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Yao Y, Chen K, Pan Q, Gao H, Su W, Zheng S, Dong W, Qian D. Redifferentiation of genetically modified dedifferentiated chondrocytes in a microcavitary hydrogel. Biotechnol Lett 2024; 46:483-495. [PMID: 38523201 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-024-03475-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We genetically modified dedifferentiated chondrocytes (DCs) using lentiviral vectors and adenoviral vectors encoding TGF-β3 (referred to as transgenic groups below) and encapsulated these DCs in the microcavitary hydrogel and investigated the combinational effect on redifferentiation of the genetically manipulated DCs. RESULTS The Cell Counting Kit-8 data indicated that both transgenic groups exhibited significantly higher cell viability in the first week but inferior cell viability in the subsequent timepoints compared with those of the control group. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis results demonstrated that both transgenic groups had a better effect on redifferentiation to some extent, as evidenced by higher expression levels of chondrogenic genes, suggesting the validity of combination with transgenic DCs and the microcavitary hydrogel on redifferentiation. Although transgenic DCs with adenoviral vectors presented a superior extent of redifferentiation, they also expressed greater levels of the hypertrophic gene type X collagen. It is still worth further exploring how to deliver TGF-β3 more efficiently and optimizing the appropriate parameters, including concentration and duration. CONCLUSIONS The results demonstrated the better redifferentiation effect of DCs with the combinational use of transgenic TGF-β3 and a microcavitary alginate hydrogel and implied that DCs would be alternative seed cells for cartilage tissue engineering due to their easily achieved sufficient cell amounts through multiple passages and great potential to redifferentiate to produce cartilaginous extracellular matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongchang Yao
- Department of Joint Surgery, The Key Laboratory of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China.
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Technology and Implant Materials, Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China.
| | - Ke Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Technology and Implant Materials, Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
- Emergency Department, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China
| | - Qian Pan
- Department of Joint Surgery, The Key Laboratory of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Technology and Implant Materials, Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Hui Gao
- Department of Joint Surgery, The Key Laboratory of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Technology and Implant Materials, Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Weixian Su
- Department of Joint Surgery, The Key Laboratory of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Technology and Implant Materials, Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Shicong Zheng
- Department of Joint Surgery, The Key Laboratory of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Weiqiang Dong
- Department of Joint Surgery, The Key Laboratory of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Dongyang Qian
- Department of Joint Surgery, The Key Laboratory of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
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Thanaskody K, Natashah FN, Nordin F, Kamarul Zaman WSW, Tye GJ. Designing molecules: directing stem cell differentiation. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1396405. [PMID: 38803845 PMCID: PMC11129639 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1396405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Stem cells have been widely applied in regenerative and therapeutic medicine for their unique regenerative properties. Although much research has shown their potential, it remains tricky in directing stem cell differentiation. The advancement of genetic and therapeutic technologies, however, has facilitated this issue through development of design molecules. These molecules are designed to overcome the drawbacks previously faced, such as unexpected differentiation outcomes and insufficient migration of endogenous or exogenous MSCs. Here, we introduced aptamer, bacteriophage, and biological vectors as design molecules and described their characteristics. The methods of designing/developing discussed include various Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX) procedures, in silico approaches, and non-SELEX methods for aptamers, and genetic engineering methods such as homologous recombination, Bacteriophage Recombineering of Electroporated DNA (BRED), Bacteriophage Recombineering with Infectious Particles (BRIP), and genome rebooting for bacteriophage. For biological vectors, methods such as alternate splicing, multiple promoters, internal ribosomal entry site, CRISPR-Cas9 system and Cre recombinase mediated recombination were used to design viral vectors, while non-viral vectors like exosomes are generated through parental cell-based direct engineering. Besides that, we also discussed the pros and cons, and applications of each design molecule in directing stem cell differentiation to illustrate their great potential in stem cells research. Finally, we highlighted some safety and efficacy concerns to be considered for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalaiselvaan Thanaskody
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (CTERM), Faculty of Medicine, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Fajriyah Nur Natashah
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (CTERM), Faculty of Medicine, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Fazlina Nordin
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (CTERM), Faculty of Medicine, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Wan Safwani Wan Kamarul Zaman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Life Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Centre for Innovation in Medical Engineering (CIME), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Gee Jun Tye
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor, Malaysia
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Miao X, Lin J, Li A, Gao T, Liu T, Shen J, Sun Y, Wei J, Bao B, Zheng X. AAV-mediated VEGFA overexpression promotes angiogenesis and recovery of locomotor function following spinal cord injury via PI3K/Akt signaling. Exp Neurol 2024; 375:114739. [PMID: 38401852 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a disorder of the central nervous system resulting from various factors such as trauma, inflammation, tumors, and other etiologies. This condition leads to impairment in motor, sensory, and autonomic functions below the level of injury. Limitations of current therapeutic approaches prompt an investigation into therapeutic angiogenesis through persistent local expression of proangiogenic factors. Here, we investigated whether overexpression of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) in mouse SCI promoted locomotor function recovery, and whether the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway was mechanistically involved. Three weeks before SCI, AAV-VEGFA was injected at the T10 level to induce VEGFA overexpression. Neurofunctional, histological, and biochemical assessments were done to determine tissue damage and/or recovery of neuromuscular and behavioral impairments. Daily injections of the PI3K/Akt pathway inhibitor LY294002 were made to assess a possible mechanism. AAV-VEGFA overexpression dramatically improved locomotor function and ameliorated pathological injury caused by SCI. Improved motor-evoked potentials in hindlimbs and more spinal CD31-positive microvessels were observed in AAV-VEGFA-overexpressing mice. LY294002 reduced PI3K and Akt phosphorylation levels and attenuated AAV-VEGFA-related improvements. In conclusion, sustained local AAV-mediated VEGFA overexpression in spinal cord can significantly promote angiogenesis and ameliorate locomotor impairment after SCI in a contusion mouse model through activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Miao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; National Center for Orthopaedics, Shanghai, China
| | - Junqing Lin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; National Center for Orthopaedics, Shanghai, China
| | - Ang Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; National Center for Orthopaedics, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Gao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; National Center for Orthopaedics, Shanghai, China
| | - Tiexin Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; National Center for Orthopaedics, Shanghai, China
| | - Junjie Shen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; National Center for Orthopaedics, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Sun
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; National Center for Orthopaedics, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiabao Wei
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; National Center for Orthopaedics, Shanghai, China
| | - Bingbo Bao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; National Center for Orthopaedics, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianyou Zheng
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; National Center for Orthopaedics, Shanghai, China.
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Kumar J, Karim A, Sweety UH, Sarma H, Nurunnabi M, Narayan M. Bioinspired Approaches for Central Nervous System Targeted Gene Delivery. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2023. [PMID: 38100377 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) which include a wide range of neurodegenerative and neurological conditions have become a serious global issue. The presence of CNS barriers poses a significant challenge to the progress of designing effective therapeutic delivery systems, limiting the effectiveness of drugs, genes, and other therapeutic agents. Natural nanocarriers present in biological systems have inspired researchers to design unique delivery systems through biomimicry. As natural resource derived delivery systems are more biocompatible, current research has been focused on the development of delivery systems inspired by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and mammalian cells. Despite their structural potential and extensive physiological function, making them an excellent choice for biomaterial engineering, the delivery of nucleic acids remains challenging due to their instability in biological systems. Similarly, the efficient delivery of genetic material within the tissues of interest remains a hurdle due to a lack of selectivity and targeting ability. Considering that gene therapies are the holy grail for intervention in diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's Disease, and Huntington's disease, this review centers around recent advances in bioinspired approaches to gene delivery for the prevention of CNS disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyotish Kumar
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
| | - Afroz Karim
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
| | - Ummy Habiba Sweety
- Environmental Science and Engineering, The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
| | - Hemen Sarma
- Bioremediation Technology Research Group, Department of Botany, Bodoland University, Rangalikhata, Deborgaon, 783370, Kokrajhar (BTR), Assam, India
| | - Md Nurunnabi
- The Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
| | - Mahesh Narayan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
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Ghosh M, Pearse DD. Schwann Cell-Derived Exosomal Vesicles: A Promising Therapy for the Injured Spinal Cord. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17317. [PMID: 38139147 PMCID: PMC10743801 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are nanoscale-sized membrane vesicles released by cells into their extracellular milieu. Within these nanovesicles reside a multitude of bioactive molecules, which orchestrate essential biological processes, including cell differentiation, proliferation, and survival, in the recipient cells. These bioactive properties of exosomes render them a promising choice for therapeutic use in the realm of tissue regeneration and repair. Exosomes possess notable positive attributes, including a high bioavailability, inherent safety, and stability, as well as the capacity to be functionalized so that drugs or biological agents can be encapsulated within them or to have their surface modified with ligands and receptors to imbue them with selective cell or tissue targeting. Remarkably, their small size and capacity for receptor-mediated transcytosis enable exosomes to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and access the central nervous system (CNS). Unlike cell-based therapies, exosomes present fewer ethical constraints in their collection and direct use as a therapeutic approach in the human body. These advantageous qualities underscore the vast potential of exosomes as a treatment option for neurological injuries and diseases, setting them apart from other cell-based biological agents. Considering the therapeutic potential of exosomes, the current review seeks to specifically examine an area of investigation that encompasses the development of Schwann cell (SC)-derived exosomal vesicles (SCEVs) as an approach to spinal cord injury (SCI) protection and repair. SCs, the myelinating glia of the peripheral nervous system, have a long history of demonstrated benefit in repair of the injured spinal cord and peripheral nerves when transplanted, including their recent advancement to clinical investigations for feasibility and safety in humans. This review delves into the potential of utilizing SCEVs as a therapy for SCI, explores promising engineering strategies to customize SCEVs for specific actions, and examines how SCEVs may offer unique clinical advantages over SC transplantation for repair of the injured spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mousumi Ghosh
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
- The Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Damien D. Pearse
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
- The Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- The Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- The Neuroscience Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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Nowak I, Madej M, Secemska J, Sarna R, Strzalka-Mrozik B. Virus-Based Biological Systems as Next-Generation Carriers for the Therapy of Central Nervous System Diseases. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1931. [PMID: 37514117 PMCID: PMC10384784 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15071931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) diseases are currently a major challenge in medicine. One reason is the presence of the blood-brain barrier, which is a significant limitation for currently used medicinal substances that are characterized by a high molecular weight and a short half-life. Despite the application of nanotechnology, there is still the problem of targeting and the occurrence of systemic toxicity. Viral vectors and virus-like particles (VLPs) may provide a promising solution to these challenges. Their small size, biocompatibility, ability to carry medicinal substances, and specific targeting of neural cells make them useful in research when formulating a new generation of biological carriers. Additionally, the possibility of genetic modification has the potential for gene therapy. Among the most promising viral vectors are adeno-associated viruses, adenoviruses, and retroviruses. This is due to their natural tropism to neural cells, as well as the possibility of genetic and surface modification. Moreover, VLPs that are devoid of infectious genetic material in favor of increasing capacity are also leading the way for research on new drug delivery systems. The aim of this study is to review the most recent reports on the use of viral vectors and VLPs in the treatment of selected CNS diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilona Nowak
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Marcel Madej
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Julia Secemska
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Robert Sarna
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Barbara Strzalka-Mrozik
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
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Li J, Luo W, Xiao C, Zhao J, Xiang C, Liu W, Gu R. Recent advances in endogenous neural stem/progenitor cell manipulation for spinal cord injury repair. Theranostics 2023; 13:3966-3987. [PMID: 37554275 PMCID: PMC10405838 DOI: 10.7150/thno.84133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) can cause severe neurological impairments. Clinically available treatments are quite limited, with unsatisfactory remediation effects. Residing endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells (eNSPCs) tend to differentiate towards astrocytes, leaving only a small fraction towards oligodendrocytes and even fewer towards neurons; this has been suggested as one of the reasons for the failure of autonomous neuronal regeneration. Thus, finding ways to recruit and facilitate the differentiation of eNSPCs towards neurons has been considered a promising strategy for the noninvasive and immune-compatible treatment of SCI. The present manuscript first introduces the responses of eNSPCs after exogenous interventions to boost endogenous neurogenesis in various SCI models. Then, we focus on state-of-art manipulation approaches that enhance the intrinsic neurogenesis capacity and reconstruct the hostile microenvironment, mainly consisting of pharmacological treatments, stem cell-derived exosome administration, gene therapy, functional scaffold implantation, inflammation regulation, and inhibitory element delineation. Facing the extremely complex situation of SCI, combined treatments are also highlighted to provide more clues for future relevant investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jincheng Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenqi Luo
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunsheng Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianhui Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunyu Xiang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, People's Republic of China
| | - Wanguo Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Gu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, People's Republic of China
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