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Sato T, Shizu R, Baba R, Ooka A, Hosaka T, Kanno Y, Yoshinari K. Pregnane X receptor inhibits the transdifferentiation of hepatic stellate cells by down-regulating periostin expression. Biochem J 2024; 481:1173-1186. [PMID: 39171361 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20240172] [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: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
Pregnane X receptor (PXR) is a xenobiotic-sensing nuclear receptor that plays a key role in drug metabolism. Recently, PXR was found to attenuate the development of liver cancer by suppressing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in liver cancer cells in a mouse model of two-stage chemical carcinogenesis. To elucidate the role of PXR in the EMT of liver cancer cells, we focused on its role in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which are components of the tumor microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Human HSC-derived LX-2 cells stably expressed destabilization domain (DD)-fused human PXR (hPXR-LX2 cells). Human HCC-derived HepG2 cells were transfected with the EMT marker VIM promoter-regulated reporter plasmid and co-cultured with hPXR-LX2 cells or treated with hPXR-LX2-derived conditioned medium (CM). Co-culture or CM treatment increased reporter activity in HepG2 cells. This induction was attenuated upon PXR activation in hPXR-LX2 cells by treatment with the DD-stabilizing chemical Shield-1 and the human PXR ligand rifampicin. PXR activation in hPXR-LX2 cells exhibited inhibition of TGF-β1-induced transdifferentiation, supported by observations of morphological changes and protein or mRNA levels of the transdifferentiation markers COL1A1 and FN1. PXR activation in hPXR-LX2 cells also attenuated the mRNA levels of the key transdifferentiation factor, POSTN. Treatment of hPXR-LX2 cells with recombinant POSTN restored the PXR-mediated suppression of transdifferentiation. Reporter assays with the POSTN promoter showed that PXR inhibited the NF-κB-mediated transcription of POSTN. Consequently, PXR activation in HSCs is expected to inhibit transdifferentiation by down-regulating POSTN expression, thereby suppressing EMT of liver cancer cells.
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Oguma T, Kanazawa T, Kaneko YK, Sato R, Serizawa M, Ooka A, Yamaguchi M, Ishikawa T, Kondo H. Effects of phospholipid type and particle size on lipid nanoparticle distribution in vivo and in pancreatic islets. J Control Release 2024; 373:917-928. [PMID: 39079658 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.07.059] [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: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have recently been used as nanocarriers in drug delivery systems for nucleic acid drugs. Their practical applications are currently primarily limited to the liver and specific organs. However, altering the type and composition ratio of phospholipids improves their distribution in organs other than the liver, such as the spleen and lungs. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of LNP components and particle size on in vivo distribution through systemic circulation to pancreatic islets to achieve better targeting of islets, which are a fundamental therapeutic target for diabetes. Fluorescence-labeled LNPs were prepared using three phospholipids: 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DSPC), 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC), and 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE), with particle sizes of 30-160 nm (diameter) using a microfluidic device. Baffled-structured iLiNP devices with adjusted flow-rate ratios and total flow rates were used. After the intravenous administration of LNPs to C57BL/6 J mice, the distribution of each LNP type to the major organs, including the pancreas and pancreatic islets, was compared using ex vivo fluorescence imaging and observation of pancreatic tissue sections. DSPC-LNPs- and DOPE-LNPs showed the highest distribution in the spleen and liver, respectively. In contrast, the DOPC-LNPs showed the highest distribution in the pancreas and the lowest distribution in the liver and spleen. In addition, smaller particles showed better distribution throughout the pancreas. The most significant LNP distribution in the islets was observed for DOPC-LNPs with a particle size of 160 nm. Furthermore, larger LNPs tended to be distributed in the islets, whereas smaller LNPs tended to be distributed in the exocrine glands. DOPC-LNPs were distributed in the islets at all cholesterol concentrations, with a high distribution observed at >40% cholesterol and > 3% PEG and the distribution was higher at 24 h than at 4 h. Thus, LNP composition and particle size significantly affected islet distribution characteristics, indicating that DOPC-LNPs may be a drug delivery system for effectively targeting the pancreas and islets.
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Kato M, Yamaguchi M, Ooka A, Takahashi R, Suzuki T, Onoda K, Yoshikawa Y, Tsunematsu Y, Sato M, Yoshioka Y, Igarashi M, Hayakawa S, Shoji K, Shoji Y, Ishikawa T, Watanabe K, Miyoshi N. Non-target GC-MS analyses of fecal VOCs in NASH-hepatocellular carcinoma model STAM mice. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8924. [PMID: 37264108 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36091-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The increased incidence of obesity in the global population has increased the risk of several chronic inflammation-related diseases, including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The progression from NASH to HCC involves a virus-independent liver carcinogenic mechanism; however, we currently lack effective treatment and prevention strategies. Several reports have suggested that fecal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are strongly associated with NASH-HCC; therefore, we explored the biomarkers involved in its pathogenesis and progression. Fecal samples collected from control and NASH-HCC model STAM mice were subjected to headspace autosampler gas chromatography-electron ionization-mass spectrometry. Non-target profiling analysis identified diacetyl (2,3-butandione) as a fecal VOC that characterizes STAM mice. Although fecal diacetyl levels were correlated with the HCC in STAM mice, diacetyl is known as a cytotoxic/tissue-damaging compound rather than genotoxic or mutagenic; therefore, we examined the effect of bioactivity associated with NASH progression. We observed that diacetyl induced several pro-inflammatory molecules, including tumor necrosis factor-α, cyclooxygenase-2, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and transforming growth factor-β, in mouse macrophage RAW264.7 and Kupffer KPU5 cells. Additionally, we observed that diacetyl induced α-smooth muscle actin, one of the hallmarks of fibrosis, in an ex vivo cultured hepatic section, but not in in vitro hepatic stellate TWNT-1 cells. These results suggest that diacetyl would be a potential biomarker of fecal VOC in STAM mice, and its ability to trigger the macrophage-derived inflammation and fibrosis may partly contribute to NASH-HCC carcinogenesis.
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Yamaguchi M, Ohbayashi S, Ooka A, Yamashita H, Motohashi N, Kaneko YK, Kimura T, Saito SY, Ishikawa T. Harmine suppresses collagen production in hepatic stellate cells by inhibiting DYRK1B. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 600:136-141. [PMID: 35219102 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.02.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a major consequence of chronic liver disease, where excess extracellular matrix is deposited, due caused by the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). The suppression of collagen production in HSCs is therefore regarded as a therapeutic target of liver fibrosis. The present study investigated effects of harmine, which is a β-carboline alkaloid and known as an inhibitor of dual-specificity tyrosine-regulated kinases (DYRKs), on the production of collagen in HSCs. LX-2 cells, a human HSC cell line, were treated with harmine (0-10 μM) for 48 h in the presence or absence of TGF-β1 (5 ng/ml). The expression of collagen type I α1 (COL1A1) and DYRK isoforms was investigated by Western blotting, quantitative RT-PCR, or immunofluorescence. The influence of knockdown of each DYRK isoform on the COL1A1 expression was further investigated. The expression of COL1A1 was markedly increased by treating with TGF-β1 for 48 h in LX-2 cells. Harmine (10 μM) significantly inhibited the increased expression of COL1A1. LX-2 cells expressed mRNAs of DYRK1A, DYRK1B, DYRK2, and DYRK4, although the expression of DYRK4 was much lower than the others. Knockdown of DYRK1B, but not DYRK1A or DYRK2, with siRNA significantly suppressed TGF-β1-induced increase in COL1A1 expression. These results suggest that harmine suppresses COL1A1 expression via inhibiting DYRK1B in HSCs and therefore might be effective for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Yamaguchi M, Dohi N, Ooka A, Saito SY, Ishikawa T. Caffeine-induced inversion of prostaglandin E 2 effects on hepatic stellate cell activation. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 142:111989. [PMID: 34388524 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Liver inflammation leads to the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), resulting in the development of liver fibrosis. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which is biosynthesized by Kupffer cells, hepatocytes, and HSCs during inflammation, on HSC activation, including its combinatory effect with caffeine. METHODS HSCs isolated from mice were activated by culturing in a medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum for 7 days on plastic plates. The activation of HSCs was evaluated by immunofluorescence of α-smooth muscle actin in HSCs. Comprehensive gene expression analysis was performed using mRNA-sequencing to compare HSCs cultured for 1 or 7 days, with or without PGE2, caffeine, or both. RESULTS PGE2 (1 μM) facilitated the activation of HSCs but inhibited the HSC activation in the presence of caffeine (3 mM). Comprehensive gene expression analysis revealed that HSCs treated with PGE2 in the presence of caffeine were classified in the same class as HSCs cultured for 1 day, i.e., quiescent HSCs. In contrast, PGE2 did not exhibit an inhibitory effect on HSC activation when co-treated with any isoform-specific phosphodiesterase inhibitors. Although the adenylate cyclase inhibitor 2',5'-dideoxyadenosine suppressed the elevation of intracellular cAMP level induced by PGE2 in the presence of caffeine, it had no effect on the inhibition of HSC activation by PGE2 plus caffeine. CONCLUSION The effect of PGE2 on HSC activation is changed from facilitatory to inhibitory when combined with caffeine, suggesting that caffeine may effectively suppress liver fibrosis during inflammation.
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Murakami M, Otoi T, Karja NWK, Ooka A, Suzuki T. Effects of serum-free culture media on in vitro development of domestic cat embryos following in vitro maturation and fertilization. Reprod Domest Anim 2002; 37:352-6. [PMID: 12464074 DOI: 10.1046/j.1439-0531.2002.00382.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to determine the adequate medium for a serum-free culture system of domestic cat embryos produced by in vitro maturation (IVM) and fertilization (IVF). Cumulusoocyte complexes recovered from cat ovaries were matured in vitro for 24 h, and then inseminated in vitro for 12 h. After insemination, the oocytes were cultured in five media [Ham's F10, Waymouth 752/1 (Waymouth), TCM199, modified Earle's balanced salt solution (MK-1) and CR1aa], each of which contained 0.4% bovine serum albumin. There were no significant differences among the rates of fertilization of oocytes cultured in five media following IVF. The rate of oocytes/embryos developed to at least the morula stage was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in Waymouth than in MK-1, TCM199 and CR1aa. Moreover, none of the embryos cultured in Ham's F10 and Waymouth developed to the blastocyst stage. There were no differences among the rates of development to the blastocyst stage of oocytes/embryos cultured in MK-1, TCM199 and CR1aa. These results indicate that the type of serum-free medium has a major impact on in vitro development of domestic cat embryos derived from IVM/IVF, and MK-1, TCM199 and CR1aa media are suitable for in vitro culture of cat embryos in a serum-free culture system.
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Karlsson S, Ooka A, Woods NB. Development of gene therapy for blood disorders by gene transfer into haematopoietic stem cells. Haemophilia 2002; 8:255-60. [PMID: 12010420 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2516.2002.00470.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are important target cells for gene therapy of blood disorders due to their pluripotency and ability to reconstitute haematopoiesis following myeloablation and transplantation. HSCs can 'self-renew' and generate new stem cells. Genetically modified stem cells are therefore expected to last a lifetime in the recipient following blood and marrow transplantation, and can potentially cure haematological disorders. Oncoretroviral vectors have been the main vectors used for HSCs because of their ability to integrate into the chromosomes of their target cells. Because oncoretroviral vectors require dividing target cells for successful localization of the preintegration complex and subsequent chromosomal integration of the provirus, only the dividing fraction of the target cells can be transduced. As only a small fraction of haematopoietic stem cells is dividing at any one time, oncoretroviral vector transduction of human HSCs has been low in clinical trials. However, patients with severe combined immune deficiency-X1 (SCID-X1) have recently been treated successfully by gene therapy of autologous bone marrow cells using oncoretroviral vectors containing the common gamma chain gene. While several additional disorders may potentially be treated successfully using oncoretroviral gene transfer to HSCs, many disorders may require much higher gene transfer efficiency than was achieved in the SCID-X1 study. Therefore, lentiviral vectors have recently emerged as promising vectors for human HSCs because they can transduce dividing and nondividing HSCs efficiently, and may become the vectors of choice in the future for treatment of blood disorders where a large fraction of HSCs has to be corrected.
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Woods NB, Ooka A, Karlsson S. Development of gene therapy for hematopoietic stem cells using lentiviral vectors. Leukemia 2002; 16:563-9. [PMID: 11960333 DOI: 10.1038/sj.leu.2402447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2001] [Accepted: 01/03/2002] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Lentiviral vectors are promising tools for the development of gene therapy since they can transduce both quiescent and dividing target cells. Lentiviral vectors may be particularly promising gene delivery tools for hematopoietic stem cells since these target cells tend to be quiescent and are therefore difficult target cells for vectors that require dividing targets. Human hematopoietic stem cells that can repopulate NOD/SCID mice have been efficiently transduced using HIV-1-based lentiviral vectors and similar vectors can also transduce murine hematopoietic stem cells. HIV-1 vectors that contain strong general promoters can generate high levels of transgene expression and very high expression levels can be generated in erythroid cells in vivo using beta-globin regulatory sequences to control the expression of the transgene. Current lentiviral vectors have a similar level of biosafety as oncoretroviral vectors and can therefore theoretically be used in clinical gene therapy protocols. Future challenges include the generation of lentiviral vectors that can express more than one transgene at high levels and the generation of safe permanent packaging cells for practical use in clinical gene therapy trials.
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Otoi T, Ooka A, Murakami M, Karja NW, Suzuki T. Size distribution and meiotic competence of oocytes obtained from bitch ovaries at various stages of the oestrous cycle. Reprod Fertil Dev 2002; 13:151-5. [PMID: 11720132 DOI: 10.1071/rd00098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was conducted to examine the effects of the stage of the oestrous cycle on the meiotic competence of canine oocytes and also to investigate the relationship between the stage of the oestrous cycle and the relative size distribution of oocytes obtained from bitches at three stages of the cycle (anoestrus, follicular phase and dioestrus). Only healthy-looking cumulus-oocyte complexes were used for in vitro maturation and these were divided into three groups based on diameter (< 110, 110 to < 120 and > or = 120 microm). The mean diameter of oocytes from ovaries at anoestrus, the follicular phase and dioestrus was 103.6, 119.2 and 107.7 microm, respectively. The percentage of large oocytes (> or = 120 microm) collected at the follicular phase was higher (P<0.01) than that collected at dioestrus and the percentage of oocytes > or = 120 microm collected from ovaries at dioestrus was higher (P<0.01) than that collected at anoestrus. After culture for 72 h, significantly more oocytes reached metaphase II (MII) in the follicular phase than in the other stages (P<0.01), and more oocytes reached MII in dioestrus than in anoestrus (P<0.05). In the > or = 120 microm group, the frequency of oocytes that resumed meiosis in the follicular phase was higher (P<0.05) than in the other stages. However, in the smaller diameter (< 120 microm) groups, there were no significant differences between ovaries at different stages of the oestrous cycle with respect to the proportion of oocytes reaching each stage of meiosis. Thus, the oestrous cycle stage influences maturation frequency. Moreover, oocytes demonstrated a size-related ability to undergo meiotic maturation, irrespective of the stage of the oestrous cycle. These results suggest that the effects of the stage of the oestrous cycle may result from differences in the distribution of large oocytes.
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Otoi T, Fujii M, Tanaka M, Ooka A, Suzuki T. Effect of serum on the in vitro maturation of canine oocytes. Reprod Fertil Dev 2001; 11:387-90. [PMID: 11101272 DOI: 10.1071/rd00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The meiotic competence of canine oocytes cultured for 72 h in medium supplemented with three different concentrations (5, 10 and 20%) of anoestrous, oestrous or metoestrous bitch serum, or with 0.3% bovine serum albumin (BSA), was examined. The oestrous serum supplement had a positive effect on the resumption of meiosis, compared with the other supplements (P<0.05). The number of oocytes that reached metaphase I (MI) and metaphase II (MII) was significantly higher (P<0.05) with the oestrous serum supplement than with the anoestrous serum supplement. There were no significant differences among the three different concentrations in each serum type with respect to the proportion of oocytes that completed meiosis (MI to MII). The number of oocytes that resumed meiosis in the 10% oestrous serum supplement was significantly higher (P<0.05) than those of each concentration of the anoestrous and metoestrous serum supplements, and of the 0.3% BSA supplement. Moreover, a higher number of oocytes reached MII in the presence of the 10% oestrous serum supplement than with the 10% anoestrous serum supplement. These results suggest that supplementation of the culture medium with 10% oestrous serum is the optimal treatment for in vitro maturation of canine oocytes.
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Otoi T, Murakami M, Ooka A, Karja NW, Suzuki T. Effects of size and storage temperature on meiotic competence of domestic cat oocytes. Vet Rec 2001; 148:116-8. [PMID: 11232928 DOI: 10.1136/vr.148.4.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Otoi T, Fujii M, Tanaka M, Ooka A, Suzuki T. Oocyte diameter in relation to meiotic competence and sperm penetration. Theriogenology 2000; 54:535-42. [PMID: 11071127 DOI: 10.1016/s0093-691x(00)00368-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to determine the diameter of canine oocytes that are able to attain full meiotic competence and sperm penetration. Oocytes were collected from ovaries of bitches at various stages of the estrous cycle. Only healthy-looking cumulus-oocyte complexes were used for in vitro maturation, and were divided into four groups based on diameter: <100, 100 to <110, 110 to <120 and >120 microm. Following in vitro maturation or fertilization, oocytes were stained to assess nuclear maturation and penetration rates. The mean oocyte diameter was 108.5 +/- 0.4 microm. The oocytes displayed size-related ability to undergo meiotic maturation. After culture for 72 h, the rates of oocytes that remained at the germinal vesicle stage in the <110 microm groups were significantly higher (P<0.01) than in the > or = 110 microm groups. None of the oocytes <110 microm reached metaphase II (MU), but 4.9 and 21.5% of the oocytes that were greater than 110 and 120 microm, respectively, progressed to MII. After in vitro fertilization for 20 h, 10 to 25% of oocytes were penetrated by spermatozoa, but there were no clear relationships between oocyte diameter and penetration rates of the oocyte by sperm. In the <120 microm groups, sperm penetration was mostly found in oocytes arrested at the germinal vesicle stage. However, a total of eight oocytes > or = 120 microm in diameter were penetrated by spermatozoa, of which five oocytes reached MII. These results suggest that there is a clear relationship between oocyte diameter and meiotic competence, but no relationship between oocyte diameter and sperm penetration. Canine oocytes may have acquired meiotic competence once they reach at a diameter of 120 microm, but the oocytes may allow the entry of spermatozoa into the ooplasm irrespective of oocyte diameter.
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Otoi T, Murakami M, Fujii M, Tanaka M, Ooka A, Une S, Suzuki T. Development of canine oocytes matured and fertilised in vitro. Vet Rec 2000; 146:52-3. [PMID: 10678815 DOI: 10.1136/vr.146.2.52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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