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Rodríguez CF, Guzmán-Sastoque P, Gantiva-Diaz M, Gómez SC, Quezada V, Muñoz-Camargo C, Osma JF, Reyes LH, Cruz JC. Low-cost inertial microfluidic device for microparticle separation: A laser-Ablated PMMA lab-on-a-chip approach without a cleanroom. HardwareX 2023; 16:e00493. [PMID: 38045919 PMCID: PMC10689937 DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2023.e00493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Although microparticles are frequently used in chemistry and biology, their effectiveness largely depends on the homogeneity of their particle size distribution. Microfluidic devices to separate and purify particles based on their size have been developed, but many require expensive cleanroom manufacturing processes. A cost-effective, passive microfluidic separator is presented, capable of efficiently sorting and purifying particles spanning the size range of 15 µm to 40 µm. Fabricated from Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) substrates using laser ablation, this device circumvents the need for cleanroom facilities. Prior to fabrication, rigorous optimization of the device's design was carried out through computational simulations conducted in COMSOL Multiphysics. To gauge its performance, chitosan microparticles were employed as a test case. The results were notably promising, achieving a precision of 96.14 %. This quantitative metric underscores the device's precision and effectiveness in size-based particle separation. This low-cost and accessible microfluidic separator offers a pragmatic solution for laboratories and researchers seeking precise control over particle sizes, without the constraints of expensive manufacturing environments. This innovation not only mitigates the limitations tied to traditional cleanroom-based fabrication but also widens the horizons for various applications within the realms of chemistry and biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian F. Rodríguez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1E No. 19a-40, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
| | - Paula Guzmán-Sastoque
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1E No. 19a-40, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
| | - Mónica Gantiva-Diaz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1E No. 19a-40, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
| | - Saúl C. Gómez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1E No. 19a-40, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
| | - Valentina Quezada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1E No. 19a-40, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
| | - Carolina Muñoz-Camargo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1E No. 19a-40, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
| | - Johann F. Osma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1E No. 19a-40, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1E No. 19a-40, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
| | - Luis H. Reyes
- Grupo de Diseño de Productos y Procesos (GDPP), Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1E No. 19a-40, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
| | - Juan C. Cruz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1E No. 19a-40, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
- Grupo de Diseño de Productos y Procesos (GDPP), Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1E No. 19a-40, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
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Ravelo-Nieto E, Cifuentes J, Ruiz Puentes P, Rueda-Gensini L, Quezada V, Ostos C, Muñoz-Camargo C, Reyes LH, Duarte-Ruiz A, Cruz JC. Unlocking cellular barriers: silica nanoparticles and fullerenol conjugated cell-penetrating agents for enhanced intracellular drug delivery. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1184973. [PMID: 37229494 PMCID: PMC10203439 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1184973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The limited delivery of cargoes at the cellular level is a significant challenge for therapeutic strategies due to the presence of numerous biological barriers. By immobilizing the Buforin II (BUF-II) peptide and the OmpA protein on magnetite nanoparticles, a new family of cell-penetrating nanobioconjugates was developed in a previous study. We propose in this study to extend this strategy to silica nanoparticles (SNPs) and silanized fullerenol (F) as nanostructured supports for conjugating these potent cell-penetrating agents. The same molecule conjugated to distinct nanomaterials may interact with subcellular compartments differently. On the obtained nanobioconjugates (OmpA-SNPs, BUF-II-PEG12-SNPs, OmpA-F, and BUF-II-PEG12-F), physicochemical characterization was performed to evaluate their properties and confirm the conjugation of these translocating agents on the nanomaterials. The biocompatibility, toxicity, and internalization capacity of nanobioconjugates in Vero cells and THP-1 cells were evaluated in vitro. Nanobioconjugates had a high internalization capacity in these cells without affecting their viability, according to the findings. In addition, the nanobioconjugates exhibited negligible hemolytic activity and a low tendency to induce platelet aggregation. In addition, the nanobioconjugates exhibited distinct intracellular trafficking and endosomal escape behavior in these cell lines, indicating their potential for addressing the challenges of cytoplasmic drug delivery and the development of therapeutics for the treatment of lysosomal storage diseases. This study presents an innovative strategy for conjugating cell-penetrating agents using silica nanoparticles and silanized fullerenol as nanostructured supports, which has the potential to enhance the efficacy of cellular drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Ravelo-Nieto
- Department of Chemistry, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombi
| | - Javier Cifuentes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombi
| | - Paola Ruiz Puentes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombi
| | - Laura Rueda-Gensini
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombi
| | - Valentina Quezada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombi
| | - Carlos Ostos
- Grupo CATALAD, Instituto de Química, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | | | - Luis H. Reyes
- Grupo de Diseño de Productos y Procesos (GDPP), Department of Chemical and Food Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Alvaro Duarte-Ruiz
- Department of Chemistry, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan C. Cruz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombi
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Cifuentes J, Cifuentes-Almanza S, Ruiz Puentes P, Quezada V, González Barrios AF, Calderón-Peláez MA, Velandia-Romero ML, Rafat M, Muñoz-Camargo C, Albarracín SL, Cruz JC. Multifunctional magnetoliposomes as drug delivery vehicles for the potential treatment of Parkinson's disease. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1181842. [PMID: 37214285 PMCID: PMC10196638 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1181842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, development of novel technologies and strategies to treat PD is a global health priority. Current treatments include administration of Levodopa, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitors, and anticholinergic drugs. However, the effective release of these molecules, due to the limited bioavailability, is a major challenge for the treatment of PD. As a strategy to solve this challenge, in this study we developed a novel multifunctional magnetic and redox-stimuli responsive drug delivery system, based on the magnetite nanoparticles functionalized with the high-performance translocating protein OmpA and encapsulated into soy lecithin liposomes. The obtained multifunctional magnetoliposomes (MLPs) were tested in neuroblastoma, glioblastoma, primary human and rat astrocytes, blood brain barrier rat endothelial cells, primary mouse microvascular endothelial cells, and in a PD-induced cellular model. MLPs demonstrated excellent performance in biocompatibility assays, including hemocompatibility (hemolysis percentages below 1%), platelet aggregation, cytocompatibility (cell viability above 80% in all tested cell lines), mitochondrial membrane potential (non-observed alterations) and intracellular ROS production (negligible impact compared to controls). Additionally, the nanovehicles showed acceptable cell internalization (covered area close to 100% at 30 min and 4 h) and endosomal escape abilities (significant decrease in lysosomal colocalization after 4 h of exposure). Moreover, molecular dynamics simulations were employed to better understand the underlying translocating mechanism of the OmpA protein, showing key findings regarding specific interactions with phospholipids. Overall, the versatility and the notable in vitro performance of this novel nanovehicle make it a suitable and promising drug delivery technology for the potential treatment of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Cifuentes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Paola Ruiz Puentes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Valentina Quezada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Andrés Fernando González Barrios
- Grupo de Diseño de Productos y Procesos (GDPP), Department of Chemical and Food Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | | | - Marjan Rafat
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | | | - Sonia L. Albarracín
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan C. Cruz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
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4
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Torres-Vanegas JD, Cifuentes J, Puentes PR, Quezada V, Garcia-Brand AJ, Cruz JC, Reyes LH. Assessing cellular internalization and endosomal escape abilities of novel BUFII-Graphene oxide nanobioconjugates. Front Chem 2022; 10:974218. [PMID: 36186591 PMCID: PMC9521742 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.974218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-penetrating agents based on functionalized nanoplatforms have emerged as a promising approach for developing more efficient and multifunctional delivery vehicles for treating various complex diseases that require reaching different intracellular compartments. Our previous work has shown that achieving full cellular coverage and high endosomal escape rates is possible by interfacing magnetite nanoparticles with potent translocating peptides such as Buforin II (BUF-II). In this work, we extended such an approach to two graphene oxide (GO)-based nanoplatforms functionalized with different surface chemistries to which the peptide molecules were successfully conjugated. The developed nanobioconjugates were characterized via spectroscopic (FTIR, Raman), thermogravimetric, and microscopic (SEM, TEM, and AFM) techniques. Moreover, biocompatibility was assessed via standardized hemocompatibility and cytotoxicity assays in two cell lines. Finally, cell internalization and coverage and endosomal escape abilities were estimated with the aid of confocal microscopy analysis of colocalization of the nanobioconjugates with Lysotracker Green®. Our findings showed coverage values that approached 100% for both cell lines, high biocompatibility, and endosomal escape levels ranging from 30 to 45% and 12–24% for Vero and THP-1 cell lines. This work provides the first routes toward developing the next-generation, carbon-based, cell-penetrating nanovehicles to deliver therapeutic agents. Further studies will be focused on elucidating the intracellular trafficking pathways of the nanobioconjugates to reach different cellular compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Daniel Torres-Vanegas
- Department of Chemical and Food Engineering, Grupo de Diseño de Productos y Procesos (GDPP), Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Javier Cifuentes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Paola Ruiz Puentes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Valentina Quezada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Juan C. Cruz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
- *Correspondence: Juan C. Cruz, ; Luis H. Reyes,
| | - Luis H. Reyes
- Department of Chemical and Food Engineering, Grupo de Diseño de Productos y Procesos (GDPP), Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
- *Correspondence: Juan C. Cruz, ; Luis H. Reyes,
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Gonzalez-Melo C, Garcia-Brand AJ, Quezada V, Reyes LH, Muñoz-Camargo C, Cruz JC. Highly Efficient Synthesis of Type B Gelatin and Low Molecular Weight Chitosan Nanoparticles: Potential Applications as Bioactive Molecule Carriers and Cell-Penetrating Agents. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13234078. [PMID: 34883582 PMCID: PMC8659274 DOI: 10.3390/polym13234078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Gelatin and chitosan nanoparticles have been widely used in pharmaceutical, biomedical, and nanofood applications due to their high biocompatibility and biodegradability. This study proposed a highly efficient synthesis method for type B gelatin and low-molecular-weight (LMW) chitosan nanoparticles. Gelatin nanoparticles (GNPs) were synthesized by the double desolvation method and the chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) by the ionic gelation method. The sizes of the obtained CNPs and GNPs (373 ± 71 nm and 244 ± 67 nm, respectively) and zeta potential (+36.60 ± 3.25 mV and −13.42 ± 1.16 mV, respectively) were determined via dynamic light scattering. Morphology and size were verified utilizing SEM and TEM images. Finally, their biocompatibility was tested to assure their potential applicability as bioactive molecule carriers and cell-penetrating agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Gonzalez-Melo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá 111711, Colombia; (C.G.-M.); (A.J.G.-B.); (V.Q.)
| | - Andres J. Garcia-Brand
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá 111711, Colombia; (C.G.-M.); (A.J.G.-B.); (V.Q.)
- Product and Process Design Group (GDPP), Department of Chemical and Food Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
| | - Valentina Quezada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá 111711, Colombia; (C.G.-M.); (A.J.G.-B.); (V.Q.)
| | - Luis H. Reyes
- Product and Process Design Group (GDPP), Department of Chemical and Food Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
- Correspondence: (L.H.R.); (C.M.-C.); (J.C.C.); Tel.: +57-1-339-4949 (ext. 1702) (L.H.R.); +57-1-339-4949 (ext. 1789) (C.M.-C. & J.C.C.)
| | - Carolina Muñoz-Camargo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá 111711, Colombia; (C.G.-M.); (A.J.G.-B.); (V.Q.)
- Correspondence: (L.H.R.); (C.M.-C.); (J.C.C.); Tel.: +57-1-339-4949 (ext. 1702) (L.H.R.); +57-1-339-4949 (ext. 1789) (C.M.-C. & J.C.C.)
| | - Juan C. Cruz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá 111711, Colombia; (C.G.-M.); (A.J.G.-B.); (V.Q.)
- Correspondence: (L.H.R.); (C.M.-C.); (J.C.C.); Tel.: +57-1-339-4949 (ext. 1702) (L.H.R.); +57-1-339-4949 (ext. 1789) (C.M.-C. & J.C.C.)
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6
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Ausubel LJ, Meseck M, Derecho I, Lopez P, Knoblauch C, McMahon R, Anderson J, Dunphy N, Quezada V, Khan R, Huang P, Dang W, Luo M, Hsu D, Woo SLC, Couture L. Current good manufacturing practice production of an oncolytic recombinant vesicular stomatitis viral vector for cancer treatment. Hum Gene Ther 2011; 22:489-97. [PMID: 21083425 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2010.159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) is an oncolytic virus currently being investigated as a promising tool to treat cancer because of its ability to selectively replicate in cancer cells. To enhance the oncolytic property of the nonpathologic laboratory strain of VSV, we generated a recombinant vector [rVSV(MΔ51)-M3] expressing murine gammaherpesvirus M3, a secreted viral chemokine-binding protein that binds to a broad range of mammalian chemokines with high affinity. As previously reported, when rVSV(MΔ51)-M3 was used in an orthotopic model of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in rats, it suppressed inflammatory cell migration to the virus-infected tumor site, which allowed for enhanced intratumoral virus replication leading to increased tumor necrosis and substantially prolonged survival. These encouraging results led to the development of this vector for clinical translation in patients with HCC. However, a scalable current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP)-compliant manufacturing process has not been described for this vector. To produce the quantities of high-titer virus required for clinical trials, a process that is amenable to GMP manufacturing and scale-up was developed. We describe here a large-scale (50-liter) vector production process capable of achieving crude titers on the order of 10(9) plaque-forming units (PFU)/ml under cGMP. This process was used to generate a master virus seed stock and a clinical lot of the clinical trial agent under cGMP with an infectious viral titer of approximately 2 × 10(10) PFU/ml (total yield, 1 × 10(13) PFU). The lot has passed all U.S. Food and Drug Administration-mandated release testing and will be used in a phase 1 clinical translational trial in patients with advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- L J Ausubel
- Center for Biomedicine and Genetics, and Center for Applied Technology Development, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
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Abstract
This study was conducted in order to compare the clinical freeway space measurements using three simple methods commonly used by dentists in their practices. The study was performed in 15 young healthy subjects with natural dentition and bilateral molar support. Artificial landmarks (adhesive tape) were placed on the more prominent parts of the nose and chin of each subject. Vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) was measured in the intercuspal position. Postural vertical dimension (PVD) was measured in the following functional conditions: after swallowing saliva, after pronouncing the word "Mississippi", and in a relaxed postural mandibular position (RPMP). Then, the clinical freeway space value in each functional condition was obtained by subtracting VDO from PVD value. Significant differences among clinical freeway space values using three different methods were observed (ANOVA). A significantly higher clinical freeway space value was found using phonetics method than after swallowing and with the mandible in a relaxed postural position (Bonferroni multiple comparison test). No significant differences between swallowing and relaxed methods were found. These results seem to suggest that the measures of clinical freeway space depend upon the method used.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Miralles
- Oral Physiology Laboratory, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago.
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Abstract
Enkephalins facilitate female reproductive behavior. Within the limbic system and hypothalamus, estrogen induced the expression of preproenkephalin (PPE) mRNA. Estrogen injection caused a biphasic increase in the PPE mRNA levels within the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus and posterodorsal medial amygdala. The first peak of PPE mRNA levels occurred within an hour, and the second 24 to 48 h after subcutaneous injection of estrogen. The present studies indicated that the rapid first peak of PPE mRNA expression was stress induced, whereas the second peak was estrogen induced. In the posterodorsal medial amygdala but not in the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus, the antiestrogen, tamoxifen, did not inhibit the first peak, but blocked the second peak of PPE mRNA expression. Subcutaneous oil injection induced a 1-h peak of PPE mRNA levels but not a 24-h peak. Peak levels of plasma corticosterone were coincident with peak PPE mRNA levels. Adrenalectomy plus a constant, low level of corticosterone eliminated the injection-induced increase of corticosterone levels and the subsequent increase in PPE mRNA expression in the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus and posterodorsal medial amygdala. The present results indicate that both stress steroids and estrogen positively regulate PPE mRNA levels in the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus and posterodorsal medial amygdala. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that acute, mild stress may contribute to the activation of circuits that facilitate reproductive behavior in the female.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Sinchak
- Department of Neurobiology, Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Brain Research Institute and Mental Retardation Research Center, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1763, USA
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Enrique G, Quezada V. [Exfoliative cytology of the mouth and its relation to tabagism and intraoral carcinoma]. ADM 1966; 23:207-25. [PMID: 5220549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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10
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Enrique G, Quezada V. [Intra-oral septic foci and their systemic repercussions]. ADM 1965; 22:435-49. [PMID: 5213602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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