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Glaspell SJ, Knapek KJ, Washington IM, Fitzgerald SD, Fortin JS. Nephroblastoma in a Sprague Dawley rat unrelated to titanium dioxide nanoparticle exposure in utero. Vet Med Sci 2021; 7:944-949. [PMID: 33277974 PMCID: PMC8136948 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Nephroblastoma is an embryonal tumour that has rarely been reported in laboratory rats. In this case report, a large nephroblastoma with peritoneal seeding was found during necropsy in an 11-month-old, female, Sprague Dawley rat. The rat had a history of indirect exposure to nano-TiO2 (titanium dioxide nanoparticles) during maternal gestation. A firm mass in the upper right abdominal quadrant was palpated. Four weeks later, the animal quickly declined. Nephroblastoma was confirmed by histopathology. Only one rat developed nephroblastoma among the ten littermates. Nephroblastomas in Sprague Dawley rats are typically spontaneous tumours with non-malignant mesenchymal elements. The capability to induce a nephroblastoma with nano-TiO2 is less likely in this case.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katie J. Knapek
- Office of Laboratory Animal ResourcesWest Virginia UniversityMorgantownWVUSA
| | - Ida M. Washington
- Office of Laboratory Animal ResourcesWest Virginia UniversityMorgantownWVUSA
| | - Scott D. Fitzgerald
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic InvestigationCollege of Veterinary MedicineMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMIUSA
- Veterinary Diagnostic LaboratoryMichigan State UniversityLansingMIUSA
| | - Jessica S. Fortin
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic InvestigationCollege of Veterinary MedicineMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMIUSA
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Yu JJ, Hogan T, Morley C, Crigger C, Jiao S, Williams DJ, Salkini MW, Yang X, Liang X, Yan B, Cecil C, Winn AC, Zheng J, Guo YI, Jiang BH, Washington IM. Adverse Effects Profile of Dicycloplatin (DCP) Offers Chemotherapeutic Advantage Over Cisplatin and Carboplatin. Anticancer Res 2019; 39:4455-4462. [PMID: 31366544 DOI: 10.21873/anticanres.13618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Platinum-based chemotherapy often fails due to its severe adverse effects. The aim of this study was to examine the adverse effects profile and efficacy of dicycloplatin and compare them to those of cisplatin and carboplatin. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cystoscopy surveillance of the first American cancer patient treated with dicycloplatin was performed quarterly. In vitro and in vivo studies were conducted using immunoblotting and flow cytometry to assess immune status of spleen and bone marrow of mice treated with dicycloplatin, cisplatin and carboplatin. RESULTS The American patient did not suffer clinically significant myelosuppression; dicycloplatin has sustained remission in this patient to date. Experimental studies showed that dicycloplatin is less toxic to bone marrow and spleen of mice than cisplatin and carboplatin. CONCLUSION Dicycloplatin is a promising drug in cancer chemotherapy with less aggressive side-effects than those typically associated with cisplatin and carboplatin. This is an important therapeutic advantage in cancer chemotherapy. Clinical investigation of dicycloplatin as an alternative to cisplatin or carboplatin is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Jie Yu
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, WVU Cancer Institute, Morgantown, WV, U.S.A.
| | - Thomas Hogan
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, U.S.A
| | - Chad Morley
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, U.S.A
| | - Chad Crigger
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, U.S.A
| | - Shunchang Jiao
- Oncology Department of Internal Medicine, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Dorian J Williams
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, U.S.A
| | - Mohamad W Salkini
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, U.S.A
| | - Xuqing Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Peking University and Beijing Xingda Scientific System Company, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Xiaobing Liang
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, WVU Cancer Institute, Morgantown, WV, U.S.A
| | - Bingxue Yan
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, WVU Cancer Institute, Morgantown, WV, U.S.A
| | - Courtney Cecil
- Office of Laboratory Animal Resources, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, U.S.A
| | - Ava C Winn
- Molecular Biology Core Facility, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, CDC, Morgantown, WV, U.S.A
| | - Jenny Zheng
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, WVU Cancer Institute, Morgantown, WV, U.S.A
| | - Y I Guo
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, WVU Cancer Institute, Morgantown, WV, U.S.A
| | - Bing-Hua Jiang
- Department of Pathology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, U.S.A
| | - Ida M Washington
- Office of Laboratory Animal Resources, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, U.S.A
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Washington IM, Payton ME. Ammonia Levels and Urine-Spot Characteristics as Cage-Change Indicators for High-Density Individually Ventilated Mouse Cages. J Am Assoc Lab Anim Sci 2016; 55:260-267. [PMID: 27177558 PMCID: PMC4865686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Revised: 06/25/2015] [Accepted: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Mouse cage and bedding changes are potentially stressful to mice and are also labor- and resource-intensive. These changes are often performed on a calendar-based schedule to maintain a clean microenvironment and limit the concentrations of ammonia to which mice and workers are exposed. The current study sought to establish a performance-based approach to mouse cage-changing that uses urine spot characteristics as visual indicators of intracage ammonia levels. Colorimetric ammonia indicators were used to measure ammonia levels in individually-ventilated cages (IVC) housing male or female mice (n =5 per cage) of various strains at 1 to 16 d after cage change. Urine spot characteristics were correlated with ammonia levels to create a visual indicator of the cage-change criterion of 25 ppm ammonia. Results demonstrated a consistent increase in ammonia levels with days since cage change, with cages reaching the cage-change criterion at approximately 10 d for IVC containing male mice and 16 d for those with female mice. Ammonia levels were higher for male than female mice but were not correlated with mouse age. However, urine spot diameter, color, and edge characteristics were strongly correlated with ammonia levels. Husbandry practices based on using urine spot characteristics as indicators of ammonia levels led to fewer weekly cage changes and concomitant savings in labor and resources. Therefore, urine spot characteristics can be used as visual indicators of intracage ammonia levels for use of a performance (urine spot)-based approach to cage-changing frequency that maintains animal health and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida M Washington
- Office of Animal Care, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA; Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and SoBran Bioscience, Baltimore, Maryland.
| | - Mark E Payton
- Department of Statistics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
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Snyder JM, Washington IM, Birkland T, Chang MY, Frevert CW. Correlation of Versican Expression, Accumulation, and Degradation during Embryonic Development by Quantitative Immunohistochemistry. J Histochem Cytochem 2015; 63:952-67. [PMID: 26385570 DOI: 10.1369/0022155415610383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Versican, a chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan, is important in embryonic development, and disruption of the versican gene is embryonically lethal in the mouse. Although several studies show that versican is increased in various organs during development, a focused quantitative study on versican expression and distribution during lung and central nervous system development in the mouse has not previously been performed. We tracked changes in versican (Vcan) gene expression and in the accumulation and degradation of versican. Vcan expression and quantitative immunohistochemistry performed from embryonic day (E) 11.5 to E15.5 showed peak Vcan expression at E13.5 in the lungs and brain. Quantitative mRNA analysis and versican immunohistochemistry showed differences in the expression of the versican isoforms in the embryonic lung and head. The expression of Vcan mRNA and accumulation of versican in tissues was complementary. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated co-localization of versican accumulation and degradation, suggesting distinct roles of versican deposition and degradation in embryogenesis. Very little versican mRNA or protein was found in the lungs of 12- to 16-week-old mice but versican accumulation was significantly increased in mice with Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infection. These data suggest that versican plays an important role in fundamental, overlapping cellular processes in lung development and infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Snyder
- Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (JMS, IMW, MYC, CWF)
| | - Ida M Washington
- Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (JMS, IMW, MYC, CWF)
| | - Timothy Birkland
- Center for Lung Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (TB, MYC, CWF)
| | - Mary Y Chang
- Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (JMS, IMW, MYC, CWF),Center for Lung Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (TB, MYC, CWF)
| | - Charles W Frevert
- Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (JMS, IMW, MYC, CWF),Center for Lung Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (TB, MYC, CWF)
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Abstract
The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that reintroduction of Continuous Performance Improvement (CPI) methodology, a lean approach to management at Seattle Children’s (Hospital, Research Institute, Foundation), would facilitate engagement of vivarium employees in the development and sustainment of a daily management system and a work-in-process board. Such engagement was implemented through reintroduction of aspects of the Toyota Production System. Iterations of a Work-In-Process Board were generated using Shewhart’s Plan-Do-Check-Act process improvement cycle. Specific attention was given to the importance of detecting and preventing errors through assessment of the following 5 levels of quality: Level 1, customer inspects; Level 2, company inspects; Level 3, work unit inspects; Level 4, self-inspection; Level 5, mistake proofing. A functioning iteration of a Mouse Cage Work-In-Process Board was eventually established using electronic data entry, an improvement that increased the quality level from 1 to 3 while reducing wasteful steps, handoffs and queues. A visual workplace was realized via a daily management system that included a Work-In-Process Board, a problem solving board and two Heijunka boards. One Heijunka board tracked cage changing as a function of a biological kanban, which was validated via ammonia levels. A 17% reduction in cage changing frequency provided vivarium staff with additional time to support Institute researchers in their mutual goal of advancing cures for pediatric diseases. Cage washing metrics demonstrated an improvement in the flow continuum in which a traditional batch and queue push system was replaced with a supermarket-type pull system. Staff engagement during the improvement process was challenging and is discussed. The collective data indicate that the hypothesis was found to be true. The reintroduction of CPI into daily work in the vivarium is consistent with the 4P Model of the Toyota Way and selected Principles that guide implementation of the Toyota Production System.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A Bassuk
- Department of Research Continuous Performance Improvement, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Ida M Washington
- Office of Animal Care, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
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Chan MM, Rabkin DG, Washington IM. Clean technique for prolonged nonsurvival cardiothoracic surgery in swine (Sus scrofa). J Am Assoc Lab Anim Sci 2013; 52:63-69. [PMID: 23562035 PMCID: PMC3548203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2012] [Revised: 05/09/2012] [Accepted: 07/05/2012] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Laboratory animal regulations provide little guidance regarding duration of nonsurvival surgery requiring aseptic technique. We hypothesized that swine would experience no sepsis during nonsurvival cardiothoracic surgery accomplished by using clean technique and lasting 8 h or less. Incision sites of 5 male farm pigs (Sus scrofa) were shaved and then cleaned with alcohol and povidone-iodine. The surgeon wore sterile gloves, clean scrubs, and hair bonnet; assistants wore clean scrubs and nonsterile gloves; most instruments were autoclaved. A median sternotomy incision was used for thoracic cavity exposure, and the skull was exposed to allow induction of brain death. Heart rate, body temperature, and blood samples were obtained before surgery (0 h; baseline) and at 2, 4, 5 or 6, and 7 or 8 h thereafter. Statistical analysis by t-tests showed that heart rate was unchanged and body temperature increased after the 0-h (baseline) time point. Aerobic blood cultures were negative except for 2 samples that were positive for coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. at 4 h. RBC, Hgb, and Hct levels were decreased at 2 and 4 h, but WBC and platelets were unchanged. Other alterations included decreased glucose (at 7 or 8 h), increased BUN (at 5 or 6 h and 7 or 8 h) and creatinine (at 5 or 6 h), decreased Na(+) and Ca and increased K(+) (most time points), decreased total protein and albumin (most time points), and decreased globulin (at 7 or 8 h). Liver enzymes and bilirubin typically were unchanged, and cholesterol consistently was decreased. Together our results indicate a lack of sepsis for 8 h or less in pigs undergoing cardiothoracic surgery by using clean technique. These findings provide new and specific data regarding the use of aseptic technique during prolonged nonsurvival surgeries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maia M Chan
- Department of Comparative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
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Abstract
This chapter discusses the clinical biochemistry and hematology of the rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), guinea pig (Cavia porcellus), hamster (Mesocricetus auratus), and other rodents, including the gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus), chinchilla (Chinchilla laniger), degu (Octodon degus), deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus), dormouse (Gliridae family), kangaroo rat (Dipodomys spp.), cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus), and sand rat (Psammomys obesus). The chapter begins with a review of sample collection and preparation, and a description of commonly measured parameters and analytical techniques. The reference values, sources of variation, and unique characteristics are then presented for each species, as available. Many variables affect the parameters of clinical biochemistry and hematology including methods of sample collection and preparation, equipment, reagents, and methods of analysis, as well as the age, sex, breed, and environment of the animals being sampled. Values obtained from a clinical case are usually compared with reference values that are either produced in the same laboratory or in a similar group of animals, or cited in the literature. Optimal sites for blood collection vary between laboratory animals and are described in this chapter for each species for which information is available. Total blood volume of the rabbit is discussed in the Hematology section of the chapter. The rabbit is recognized as a valuable model for human disturbances in lipid metabolism, such as the metabolic syndrome and hypercholesterolemia leading to atherosclerosis. Hematology is the study of blood and blood-forming organs, including the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases of the blood, bone marrow, and immunologic, hemostatic, and vascular systems. Hematologic analysis is often used for the diagnosis and treatment of animal diseases.
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Jaffe M, Sesti C, Washington IM, Du L, Dronadula N, Chin MT, Stolz DB, Davis EC, Dichek DA. Transforming growth factor-β signaling in myogenic cells regulates vascular morphogenesis, differentiation, and matrix synthesis. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2011; 32:e1-11. [PMID: 21979435 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.111.238410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling is required for normal vascular development. We aimed to discover the role of TGF-β signaling in embryonic smooth muscle cells (SMCs). METHODS AND RESULTS We bred mice with smooth muscle (SM) 22α-Cre and Tgfbr2(flox) alleles to generate embryos in which the type II TGF-β receptor (TGFBR2; required for TGF-β signaling) was deleted in SMCs. Embryos were harvested between embryonic day (E) 9.5 and E18.5 and examined grossly, microscopically, and by histochemical and RNA analyses. SM22α-Cre(+/0) Tgfbr2(flox/flox) (knockout [KO]) embryos died before E15.5 with defects that included cardiac outflow tract abnormalities, persistence of the right dorsal aorta, and dilation of the distal aorta. Histological analyses suggested normal expression of SMC differentiation markers in KO aortas; however, RNA analyses showed that SMC differentiation markers were increased in KO cardiac outflow vessels but decreased in the descending aorta. KO aortas had only rare mature elastin deposits and contained abnormal aggregates of extracellular matrix proteins. Expression of several matrix proteins was significantly decreased in KO descending aortas but not in cardiac outflow vessels. CONCLUSIONS TGF-β signaling in SMCs controls differentiation, matrix synthesis, and vascular morphogenesis. Effects of TGF-β on SMC gene expression appear to differ depending on the location of SMCs in the aorta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia Jaffe
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
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Lipinski RJ, Hutson PR, Hannam PW, Nydza RJ, Washington IM, Moore RW, Girdaukas GG, Peterson RE, Bushman W. Dose- and route-dependent teratogenicity, toxicity, and pharmacokinetic profiles of the hedgehog signaling antagonist cyclopamine in the mouse. Toxicol Sci 2008; 104:189-97. [PMID: 18411234 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfn076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is an essential regulator of embryonic development and appears to play important roles in postnatal repair and cancer progression and metastasis. The teratogenic Veratrum alkaloid cyclopamine is a potent Hh antagonist and is used experimentally both in vitro and in vivo to investigate the role of Hh signaling in diverse biological processes. Here, we set out to establish an administration regimen for cyclopamine-induced teratogenicity in the mouse. The dysmorphogenic concentration of cyclopamine was determined in vitro via mouse whole-embryo culture assays to be 2.0 microM. We administered cyclopamine to female C57BL/6J mice at varied doses by oral gavage, ip injection, or osmotic pump infusion and assessed toxicity and pharmacokinetic (PK) models. Bolus administration was limited by toxicity and rapid clearance. In vivo cyclopamine infusion at 160 mg/kg/day yielded a dam serum steady-state concentration of approximately 2 microM with a corresponding amniotic fluid concentration of approximately 1.5 microM. Gross facial defects were induced in 30% of cyclopamine-exposed litters, with affected embryos exhibiting cleft lip and palate. This is the first report describing the PKs and teratogenic potential of cyclopamine in the mouse and demonstrates that transient Hh signaling inhibition induces facial clefting anomalies in the mouse that mimic common human birth defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Lipinski
- Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison WI 53703, USA
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Smith JJ, Hadzic V, Li X, Liu P, Day T, Utter A, Kim B, Washington IM, Basso MA. Objective measures of health and well-being in laboratory rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta). J Med Primatol 2007; 35:388-96. [PMID: 17214668 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0684.2006.00188.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-human primates are an invaluable part of biomedical research. Strict regulations insure animals have a maximum likelihood of well-being and optimum health during the course of experimental procedures. Objective assessment of well-being is a critical component of these assurances. METHODS Here we describe an objective and quantitative system we used to identify two well-being concerns in laboratory rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta). We provide a series of indicators for use by laboratory personnel to promote laboratory primate well-being. The indicators measure (1) potentially life threatening clinical concerns, (2) developing clinical issues, (3) atypical behaviors, and (4) laboratory performance. We include specific criteria to facilitate veterinary intervention. RESULTS The assessment, applied to two case studies reported here, enabled swift veterinary intervention returning the animals to a healthy state. CONCLUSIONS The measures described here provide a battery of observable and objective measures across multiple dimensions that can further ensure both excellent science and veterinary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua J Smith
- Department of Physiology, University of Wisconsin Madison Medical School, Madison, WI, USA
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