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Neuron-Specific Fluorescence Reporter-Based Live Cell Tracing for Transdifferentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Neurons by Chemical Compound. Stem Cells Int 2017; 2017:8452830. [PMID: 28808446 PMCID: PMC5541830 DOI: 10.1155/2017/8452830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Revised: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although transdifferentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into neurons increases the possibility of therapeutic use of MSCs for neurodevelopmental disorders, the use of MSCs has the limitation on differentiation efficiency to neuronal lineage and lack of an easy method to monitor the transdifferentiation. In this study, using time-lapse live cell imaging, we assessed the neuronal differentiation of MSCs induced by a small molecule “NHPDQC (N-hydroxy-2-oxo-3-(3-phenylprophyl)-1,2-dihydroquinoxaline-6-carboxamide, C18H17N3O3).” Plasmid vector containing red fluorescence reporter genes under the control of the tubulin α1 (Tα1) promoter (pTα1-DsRed2) traced the neuronal differentiation of MSCs. Two days after NHPDQC treatment, MSCs showed neuron-like phenotype with neurite outgrowth and high expression of neuron-specific markers in more than 95% cells. The fluorescence signals increased in the cytoplasm of pTα1-DsRed2-transfected MSCs after NHPDQC treatment. In vitro monitoring of MSCs along the time courses showed progressive increase of fluorescence till 30 h after treatment, corresponding with the increase in neurite length. We examined an efficient neuronal differentiation of MSCs by NHPDQC alone and monitored the temporal changes of neuronal differentiation by neuron-specific fluorescence reporter along time. This method would help further our understanding of the differentiation of MSCs to produce neurons by simple treatment of small molecule.
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2
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Colaianna M, Ilmjärv S, Peterson H, Kern I, Julien S, Baquié M, Pallocca G, Bosgra S, Sachinidis A, Hengstler JG, Leist M, Krause KH. Fingerprinting of neurotoxic compounds using a mouse embryonic stem cell dual luminescence reporter assay. Arch Toxicol 2016; 91:365-391. [PMID: 27015953 PMCID: PMC5225183 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-016-1690-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Identification of neurotoxic drugs and environmental chemicals is an important challenge. However, only few tools to address this topic are available. The aim of this study was to develop a neurotoxicity/developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) test system, using the pluripotent mouse embryonic stem cell line CGR8 (ESCs). The test system uses ESCs at two differentiation stages: undifferentiated ESCs and ESC-derived neurons. Under each condition, concentration–response curves were obtained for three parameters: activity of the tubulin alpha 1 promoter (typically activated in early neurons), activity of the elongation factor 1 alpha promoter (active in all cells), and total DNA content (proportional to the number of surviving cells). We tested 37 compounds from the ESNATS test battery, which includes polypeptide hormones, environmental pollutants (including methylmercury), and clinically used drugs (including valproic acid and tyrosine kinase inhibitors). Different classes of compounds showed distinct concentration–response profiles. Plotting of the lowest observed adverse effect concentrations (LOAEL) of the neuronal promoter activity against the general promoter activity or against cytotoxicity, allowed the differentiation between neurotoxic/DNT substances and non-neurotoxic controls. Reporter activity responses in neurons were more susceptible to neurotoxic compounds than the reporter activities in ESCs from which they were derived. To relate the effective/toxic concentrations found in our study to relevant in vivo concentrations, we used a reverse pharmacokinetic modeling approach for three exemplary compounds (teriflunomide, geldanamycin, abiraterone). The dual luminescence reporter assay described in this study allows high-throughput, and should be particularly useful for the prioritization of the neurotoxic potential of a large number of compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilena Colaianna
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sten Ilmjärv
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Ilse Kern
- Department of Pediatrics, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Genetic and Laboratory Medicine, Geneva University Hospital, Centre Medical Universitaire, Rue Michel-Servet, 1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Stephanie Julien
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Giorgia Pallocca
- Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair for In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
| | - Sieto Bosgra
- TNO, Zeist, The Netherlands.,BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Agapios Sachinidis
- Institute of Neurophysiology and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jan G Hengstler
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), Technical University of Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Marcel Leist
- Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair for In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
| | - Karl-Heinz Krause
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland. .,Department of Genetic and Laboratory Medicine, Geneva University Hospital, Centre Medical Universitaire, Rue Michel-Servet, 1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland.
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3
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Davies SG, Kennewell PD, Russell AJ, Seden PT, Westwood R, Wynne GM. Stemistry: the control of stem cells in situ using chemistry. J Med Chem 2015; 58:2863-94. [PMID: 25590360 DOI: 10.1021/jm500838d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A new paradigm for drug research has emerged, namely the deliberate search for molecules able to selectively affect the proliferation, differentiation, and migration of adult stem cells within the tissues in which they exist. Recently, there has been significant interest in medicinal chemistry toward the discovery and design of low molecular weight molecules that affect stem cells and thus have novel therapeutic activity. We believe that a successful agent from such a discover program would have profound effects on the treatment of many long-term degenerative disorders. Among these conditions are examples such as cardiovascular decay, neurological disorders including Alzheimer's disease, and macular degeneration, all of which have significant unmet medical needs. This perspective will review evidence from the literature that indicates that discovery of such agents is achievable and represents a worthwhile pursuit for the skills of the medicinal chemist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen G Davies
- †Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - Peter D Kennewell
- †Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - Angela J Russell
- †Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, U.K.,‡Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3QT, U.K
| | - Peter T Seden
- †Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - Robert Westwood
- †Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - Graham M Wynne
- †Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, U.K
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4
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Smirnova L, Hogberg HT, Leist M, Hartung T. Developmental neurotoxicity - challenges in the 21st century and in vitro opportunities. ALTEX-ALTERNATIVES TO ANIMAL EXPERIMENTATION 2015; 31:129-56. [PMID: 24687333 DOI: 10.14573/altex.1403271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In recent years neurodevelopmental problems in children have increased at a rate that suggests lifestyle factors and chemical exposures as likely contributors. When environmental chemicals contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) becomes an enormous concern. But how can it be tackled? Current animal test- based guidelines are prohibitively expensive, at $ 1.4 million per substance, while their predictivity for human health effects may be limited, and mechanistic data that would help species extrapolation are not available. A broader screening for substances of concern requires a reliable testing strategy, applicable to larger numbers of substances, and sufficiently predictive to warrant further testing. This review discusses the evidence for possible contributions of environmental chemicals to DNT, limitations of the current test paradigm, emerging concepts and technologies pertinent to in vitro DNT testing and assay evaluation, as well as the prospect of a paradigm shift based on 21st century technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Smirnova
- Centers for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT) at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA
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5
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Using Pluripotent Stem Cells and Their Progeny as an In VitroModel to Assess (Developmental) Neurotoxicity. METHODS AND PRINCIPLES IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/9783527674183.ch13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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6
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Aswendt M, Adamczak J, Tennstaedt A. A review of novel optical imaging strategies of the stroke pathology and stem cell therapy in stroke. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:226. [PMID: 25177269 PMCID: PMC4132298 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Transplanted stem cells can induce and enhance functional recovery in experimental stroke. Invasive analysis has been extensively used to provide detailed cellular and molecular characterization of the stroke pathology and engrafted stem cells. But post mortem analysis is not appropriate to reveal the time scale of the dynamic interplay between the cell graft, the ischemic lesion and the endogenous repair mechanisms. This review describes non-invasive imaging techniques which have been developed to provide complementary in vivo information. Recent advances were made in analyzing simultaneously different aspects of the cell graft (e.g., number of cells, viability state, and cell fate), the ischemic lesion (e.g., blood-brain-barrier consistency, hypoxic, and necrotic areas) and the neuronal and vascular network. We focus on optical methods, which permit simple animal preparation, repetitive experimental conditions, relatively medium-cost instrumentation and are performed under mild anesthesia, thus nearly under physiological conditions. A selection of recent examples of optical intrinsic imaging, fluorescence imaging and bioluminescence imaging to characterize the stroke pathology and engrafted stem cells are discussed. Special attention is paid to novel optimal reporter genes/probes for genetic labeling and tracking of stem cells and appropriate transgenic animal models. Requirements, advantages and limitations of these imaging platforms are critically discussed and placed into the context of other non-invasive techniques, e.g., magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography, which can be joined with optical imaging in multimodal approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Annette Tennstaedt
- In-vivo-NMR Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Neurological Research, KölnGermany
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7
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Kildgaard S, Mansson M, Dosen I, Klitgaard A, Frisvad JC, Larsen TO, Nielsen KF. Accurate dereplication of bioactive secondary metabolites from marine-derived fungi by UHPLC-DAD-QTOFMS and a MS/HRMS library. Mar Drugs 2014; 12:3681-705. [PMID: 24955556 PMCID: PMC4071597 DOI: 10.3390/md12063681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Revised: 05/23/2014] [Accepted: 06/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In drug discovery, reliable and fast dereplication of known compounds is essential for identification of novel bioactive compounds. Here, we show an integrated approach using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection-quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-DAD-QTOFMS) providing both accurate mass full-scan mass spectrometry (MS) and tandem high resolution MS (MS/HRMS) data. The methodology was demonstrated on compounds from bioactive marine-derived strains of Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Emericellopsis, including small polyketides, non-ribosomal peptides, terpenes, and meroterpenoids. The MS/HRMS data were then searched against an in-house MS/HRMS library of ~1300 compounds for unambiguous identification. The full scan MS data was used for dereplication of compounds not in the MS/HRMS library, combined with ultraviolet/visual (UV/Vis) and MS/HRMS data for faster exclusion of database search results. This led to the identification of four novel isomers of the known anticancer compound, asperphenamate. Except for very low intensity peaks, no false negatives were found using the MS/HRMS approach, which proved to be robust against poor data quality caused by system overload or loss of lock-mass. Only for small polyketides, like patulin, were both retention time and UV/Vis spectra necessary for unambiguous identification. For the ophiobolin family with many structurally similar analogues partly co-eluting, the peaks could be assigned correctly by combining MS/HRMS data and m/z of the [M + Na]+ ions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Kildgaard
- Department of Systems Biology, Technical University of Denmark, Soeltofts Plads 221, Kgs. Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark.
| | - Maria Mansson
- Department of Systems Biology, Technical University of Denmark, Soeltofts Plads 221, Kgs. Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark.
| | - Ina Dosen
- Department of Systems Biology, Technical University of Denmark, Soeltofts Plads 221, Kgs. Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark.
| | - Andreas Klitgaard
- Department of Systems Biology, Technical University of Denmark, Soeltofts Plads 221, Kgs. Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark.
| | - Jens C Frisvad
- Department of Systems Biology, Technical University of Denmark, Soeltofts Plads 221, Kgs. Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark.
| | - Thomas O Larsen
- Department of Systems Biology, Technical University of Denmark, Soeltofts Plads 221, Kgs. Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark.
| | - Kristian F Nielsen
- Department of Systems Biology, Technical University of Denmark, Soeltofts Plads 221, Kgs. Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark.
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Zimmer B, Pallocca G, Dreser N, Foerster S, Waldmann T, Westerhout J, Julien S, Krause KH, van Thriel C, Hengstler JG, Sachinidis A, Bosgra S, Leist M. Profiling of drugs and environmental chemicals for functional impairment of neural crest migration in a novel stem cell-based test battery. Arch Toxicol 2014; 88:1109-26. [PMID: 24691702 PMCID: PMC3996367 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-014-1231-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 03/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Developmental toxicity in vitro assays have hitherto been established as stand-alone systems, based on a limited number of toxicants. Within the embryonic stem cell-based novel alternative tests project, we developed a test battery framework that allows inclusion of any developmental toxicity assay and that explores the responses of such test systems to a wide range of drug-like compounds. We selected 28 compounds, including several biologics (e.g., erythropoietin), classical pharmaceuticals (e.g., roflumilast) and also six environmental toxicants. The chemical, toxicological and clinical data of this screen library were compiled. In order to determine a non-cytotoxic concentration range, cytotoxicity data were obtained for all compounds from HEK293 cells and from murine embryonic stem cells. Moreover, an estimate of relevant exposures was provided by literature data mining. To evaluate feasibility of the suggested test framework, we selected a well-characterized assay that evaluates ‘migration inhibition of neural crest cells.’ Screening at the highest non-cytotoxic concentration resulted in 11 hits (e.g., geldanamycin, abiraterone, gefitinib, chlorpromazine, cyproconazole, arsenite). These were confirmed in concentration–response studies. Subsequent pharmacokinetic modeling indicated that triadimefon exerted its effects at concentrations relevant to the in vivo situation, and also interferon-β and polybrominated diphenyl ether showed effects within the same order of magnitude of concentrations that may be reached in humans. In conclusion, the test battery framework can identify compounds that disturb processes relevant for human development and therefore may represent developmental toxicants. The open structure of the strategy allows rich information to be generated on both the underlying library, and on any contributing assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Zimmer
- Center for Stem Cell Biology, Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York City, NY, USA
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9
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Xu R, Feyeux M, Julien S, Nemes C, Albrechtsen M, Dinnyés A, Krause KH. Screening of bioactive peptides using an embryonic stem cell-based neurodifferentiation assay. AAPS JOURNAL 2014; 16:400-12. [PMID: 24557747 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-014-9578-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Accepted: 01/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Differentiation of pluripotent stem cells, PSCs, towards neural lineages has attracted significant attention, given the potential use of such cells for in vitro studies and for regenerative medicine. The present experiments were designed to identify bioactive peptides which direct PSC differentiation towards neural cells. Fifteen peptides were designed based on NCAM, FGFR, and growth factors sequences. The effect of peptides was screened using a mouse embryonic stem cell line expressing luciferase dual reporter construct driven by promoters for neural tubulin and for elongation factor 1. Cell number was estimated by measuring total cellular DNA. We identified five peptides which enhanced activities of both promoters without relevant changes in cell number. We selected the two most potent peptides for further analysis: the NCAM-derived mimetic FGLL and the synthetic NCAM ligand, Plannexin. Both compounds induced phenotypic neuronal differentiation, as evidenced by increased neurite outgrowth. In summary, we used a simple, but sensitive screening approach to identify the neurogenic peptides. These peptides will not only provide new clues concerning pathways of neurogenesis, but they may also be interesting biotechnology tools for in vitro generation of neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruodan Xu
- ENKAM Pharmaceuticals A/S, Copenhagen, Denmark
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10
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Breuss M, Keays DA. Microtubules and neurodevelopmental disease: the movers and the makers. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 800:75-96. [PMID: 24243101 DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-7687-6_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The development of the mammalian cortex requires the generation, migration and differentiation of neurons. Each of these cellular events requires a dynamic microtubule cytoskeleton. Microtubules are required for interkinetic nuclear migration, the separation of chromatids in mitosis, nuclear translocation during migration and the outgrowth of neurites. Their importance is underlined by the finding that mutations in a host of microtubule associated proteins cause detrimental neurological disorders. More recently, the structural subunits of microtubules, the tubulin proteins, have been implicated in a spectrum of human diseases collectively known as the tubulinopathies. This chapter reviews the discovery of microtubules, the role they play in neurodevelopment, and catalogues the tubulin isoforms associated with neurodevelopmental disease. Our focus is on the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie the pathology of tubulin-associated diseases. Finally, we reflect on whether different tubulin genes have distinct intrinsic functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Breuss
- Institute of Molecular Pathology, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 7, 1030, Vienna, Austria
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11
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Krause KH, van Thriel C, De Sousa PA, Leist M, Hengstler JG. Monocrotophos in Gandaman village: India school lunch deaths and need for improved toxicity testing. Arch Toxicol 2013; 87:1877-81. [PMID: 23943209 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-013-1113-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2013] [Accepted: 08/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Karl-Heinz Krause
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Geneva Medical Faculty, Centre Medical Universitaire, University of Geneva (UNIGE), 1, rue Michel-Servet, 1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland,
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