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Jiang Q, Chen Y, Zheng S, Sui L, Yu D, Qing F, He W, Xiao Q, Guo T, Xu L, Liu Z, Liu Z. AIM2 enhances Candida albicans infection through promoting macrophage apoptosis via AKT signaling. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:280. [PMID: 38918243 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05326-9] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Candida albicans is among the most prevalent invasive fungal pathogens for immunocompromised individuals and novel therapeutic approaches that involve immune response modulation are imperative. Absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2), a pattern recognition receptor for DNA sensing, is well recognized for its involvement in inflammasome formation and its crucial role in safeguarding the host against various pathogenic infections. However, the role of AIM2 in host defense against C. albicans infection remains uncertain. This study reveals that the gene expression of AIM2 is induced in human and mouse innate immune cells or tissues after C. albicans infection. Furthermore, compared to their wild-type (WT) counterparts, Aim2-/- mice surprisingly exhibit resistance to C. albicans infection, along with reduced inflammation in the kidneys post-infection. The resistance of Aim2-/- mice to C. albicans infection is not reliant on inflammasome or type I interferon production. Instead, Aim2-/- mice display lower levels of apoptosis in kidney tissues following infection than WT mice. The deficiency of AIM2 in macrophages, but not in dendritic cells, results in a phenocopy of the resistance observed in Aim2-/- mice against C. albican infection. The treatment of Clodronate Liposome, a reagent that depletes macrophages, also shows the critical role of macrophages in host defense against C. albican infection in Aim2-/- mice. Furthermore, the reduction in apoptosis is observed in Aim2-/- mouse macrophages following infection or treatment of DNA from C. albicans in comparison with controls. Additionally, higher levels of AKT activation are observed in Aim2-/- mice, and treatment with an AKT inhibitor reverses the host resistance to C. albicans infection. The findings collectively demonstrate that AIM2 exerts a negative regulatory effect on AKT activation and enhances macrophage apoptosis, ultimately compromising host defense against C. albicans infection. This suggests that AIM2 and AKT may represent promising therapeutic targets for the management of fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Jiang
- School of Graduate, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- School of Nursing, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yayun Chen
- School of Graduate, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Siping Zheng
- School of Graduate, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Lina Sui
- School of Graduate, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Dalang Yu
- School of Graduate, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Furong Qing
- School of Graduate, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Wenji He
- School of Graduate, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qiuxiang Xiao
- School of Graduate, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Tianfu Guo
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Li Xu
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Center for Scientific Research, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zhichun Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China.
| | - Zhiping Liu
- School of Graduate, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China.
- Center for Scientific Research, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China.
- Center for Immunology, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China.
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Lyu S, Zhang T, Peng P, Cao D, Ma L, Yu Y, Dong Y, Qi X, Wei C. Involvement of cGAS/STING Signaling in the Pathogenesis of Candida albicans Keratitis: Insights From Genetic and Pharmacological Approaches. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:13. [PMID: 38848078 PMCID: PMC11166223 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.6.13] [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: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Fungal keratitis (FK) is an invasive corneal infection associated with significant risk to vision. Although the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)/stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway has been recognized for its role in defending against viral infections, its involvement in FK still remains largely unclear. This study sought to elucidate the contribution of the cGAS/STING signaling pathway to the pathogenesis of FK. Methods The expression of cGAS/STING signaling components was assessed in a murine model of Candida albicans keratitis through RNA sequencing, western blot analysis, immunofluorescence staining, and real-time PCR. Both genetic (utilizing Sting1gt/gt mice) and pharmacological (using C176) interventions were employed to inhibit STING activity, allowing for the evaluation of resultant pathogenic alterations in FK using slit-lamp examination, clinical scoring, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, fungal culture, and RNA sequencing. Subconjunctival administration of the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome inhibitor MCC950 was performed to evaluate FK manifestations following STING activity blockade. Furthermore, the impact of the STING agonist diABZI on FK progression was investigated. Results Compared to uninfected corneas, those infected with C. albicans exhibited increased expression of cGAS/STING signaling components, as well as its elevated activity. Inhibiting cGAS/STING signaling exacerbated the advancement of FK, as evidenced by elevated clinical scores, augmented fungal load, and heightened inflammatory response, including NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis. Pharmacological inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome effectively mitigated the exacerbated FK by suppressing STING activity. Conversely, pre-activation of STING exacerbated FK progression compared to the PBS control, characterized by increased fungal burden and reinforced inflammatory infiltration. Conclusions This study demonstrates the essential role of the cGAS/STING signaling pathway in FK pathogenesis and highlights the necessity of its proper activation for the host against FK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanmei Lyu
- Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Peng Peng
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Dingwen Cao
- Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Li Ma
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yang Yu
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yanling Dong
- Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaolin Qi
- Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- School of Ophthalmology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Chao Wei
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
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Guzman RM, Savolainen NG, Hayden OM, Lee M, Osbron CA, Liu Z, Yang H, Shaw DK, Omsland A, Goodman AG. Drosophila melanogaster Sting mediates Coxiella burnetii infection by reducing accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Infect Immun 2024; 92:e0056022. [PMID: 38363133 PMCID: PMC10929449 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00560-22] [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: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The Gram-negative bacterium Coxiella burnetii is the causative agent of query fever in humans and coxiellosis in livestock. C. burnetii infects a variety of cell types, tissues, and animal species including mammals and arthropods, but there is much left to be understood about the molecular mechanisms at play during infection in distinct species. Human stimulator of interferon genes (STING) induces an innate immune response through the induction of type I interferons (IFNs), and IFN promotes or suppresses C. burnetii replication, depending on tissue type. Drosophila melanogaster contains a functional STING ortholog (Sting) which activates NF-κB signaling and autophagy. Here, we sought to address the role of D. melanogaster Sting during C. burnetii infection to uncover how Sting regulates C. burnetii infection in flies. We show that Sting-null flies exhibit higher mortality and reduced induction of antimicrobial peptides following C. burnetii infection compared to control flies. Additionally, Sting-null flies induce lower levels of oxidative stress genes during infection, but the provision of N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) in food rescues Sting-null host survival. Lastly, we find that reactive oxygen species levels during C. burnetii infection are higher in Drosophila S2 cells knocked down for Sting compared to control cells. Our results show that at the host level, NAC provides protection against C. burnetii infection in the absence of Sting, thus establishing a role for Sting in protection against oxidative stress during C. burnetii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa M. Guzman
- School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Nathan G. Savolainen
- School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Olivia M. Hayden
- School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Miyoung Lee
- School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Chelsea A. Osbron
- School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Ziying Liu
- School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Hong Yang
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Dana K. Shaw
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Anders Omsland
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Alan G. Goodman
- School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
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Kumar V, Stewart JH. cGLRs Join Their Cousins of Pattern Recognition Receptor Family to Regulate Immune Homeostasis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1828. [PMID: 38339107 PMCID: PMC10855445 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031828] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) recognize danger signals such as PAMPs/MAMPs and DAMPs to initiate a protective immune response. TLRs, NLRs, CLRs, and RLRs are well-characterized PRRs of the host immune system. cGLRs have been recently identified as PRRs. In humans, the cGAS/STING signaling pathway is a part of cGLRs. cGAS recognizes cytosolic dsDNA as a PAMP or DAMP to initiate the STING-dependent immune response comprising type 1 IFN release, NF-κB activation, autophagy, and cellular senescence. The present article discusses the emergence of cGLRs as critical PRRs and how they regulate immune responses. We examined the role of cGAS/STING signaling, a well-studied cGLR system, in the activation of the immune system. The following sections discuss the role of cGAS/STING dysregulation in disease and how immune cross-talk with other PRRs maintains immune homeostasis. This understanding will lead to the design of better vaccines and immunotherapeutics for various diseases, including infections, autoimmunity, and cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Kumar
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Department of Surgery, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA;
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Brown Harding H, Kwaku GN, Reardon CM, Khan NS, Zamith-Miranda D, Zarnowski R, Tam JM, Bohaen CK, Richey L, Mosallanejad K, Crossen AJ, Reedy JL, Ward RA, Vargas-Blanco DA, Basham KJ, Bhattacharyya RP, Nett JE, Mansour MK, van de Veerdonk FL, Kumar V, Kagan JC, Andes DR, Nosanchuk JD, Vyas JM. Candida albicans extracellular vesicles trigger type I IFN signalling via cGAS and STING. Nat Microbiol 2024; 9:95-107. [PMID: 38168615 PMCID: PMC10959075 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-023-01546-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The host type I interferon (IFN) pathway is a major signature of inflammation induced by the human fungal pathogen, Candida albicans. However, the molecular mechanism for activating this pathway in the host defence against C. albicans remains unknown. Here we reveal that mice lacking cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of IFN genes (STING) pathway components had improved survival following an intravenous challenge by C. albicans. Biofilm-associated C. albicans DNA packaged in extracellular vesicles triggers the cGAS-STING pathway as determined by induction of interferon-stimulated genes, IFNβ production, and phosphorylation of IFN regulatory factor 3 and TANK-binding kinase 1. Extracellular vesicle-induced activation of type I IFNs was independent of the Dectin-1/Card9 pathway and did not require toll-like receptor 9. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in cGAS and STING potently altered inflammatory cytokine production in human monocytes challenged by C. albicans. These studies provide insights into the early innate immune response induced by a clinically significant fungal pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Brown Harding
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Geneva N Kwaku
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christopher M Reardon
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nida S Khan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel Zamith-Miranda
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Robert Zarnowski
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jenny M Tam
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Collins K Bohaen
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Lauren Richey
- Tufts Comparative Medicine Services, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kenta Mosallanejad
- Division of Gastroenterology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Arianne J Crossen
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer L Reedy
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rebecca A Ward
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Diego A Vargas-Blanco
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kyle J Basham
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Roby P Bhattacharyya
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jeniel E Nett
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Michael K Mansour
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Frank L van de Veerdonk
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Nitte University Centre for Science Education and Research, Medical Sciences Complex, Mangaluru, India
| | - Jonathan C Kagan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David R Andes
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Joshua D Nosanchuk
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Jatin M Vyas
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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Gu Y, Jia XM. STING negatively regulates antifungal immunity. Trends Microbiol 2023; 31:1090-1092. [PMID: 37741789 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
During viral infections, stimulator of interferon genes (STING) exerts a positive protective immune response. Chen et al. now shed light on the distinct role of STING in fungal infections. STING translocates to the phagosome to negatively regulate the immune response against Candida albicans infection through the inhibition of Src-involved Syk phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yebo Gu
- Department of Stomatology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Xin-Ming Jia
- Clinical Medicine Scientific and Technical Innovation Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China; Key Laboratory of Pathogen-Host Interactions of the Ministry of Education of China, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
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Metcalf CJE, Downie AE. The diversity of cGLR receptors: shedding new light on innate immunity. Trends Immunol 2023; 44:763-765. [PMID: 37718173 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2023.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
The characterization of a new group of innate pattern recognition receptors detected in >500 species across the tree of life by Li et al. reveals surprising commonalities and peculiarities shared with other innate receptors. Receptor diversity within and among species opens the way to reconsidering the costs and benefits of innate immune recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Jessica E Metcalf
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
| | - Alexander E Downie
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
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Minton K. Negative regulation of fungal immunity by STING. Nat Rev Immunol 2023; 23:475. [PMID: 37430098 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-023-00916-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
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