1.Engineered Bacteriophages for The Treatment of Multidrug-resistant Bacterial Infections
Yu-Ying CHEN ; Chun-Mei HUANG ; Jin-Zhi PAN ; De-Liang LIU ; Yang ZHOU ; Gui-Qin DAI ; Peng-Fei ZHAO ; Hong-Zhou LU ; Ming-Bin ZHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1581-1596
Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections have emerged as a serious challenge of global public health crisis. The overuse and misuse of conventional antibiotics have dramatically accelerated the emergence, evolution and worldwide spread of drug-resistant bacterial strains, necessitating urgent exploration of novel antibacterial strategies. Bacteriophages serve as natural bacterial predators offering distinct advantages including high host specificity, autonomous self-replication capabilities and cost-effective large-scale production. However, wild-type phages present significant clinical limitations due to their narrow host ranges, susceptibility to rapid immune clearance and poor penetration of bacterial biofilms, which severely restrict their therapeutic applications. The convergence of synthetic biology, nanotechnology and advanced gene editing technologies has accelerated the development of engineered bacteriophage platforms, providing programmable, scalable and clinically translatable pathways to overcome these inherent biological constraints. Here, we systematically delineate four fundamental strategies for engineered bacteriophage development. Chemical modification utilizes reactive functional groups such as amino, carboxyl and thiol moieties on capsid proteins through esterification, amidation or click chemistry reactions to achieve precise drug conjugation and surface functionalization. In vivo editing encompasses ultraviolet or chemical mutagenesis for random mutation induction, homologous recombination for targeted genetic alterations, recombineering methodologies including electroporation-mediated bacteriophage recombination engineering, and CRISPR-Cas systems for precise genome editing to enable exact genetic reconstruction and host range reprogramming. In vitro synthesis leverages genome engineering platforms where intact phage genomes are transferred into yeast or host bacteria to facilitate highly efficient homologous recombination, enabling large DNA fragment assembly and cross-gene host range expansion without bacterial toxicity constraints. Directed evolution combines artificial selection through mutation library screening with rational design approaches involving chimeric receptor binding protein construction or site-specific mutagenesis, effectively balancing the discovery of unknown adaptive pathways with targeted host specificity modification. Moreover, we comprehensively discuss therapeutic applications across diverse clinical scenarios. Engineered bacteriophage effectively disrupt bacterial biofilms through sophisticated functionalized delivery platforms including nanozyme-conjugated phages, phage-liposome nanoconjugates and bio-responsive hydrogels, demonstrating significantly enhanced bactericidal efficiency compared to unmodified free phages. These bioengineered vectors attenuate bacterial virulence and resensitize pathogens to antibiotics by delivering CRISPR-Cas systems or base editors to disrupt critical virulence factors such as pili, capsule synthesis machineries and quorum sensing systems, or by inactivating antibiotic resistance determinants including beta-lactamase genes. As an intelligent nanomedicine delivery platform, engineered bacteriophage enable precise pathogen elimination an through photocatalytic reactive oxygen species generation, immunomodulatory interventions, or controlled release of antibacterial drugs. Furthermore, oral administration of engineered bacteriophage facilitates microbiota modulation, which selectively eliminate intestinal pathogens while preserve beneficial commensal microbiota, thereby restoring microbial community balance and preventing complications associated with dysbiosis. Finally, we critically analyze persistent challenges including host strain matching complexity, evolution of bacterial resistance mechanisms, pharmacokinetic optimization requirements, optimal administration route selection, large-scale production quality control standards and clinical dosing determination protocols. Through multidisciplinary integration of synthetic biology, infectious disease medicine and immunology, future translational medicine studies of bacteriophage should establish comprehensive technical platforms encompassing rapid phage screening, intelligent rational design, rigorous in vivo evaluation and standardized clinical validation processes, ultimately advancing engineered bacteriophage from laboratory innovations to clinically approved therapeutics for effectively combating MDR bacterial infections.
2.The application of intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging in evaluating the therapeutic effect of CalliSpheres drug-loaded microspheres for hepatocellular carcinoma
Huimin LU ; Qing YANG ; Fei WANG ; Zhi HU ; Jiaying DAI
Journal of Interventional Radiology 2025;34(4):403-406
Objective By using intravoxel incoherent motion(IVIM)double exponential model liver multi-b value diffusion-weighted imaging(DWI)scanning technique to analyze the lesion's IVIM parameters before and after interventional treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)with conventional transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE)combined with CalliSpheres drug-loaded microspheres(DEB-TACE),based on which to quantitatively evaluate the efficacy of interventional therapy for HCC.Methods A total of 40 HCC patients,who were admitted to the Department of Interventional Therapy of Anqing Municipal Hospital of China from June 2022 to November 2023 to receive DEB-T ACE,were enrolled in this study.Routine MR examination,DWI and IVIM-DWI scan were performed before and at 1,3 and 6 months after treatment,and a total of 40 interest lesions were selected.The ADC value,perfusion fraction(f),pure diffusion coefficient(D),and perfusion-related diffusion coefficient(D*)of each lesion were analyzed.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was drawn to analyze the prognosis assessment value of IVIM-DWI parameters.Results After DEB-TACE treatment,the ADC value and D value were increased,and the f value was decreased when compared with their preoperative values,the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.01).The ADC value and D value in the patients of effective group were remarkably higher than those in the patients of ineffective group,the differences were statistically significant(both P<0.01);the f value in the patients of effective group was slightly lower than that in the patients of ineffective group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The areas under ROC curve of ADC value,D value and f value for evaluating efficacy were 0.762,0.877,and 0.708 respectively.The area under the curve for the joint assessment of the three parameters was 0.928,with the highest efficacy.Conclusion IVIM-DWI can quantitatively determine the microperfusion and activity of HCC lesions before and after interventional DEB-TACE treatment,and it can also evaluate the curative efficacy of interventional therapy for HCC as well as the outcome of HCC lesions.
3.Co-Circulation of Respiratory Pathogens that Cause Severe Acute Respiratory Infections during the Autumn and Winter of 2023 in Beijing, China.
Jing Zhi LI ; Da HUO ; Dai Tao ZHANG ; Jia Chen ZHAO ; Chun Na MA ; Dan WU ; Peng YANG ; Quan Yi WANG ; Zhao Min FENG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(5):644-648
4.The observational chart for traumatic limb swelling enhances diagnostic accuracy for osteofascial compartment syndrome.
Zhi-Wei YANG ; Zhao-Di WANG ; Jun-Sheng YANG ; Liang-Cheng TONG ; Lei ZHAO ; Wei DAI ; Kun PANG ; Ying LI
Chinese Journal of Traumatology 2025;28(6):454-461
PURPOSE:
To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the observational chart for traumatic limb swelling (OCTLS) for osteofascial compartment syndrome (OCS).
METHODS:
This was a descriptive-longitudinal study. Data of 316 patients who underwent surgical treatment for tibial fractures in our department from January 2015 to December 2023 were collected. Patients with Gustilo type II or higher open fractures, vascular injury, or bilateral fractures were excluded from the study. Two groups of double-blinded investigators independently assessed patients for the presence of OCS using 2 distinct diagnostic methods. Three senior orthopedic trauma surgeons evaluated patients with post-fracture calf swelling for OCS and the need for fasciotomy based on clinical signs and their extensive clinical experience. Subsequently, fasciotomy was performed according to their judgment, followed by postoperative examination of muscle and soft tissue conditions. Additionally, a follow-up evaluation was conducted to assess for complications such as ischemic muscle contracture. Another 3 trained researchers used OCTLS to grade swelling severity and determine the need for fasciotomy. The final diagnostic gold standard of OCS was determined by referring to whether there was escape of muscles at fasciotomy and/or color change in the muscles or muscle necrosis intraoperatively, and neurological abnormality or contracture at the last follow-up. The results of the 2 diagnostic methods were compared with the final diagnostic result. Kappa consistency test, paired χ2 test (McNemar test), and receiver operating characteristic curve were used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of the 2 diagnostic methods.
RESULTS:
Of the 316 patients, 211 were finally included in the study, including 160 males and 51 females, with an average follow-up time of (14.5 ± 2.7) months. Among the 211 patients with tibial fracture-associated swelling, 42 were definitively diagnosed with OCS. Based on clinical symptoms and signs judgment, among the 65 fasciotomy patients, 38 were confirmed as correct, while among the 146 non-fasciotomy patients, 4 developed ischemic muscle contractures. Based on the OCTLS for assessment, fasciotomy was correctly recommended in 36 out of 43 cases, while 6 out of 168 non-fasciotomy patients developed OCS. Compared to the use of the gold standard, clinical signs judgment showed moderate consistency (McNemar's test p < 0.001, Kappa = 0.618, p < 0.001), whereas OCTLS demonstrated strong agreement (McNemar's test p = 1.000, Kappa = 0.808, p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed higher diagnostic accuracy for OCTLS (area under curve = 0.908, 95% CI: 0.843 - 0.972) compared to clinical signs judgment (area under curve = 0.872, 95% CI: 0.812 - 0.933). OCTLS achieved superior accuracy (93.8% vs. 85.3%, χ2 = 8.221, p < 0.001) and a lower fasciotomy rate (20.4% vs. 30.8%, χ2 = 6.023, p = 0.014).
CONCLUSION
Compared to clinical signs judgment, OCTLS significantly reduces unnecessary fasciotomy, improves diagnostic accuracy for OCS, and enables non-invasive, dynamic, and quantitative assessment, making it a valuable tool for clinical practice.
Humans
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Compartment Syndromes/etiology*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Adult
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Tibial Fractures/surgery*
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Middle Aged
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Fasciotomy
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Edema/etiology*
;
Longitudinal Studies
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Aged
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Young Adult
5.Pharmacological actions of the bioactive compounds of Epimedium on the male reproductive system: current status and future perspective.
Song-Po LIU ; Yun-Fei LI ; Dan ZHANG ; Chun-Yang LI ; Xiao-Fang DAI ; Dong-Feng LAN ; Ji CAI ; He ZHOU ; Tao SONG ; Yan-Yu ZHAO ; Zhi-Xu HE ; Jun TAN ; Ji-Dong ZHANG
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(1):20-29
Compounds isolated from Epimedium include the total flavonoids of Epimedium , icariin, and its metabolites (icaritin, icariside I, and icariside II), which have similar molecular structures. Modern pharmacological research and clinical practice have proved that Epimedium and its active components have a wide range of pharmacological effects, especially in improving sexual function, hormone regulation, anti-osteoporosis, immune function regulation, anti-oxidation, and anti-tumor activity. To date, we still need a comprehensive source of knowledge about the pharmacological effects of Epimedium and its bioactive compounds on the male reproductive system. However, their actions in other tissues have been reviewed in recent years. This review critically focuses on the Epimedium , its bioactive compounds, and the biochemical and molecular mechanisms that modulate vital pathways associated with the male reproductive system. Such intrinsic knowledge will significantly further studies on the Epimedium and its bioactive compounds that protect the male reproductive system and provide some guidances for clinical treatment of related male reproductive disorders.
Male
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Epimedium/chemistry*
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Humans
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Genitalia, Male/drug effects*
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Flavonoids/therapeutic use*
;
Animals
6."A diamond-shaped" penoplasty technique with or without concurrent suprapubic liposuction for adult-acquired buried penis: clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction rates.
Jing WANG ; Jian NI ; Yang XU ; Wen YU ; Zhi-Peng XU ; Yu-Tian DAI ; Yi-Qiong YANG ; Xiao-Zhi ZHAO
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(1):72-75
Various techniques have been described for reconstructing the skin of the penile shaft; however, no universally accepted standard exists for correcting buried penis in adults. We aimed to describe a new technique for correcting an adult-acquired buried penis through a diamond-shaped incision at the penopubic junction. We retrospectively analyzed data from patients treated with our technique between March 2019 and June 2023 in the Department of Andrology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital (Nanjing, China). Forty-two adult males with buried penises, with a mean (±standard deviation [s.d.]) age of 26.6 (±6.6) years, underwent surgery. All patients were obese, with an average (±s.d.) body mass index of 35.56 (±3.23) kg m -2 . In addition to phalloplasty, 32 patients concurrently underwent circumcision, and 28 underwent suprapubic liposuction. The mean (±s.d.) duration of the operation was 98.02 (±13.28) min. The mean (±s.d.) duration of follow-up was 6.71 (±3.43) months. The length in the flaccid unstretched state postoperatively was significantly greater than that preoperatively (mean ± s.d: 5.55±1.19 cm vs 1.94±0.59 cm, P < 0.01). Only minor complications, such as wound disruption (7.1%) and infection (4.8%), were observed. The mean (±s.d.) score of patient satisfaction was 4.02 (±0.84) on a scale of 5. This technique provides excellent cosmetic and functional outcomes with a minimal risk of complications. However, additional clinical studies are needed to evaluate the long-term effects of this procedure.
Humans
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Male
;
Patient Satisfaction
;
Adult
;
Lipectomy/methods*
;
Penis/surgery*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods*
;
Young Adult
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Penile Diseases/surgery*
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Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male/methods*
7.Expert consensus on surgical treatment and rehabilitation for competitive sports athletes returning to sports after anterior cruciate ligament injury (version 2025)
Kai HUANG ; Lunhao BAI ; Qing BI ; Hong CHEN ; Jiwu CHEN ; Xuesong DAI ; Wenyong FEI ; Weili FU ; Zhizeng GAO ; Lin GUO ; Yinghui HUA ; Jingmin HUANG ; Suizhu HUANG ; Xuan HUANG ; Jian LI ; Qiang LI ; Shuzhen LI ; Yanlin LI ; Yunxia LI ; Zhong LI ; Ning LIU ; Yuqiang LIU ; Wei LU ; Hongbin LYU ; Haile PAN ; Xiaoyun PAN ; Chao QI ; Weiliang SHEN ; Luning SUN ; Jin TANG ; Zimin WANG ; Bide WANG ; Ru WANG ; Shaobai WANG ; Licheng WEI ; Weidong XU ; Yongsheng XU ; Jizhou YANG ; Liang YANG ; Rui YANG ; Hongbo YOU ; Tengbo YU ; Jiakuo YU ; Bing YUE ; Hua ZHANG ; Hui ZHANG ; Qingsong ZHANG ; Xintao ZHANG ; Jiajun ZHAO ; Lilian ZHAO ; Qichun ZHAO ; Song ZHAO ; Jiapeng ZHENG ; Jiang ZHENG ; Zhi ZHENG ; Jingbin ZHOU ; Jinzhong ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(4):325-338
With the rapid development of competitive sports, the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is on the rise. Such injuries may shorten athletes′ career and lead to other long-term adverse consequences. Although athletes generally recover well after ACL reconstruction, many still struggle to return to their pre-injury performance levels. Advances in the understanding of ACL anatomy and injury mechanisms, along with the evolution of surgical techniques and rehabilitation methods, have provided more individualized and tailored options for athletes following ACL injuries. However, there is currently no consensus in China regarding surgical and rehabilitation strategies for competitive athletes aiming to return to sports after ACL injuries. To this end, the Sports Medicine Committee of the Chinese Research Hospital Association and the Editorial Board of the Chinese Journal of Trauma jointly formulated the Expert consensus on surgical treatment and rehabilitation for competitive sports athletes returning to sports after anterior cruciate ligament injury ( version 2025), and presented 14 recommendations covering surgical indications, preoperative rehabilitation, surgical timing, surgical strategies and postoperative rehabilitation strategies, aiming to improve the surgical treatment and rehabilitation system for ACL injuries in competitive athletes and facilitate their return to high-level sports performance after injury.
8.Efficacy and Safety of Blinatumomab in Adult Patients with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Ya-Lei HU ; Yong-Feng SU ; Yang LI ; Xuan ZHENG ; An WANG ; Yi-Zhi WANG ; Lei XU ; Chun-Ji GAO ; Liang-Ding HU ; Dai-Hong LIU ; Xiao-Ning GAO
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(6):1571-1576
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of blinatumomab in adult patients with relapsed/refractory(R/R)or measurable residual disease(MRD)positive B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia(B-ALL)in the real world.Methods:The clinical data of 30 B-ALL patients received at least 1 course of blinatumomab therapy in the Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 1st,2021 to December 31st,2023 were retrospectively analyzed,including pre-treatment baseline clinical feature,post-treatment complete response(CR),CR with partial hematologic recovery(CRh),CR with incomplete hematologic recovery(CRi),complete MRD response rate,MRD response rate(MRD<10-4),overall survival(OS),and disease-free survival(DFS),as well as drug-related adverse reactions.Results:Among 5 patients who were not assessed 4 were MRD negative and 1 did not receive bone marrow biopsy.In the R/R B-ALL group(13 cases),11 patients achieved CR/CRh/CRi and 10 patients achieved complete MRD response.In MRD+group(12 cases),9 patients achieved overall MRD response and 7 patients achieved complete MRD response.The median follow-up time was 8.4(95%CI:6.3-10.4)months.The median OS was 15.5(95%CI:0.7-30.3)months in the R/R group,while not reached in the MRD+group.The median DFS of the two groups were not reached.Drug-related adverse reactions occurred in 22 patients,and pyrexia was the most common(13 cases).Grade ≥3 adverse reactions occurred in 15 patients,and neutropenia was the most common(9 cases).Cytokine release syndrome occurred in 6 patients,including 5 cases with grade 1 and 1 case with grade 3.No patients interrupted therapy or died due to drug-related adverse reactions.Conclusion:Blinatumomab is effective in the treatment of R/R or continuous MRD+B-ALL with acceptable adverse reactions.
9.The Role of MiR-709 in Erythroid Development and Its Correlation with Multiple Hematological Diseases
Zhi-Chen DAI ; Ling LING ; Lan YANG ; Fan YANG ; Fang-Yu GONG ; Duo-Nan YU
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(6):1727-1732
Objective:To investigate the role of microRNA-709(miR-709)in erythroid development and its correlation with multiple hematological diseases.Methods:The expression of miR-709 in multiple tissues of mice was detected by qRT-PCR;The expression of miR-709 and other miRNAs in day-14.5 fetal liver cells from mouse embryos was detected by transcriptome microarray analysis;The expression of miR-709 in nucleated red blood cells derived from bone marrow and spleen,and in peripheral blood erythrocytes of mice was detected by magnetic bead sorting combined with qRT-PCR;The expression of miR-709 during erythroid differentiation of murine erythroleukemia(MEL)cells was analyzed by cell culture and qRT-PCR;The expression of miR-709 during erythroid lineage differentiation of mouse erythroid precursor cells derived from fetal livers was analyzed by magnetic bead sorting,flow cytometry,cell culture and qRT-PCR;The expression of miR-709 in peripheral blood of patients with different hematological diseases was measured by qRT-PCR.Results:Among the various tissues examined in mice,miR-709 exhibited the highest expression in peripheral blood,followed by high expression levels in muscle,bone marrow,and liver;In day-14.5 fetal liver cells from mouse embryos,miR-709 was highly expressed,significantly surpassing miR-451,which was most highly expressed in mature red blood cells;In nucleated red blood cells derived from mouse bone marrow and spleen,the expression of miR-709 was higher than that of miR-451,whereas the opposite pattern was observed in peripheral blood;During the differentiation of erythroid precursor cells derived from mouse embryonic liver,the expression level of miR-709 first increased and then decreased;During the differentiation of MEL cells,the expression of miR-709 gradually increased;Compared with the healthy controls,patients with myelodysplastic syndrome(MDS),α-thalassemia and β-thalassemia expressed lower levels of miR-709 in peripheral blood;while the expression of miR-709 in patients with infectious hemolytic anemia(IHA)was higher than that in healthy controls.Conclusion:miR-709 is highly expressed in the early stage of erythropoiesis and exhibits dynamic changes during erythroid development,potentially playing an important role.It is also differentially expressed in different hematological diseases,which is expected to serve as a promising biomarker and therapeutic target in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of hematological diseases.
10.Expression and Function of miR-144 in β-Thalassemia.
Lan YANG ; Ling LING ; Fan YANG ; Lei YANG ; Zhi-Chen DAI ; Duo-Nan YU
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(2):491-497
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the expression and function of microRNA-144 (miR-144) in β-thalassemia (β-thal).
METHODS:
The expression of miR-144 during the differentiation of murine erythroleukemia (MEL) cells and mouse embryonic liver-derived erythroid precursor cells was analyzed by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR); The expression levels of miR-144 in peripheral blood and day-14.5 embryonic hepatocytes of wild-type (WT) and β-thal mice, as well as the expression levels of miR-144 in peripheral blood of β-thal patients, was also measured by qRT-PCR. The proportion of Ter119 and CD71 double positive cells in peripheral blood of mild and severe β-thal mice was analyzed by flow cytometry, and the expression levels of miR-144 in the peripheral blood of mild and severe β-thal mice and patients were compared; Bone marrow nucleated erythrocytes from WT mice and β-thal mice were sorted and the expression levels of miR-144 potential target genes were analyzed by gene chip.
RESULTS:
The expression levels of miR-144 were gradually increased during the directed differentiation of mouse MEL cells and embryonic hepatocytes to the erythroid lineage (r MEL=0.97, r embryonic hepatocytes=0.86); Compared with WT mice, the expression levels of miR-144 in peripheral blood and 14.5-day embryonic hepatocytes of β-thal mice were significantly increased (P < 0.05); Compared with healthy controls, the patients with β-thal showed an increased expression levels of miR-144 in peripheral blood (P < 0.05). Compared with mice and humans with mild β-thal, the expression levels of miR-144 in peripheral blood of those with severe β-thal were significantly increased (P < 0.05). The expressions of potential target genes of miR-144 in nucleated erythroid cells of the β-thal mice were significantly reduced compared to the WT group.
CONCLUSION
The expression level of miR-144 gradually increases in erythroid development, and compared with mild β-thal patients, the expression level of miR-144 in the peripheral blood is higher in severe β-thal patients. MiR-144 is expected to be an auxiliary diagnostic indicator for β-thal in clinical practice.
MicroRNAs/metabolism*
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beta-Thalassemia/genetics*
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Animals
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Mice
;
Humans
;
Cell Differentiation
;
Hepatocytes

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