3389/feduc.2021.711403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The accelerating expansion of online bioinformatics tools has profoundly impacted molecular biology, with such tools becoming integral to the modern life sciences. As a result, molecular biology laboratory education must train students to leverage bioinformatics in meaningful ways to be prepared for a spectrum of careers. Institutions of higher learning can benefit from a flexible and dynamic instructional paradigm that blends up-to-date bioinformatics training with best practices in molecular biology laboratory pedagogy. At North Carolina State University, the campus-wide interdisciplinary Biotechnology (BIT) Program has developed cutting-edge, flexible, inquiry-based Molecular Biology Laboratory Education Modules (MBLEMs). MBLEMs incorporate relevant online bioinformatics tools using evidenced-based pedagogical practices and in alignment with national learning frameworks. Students in MBLEMs engage in the most recent experimental developments in modern biology (e.g., CRISPR, metagenomics) through the strategic use of bioinformatics, in combination with wet-lab experiments, to address research questions. MBLEMs are flexible educational units that provide a menu of inquiry-based laboratory exercises that can be used as complete courses or as parts of existing courses. As such, MBLEMs are designed to serve as resources for institutions ranging from community colleges to research-intensive universities, involving a diverse range of learners. Herein, we describe this new paradigm for biology laboratory education that embraces bioinformatics as a critical component of inquiry-based learning for undergraduate and graduate students representing the life sciences, the physical sciences, and engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos C. Goller
- Biotechnology (BIT) Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Melissa C. Srougi
- Biotechnology (BIT) Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Stefanie H. Chen
- Biotechnology (BIT) Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Laura R. Schenkman
- Biotechnology (BIT) Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Robert M. Kelly
- Biotechnology (BIT) Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
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Simpson K, Jakubowski HV. A virtual ELISA to quantitate COVID-19 antibodies in patient serum. BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY EDUCATION : A BIMONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL UNION OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 48:467-468. [PMID: 32663903 PMCID: PMC7405027 DOI: 10.1002/bmb.21403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) are used widely in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and clinical medicine labs. At the same time, they appear to be underrepresented in chemistry and biochemistry curricula, even though their sensitivity, selectivity, and ease of use would argue for their widespread use. We describe here an online ELISA activity suitable for stand-alone use or in conjunction with an actual wet lab ELISA. Specifically, we offer real and mock data for a hypothetical ELISA to detect plasma antibodies to COVID-19 in infected patients who have had the disease. Much of the activity focuses on chemical and mathematical models to fit ELISA or any macromolecule/ligand binding data, a skill that addresses perhaps the most relevant and difficult learning goal of an ELISA experiment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Henry V. Jakubowski
- Chemistry DepartmentCollege of St. Benedict/St. John's UniversitySt. JosephMinnesotaUSA
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Costabile M, Nguyen H, Kenyon A. Manipulating leukocyte populations to mimic immune disease states: a novel active approach to teaching flow cytometry to undergraduate immunology students. ADVANCES IN PHYSIOLOGY EDUCATION 2020; 44:247-253. [PMID: 32412385 DOI: 10.1152/advan.00032.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Flow cytometry detects and measures the physical and chemical characteristics of cells or particles. In medical laboratories, flow cytometers are used to quantify changes in cell populations associated with disease states, such as AIDS. While a powerful technique, it is challenging to teach the principles of flow cytometry to undergraduate students. One approach is to have students process and analyze a patient sample. However, this is not possible when the patient has an infectious disease. Here we report a two-stage approach to address this challenge. Magnetic beads were used to manipulate leukocytes cell populations in healthy blood to mimic the phenotype of eight immune disease conditions. The cells were then stained against cell surface markers for cell populations and analyzed by flow cytometry. The second stage focused on teaching flow cytometry over 2 wk. Week 1 involved a lecture, followed by a laboratory session where students learned how to stain a blood sample. In week 2, students worked in a computer pool to analyze the previously generated data and determine the immunological status of a control and patient sample. Using this approach, all students achieved 100% correct diagnosis of both control and patient samples. Student feedback via a questionnaire was overwhelmingly positive, and student perceived knowledge of flow cytometry increased after the session significantly. We effectively mimicked several disease states, eliminating the need to source patient samples, yet still teaching undergraduate students the principles of flow cytometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Costabile
- University of South Australia, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Adelaide, Australia
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia, and SA Pathology, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Hong Nguyen
- University of South Australia, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Amanda Kenyon
- University of South Australia, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Adelaide, Australia
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Tueller JA, Whitley KV, Weber KS. A full semester flow cytometry course improves graduate and undergraduate student confidence. BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY EDUCATION : A BIMONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL UNION OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 48:99-107. [PMID: 31713995 DOI: 10.1002/bmb.21318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Flow cytometry is a versatile and high throughput technique for rapid and efficient biological testing. It requires a high level of conceptual, technical, and analytical skills to properly design experiments, effectively operate flow cytometry machines, and analyze the data. A lack of training and development of any of these three skills can result in underutilization and improper use of flow cytometric machines that can impede research progress. Often students develop these conceptual, technical, and analysis skills from trial and error, but many students either do not use this powerful flow cytometry technology, use it improperly or ineffectively, or give up using it without proper training and support. Here we report on a course which teaches flow cytometry skills to undergraduate and graduate students. The design of this course is unique in that it teaches conceptual, technical, and analytical skills related to flow cytometry in a full semester format. Undergraduate and graduate students reported significant increases in their confidence levels over the course of the semester. Here we provide our findings and resources for others who may want to implement a similar course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josie A Tueller
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
| | - Kiara V Whitley
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
| | - K Scott Weber
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
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White R, Joyner PM. A guided-inquiry investigation of bacterial membrane potential using flow cytometry for an undergraduate biochemistry laboratory course. BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY EDUCATION : A BIMONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL UNION OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 48:61-66. [PMID: 31532885 DOI: 10.1002/bmb.21303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 08/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Flow cytometry has become an important tool in the life sciences and medical fields, yet there are often few opportunities for undergraduate students to receive training with this type of instrumentation as part of life science curricula at many colleges and universities. We describe a straightforward laboratory exercise designed for a college-level biochemistry course that uses flow cytometry to investigate changes in bacterial membrane potential and cell viability in response to various treatments. Anecdotally, we have noticed that many students often have difficulty understanding the concept of membrane potential and the essential role that it plays in cellular processes. Therefore, this exercise also provides a pedagogical tool for visualizing changes in cellular membrane potential as way to enhancing students' comprehension of this abstract concept. Students' understanding of flow cytometry and membrane potential was assessed using a preactivity and postactivity quiz; the results indicate that the students' understanding of these concepts significantly improved after they completed this laboratory exercise. © 2019 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 48(1):61-66, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel White
- From the Natural Science Division, Pepperdine University, Malibu, California, 90263
| | - P Matthew Joyner
- From the Natural Science Division, Pepperdine University, Malibu, California, 90263
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Chen SH, Goller CC. Shifting Faculty Approaches to Pedagogy through Structured Teaching Postdoc Experiences. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY & BIOLOGY EDUCATION 2019; 20:jmbe-20-40. [PMID: 31501683 PMCID: PMC6713478 DOI: 10.1128/jmbe.v20i2.1789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Many studies confirm the benefit of active learning in STEM teaching. However, many faculty have been slow to adopt such practices, perhaps due to limited time to learn and implement new approaches. One way to address this deficit is to offer structured teaching postdoctoral experiences to trained scientists who want to enter academia. We outline the benefits of providing pedagogical training at the postdoctoral level and present a framework for structuring an impactful teaching postdoc program.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carlos C. Goller
- Corresponding author. Mailing address: 6104 Jordan Hall, Campus Box 7512, 2800 Faucette Drive, Biotechnology Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695. Phone: 919-513-4135. E-mail:
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Yang H, Meng L, Ai D, Hou N, Li H, Shuai X, Peng X. Acetic acid alleviates the inflammatory response and liver injury in septic mice by increasing the expression of TRIM40. Exp Ther Med 2019; 17:2789-2798. [PMID: 30906467 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2019.7274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sepsis remains a significant health care issue in clinical practice due to its high mortality rate and healthcare cost, despite extensive efforts to better understand the pathophysiology of sepsis. The systemic inflammatory response often leads to severe liver injury, even acute liver dysfunction and failure. Acetic acid, as a type of chemical compound, has been reported to be an emerging drug for improving metabolic syndrome and inhibiting inflammation in rats and human. To verify the effects of acetic acid in protecting the liver and reducing the inflammatory response, a septic mouse model was established by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), and then the CLP-model mice were treated with acetic acid or PBS. Following the treatment, it was determined that, in CLP-model mice, acetic acid could alleviate the inflammatory response by decreasing the expression of cytokines including interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α. Additionally, acetic acid also alleviated the liver injury, and the levels of alanine aminotransaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, Toll-like receptor (TLR)4 and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) were decreased. The expression of tripartite motif-containing protein (TRIM)40 was also upregulated significantly. Therefore, the authors of the current study hypothesized that acetic acid could decrease the inflammatory response by increasing the expression of TRIM40 and TRIM40 may regulate the activity of the TLR4 signaling pathway. To further illustrate the interaction between TRIM40 and the TLR4 signaling pathway, the authors collected macrophages from the peritoneal cavity by intraperitoneally administering mice with 5 ml ice-cold normal saline. Following the collection, peritoneal macrophages were treated with acetic acid, TRIM40 small interfering RNA or PBS. It was demonstrated that acetic acid upregulated the expression of TRIM40. When TRIM40 was silenced, the protective effect of acetic acid would be reversed as well. The results suggested that TRIM40 could act on and downregulate the activity of the TLR4 signaling pathway. TRIM40 is possibly the major target for acetic acid, which may function as a protective factor in septic mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongguang Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong 266011, P.R. China
| | - Lan Meng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong 266011, P.R. China
| | - Dengbin Ai
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong 266011, P.R. China
| | - Nianguo Hou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong 266011, P.R. China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong 266011, P.R. China
| | - Xunjun Shuai
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong 266011, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoyan Peng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong 266011, P.R. China
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Evaluation of 99mTc-HYNIC-VCAM-1 scFv as a Potential Qualitative and Semiquantitative Probe Targeting Various Tumors. CONTRAST MEDIA & MOLECULAR IMAGING 2018; 2018:7832805. [PMID: 29853809 PMCID: PMC5960529 DOI: 10.1155/2018/7832805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) is overexpressed in varieties of cancers. This study aimed to evaluate the application of a single chain variable fragment (scFv) of anti-VCAM-1 antibody labeled with 99mTc as a possible imaging agent in several tumors. VCAM-1 scFv was labeled with 99mTc using succinimidyl 6-hydrazinium nicotinate hydrochloride, and 99mTc-HYNIC-VCAM-1scFv was successfully synthesized with a high radiolabeling yield. VCAM-1 expression was evaluated in six cell lines by immunofluorescence staining. In vitro binding assays showed different binding affinities of 99mTc-HYNIC-VCAM-1scFv in different tumor cell lines, with high uptake in B16F10 melanoma and HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells, which was consistent with immunofluorescence staining results. In vivo SPECT planar imaging demonstrated that B16F10 and HT1080 tumors could be clearly visualized. Less intense uptake was observed in human SKOV3.ip ovarian tumor, and weak uptake was observed in human A375m melanoma, MDA-MB-231 breast cancer, and 786-O renal tumors. These findings were confirmed by biodistribution and immunofluorescence studies. High uptake by B16F10 tumors was inhibited by excess unlabeled VCAM-1scFv. 99mTc-HYNIC-VCAM-1scFv, which selectively binds to VCAM-1, can provide a qualitative and semiquantitative method for noninvasive evaluation of VCAM-1 expression by tumors.
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Meng XQ, Chen XH, Sahebally Z, Xu YN, Yin SY, Wu LM, Zheng SS. Cytokines are early diagnostic biomarkers of graft-versus-host disease in liver recipients. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2017; 16:45-51. [PMID: 28119258 DOI: 10.1016/s1499-3872(16)60157-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is associated with high mortality. Early diagnosis is essential to start treatment and to improve outcomes. Because of the inflammatory nature, we hypothesis that cytokine profile of patients with GVHD may serve as diagnostic markers. The present study was to evaluate the role of cytokine profile in the diagnosis of GVHD. METHODS An immunoassay was used to detect 29 cytokines simultaneously in the serum; the measuring sensitivity of all cytokines was pg/mL. Healthy subjects undergoing annual routine physical examinations served as negative controls; 23 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who had undergone liver transplantation (the LT group) comprised the test subjects. A total of 22 kidney recipients with biopsy-confirmed GVHD (the RT group) were included for comparison. HCC patients with radical surgery (the HCC group, n=22) served as positive control. The liver contents of the three cytokines, IL-2, IL-18, and IFN-gamma, were detected with immunohistochemistry. Serum granzyme B and perforin were measured by flow cytometry. RESULTS Of the 29 cytokines, the levels of IL-2 and IL-18 were increased significantly in liver recipients with GVHD compared with healthy controls (P<0.05). The serum levels of these three cytokines in the healthy, HCC, LT, and RT groups were IL-2: 0.90+/-0.02, 4.14+/-0.61, 5.10+/-0.89, and 1.48+/-0.09 pg/mL; IL-18: 80.61+/-9.35, 109.51+/-10.93, 230.11+/-12.92, and 61.98+/-7.88 pg/mL; IFN-gamma: 24.06+/-3.88, 24.84+/-3.21, 40.37+/-5.88, and 15.33+/-4.72 pg/mL, respectively. Immunohistochemistry showed that these 3 cytokines expressions in the liver were parallel to the serum cytokine. After standard anti-GVHD treatment, the expressions of IL-2, IL-18, and IFN-gamma were decreased in the liver (P<0.05). Serum granzyme B and perforin were significantly increased in GVHD patients (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS IL-2, IL-18 and IFN-gamma were from liver and might serve as biomarkers for monitoring GVHD development and the effects of anti-GVHD treatment. Granzyme B and perforin may play a role in increasing IL-2, IL-18, and IFN-gamma levels in GVHD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Qin Meng
- Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou 310003, China.
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