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Khalil A, Samara A, Campbell C, Ladhani SN. Pregnant women and measles: we need to be vigilant during outbreaks. EClinicalMedicine 2024; 72:102594. [PMID: 38666235 PMCID: PMC11043813 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
A number of countries including the UK are currently experiencing large outbreaks of measles affecting mainly young children but also adolescents and young adults. Women of childbearing age are a particular group of concern because the 1988 Wakefield Lancet paper, which falsely asserted a connection between the MMR vaccine and autism, was associated with a large and sharp decline in childhood MMR uptake over several years. This has left large cohorts of non-immune adolescents and young adults (born between 1998 and 2004), including young women who are now of childbearing age and remain susceptible to measles as well as rubella. Pregnant mothers are at higher risk of serious complications, such as pneumonia, with adverse pregnancy complications including fetal loss, premature birth, and neonatal death. Measles infection may also result in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a very rare but very severe and invariably fatal neurodegenerative complication that typically manifests many years after acute measles infection but can have a short-onset latency with a fulminant course in pregnant women. Here, we summarise the epidemiology of measles infection, factors associated with the current measles outbreaks, as well as the risks and outcomes of measles, including SSPE, in pregnancy. We propose an algorithm for clinical management of measles infection in pregnancy. We also highlight the importance of early liaison with local health protection teams for risk assessment, diagnosis and management of suspected measles in pregnancy and close contacts as well as susceptible pregnant women exposed to a person with measles in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma Khalil
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George’s Hospital, St George’s University of London, UK
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George’s University of London, UK
- The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, UK
| | - Athina Samara
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Astrid Lindgren Children’s Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- FUTURE, Center for Functional Tissue Reconstruction, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Colin Campbell
- Immunisation and Countermeasures Division, UK Health Security Agency, UK
| | - Shamez N. Ladhani
- Immunisation and Countermeasures Division, UK Health Security Agency, UK
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group and Vaccine Institute, Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George’s University of London, London, UK
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2
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Herdea V, Tarciuc P, Ghionaru R, Lupusoru M, Tataranu E, Chirila S, Rosu O, Marginean CO, Leibovitz E, Diaconescu S. Vaccine Hesitancy Phenomenon Evolution during Pregnancy over High-Risk Epidemiological Periods-"Repetitio Est Mater Studiorum". Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1207. [PMID: 37515023 PMCID: PMC10384756 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11071207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The recent epidemiological events were high-stress level generators for humanity, particularly for pregnant women, influencing their attitude, behavior, and decisions regarding vaccination during pregnancy or regarding their future child. The aim of this study was to analyze the anti-pertussis vaccination decision-shaping factors in pregnant women during two epidemiological periods: the measles epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic. (2) Methods: Two groups of pregnant women were invited to be part of a medical education program, having as the main theme the infectious disease risks and their prevention through vaccination. Before launching the program, participants received a 12-item questionnaire. From a total number of 362 pregnant women enrolled in the study, 182 participated in 2019, and 180 participated in 2022. (3) Results: The socio-demographic data revealed that the age of pregnant women participating in medical education programs increased in 2022 by 1.7 years (p < 0.01). In vitro fertilization was reported in a significantly higher proportion (20% in 2022 vs 9.8% in 2019, p < 0.01). Participation in community-initiated educational programs almost doubled during the pandemic time from 18.7% in 2019 to 33.9% in 2022 (p < 0.01). Pertussis vaccine acceptancy (VA) dropped from 85% in 2019 to 44.4% in 2022 (p < 0.01) (4) Conclusions: In this study, we reported fast-growing vaccine hesitancy and severe declared vaccine reluctance. The results of this complex long-term study, which evaluated pregnant women over several years, showed a five-fold increase in the percentage of pregnant women who disagreed with personal pertussis vaccination. This draws attention to the risks of pertussis epidemic outbreaks in pregnant women and their future infants in the first couple of months of life before the initiation of vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Herdea
- Doctoral School, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Petruta Tarciuc
- Doctoral School, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Raluca Ghionaru
- Romanian Association for Pediatric Education in Family Medicine, 021507 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mircea Lupusoru
- Department of Physiology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Elena Tataranu
- Faculty of Medicine and Biological Sciences, “Stefan cel Mare” University of Suceava, 720229 Suceava, Romania
| | - Sergiu Chirila
- Faculty of Medicine, Ovidius University of Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania
| | - Oana Rosu
- Doctoral School, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Cristina Oana Marginean
- Department of Pediatrics, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, andTechnology of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania;
| | - Eugene Leibovitz
- The Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva 85025, Israel
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 85025, Israel
| | - Smaranda Diaconescu
- Medical-Surgical Department, Faculty of Medicine, Titu Maiorescu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 031593 Bucharest, Romania;
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Beltrami S, Rizzo S, Schiuma G, Speltri G, Di Luca D, Rizzo R, Bortolotti D. Gestational Viral Infections: Role of Host Immune System. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1637. [PMID: 37512810 PMCID: PMC10383666 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral infections in pregnancy are major causes of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Infections can develop in the neonate transplacentally, perinatally, or postnatally (from breast milk or other sources) and lead to different clinical manifestations, depending on the viral agent and the gestational age at exposure. Viewing the peculiar tolerogenic status which characterizes pregnancy, viruses could exploit this peculiar immunological status to spread or affect the maternal immune system, adopting several evasion strategies. In fact, both DNA and RNA virus might have a deep impact on both innate and acquired immune systems. For this reason, investigating the interaction with these pathogens and the host's immune system during pregnancy is crucial not only for the development of most effective therapies and diagnosis but mostly for prevention. In this review, we will analyze some of the most important DNA and RNA viruses related to gestational infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Beltrami
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sabrina Rizzo
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanna Schiuma
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgia Speltri
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Dario Di Luca
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Daria Bortolotti
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Malange VNE, Hedermann G, Lausten-Thomsen U, Hoffmann S, Voldstedlund M, Aabakke AJM, Eltvedt AK, Jensen JS, Breindahl M, Krebs L, Christiansen M, Hedley PL. The perinatal health challenges of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases: A narrative review. Front Public Health 2023; 10:1039779. [PMID: 36684933 PMCID: PMC9850110 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1039779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The world has seen numerous infectious disease outbreaks in the past decade. In many cases these outbreaks have had considerable perinatal health consequences including increased risk of preterm delivery (e.g., influenza, measles, and COVID-19), and the delivery of low birth weight or small for gestational age babies (e.g., influenza, COVID-19). Furthermore, severe perinatal outcomes including perinatal and infant death are a known consequence of multiple infectious diseases (e.g., Ebola virus disease, Zika virus disease, pertussis, and measles). In addition to vaccination during pregnancy (where possible), pregnant women, are provided some level of protection from the adverse effects of infection through community-level application of evidence-based transmission-control methods. This review demonstrates that it takes almost 2 years for the perinatal impacts of an infectious disease outbreak to be reported. However, many infectious disease outbreaks between 2010 and 2020 have no associated pregnancy data reported in the scientific literature, or pregnancy data is reported in the form of case-studies only. This lack of systematic data collection and reporting has a negative impact on our understanding of these diseases and the implications they may have for pregnant women and their unborn infants. Monitoring perinatal health is an essential aspect of national and global healthcare strategies as perinatal life has a critical impact on early life mortality as well as possible effects on later life health. The unpredictable nature of emerging infections and the potential for adverse perinatal outcomes necessitate that we thoroughly assess pregnancy and perinatal health implications of disease outbreaks and their public health interventions in tandem with outbreak response efforts. Disease surveillance programs should incorporate perinatal health monitoring and health systems around the world should endeavor to continuously collect perinatal health data in order to quickly update pregnancy care protocols as needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gitte Hedermann
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ulrik Lausten-Thomsen
- Department of Neonatology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Steen Hoffmann
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Anna J. M. Aabakke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Copenhagen University Hospital - North Zealand, Hillerød, Denmark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Holbæk, Holbæk, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna K. Eltvedt
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Global Health Unit, Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jørgen S. Jensen
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten Breindahl
- Department of Neonatology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lone Krebs
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Amager and Hvidovre, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Christiansen
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Paula L. Hedley
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Brazen Bio, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Measles-Rubella Positivity Rate and Associated Factors in Pre-Mass and Post-Mass Vaccination Periods: Analysis of Uganda Routine Surveillance Laboratory Data. ADVANCES IN PUBLIC HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/5080631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Toward 2019, Uganda experienced an extensive outbreak of measles and rubella. The Uganda National Expanded Programme on Immunization implemented a mass measles-rubella vaccination campaign aimed at halting the ongoing transmission. This study determined the changes in the disease burden thereafter. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study on measles-rubella positivity and its associated factors in Uganda using 1697 case-based surveillance data for 2019 and 2020 stratified into two dispensations: prevaccination and postvaccination campaigns. Statistical tests employed in STATA 15 included chi-square, Fisher’s exact, and binomial tests. Measles positivity rates in the period before and after the mass immunization campaign were 41.88% (95% CI: 39.30–44.51) and 37.96% (95% CI: 32.81–43.40), respectively. For rubella, the positivity rate in the precampaign season was 21.73% (95% CI: 19.61–23.99) and in the postvaccination season was 6.65% (95% CI: 4.36–10.00). Binomial tests indicated that postcampaign positivity rates were significantly lower than the precampaign rate for measles (
) and rubella (
). Generally, age (χ2 = 58.94,
/χ2 = 51.91,
) and vaccination status (χ2 = 60.48,
/χ2 = 16.90,
) were associated with the measles positivity rate in both pre/postcampaign periods. Rubella positivity rate was associated with vaccination status (χ2 = 32.97,
/
) in both periods and age in the precampaign season (
). The measles-rubella mass campaign lessened rubella burden remarkably, but barely adequate change was observed in the extent of spread of measles. Children aged less than 9 months are at higher chances of testing positive amidst low vaccination levels among the eligible. The immunization programme must attain and maintain routine immunization coverage at 95% or more and roll out a second-dose measles-rubella vaccination to sustain the reduced disease burden.
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Abstract
Measles is a highly contagious, potentially fatal, but vaccine-preventable disease caused by measles virus. Symptoms include fever, maculopapular rash, and at least one of cough, coryza, or conjunctivitis, although vaccinated individuals can have milder or even no symptoms. Laboratory diagnosis relies largely on the detection of specific IgM antibodies in serum, dried blood spots, or oral fluid, or the detection of viral RNA in throat or nasopharyngeal swabs, urine, or oral fluid. Complications can affect many organs and often include otitis media, laryngotracheobronchitis, pneumonia, stomatitis, and diarrhoea. Neurological complications are uncommon but serious, and can occur during or soon after the acute disease (eg, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis) or months or even years later (eg, measles inclusion body encephalitis and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis). Patient management mainly involves supportive therapy, such as vitamin A supplementation, monitoring for and treatment of secondary bacterial infections with antibiotics, and rehydration in the case of severe diarrhoea. There is no specific antiviral therapy for the treatment of measles, and disease control largely depends on prevention. However, despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine, measles is still endemic in many countries and causes considerable morbidity and mortality, especially among children in resource-poor settings. The low case numbers reported in 2020, after a worldwide resurgence of measles between 2017 and 2019, have to be interpreted cautiously, owing to the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on disease surveillance. Disrupted vaccination activities during the pandemic increase the potential for another resurgence of measles in the near future, and effective, timely catch-up vaccination campaigns, strong commitment and leadership, and sufficient resources will be required to mitigate this threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith M Hübschen
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.
| | - Ionela Gouandjika-Vasilache
- Laboratoire des Virus Entériques et de la Rougeole, Institut Pasteur de Bangui, Bangui, Central African Republic
| | - Julia Dina
- Virology Department, Normandie University, UNICAEN, INSERM U1311 DynaMicURe, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France
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Dad N, Buhmaid S, Mulik V. Vaccination in pregnancy - The when, what and how? Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2021; 265:1-6. [PMID: 34403876 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2021.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Immunization is a fundamental component of preventive healthcare. This gain special significance in pregnancy. Maternal antigen-specific IgG, is actively transported across the placenta during pregnancy. This significantly, contributes to infant immunity in the first few months of life. Vaccination during pregnancy has the potential to indirectly protect the most vulnerable infants during the first few months of life, when vaccine responses are generally poor and it is difficult to achieve rapid protection through immunization. This is especially relevant when there is prior exposure to infection in woman or vaccine administration. A vaccine given during pregnancy in these women would result in a booster response and a relatively high level of IgG protecting their children in initial few months of life. Passive antibody transfer from mother to fetus can protect fetuses from infection until their own immunization schedule is initiated. Lack of administration of appropriate vaccination to women during pregnancy lead to an increase in maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality from preventable infections like influenza, pertussis. Various preventable infections can lead to intensive care unit admission for mothers, preterm birth, and low birth weight babies. Recent covid pandemic has brought issue of vaccine use in pregnancy at forefront of all expectant mothers. Immunization with inactivated virus, bacterial vaccine and toxoids showed no evidence of adverse fetal effects. As a rule, live attenuated vaccines are not recommended in pregnancy. This paper gives snapshot of all vaccines, which can be used in pregnancy along with brief details regards various bacterial and viral infections , their common clinical features and effects on pregnancy outcome as well as fetus. This is will provide a useful guide for healthcare providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nimra Dad
- Sidra Medicine, PO Box 26999, Education city, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sara Buhmaid
- Sidra Medicine, PO Box 26999, Education city, Doha, Qatar
| | - Varsha Mulik
- Sidra Medicine, PO Box 26999, Education city, Doha, Qatar.
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Ragusa R, Marranzano M, La Rosa VL, Giorgianni G, Commodari E, Quattrocchi R, Cacciola S, Guardabasso V. Factors Influencing Uptake of Breastfeeding: The Role of Early Promotion in the Maternity Hospital. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18094783. [PMID: 33946146 PMCID: PMC8124212 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to explore the prevalence of breastfeeding at birth points in Sicily and the relevance of the factors influencing the adoption of exclusive breastfeeding during hospitalization linked to childbirth. Methods: A survey was conducted to monitor the prevalence of breastfeeding in seven out of nine facilities providing maternity services in the province of Catania (Sicily, Southern Italy) in the years 2016–2018. An online questionnaire was administered using an electronic tablet by the midwife to the mother after discharge. Results: Women who had a higher educational qualification breastfed in a greater proportion (59.6%; odds ratio OR 0.60 for abandoning breastfeeding). Having had a caesarean section moderately impaired breastfeeding uptake, with an almost double chance of declining exclusive breastfeeding (OR = 1.74). Starting breastfeeding within 1 h from delivery showed a significant facilitating effect (OR = 0.58). Rooming-in had a strong facilitating effect on exclusive breastfeeding. A breastfeeding advocacy program was shown to protect from abandoning breastfeeding. Conclusions: It is important to offer in all hospitals the possibility and support for breastfeeding in the first moments after childbirth to increase the number of those who will then continue with exclusive breastfeeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalia Ragusa
- Health Technology Assessment Committee, University Hospital “G. Rodolico—San Marco”, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Marina Marranzano
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.M.); (G.G.)
| | - Valentina Lucia La Rosa
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Gabriele Giorgianni
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.M.); (G.G.)
| | - Elena Commodari
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy;
| | - Rosalba Quattrocchi
- Health Promotion Unit, University Hospital “G. Rodolico—San Marco”, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Salvatore Cacciola
- Health Education Unit, Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale 3, 95124 Catania, Italy;
| | - Vincenzo Guardabasso
- Research Promotion Office, University Hospital “G. Rodolico—San Marco”, 95123 Catania, Italy;
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