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Gemmell MR, Jayawardana T, Koentgen S, Brooks E, Kennedy N, Berry S, Lees C, Hold GL. Optimised human stool sample collection for multi-omic microbiota analysis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:16816. [PMID: 39039185 PMCID: PMC11263584 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67499-4] [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: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
To accurately define the role of the gut microbiota in health and disease pathogenesis, the preservation of stool sample integrity, in terms of microbial community composition and metabolic function, is critical. This presents a challenge for any studies which rely on participants self-collecting and returning stool samples as this introduces variability and uncertainty of sample storage/handling. Here, we tested the performance of three stool sample collection/preservation buffers when storing human stool samples at different temperatures (room temperature [20 °C], 4 °C and - 80 °C) for up to three days. We compared and quantified differences in 16S rRNA sequencing composition and short-chain fatty acid profiles compared against immediately snap-frozen stool. We found that the choice of preservation buffer had the largest effect on the resulting microbial community and metabolomic profiles. Collectively analysis confirmed that PSP and RNAlater buffered samples most closely recapitulated the microbial diversity profile of the original (immediately - 80 °C frozen) sample and should be prioritised for human stool microbiome studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thisun Jayawardana
- School of Clinical Medicine, Microbiome Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sabrina Koentgen
- School of Clinical Medicine, Microbiome Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ella Brooks
- School of Clinical Medicine, Microbiome Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicholas Kennedy
- University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, UK
- Department of Gastroenterology, Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, Devon, UK
| | - Susan Berry
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Dentistry, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Charlie Lees
- Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
- University of Edinburgh Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Georgina L Hold
- School of Clinical Medicine, Microbiome Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Roncancio-Duque N, García-Ariza JE, Rivera-Franco N, Gonzalez-Ríos AM, López-Alvarez D. Comparison of DNA quantity and quality from fecal samples of mammals transported in ethanol or lysis buffer. One Health 2024; 18:100731. [PMID: 38655016 PMCID: PMC11035093 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2024.100731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Using fecal microbial community profiles through sequencing approaches helps to unravel the intimate interplay between health, wellness, and diet in wild animals with their environment. Ensuring the proper preservation of fecal samples before processing is crucial to ensure reliable results. In this study, we evaluated the efficiency of two different preservation methods, considering the following criteria: DNA yield, quality and integrity, and microbial community structure based on Oxford Nanopore amplicon sequencing of the V3-V4 region of bacterial 16S rRNA and protozoa 18S rRNA genes. Eighteen matched pairs of mammalian fecal samples were collected and transported in 99.8% ethanol and lysis buffer; processing occurred between 55 and 461 days post-collection. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to analyze quantitative measurements for paired samples. The A260/280 ratio, a measure of nucleic acid purity, was assessed descriptively for each media, and the Bartlett test evaluated dispersion of this ratio. A Fisher test was performed to compare the number of positive reactions for DNA extraction or PCR amplification of the 16S and 18S rRNA genes between both media. The concentration of total DNA and amplicons, as well as the number of reads obtained in sequencing, was significantly higher in the samples preserved with lysis buffer compared to ethanol, with magnitudes up to three times higher. Electrophoretic analysis of total DNA and amplicons further confirmed superior DNA integrity in lysis buffer preserved samples. The A260/280 values obtained using the lysis buffer were of optimal purity (mean: 1.92) and with little dispersion (SD: 0.27); on the other hand, the ethanol samples also presented an excellent average quality (mean: 1.94), but they were dispersed (SD: 1.10). For molecular studies using mammalian feces, the lysis buffer reagent proved to be a reliable solution for their collection, conservation, and storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Néstor Roncancio-Duque
- Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Grupo de Investigación en Diversidad Biológica, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Palmira, Colombia
| | - Jeison Eduardo García-Ariza
- Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Grupo de Investigación en Diversidad Biológica, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Palmira, Colombia
| | - Nelson Rivera-Franco
- Universidad del Valle, Facultad de Salud, Escuela de Ciencias Básicas, Grupo VIREM—Virus Emergentes y Enfermedad, Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Maryland, United States
| | - Andrés Mauricio Gonzalez-Ríos
- Universidad del Valle, Facultad de Salud, Escuela de Ciencias Básicas, Grupo VIREM—Virus Emergentes y Enfermedad, Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia
| | - Diana López-Alvarez
- Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Grupo de Investigación en Diversidad Biológica, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Palmira, Colombia
- Universidad del Valle, Facultad de Salud, Escuela de Ciencias Básicas, Grupo VIREM—Virus Emergentes y Enfermedad, Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia
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Ward AB, Harris PA, Argo CM, Watson C, Neacsu M, Russell WR, Ribeiro A, Collie-Duguid E, Heidari Z, Morrison PK. Homemade Nucleic Acid Preservation Buffer Proves Effective in Preserving the Equine Faecal Microbiota over Time at Ambient Temperatures. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3107. [PMID: 37835713 PMCID: PMC10572018 DOI: 10.3390/ani13193107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The equine faecal microbiota is often assessed as a proxy of the microbial community in the distal colon, where the microbiome has been linked to states of health and disease in the horse. However, the microbial community structure may change over time if samples are not adequately preserved. This study stored equine faecal samples from n = 10 horses in four preservation treatments at room temperature for up to 150 h and assessed the resulting impact on microbial diversity and the differential abundance of taxa. Treatments included "COLD" (samples packaged with a cool pack), "CLX" (2% chlorhexidine digluconate solution), "NAP" (nucleic acid preservation buffer), and "FTA" (Whatman FTA™ cards). The samples were assessed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing after storage for 0, 24, 72, and 150 h at room temperature under the different treatments. The results showed effective preservation of diversity and community structure with NAP buffer but lower diversity (p = 0.001) and the under-representation of Fibrobacterota in the FTA card samples. The NAP treatment inhibited the overgrowth of bloom taxa that occurred by 72 h at room temperature. The COLD, CLX, and NAP treatments were effective in preserving the faecal microbiota for up to 24 h at room temperature, and the CLX and NAP treatments improved the yield of Patescibacteria and Fibrobacterota in some cases. The cold and CLX treatments were ineffective in preventing community shifts that occurred by 72 h at room temperature. These findings demonstrate the suitability of the COLD, NAP, and CLX treatments for the room temperature storage of equine faeces for up to 24 h and of NAP buffer for up to 150 h prior to processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley B. Ward
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Scotland’s Rural College, Aberdeen AB21 9YA, UK
- The Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
- School of Medicine Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Patricia A. Harris
- Equine Studies Group, Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Leicestershire LE14 4RT, UK
| | - Caroline McG. Argo
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Scotland’s Rural College, Aberdeen AB21 9YA, UK
| | - Christine Watson
- Department of Rural Land Use, Scotland’s Rural College, Aberdeen AB21 9YA, UK
| | - Madalina Neacsu
- The Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Wendy R. Russell
- The Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Antonio Ribeiro
- School of Medicine Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
- Centre for Genome-Enabled Biology and Medicine, University of Aberdeen, King’s College, Aberdeen AB24 3FX, UK
| | - Elaina Collie-Duguid
- School of Medicine Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
- Centre for Genome-Enabled Biology and Medicine, University of Aberdeen, King’s College, Aberdeen AB24 3FX, UK
| | - Zeynab Heidari
- School of Medicine Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
- Centre for Genome-Enabled Biology and Medicine, University of Aberdeen, King’s College, Aberdeen AB24 3FX, UK
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Li XM, Shi X, Yao Y, Shen YC, Wu XL, Cai T, Liang LX, Wang F. Effects of Stool Sample Preservation Methods on Gut Microbiota Biodiversity: New Original Data and Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0429722. [PMID: 37093040 PMCID: PMC10269478 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04297-22] [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: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Here, we aimed to compare the effects of different preservation methods on outcomes of fecal microbiota. We evaluated the effects of different preservation methods using stool sample preservation experiments for up to 1 year. The stool samples from feces of healthy volunteers were grouped based on whether absolute ethanol was added and whether they were hypothermically preserved. Besides, we performed a systematic review to combine current fecal microbiota preservation evidence. We found that Proteobacteria changed significantly and Veillonellaceae decreased significantly in the 12th month in the room temperature + absolute ethanol group. The four cryopreservation groups have more similarities with fresh sample in the 12 months; however, different cryopreservation methods have different effects on several phyla, families, and genera. A systematic review showed that the Shannon diversity and Simpson index of samples stored in RNAlater for 1 month were not statistically significant compared with those stored immediately at -80°C (P = 0.220 and P = 0.123, respectively). The -80°C refrigerator and liquid nitrogen cryopreservation with 10% glycerine can both maintain stable microbiota of stool samples for long-term preservation. The addition of absolute ethanol to cryopreserved samples had no significant difference in the effect of preserving fecal microbial characteristics. Our study provides empirical insights into preservation details for future studies of the long-term preservation of fecal microbiota. Systematic review and meta-analysis found that the gut microbiota structure, composition, and diversity of samples preserved by storage methods, such as preservation solution, are relatively stable, which were suitable for short-term storage at room temperature. IMPORTANCE The study of gut bacteria has become increasingly popular, and fecal sample preservation methods and times need to be standardized. Here, we detail a 12-month study of fecal sample preservation, and our study provides an empirical reference about experimental details for long-term high-quality storage of fecal samples in the field of gut microbiology research. The results showed that the combination of -80°C/liquid nitrogen deep cryopreservation and 10% glycerol was the most effective method for the preservation of stool samples, which is suitable for long-term storage for at least 12 months. The addition of anhydrous ethanol to the deep cryopreserved samples did not make a significant difference in the preservation of fecal microbiological characteristics. Combined with the results of systematic reviews and meta-analyses, we believe that, when researchers preserve fecal specimens, it is essential to select the proper preservation method and time period in accordance with the goal of the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-meng Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Non-resolving Inflammation and Cancer, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiao Shi
- Department of Dermatology, Anhui Provincial Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yao Yao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhangjiajie People’s Hospital, Zhangjiajie, Hunan, China
| | - Yi-cun Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Non-resolving Inflammation and Cancer, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiang-ling Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Non-resolving Inflammation and Cancer, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ting Cai
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Non-resolving Inflammation and Cancer, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lun-xi Liang
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Non-resolving Inflammation and Cancer, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, China
| | - Fen Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Non-resolving Inflammation and Cancer, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Sumithra TG, Sharma SRK, Gayathri S, Ebeneezar S, Reshma KJ, Anikuttan KK, Narasimapallavan GI, Rameshkumar P, Sakthivel M, Prabu DL, Tamilmani G, Vijayagopal P, Gopalakrishnan A. Comparative evaluation of fish larval preservation methods on microbiome profiles to aid in metagenomics research. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:4719-4735. [PMID: 35739345 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-12026-6] [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: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Applications of microbiome research through metagenomics promise to generate microbiome manipulation strategies for improved larval survival in aquaculture. However, existing lacunae on the effects of sample preservation methods in metagenome profiles hinder the successful application of this technique. In this context, four preservation methods were scrutinized to identify reliable methods for fish larval microbiome research. The results showed that a total of ten metagenomics metrics, including DNA yield, taxonomic and functional microbiome profiles, and diversity measures, were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by the preservation method. Activity ranking based on the performance and reproducibility showed that three methods, namely immediate direct freezing, room temperature preservation in absolute ethanol, and preservation at - 20 °C in lysis, storage, and transportation buffer, could be recommended for larval microbiome research. Furthermore, as there was an apparent deviation of the microbiome profiles of ethanol preserved samples at room temperature, the other methods are preferred. Detailed analysis showed that this deviation was due to the bias towards Vibrionales and Rhodobacterales. The microbial taxa responsible for the dissimilarity across different methods were identified. Altogether, the paper sheds light on the preservation protocols of fish larval microbiome research for the first time. The results can help in cross-comparison of future and past larval microbiome studies. Furthermore, this is the first report on the activity ranking of preservation methods based on metagenomics metrics. Apart from methodological perspectives, the paper provides for the first time certain insights into larval microbial profiles of Rachycentron canadum, a potential marine aquaculture species. KEY POINTS: • First report on effects of preservation methods on fish larval microbiome profiles. • First report on activity ranking of preservation methods based on metagenomics metrics. • Storage methods influenced DNA yield, taxonomic and functional microbiome profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- T G Sumithra
- Marine Biotechnology, Fish Nutrition and Health Division, ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Post Box No. 1603, Ernakulam North P.O, Kochi, 682 018, India
| | - S R Krupesha Sharma
- Marine Biotechnology, Fish Nutrition and Health Division, ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Post Box No. 1603, Ernakulam North P.O, Kochi, 682 018, India.
| | - S Gayathri
- Marine Biotechnology, Fish Nutrition and Health Division, ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Post Box No. 1603, Ernakulam North P.O, Kochi, 682 018, India
| | - Sanal Ebeneezar
- Marine Biotechnology, Fish Nutrition and Health Division, ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Post Box No. 1603, Ernakulam North P.O, Kochi, 682 018, India
| | - K J Reshma
- Marine Biotechnology, Fish Nutrition and Health Division, ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Post Box No. 1603, Ernakulam North P.O, Kochi, 682 018, India
| | - K K Anikuttan
- Mandapam Regional Centre of ICAR-CMFRI, Marine Fisheries P.O, 623 520, Mandapam Camp, India
| | | | - P Rameshkumar
- Mandapam Regional Centre of ICAR-CMFRI, Marine Fisheries P.O, 623 520, Mandapam Camp, India
| | - M Sakthivel
- Mandapam Regional Centre of ICAR-CMFRI, Marine Fisheries P.O, 623 520, Mandapam Camp, India
| | - D Linga Prabu
- Tuticorin Regional Station of ICAR-CMFRI, South Beach Road, 628 001, Tuticorin, India
| | - G Tamilmani
- Mandapam Regional Centre of ICAR-CMFRI, Marine Fisheries P.O, 623 520, Mandapam Camp, India
| | - P Vijayagopal
- Marine Biotechnology, Fish Nutrition and Health Division, ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Post Box No. 1603, Ernakulam North P.O, Kochi, 682 018, India
| | - A Gopalakrishnan
- Marine Biotechnology, Fish Nutrition and Health Division, ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Post Box No. 1603, Ernakulam North P.O, Kochi, 682 018, India
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Su W, Du Y, Lian F, Wu H, Zhang X, Yang W, Duan Y, Pan Y, Liu W, Wu A, Zhao B, Wu C, Wu S. Standards for Collection, Preservation, and Transportation of Fecal Samples in TCM Clinical Trials. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:783682. [PMID: 35521221 PMCID: PMC9065286 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.783682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Unlike chemical drugs with a single or a few kinds of active compounds, traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs)uses herbal formulas composed of numerous kinds of chemical constituents. Therefore, TCM clinical trials require unique and stricter standards for collecting, preserving, and transporting fecal samples than those used for chemical drugs. Unfortunately, there are no special standards for processing fecal samples in TCM clinical trials. Methods We invited interdisciplinary experts within TCM clinical trials and gut microbiome research to help formulate this standard. After more than a year’s in-depth discussion and amendments, we achieved a standard via expert interviews, literature research, questionnaire surveys, and public opinion solicitation. This standard has been reviewed and approved by the Standards Office of China of the Association of Chinese medicine. Results We established a sample information processing method prior to TCM clinical sample collection, which is adapted to the unique features of TCM. The method formulates detailed processing requirements for TCM information in addition to the factors that may disturb the gut microbiome. We also constructed a set of methods for collecting, preserving, and transporting fecal samples that meet the characteristics of TCM. These methods formulate detailed operating specifications on the collection approaches, storage conditions, transportation requirements, and management of fecal samples. Conclusions This standard guides the information processing prior to sample collection and the standard operating procedures for the collection, preservation, and transportation of fecal samples in TCM clinical trials, which also can be used as a reference by clinicians and researchers in modern medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenquan Su
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yawei Du
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Fengmei Lian
- Department of Endocrinology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Wu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinrong Zhang
- Fangshan Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Wenli Yang
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yunfeng Duan
- Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanming Pan
- The 7th Medical Center, Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Weijng Liu
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Aiming Wu
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Bowen Zhao
- Beijing QuantiHealth Technology Co, Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Chongming Wu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- *Correspondence: Shengxian Wu, ; Chongming Wu,
| | - Shengxian Wu
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Shengxian Wu, ; Chongming Wu,
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