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Petillo E, Veneruso V, Gragnaniello G, Brochier L, Frigerio E, Perale G, Rossi F, Cardia A, Orro A, Veglianese P. Targeted therapy and deep learning insights into microglia modulation for spinal cord injury. Mater Today Bio 2024; 27:101117. [PMID: 38975239 PMCID: PMC11225820 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition that can cause significant motor and sensory impairment. Microglia, the central nervous system's immune sentinels, are known to be promising therapeutic targets in both SCI and neurodegenerative diseases. The most effective way to deliver medications and control microglial inflammation is through nanovectors; however, because of the variability in microglial morphology and the lack of standardized techniques, it is still difficult to precisely measure their activation in preclinical models. This problem is especially important in SCI, where the intricacy of the glia response following traumatic events necessitates the use of a sophisticated method to automatically discern between various microglial cell activation states that vary over time and space as the secondary injury progresses. We address this issue by proposing a deep learning-based technique for quantifying microglial activation following drug-loaded nanovector treatment in a preclinical SCI model. Our method uses a convolutional neural network to segment and classify microglia based on morphological characteristics. Our approach's accuracy and efficiency are demonstrated through evaluation on a collection of histology pictures from injured and intact spinal cords. This robust computational technique has potential for analyzing microglial activation across various neuropathologies and demonstrating the usefulness of nanovectors in modifying microglia in SCI and other neurological disorders. It has the ability to speed development in this crucial sector by providing a standardized and objective way to compare therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Petillo
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, via Mario Negri 2, Milano 20156, Italy
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “Giulio Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, via Mancinelli 7, Milano 20131, Italy
| | - Valeria Veneruso
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, via Mario Negri 2, Milano 20156, Italy
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, via Buffi 13, Lugano 6900, Switzerland
| | - Gianluca Gragnaniello
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Italian National Research Council, Institute of Biomedical Technologies, Segrate 20054, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Brochier
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Italian National Research Council, Institute of Biomedical Technologies, Segrate 20054, Italy
| | - Enrico Frigerio
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, via Mario Negri 2, Milano 20156, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Perale
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, via Buffi 13, Lugano 6900, Switzerland
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Donaueschingenstrasse 13, 1200 Vienna, Austria
- Regenera GmbH, Modecenterstrasse 22/D01, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Filippo Rossi
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “Giulio Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, via Mancinelli 7, Milano 20131, Italy
| | - Andrea Cardia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurocenter of the Southern Switzerland, Regional Hospital of Lugano, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Alessandro Orro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Italian National Research Council, Institute of Biomedical Technologies, Segrate 20054, Italy
| | - Pietro Veglianese
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, via Mario Negri 2, Milano 20156, Italy
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, via Buffi 13, Lugano 6900, Switzerland
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Talwalkar A, Haden G, Duncan KA. Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans mRNA expression and degradation in the zebra finch following traumatic brain injury. J Chem Neuroanat 2024; 138:102418. [PMID: 38621597 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2024.102418] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of fatality and disability worldwide. From minutes to months following damage, injury can result in a complex pathophysiology that can lead to temporary or permanent deficits including an array of neurodegenerative symptoms. These changes can include behavioral dysregulation, memory dysfunctions, and mood changes including depression. The nature and severity of impairments resulting from TBIs vary widely given the range of injury type, location, and extent of brain tissue involved. In response to the injury, the brain induces structural and functional changes to promote repair and minimize injury size. Despite its high prevalence, effective treatment strategies for TBI are limited. PNNs are part of the neuronal extracellular matrix (ECM) that mediate synaptic stabilization in the adult brain and thus neuroplasticity. They are associated mostly with inhibitory GABAergic interneurons and are thought to be responsible for maintaining the excitatory/inhibitory balance of the brain. The major structural components of PNNs include multiple chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) as well as other structural proteins. Here we examine the effects of injury on CSPG expression, specifically around the changes in the side change moieties. To investigate CSPG expression following injury, adult male and female zebra finches received either a bilateral penetrating, or no injury and qPCR analysis and immunohistochemistry for components of the CSPGs were examined at 1- or 7-days post-injury. Next, to determine if CSPGs and thus PNNs should be a target for therapeutic intervention, CSPG side chains were degraded at the time of injury with chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) CSPGs moieties were examined. Additionally, GABA receptor mRNA and aromatase mRNA expression was quantified following CSPG degradation as they have been implicated in neuronal survival and neurogenesis. Our data indicate the CSPG moieties change following injury, potentially allowing for a brief period of synaptic reorganization, and that treatments that target CSPG side chains are successful in further targeting this brief critical period by decreasing GABA mRNA receptor expression, but also decreasing aromatase expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Talwalkar
- Program in Biochemistry, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY 12604, USA
| | - Gage Haden
- Department of Biology, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY 12604, USA
| | - Kelli A Duncan
- Department of Biology, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY 12604, USA; Program in Neuroscience and Behavior, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY 12604, USA.
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Marangon D, Castro e Silva JH, Cerrato V, Boda E, Lecca D. Oligodendrocyte Progenitors in Glial Scar: A Bet on Remyelination. Cells 2024; 13:1024. [PMID: 38920654 PMCID: PMC11202012 DOI: 10.3390/cells13121024] [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: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) represent a subtype of glia, giving rise to oligodendrocytes, the myelin-forming cells in the central nervous system (CNS). While OPCs are highly proliferative during development, they become relatively quiescent during adulthood, when their fate is strictly influenced by the extracellular context. In traumatic injuries and chronic neurodegenerative conditions, including those of autoimmune origin, oligodendrocytes undergo apoptosis, and demyelination starts. Adult OPCs become immediately activated; they migrate at the lesion site and proliferate to replenish the damaged area, but their efficiency is hampered by the presence of a glial scar-a barrier mainly formed by reactive astrocytes, microglia and the deposition of inhibitory extracellular matrix components. If, on the one hand, a glial scar limits the lesion spreading, it also blocks tissue regeneration. Therapeutic strategies aimed at reducing astrocyte or microglia activation and shifting them toward a neuroprotective phenotype have been proposed, whereas the role of OPCs has been largely overlooked. In this review, we have considered the glial scar from the perspective of OPCs, analysing their behaviour when lesions originate and exploring the potential therapies aimed at sustaining OPCs to efficiently differentiate and promote remyelination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Marangon
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology of Purinergic Transmission, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (D.M.); (J.H.C.e.S.)
| | - Juliana Helena Castro e Silva
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology of Purinergic Transmission, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (D.M.); (J.H.C.e.S.)
| | - Valentina Cerrato
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.)
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043 Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Enrica Boda
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.)
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043 Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Davide Lecca
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology of Purinergic Transmission, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (D.M.); (J.H.C.e.S.)
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Hosen S, Ikeda-Yorifuji I, Yamashita T. Asporin and CD109, expressed in the injured neonatal spinal cord, attenuate axonal re-growth in vitro. Neurosci Lett 2024; 833:137832. [PMID: 38796094 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2024.137832] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
Axonal regeneration is restricted in adults and causes irreversible motor dysfunction following spinal cord injury (SCI). In contrast, neonates have prominent regenerative potential and can restore their neural function. Although the distinct cellular responses in neonates have been studied, how they contribute to neural recovery remains unclear. To assess whether the secreted molecules in neonatal SCI can enhance neural regeneration, we re-analyzed the previously performed single-nucleus RNA-seq (snRNA-seq) and focused on Asporin and Cd109, the highly expressed genes in the injured neonatal spinal cord. In the present study, we showed that both these molecules were expressed in the injured spinal cords of adults and neonates. We treated the cortical neurons with recombinant Asporin or CD109 to observe their direct effects on neurons in vitro. We demonstrated that these molecules enhance neurite outgrowth in neurons. However, these molecules did not enhance re-growth of severed axons. Our results suggest that Asporin and CD109 influence neurites at the lesion site, rather than promoting axon regeneration, to restore neural function in neonates after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakura Hosen
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Iyo Ikeda-Yorifuji
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Toshihide Yamashita
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan; WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Japan; Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan; Department of Neuro-Medical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.
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Gopalakrishnan B, Galili U, Saenger M, Burket NJ, Koss W, Lokender MS, Wolfe KM, Husak SJ, Stark CJ, Solorio L, Cox A, Dunbar A, Shi R, Li J. α-Gal Nanoparticles in CNS Trauma: II. Immunomodulation Following Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Improves Functional Outcomes. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2024; 21:437-453. [PMID: 38308742 PMCID: PMC10987462 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-023-00616-y] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous investigations have shown that local application of nanoparticles presenting the carbohydrate moiety galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-gal epitopes) enhance wound healing by activating the complement system and recruiting pro-healing macrophages to the injury site. Our companion in vitro paper suggest α-gal epitopes can similarly recruit and polarize human microglia toward a pro-healing phenotype. In this continuation study, we investigate the in vivo implications of α-gal nanoparticle administration directly to the injured spinal cord. METHODS α-Gal knock-out (KO) mice subjected to spinal cord crush were injected either with saline (control) or with α-gal nanoparticles immediately following injury. Animals were assessed longitudinally with neurobehavioral and histological endpoints. RESULTS Mice injected with α-gal nanoparticles showed increased recruitment of anti-inflammatory macrophages to the injection site in conjunction with increased production of anti-inflammatory markers and a reduction in apoptosis. Further, the treated group showed increased axonal infiltration into the lesion, a reduction in reactive astrocyte populations and increased angiogenesis. These results translated into improved sensorimotor metrics versus the control group. CONCLUSIONS Application of α-gal nanoparticles after spinal cord injury (SCI) induces a pro-healing inflammatory response resulting in neuroprotection, improved axonal ingrowth into the lesion and enhanced sensorimotor recovery. The data shows α-gal nanoparticles may be a promising avenue for further study in CNS trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhavani Gopalakrishnan
- Center for Paralysis Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Uri Galili
- Department of Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Megan Saenger
- Center for Paralysis Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Noah J Burket
- Center for Paralysis Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Wendy Koss
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Manjari S Lokender
- Center for Paralysis Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Kaitlyn M Wolfe
- Center for Paralysis Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Samantha J Husak
- Center for Paralysis Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Collin J Stark
- Center for Paralysis Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Luis Solorio
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Abigail Cox
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - August Dunbar
- Center for Paralysis Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Riyi Shi
- Center for Paralysis Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Jianming Li
- Center for Paralysis Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
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Bajic A, Andersson B, Ossinger A, Tavakoli S, Varghese OP, Schizas N. Physically and Chemically Crosslinked Hyaluronic Acid-Based Hydrogels Differentially Promote Axonal Outgrowth from Neural Tissue Cultures. Biomimetics (Basel) 2024; 9:140. [PMID: 38534825 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics9030140] [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: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Our aim was to investigate axonal outgrowth from different tissue models on soft biomaterials based on hyaluronic acid (HA). We hypothesized that HA-based hydrogels differentially promote axonal outgrowth from different neural tissues. Spinal cord sliced cultures (SCSCs) and dorsal root ganglion cultures (DRGCs) were maintained on a collagen gel, a physically crosslinked HA-based hydrogel (Healon 5®) and a novel chemically crosslinked HA-based hydrogel, with or without the presence of neurotrophic factors (NF). Time-lapse microscopy was performed after two, five and eight days, where axonal outgrowth was assessed by automated image analysis. Neuroprotection was investigated by PCR. Outgrowth was observed in all groups; however, in the collagen group, it was scarce. At the middle timepoint, outgrowth from SCSCs was superior in both HA-based groups compared to collagen, regardless of the presence of NF. In DRGCs, the outgrowth in Healon 5® with NF was significantly higher compared to the rest of the groups. PCR revealed upregulation of NeuN gene expression in the HA-based groups compared to controls after excitotoxic injury. The differences in neurite outgrowth from the two different tissue models suggest that axons differentially respond to the two types of biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrej Bajic
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Section of Orthopedics, The OrthoLab, Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Brittmarie Andersson
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Section of Orthopedics, The OrthoLab, Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Alexander Ossinger
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Section of Orthopedics, The OrthoLab, Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Shima Tavakoli
- Translational Chemical Biology Laboratory, Division of Macromolecular Chemistry, Department of Chemistry-Ångstrom Laboratory, Uppsala University, 75237 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Oommen P Varghese
- Translational Chemical Biology Laboratory, Division of Macromolecular Chemistry, Department of Chemistry-Ångstrom Laboratory, Uppsala University, 75237 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Nikos Schizas
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Section of Orthopedics, The OrthoLab, Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden
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Milton AJ, Kwok JC, McClellan J, Randall SG, Lathia JD, Warren PM, Silver DJ, Silver J. Recovery of Forearm and Fine Digit Function After Chronic Spinal Cord Injury by Simultaneous Blockade of Inhibitory Matrix Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycan Production and the Receptor PTPσ. J Neurotrauma 2023; 40:2500-2521. [PMID: 37606910 PMCID: PMC10698859 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2023.0117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injuries (SCI), for which there are limited effective treatments, result in enduring paralysis and hypoesthesia, in part because of the inhibitory microenvironment that develops and limits regeneration/sprouting, especially during chronic stages. Recently, we discovered that targeted enzymatic removal of the inhibitory chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) component of the extracellular and perineuronal net (PNN) matrix via Chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) rapidly restored robust respiratory function to the previously paralyzed hemi-diaphragm after remarkably long times post-injury (up to 1.5 years) following a cervical level 2 lateral hemi-transection. Importantly, ChABC treatment at cervical level 4 in this chronic model also elicited improvements in gross upper arm function. In the present study, we focused on arm and hand function, seeking to highlight and optimize crude as well as fine motor control of the forearm and digits at lengthy chronic stages post-injury. However, instead of using ChABC, we utilized a novel and more clinically relevant systemic combinatorial treatment strategy designed to simultaneously reduce and overcome inhibitory CSPGs. Following a 3-month upper cervical spinal hemi-lesion using adult female Sprague Dawley rats, we show that the combined treatment had a profound effect on functional recovery of the chronically paralyzed forelimb and paw, as well as on precision movements of the digits. The regenerative and immune system related events that we describe deepen our basic understanding of the crucial role of CSPG-mediated inhibition via the PTPσ receptor in constraining functional synaptic plasticity at lengthy time points following SCI, hopefully leading to clinically relevant translational benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrianna J. Milton
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Jessica C.F. Kwok
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Science, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jacob McClellan
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Sabre G. Randall
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Justin D. Lathia
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Philippa M. Warren
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel J. Silver
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Jerry Silver
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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