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Geisler CE, Hayes MR. Metabolic Hormone Action in the VTA: Reward-Directed Behavior and Mechanistic Insights. Physiol Behav 2023; 268:114236. [PMID: 37178855 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2023.114236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Dysfunctional signaling in midbrain reward circuits perpetuates diseases characterized by compulsive overconsumption of rewarding substances such as substance abuse, binge eating disorder, and obesity. Ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopaminergic activity serves as an index for how rewarding stimuli are perceived and triggers behaviors necessary to obtain future rewards. The evolutionary linking of reward with seeking and consuming palatable foods ensured an organism's survival, and hormone systems that regulate appetite concomitantly developed to regulate motivated behaviors. Today, these same mechanisms serve to regulate reward-directed behavior around food, drugs, alcohol, and social interactions. Understanding how hormonal regulation of VTA dopaminergic output alters motivated behaviors is essential to leveraging therapeutics that target these hormone systems to treat addiction and disordered eating. This review will outline our current understanding of the mechanisms underlying VTA action of the metabolic hormones ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide-1, amylin, leptin, and insulin to regulate behavior around food and drugs of abuse, highlighting commonalities and differences in how these five hormones ultimately modulate VTA dopamine signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline E Geisler
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Matthew R Hayes
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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2
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Xu L, Füredi N, Lutter C, Geenen B, Pétervári E, Balaskó M, Dénes Á, Kovács KJ, Gaszner B, Kozicz T. Leptin coordinates efferent sympathetic outflow to the white adipose tissue through the midbrain centrally-projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus in male rats. Neuropharmacology 2021; 205:108898. [PMID: 34861283 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The centrally-projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus (EWcp) hosts a large population of neurons expressing urocortin 1 (Ucn1) and about half of these neurons also express the leptin receptor (LepRb). Previously, we have shown that the peripheral adiposity hormone leptin signaling energy surfeit modulates EWcp neurons' activity. Here, we hypothesized that Ucn1/LepRb neurons in the EWcp would act as a crucial neuronal node in the brain-white adipose tissue (WAT) axis modulating efferent sympathetic outflow to the WAT. We showed that leptin bound to neurons of the EWcp stimulated STAT3 phosphorylation, and increased Ucn1-production in a time-dependent manner. Besides, retrograde transneuronal tract-tracing using pseudorabies virus (PRV) identified EWcp Ucn1 neurons connected to WAT. Interestingly, reducing EWcp Ucn1 contents by ablating EWcp LepRb-positive neurons with leptin-saporin, did not affect food intake and body weight gain, but substantially (+26%) increased WAT weight accompanied by a higher plasma leptin level and changed plasma lipid profile. We also found that ablation of EWcp Ucn1/LepRb neurons resulted in lower respiratory quotient and oxygen consumption one week after surgery, but was comparable to sham values after 3 and 5 weeks of surgery. Taken together, we report that EWcp/LepRb/Ucn1 neurons not only respond to leptin signaling but also control WAT size and fat metabolism without altering food intake. These data suggest the existence of a EWcp-WAT circuitry allowing an organism to recruit fuels without being able to eat in situations such as the fight-or-flight response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Xu
- Department of Anatomy Medical Imaging, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Nóra Füredi
- Department of Anatomy and Center for Neuroscience, Medical School, Pécs University, Pécs, Hungary; Department of Translational Medicine, Medical School, Pécs University, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Christoph Lutter
- Department of Anatomy and Center for Neuroscience, Medical School, Pécs University, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Bram Geenen
- Department of Anatomy Medical Imaging, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Erika Pétervári
- Department of Translational Medicine, Medical School, Pécs University, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Márta Balaskó
- Department of Translational Medicine, Medical School, Pécs University, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ádám Dénes
- "Momentum" Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Krisztina J Kovács
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Balázs Gaszner
- Department of Anatomy and Center for Neuroscience, Medical School, Pécs University, Pécs, Hungary.
| | - Tamás Kozicz
- Department of Anatomy Medical Imaging, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Clinical Genomics, Mayo Clinic, MN, USA; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, MN, USA; Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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Kakall ZM, Gopalasingam G, Herzog H, Zhang L. Dynamic regional alterations in mouse brain neuronal activity following short-term changes in energy balance. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2021; 29:1650-1663. [PMID: 34402189 DOI: 10.1002/oby.23253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Knowledge of the functional contribution to energy homeostatic control by different brain areas is limited. This study employed a systematic approach to identify brain regions specifically influenced by a positive energy balance. METHODS The c-fos expression was mapped throughout the mouse brain after varying durations (24 hours to up to 14 days) of high-fat diet (HFD) exposure or after reversal from a 7-day HFD to a chow diet. In parallel, the metabolic and behavioral impacts of these treatments were examined. RESULTS A HFD elicited rapid and pronounced compensatory responses which were, however, insufficient to overcome the impact of the positive energy balance. Rapid and dynamic responses of c-fos expression throughout the brain were seen over the course of HFD exposure, with some regions showing linear-like responses and some regions exhibiting biphasic responses. The switch from HFD to chow resulted in metabolic compensations mitigating the effects of the negative energy balance and a heightened preference for sweet taste. Interestingly, this diet switch led to a significant c-fos activation in the lateral hypothalamus, an area unresponsive to HFD intervention. CONCLUSIONS Plasticity exists in the extended brain networks facilitating rapid adaptations dependent on energy availability. Knowledge of these critical control points may provide novel antiobesity treatment targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohra Mohtat Kakall
- Neuroscience Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gopana Gopalasingam
- Neuroscience Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Herbert Herzog
- Neuroscience Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Faulty of Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lei Zhang
- Neuroscience Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Converging vulnerability factors for compulsive food and drug use. Neuropharmacology 2021; 196:108556. [PMID: 33862029 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Highly palatable foods and substance of abuse have intersecting neurobiological, metabolic and behavioral effects relevant for understanding vulnerability to conditions related to food (e.g., obesity, binge eating disorder) and drug (e.g., substance use disorder) misuse. Here, we review data from animal models, clinical populations and epidemiological evidence in behavioral, genetic, pathophysiologic and therapeutic domains. Results suggest that consumption of highly palatable food and drugs of abuse both impact and conversely are regulated by metabolic hormones and metabolic status. Palatable foods high in fat and/or sugar can elicit adaptation in brain reward and withdrawal circuitry akin to substances of abuse. Intake of or withdrawal from palatable food can impact behavioral sensitivity to drugs of abuse and vice versa. A robust literature suggests common substrates and roles for negative reinforcement, negative affect, negative urgency, and impulse control deficits, with both highly palatable foods and substances of abuse. Candidate genetic risk loci shared by obesity and alcohol use disorders have been identified in molecules classically associated with both metabolic and motivational functions. Finally, certain drugs may have overlapping therapeutic potential to treat obesity, diabetes, binge-related eating disorders and substance use disorders. Taken together, data are consistent with the hypotheses that compulsive food and substance use share overlapping, interacting substrates at neurobiological and metabolic levels and that motivated behavior associated with feeding or substance use might constitute vulnerability factors for one another. This article is part of the special issue on 'Vulnerabilities to Substance Abuse'.
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Immunochemical Identification of Melanocortin and Leptin Receptors on Serotoninergic Neurons in the Rat Midbrain. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s11055-019-00809-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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Abstract
The brain hosts a vast and diverse repertoire of neuropeptides, a class of signalling molecules often described as neurotransmitters. Here I argue that this description entails a catalogue of misperceptions, misperceptions that feed into a narrative in which information processing in the brain can be understood only through mapping neuronal connectivity and by studying the transmission of electrically conducted signals through chemical synapses. I argue that neuropeptide signalling in the brain involves primarily autocrine, paracrine and neurohormonal mechanisms that do not depend on synaptic connectivity and that it is not solely dependent on electrical activity but on mechanisms analogous to secretion from classical endocrine cells. As in classical endocrine systems, to understand the role of neuropeptides in the brain, we must understand not only how their release is regulated, but also how their synthesis is regulated and how the sensitivity of their targets is regulated. We must also understand the full diversity of effects of neuropeptides on those targets, including their effects on gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gareth Leng
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Correspondence should be addressed to G Leng:
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Leptin in the nucleus accumbens blocks the increase of GluA1 phosphorylation induced by acute cocaine administration. Neuroreport 2018. [DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000001001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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8
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Cocaine inhibits leptin-induced increase of the cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide in the nucleus accumbens in rats. Neuroreport 2018; 28:701-704. [PMID: 28614180 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000000822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Two well-known appetite-regulatory peptides, leptin and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART), are known to be involved in the brain rewarding pathway. However, it is not yet known how they interact in the nucleus accumbens, an important region mediating the rewarding effects of drugs of abuse. Using the immunoassay method, we found that a microinjection of leptin into the nucleus accumbens core induces an immediate and transient increase of the CART peptide in this site, whereas these effects were inhibited by cocaine. These results expand the role of accumbal leptin to the regulation of the CART peptide and further suggest that possible interaction of these appetite-regulating peptides may be involved in cocaine-mediated rewarding effects.
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Conceição EPS, Carvalho JC, Manhães AC, Guarda DS, Figueiredo MS, Quitete FT, Oliveira E, Moura EG, Lisboa PC. Effect of Early Overfeeding on Palatable Food Preference and Brain Dopaminergic Reward System at Adulthood: Role of Calcium Supplementation. J Neuroendocrinol 2016; 28. [PMID: 26929129 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Revised: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Rats raised in small litters (SL) are obese and hyperphagic. In the present study, we evaluated whether obesity is associated with changes in the mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic reward system in these animals at adulthood. We also assessed the anti-obesity effects of dietary calcium supplementation. To induce early overfeeding, litters were adjusted to three pups on postnatal day (PN)3 (SL group). Control litters were kept with 10 pups each until weaning (NL group). On PN120, SL animals were subdivided into two groups: SL (standard diet) and SL-Ca [SL with calcium supplementation (10 g calcium carbonate/kg rat chow) for 60 days]. On PN175, animals were subjected to a food challenge: animals could choose between a high-fat (HFD) or a high-sugar diet (HSD). Food intake was recorded after 30 min and 12 h. Euthanasia occurred on PN180. SL rats had higher food intake, body mass and central adiposity. Sixty days of dietary calcium supplementation (SL-Ca) prevented these changes. Only SL animals preferred the HFD at 12 h. Both SL groups had lower tyrosine hydroxylase content in the ventral tegmental area, lower dopaminergic transporter content in the nucleus accumbens, and higher type 2 dopamine receptor (D2R) content in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC). They also had higher neuropeptide Y (NPY) and lower pro-opiomelanocortin contents in the ARC. Calcium treatment normalised only D2R and NPY contents. Precocious obesity induces long-term effects in the brain dopaminergic system, which can be associated with an increased preference for fat at adulthood. Calcium treatment prevents this last alteration, partially through its actions on ARC D2R and NPY proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- E P S Conceição
- Laboratory of Endocrine Physiology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Biology Institute, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - J C Carvalho
- Laboratory of Endocrine Physiology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Biology Institute, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - A C Manhães
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Biology Institute, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - D S Guarda
- Laboratory of Endocrine Physiology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Biology Institute, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - M S Figueiredo
- Laboratory of Endocrine Physiology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Biology Institute, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - F T Quitete
- Laboratory of Endocrine Physiology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Biology Institute, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - E Oliveira
- Laboratory of Endocrine Physiology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Biology Institute, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - E G Moura
- Laboratory of Endocrine Physiology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Biology Institute, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - P C Lisboa
- Laboratory of Endocrine Physiology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Biology Institute, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Koelsch S, Boehlig A, Hohenadel M, Nitsche I, Bauer K, Sack U. The impact of acute stress on hormones and cytokines, and how their recovery is affected by music-evoked positive mood. Sci Rep 2016; 6:23008. [PMID: 27020850 PMCID: PMC4810374 DOI: 10.1038/srep23008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress and recovery from stress significantly affect interactions between the central nervous system, endocrine pathways, and the immune system. However, the influence of acute stress on circulating immune-endocrine mediators in humans is not well known. Using a double-blind, randomized study design, we administered a CO2 stress test to n = 143 participants to identify the effects of acute stress, and recovery from stress, on serum levels of several mediators with immune function (IL-6, TNF-α, leptin, and somatostatin), as well as on noradrenaline, and two hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hormones (ACTH and cortisol). Moreover, during a 1 h-recovery period, we repeatedly measured these serum parameters, and administered an auditory mood-induction protocol with positive music and a neutral control stimulus. The acute stress elicited increases in noradrenaline, ACTH, cortisol, IL-6, and leptin levels. Noradrenaline and ACTH exhibited the fastest and strongest stress responses, followed by cortisol, IL-6 and leptin. The music intervention was associated with more positive mood, and stronger cortisol responses to the acute stressor in the music group. Our data show that acute (CO2) stress affects endocrine, immune and metabolic functions in humans, and they show that mood plays a causal role in the modulation of responses to acute stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Koelsch
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Science, Stephanstr. 1a, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University in Bergen, Jonas Liesvei 91, 5009 Bergen, Norway
| | - Albrecht Boehlig
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Johannisallee 30, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Clinic for gastroenterology and rheumatology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Liebigstr. 20, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Maximilian Hohenadel
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Johannisallee 30, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ines Nitsche
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Johannisallee 30, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Katrin Bauer
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Johannisallee 30, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ulrich Sack
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Johannisallee 30, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Anorexia is a preserved evolutionally response that may be beneficial during acute illness. Yet current clinical practice guidelines recommend early and targeted enteral nutritional support. However, the optimal timing of the initiation of enteral nutrition and the caloric and protein requirements of critically ill patients is controversial. RECENT FINDINGS Starvation promotes autophagy and this may play a key role in promoting host defenses and the immune response to intracellular pathogens. Because of the perceived benefits of early enteral nutrition and the lack of clinical equipoise, randomized controlled trials comparing short-term starvation to targeted normocaloric enteral nutrition have until recently not been performed. The results of the recently reported PYTHON trial (Pancreatitis, Very Early Compared with Selective Delayed Start of Enteral Feeding) dispel the notion that short-term starvation is harmful. Furthermore, six recent randomized controlled trials that compared trophic and permissive underfeeding to normocaloric goals, failed to demonstrate any outcome benefit from the more aggressive approach. In addition, recent evidence suggests that intermittent enteral nutation may be preferable to continuous tube feeding. SUMMARY Limiting nutrient intake during the first 48-72 h of acute illness may be beneficial; in those patients who are unable to resume an oral diet after this time period intermittent enteral nutrition targeting 20-25 cal/kg/day is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul E Marik
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
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Maternal nicotine exposure during lactation alters food preference, anxiety-like behavior and the brain dopaminergic reward system in the adult rat offspring. Physiol Behav 2015; 149:131-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.05.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Revised: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Insight to leptin's function. J Chem Neuroanat 2014; 61-62:189-90. [PMID: 25499206 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2014.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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