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Ferreira T, Azevedo T, Silva J, Faustino-Rocha AI, Oliveira PA. Current views on in vivo models for breast cancer research and related drug development. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:189-207. [PMID: 38095187 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2293152] [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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Animal models play a crucial role in breast cancer research, in particular mice and rats, who develop mammary tumors that closely resemble their human counterparts. These models allow the study of mechanisms behind breast carcinogenesis, as well as the efficacy and safety of new, and potentially more effective and advantageous therapeutic approaches. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each model is crucial to select the most appropriate one for the research purpose. AREA COVERED This review provides a concise overview of the animal models available for breast cancer research, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each one for searching new and more effective approaches to treatments for this type of cancer. EXPERT OPINION Rodent models provide valuable information on the genetic alterations of the disease, the tumor microenvironment, and allow the evaluation of the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents. However, in vivo models have limitations, and one of them is the fact that they do not fully mimic human diseases. Choosing the most suitable model for the study purpose is crucial for the development of new therapeutic agents that provide better care for breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Ferreira
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production (Inov4Agro), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Tiago Azevedo
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production (Inov4Agro), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Jessica Silva
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production (Inov4Agro), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ana I Faustino-Rocha
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production (Inov4Agro), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Department of Zootechnics, School of Sciences and Technology, University of Évora, Évora, Portugal
- Department of Zootechnics, School of Sciences and Technology, Comprehensive Health Research Center, Évora, Portugal
| | - Paula A Oliveira
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production (Inov4Agro), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro, University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
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Alessandra-Perini J, Machado DE, Palmero CY, Claudino MC, de Moura RS, Palumbo Junior A, Perini JA, Nasciutti LE. Euterpe oleracea extract (açaí) exhibits cardioprotective effects after chemotherapy treatment in a breast cancer model. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:301. [PMID: 37626388 PMCID: PMC10463785 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-04104-7] [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: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Açaí, a Brazilian native fruit, has already been demonstrated to play a role in the progress of breast cancer and cardiotoxicity promoted by chemotherapy agents. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the combined use of açaí and the FAC-D chemotherapy protocol in a breast cancer model in vivo. METHODS Mammary carcinogenesis was induced in thirty female Wistar rats by subcutaneous injection of 25 mg/kg 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA) in the mammary gland. After sixty days, the rats were randomized into two groups: treated with 200 mg/kg of either açaí extract or vehicle, via gastric tube for 45 consecutive days. The FAC-D protocol was initiated after 90 days of induction by intraperitoneal injection for 3 cycles with a 7-day break each. After treatment, blood was collected for haematological and biochemical analyses, and tumours were collected for macroscopic and histological analyses. In the same way, heart, liver, and kidney samples were also collected for macroscopic and histological analyses. RESULTS Breast cancer was found as a cystic mass with a fibrotic pattern in the mammary gland. The histological analysis showed an invasive carcinoma area in both groups; however, in the saline group, there was a higher presence of inflammatory clusters. No difference was observed regarding body weight, glycaemia, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine, and urea in either group. However, açaí treatment decreased creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase MB (CKMB), troponin I and C-reactive protein levels and increased the number of neutrophils and monocytes. Heart histopathology showed normal myocardium in the açaí treatment, while the saline group presented higher toxicity effects with loss of architecture of cardiac tissue. Furthermore, the açaí treatment presented greater collagen distribution, increased hydroxyproline concentration and lower H2AX immunostaining in the heart samples. CONCLUSION Açaí decreased the number of inflammatory cells in the tumor environment and exhibited protection against chemotherapy drug cardiotoxicity with an increased immune response in animals. Thus, açaí can be considered a promising low-cost therapeutic treatment that can be used in association with chemotherapy agents to avoid heart damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica Alessandra-Perini
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Ciências Farmacêuticas (LAPESF), Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Manuel Caldeira de Alvarenga Avenue, 1.203, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 23070-200, Brazil.
| | - Daniel Escorsim Machado
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Ciências Farmacêuticas (LAPESF), Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Manuel Caldeira de Alvarenga Avenue, 1.203, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 23070-200, Brazil
| | - Celia Yelimar Palmero
- Laboratório Integrado de Morfologia, Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro 9UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marllow Caetano Claudino
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Ciências Farmacêuticas (LAPESF), Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Manuel Caldeira de Alvarenga Avenue, 1.203, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 23070-200, Brazil
| | - Roberto Soares de Moura
- Departamento de Farmacologia e Psicobiologia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Antônio Palumbo Junior
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jamila Alessandra Perini
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Ciências Farmacêuticas (LAPESF), Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Manuel Caldeira de Alvarenga Avenue, 1.203, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 23070-200, Brazil
| | - Luiz Eurico Nasciutti
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Gariboldi MB, Marras E, Ferrario N, Vivona V, Prini P, Vignati F, Perletti G. Anti-Cancer Potential of Edible/Medicinal Mushrooms in Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10120. [PMID: 37373268 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Edible/medicinal mushrooms have been traditionally used in Asian countries either in the cuisine or as dietary supplements and nutraceuticals. In recent decades, they have aroused increasing attention in Europe as well, due to their health and nutritional benefits. In particular, among the different pharmacological activities reported (antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antiviral, immunomodulating, antidiabetic, etc.), edible/medicinal mushrooms have been shown to exert in vitro and in vivo anticancer effects on several kinds of tumors, including breast cancer. In this article, we reviewed mushrooms showing antineoplastic activity again breast cancer cells, especially focusing on the possible bioactive compounds involved and their mechanisms of action. In particular, the following mushrooms have been considered: Agaricus bisporus, Antrodia cinnamomea, Cordyceps sinensis, Cordyceps militaris, Coriolus versicolor, Ganoderma lucidum, Grifola frondosa, Lentinula edodes, and Pleurotus ostreatus. We also report insights into the relationship between dietary consumption of edible mushrooms and breast cancer risk, and the results of clinical studies and meta-analyses focusing on the effects of fungal extracts on breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzia Bruna Gariboldi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences (DBSV), University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Emanuela Marras
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences (DBSV), University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Nicole Ferrario
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences (DBSV), University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Veronica Vivona
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences (DBSV), University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Pamela Prini
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences (DBSV), University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Francesca Vignati
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences (DBSV), University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Gianpaolo Perletti
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences (DBSV), University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
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Alessandra-Perini J, Perini JA, Rodrigues-Baptista KC, de Moura RS, Junior AP, dos Santos TA, Souza PJC, Nasciutti LE, Machado DE. Euterpe oleracea extract inhibits tumorigenesis effect of the chemical carcinogen DMBA in breast experimental cancer. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2018; 18:116. [PMID: 29609579 PMCID: PMC5879811 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-018-2183-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Background Among the processes involved in the breast tumor microenvironment, angiogenesis and inflammation play a central role, and the main factors of these processes are the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and macrophages. Recently, the extract of Euterpe oleracea (açaí), a fruit that is widely found in the Amazon region, already showed antitumorigenic effects in vitro in human breast cancer cell lines. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of açaí on breast cancer using a chemically DMBA (7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene) experimental model. Methods One day after initiation of treatment with açaí, mammary carcinogenesis was induced in female Wistar rats using a subcutaneous injection of 25 mg/kg of DMBA in the mammary gland. Forty rats were randomized into two groups: treated with 200 mg/kg of either açaí extract or vehicle, via gastric tube for 16 consecutive weeks. After treatment, the tumor was collected for macroscopic, histological and immunohistochemical (VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 -VEGFR-2, COX-2 and matrix metalloproteinase -MMP-9) analyses; peritoneal fluid was subjected to flow cytometry (F4–80/MAC-2+) and ELISA immunoassay (VEGF, prostaglandin E2 -PGE2 and interleukin-10 -IL-10). Heart, liver and kidney samples were collected for histological analysis. Results After 16 weeks of induction, the mammary carcinoma was confirmed by macroscopic and histological evaluation. Survival analysis indicates that açaí increased the survival (P = .0002, long-rank test) and reduced the deaths number (P = .0036, Chi-square test). Açaí treatment decreased the number of inflammatory cells and macrophage positive cells (Mac-2 + F4–80+), as well as promoting a reduction in immunostaining of VEGF, VEGFR-2 and COX-2. The açaí group also exhibited lower concentrations of PGE2, VEGF and IL-10 compared to the control. The histopathological results of the liver and kidneys showed protective effect of açaí, since in the control group, there was an increase in fibrosis, atypical cells and hemorrhagic microenvironment. Conclusion The results of this study demonstrated the antiangiogenic and anti-inflammatory potential of açaí, like due to the decreases of the number of activated macrophages, resulting in the inhibition of DMBA carcinogenicity in breast cancer. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12906-018-2183-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Ozen T, Yildirim K, Toka M. The impacts of Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb. leaf and fruit aqueous extracts on mice hepatic, extrahepatic antioxidant and drug metabolizing enzymes related structures. BRAZ J PHARM SCI 2018. [DOI: 10.1590/s2175-97902017000317095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
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Alvarado A, Faustino-Rocha AI, Colaço B, Oliveira PA. Experimental mammary carcinogenesis - Rat models. Life Sci 2017; 173:116-134. [PMID: 28188729 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2017.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Revised: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Mammary cancer is one of the most common cancers, victimizing more than half a million of women worldwide every year. Despite all the studies in this field, the current therapeutic approaches are not effective and have several devastating effects for patients. In this way, the need to better understand the mammary cancer biopathology and find effective therapies led to the development of several rodent models over years. With this review, the authors intended to provide the readers with an overview of the rat models used to study mammary carcinogenesis, with a special emphasis on chemically-induced models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonieta Alvarado
- Área de Patología, Decanato de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Centroccidental "Lisandro Alvarado", UCLA, Lara, Venezuela; Center for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ana I Faustino-Rocha
- Center for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal; Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Bruno Colaço
- Center for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal; Department of Zootechnics, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Paula A Oliveira
- Center for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal; Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal.
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Smina TP, Nitha B, Devasagayam TPA, Janardhanan KK. Ganoderma lucidum total triterpenes induce apoptosis in MCF-7 cells and attenuate DMBA induced mammary and skin carcinomas in experimental animals. Mutat Res 2016; 813:45-51. [PMID: 28010928 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2016.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Ganoderma lucidum total triterpenes were evaluated for its apoptosis-inducing and anti-cancer activities. Cytotoxicity and pro-apoptotic effect of total triterpenes were evaluated in human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cell line using MTT assay and DNA fragmentation analysis. Total triterpenes induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells by down-regulating the levels of cyclin D1, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and also by up-regulating the levels of Bax and caspase-9. Anti-carcinogenicity of total triterpenes was analysed using dimethyl benz [a] anthracene (DMBA) induced skin papilloma and mammary adenocarcinoma in Swiss albino mice and Wistar rats respectively. Topical application of 5mg, 10mg and 20mg total triterpenes reduced the incidence of skin papilloma by 62.5, 37.5 and 12.5% respectively. Incidence of the mammary tumour was also reduced significantly by 33.33, 66.67 and 16.67% in 10, 50 and 100mg/kg b.wt. total triterpenes treated animals respectively. Total triterpenes were also found to reduce the average number of tumours per animal and extended the tumour latency period in both the models. The results indicate the potential cytotoxicity and anti-cancerous activity of total triterpenes, there by opens up a path to the development of a safe and successive chemo preventive agent of natural origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- T P Smina
- Amala Cancer Research Centre, Thrissur, Kerala 680 555, India; CeNTAB, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, Tamilnadu 613 401, India
| | - B Nitha
- Sree Ayyappa DB College, Eramallikkra, Alappuzha 689 109, Kerala, India
| | | | - K K Janardhanan
- Amala Cancer Research Centre, Thrissur, Kerala 680 555, India.
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Efficacy of Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq. Ex Fr.) P.kumm. on 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene induced mammary carcinogenesis in female Sprague-Dawley rats. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nhtm.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Isoflavone and its metabolite equol inhibit the development of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary tumours in ovariectomised rats. J Funct Foods 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2013.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Ma D, Zhang Y, Yang T, Xue Y, Wang P. Isoflavone intake inhibits the development of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene(DMBA)-induced mammary tumors in normal and ovariectomized rats. J Clin Biochem Nutr 2013; 54:31-8. [PMID: 24426188 PMCID: PMC3882481 DOI: 10.3164/jcbn.13-33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2013] [Accepted: 07/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
To determine the associations between isoflavone (49.72% genistin, 5.32% daidzin, 34.54% glycitin) and breast cancer risk, 150 rats were given 5 mg 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene and half of them were ovariectomized. Then normal rats and ovariectomized rats were divided into 5 groups: control group, isoflavone high (HI), middle (MI), or low (LI) dose group consuming 100, 500, or 1000 mg isoflavones/kg diet, estrogen group (2.5 mg stilboestrol/kg diet). After 24 weeks, tumor incidences were 73% in control group, 7% in HI, 7% in MI, 27% in LI, and 80% in estrogen group for normal rats; 60% in control group, 13% in HI, 7% in MI, 13% in LI, and 73% in estrogen group for ovariectomized rats. Isoflavone treatment decreased tumor incidence and mean tumor number per rat and increased mean latent period compared with those in control group and estrogen group group significantly (p<0.05). The mRNA and protein expression of estrogen receptor β were significantly higher in isoflavone treatment groups than those in control group group. Moreover, isoflavone treatment significantly decreased 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine content and increased superoxide dismutase level in normal rats and decreased malondialdehyde concentrations in ovariectomized rats compared with control group. In conclusions, isoflavone intake significantly inhibited the development of premenopausal and postmenopausal mammary tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Defu Ma
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Education, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yumei Zhang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Titi Yang
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Education, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yong Xue
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Education, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Peiyu Wang
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Education, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
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