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Gunasekera KT, Premaratne RG, Handunnetti SM, Weerasena J, Premawansa S, Fernando DS. msp1, msp2, and glurp genotyping to differentiate Plasmodium falciparum recrudescence from reinfections during prevention of reestablishment phase, Sri Lanka, 2014-2019. Malar J 2024; 23:35. [PMID: 38281044 PMCID: PMC10821543 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-024-04858-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sri Lanka after eliminating malaria in 2012, is in the prevention of re-establishment (POR) phase. Being a tropical country with high malariogenic potential, maintaining vigilance is important. All malaria cases are investigated epidemiologically and followed up by integrated drug efficacy surveillance (iDES). Occasionally, that alone is not adequate to differentiate Plasmodium falciparum reinfections from recrudescences. This study evaluated the World Health Organization and Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) recommended genotyping protocol for the merozoite surface proteins (msp1, msp2) and the glutamate-rich protein (glurp) to discriminate P. falciparum recrudescence from reinfection in POR phase. METHODS All P. falciparum patients detected from April 2014 to December 2019 were included in this study. Patients were treated and followed up by iDES up to 28 days and were advised to get tested if they develop fever at any time over the following year. Basic socio-demographic information including history of travel was obtained. Details of the malariogenic potential and reactive entomological and parasitological surveillance carried out by the Anti Malaria Campaign to exclude the possibility of local transmission were also collected. The msp1, msp2, and glurp genotyping was performed for initial and any recurrent infections. Classification of recurrent infections as recrudescence or reinfection was done based on epidemiological findings and was compared with the genotyping outcome. RESULTS Among 106 P. falciparum patients, six had recurrent infections. All the initial infections were imported, with a history of travel to malaria endemic countries. In all instances, the reactive entomological and parasitological surveillance had no evidence for local transmission. Five recurrences occurred within 28 days of follow-up and were classified as recrudescence. They have not travelled to malaria endemic countries between the initial and recurrent infections. The other had a recurrent infection after 105 days. It was assumed a reinfection, as he had travelled to the same malaria endemic country in between the two malaria attacks. Genotyping confirmed the recrudescence and the reinfection. CONCLUSIONS The msp1, msp2 and glurp genotyping method accurately differentiated reinfections from recrudescence. Since reinfection without a history of travel to a malaria endemic country would mean local transmission, combining genotyping outcome with epidemiological findings will assist classifying malaria cases without any ambiguity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumudunayana T Gunasekera
- Anti Malaria Campaign, Ministry of Health, 555/5 Public Health Complex, Elvitigala Mawatha, Colombo 5, Sri Lanka.
| | | | - Shiroma M Handunnetti
- Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Jagathpriya Weerasena
- Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Sunil Premawansa
- Department of Zoology and Environmental Science, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Deepika S Fernando
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
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Sudathip P, Saejeng A, Khantikul N, Thongrad T, Kitchakarn S, Sugaram R, Lertpiriyasuwat C, Areechokchai D, Gopinath D, Sintasath D, Ringwald P, Naowarat S, Pinyajeerapat N, Bustos MD, Shah JA. Progress and challenges of integrated drug efficacy surveillance for uncomplicated malaria in Thailand. Malar J 2021; 20:261. [PMID: 34107955 PMCID: PMC8188767 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03791-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Integrated drug efficacy surveillance (iDES) was formally introduced nationally across Thailand in fiscal year 2018 (FY2018), building on a history of drug efficacy monitoring and interventions. According to the National Malaria Elimination Strategy for Thailand 2017–2026, diagnosis is microscopically confirmed, treatment is prescribed, and patients are followed up four times to ensure cure. Methods Routine patient data were extracted from the malaria information system for FY2018–FY2020. Treatment failure of first-line therapy was defined as confirmed parasite reappearance within 42 days for Plasmodium falciparum and 28 days for Plasmodium vivax. The primary outcome was the crude drug efficacy rate, estimated using Kaplan–Meier methods, at day 42 for P. falciparum treated with dihydroartemisinin–piperaquine plus primaquine, and day 28 for P. vivax treated with chloroquine plus primaquine; day 60 and day 90 efficacy were secondary outcomes for P. vivax. Results The proportion of patients with outcomes recorded at day 42 for P. falciparum malaria and at day 28 for P. vivax malaria has been increasing, with FY2020 follow-up rates of 61.5% and 57.2%, respectively. For P. falciparum malaria, day 42 efficacy in FY2018 was 92.4% (n = 249), in FY2019 93.3% (n = 379), and in FY2020 98.0% (n = 167). Plasmodium falciparum recurrences occurred disproportionally in Sisaket Province, with day 42 efficacy rates of 75.9% in FY2018 (n = 59) and 49.4% in FY2019 (n = 49), leading to an update in first-line therapy to pyronaridine–artesunate at the provincial level, rolled out in FY2020. For P. vivax malaria, day 28 efficacy (chloroquine efficacy) was 98.5% in FY2018 (n = 2048), 99.1% in FY2019 (n = 2206), and 99.9% in FY2020 (n = 2448), and day 90 efficacy (primaquine efficacy) was 94.8%, 96.3%, and 97.1%, respectively. Conclusions In Thailand, iDES provided operationally relevant data on drug efficacy, enabling the rapid amendment of treatment guidelines to improve patient outcomes and reduce the potential for the spread of drug-resistant parasites. A strong case-based surveillance system, integration with other health system processes, supporting biomarker collection and molecular analyses, and cross-border collaboration may maximize the potential of iDES in countries moving towards elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prayuth Sudathip
- Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Aungkana Saejeng
- Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | | | - Thannikar Thongrad
- Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Suravadee Kitchakarn
- Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Rungniran Sugaram
- Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Cheewanan Lertpiriyasuwat
- Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Darin Areechokchai
- Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | | | - David Sintasath
- U.S. President's Malaria Initiative, Regional Development Mission for Asia, United States Agency for International Development, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Sathapana Naowarat
- Inform Asia: USAID's Health Research Program, RTI International, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Niparueradee Pinyajeerapat
- U.S. President's Malaria Initiative, Regional Development Mission for Asia, United States Agency for International Development, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Jui A Shah
- Inform Asia: USAID's Health Research Program, RTI International, Bangkok, Thailand.
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Fernando D, Weerasekera CJ, Gunasekera WMKTDAW, Hapuarachchi HC, Koo C, Munas M, Ranaweera P. Case Report: The First Case of Genotypically Confirmed K13 Propeller Mutation in Sri Lanka and Its Implications on the Elimination Status of Malaria. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 104:964-967. [PMID: 33319728 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-1310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
This case report discusses recrudescence of imported Plasmodium falciparum malaria, in the presence of Kelch13 (K13) propeller mutation, in a patient diagnosed and fully treated with artemether-lumefantrine under direct observation in Sri Lanka. This patient presented with a history of 5 days of fever following his arrival from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He had visited Rwanda 1 week before arrival to Sri Lanka. Treatment was commenced with artemisinin-based combination therapy, artemether-lumefantrine, which is the first-line drug recommended for uncomplicated falciparum malaria. Blood smears were negative for parasites by the third day of treatment. Approximately 2 weeks later, he developed fever again and was diagnosed as having a recrudescence of falciparum malaria. He was treated and responded to the second-line antimalarial dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine. Molecular testing of blood taken from the first infection revealed the presence of amino acid substitutions K189T and R561H within the PfKelch13 gene. R561H mutation is associated with delayed parasite clearance in Southeast Asia. Although seldom reported from DRC, an emergence and clonal expansion of parasites harboring R561H allele has been reported from Rwanda recently; thus, it is likely that this patient may have got the infection from Rwanda. Sri Lanka eliminated malaria in 2016. However, in the backdrop of continuing imported malaria cases, early diagnosis and prompt treatment is essential to prevent the re-establishment of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepika Fernando
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | | | | | | | - Carmen Koo
- Environmental Health Institute, National Environment Agency, Colombo, Singapore
| | - Muzrif Munas
- Anti Malaria Campaign Headquarters, Colombo, Sri Lanka
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Chipoya MN, Shimaponda-Mataa NM. Prevalence, characteristics and risk factors of imported and local malaria cases in North-Western Province, Zambia: a cross-sectional study. Malar J 2020; 19:430. [PMID: 33228684 PMCID: PMC7686676 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-03504-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Imported malaria is a major challenge for countries that are in malaria elimination stage such as Zambia. Legitimate cross-border activities add to the risk of transmission, necessitating determination of prevalence, characteristics and risk factors of imported and local malaria. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted in 103 consented child and adult patients with clinical malaria symptoms, from selected health facilities in north-western Zambia. Patient demographic data and blood samples for malaria microscopy and full blood count were obtained. Chi-square and penalized logistic regression were performed to describe the characteristics and assess the risk factors of imported and local malaria in North-Western Province. RESULTS Overall, malaria prevalence was 78.6% with 93.8% Plasmodium falciparum and 6.2% other species. The local cases were 72 (88.9%) while the imported were 9 (11.1%) out of the 81 positive participants. About 98.6% of the local cases were P. falciparum compared to 55.6% (χ2 = 52.4; p < 0.01) P. falciparum among the imported cases. Among the imported cases, 44% were species other than P. falciparum (χ2 = 48; p < 0.01) while among the local cases only 1.4% were. Gametocytes were present in 44% of the imported malaria cases and only in 2.8% of the local cases (χ2 = 48; p < 0.01). About 48.6% of local participants had severe anaemia compared to 33.3% of participants from the two neighbouring countries who had (χ2 = 4.9; p = 0.03). In the final model, only country of residence related positively to presence of species other than P. falciparum (OR = 39.0, CI [5.9, 445.9]; p < 0.01) and presence of gametocytes (OR = 23.1, CI [4.2, 161.6]; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION Malaria prevalence in North-Western Province is high, with P. falciparum as the predominant species although importation of Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium malariae is happening as well. Country of residence of patients is a major risk factor for malaria species and gametocyte presence. The need for enhanced malaria control with specific focus on border controls to detect and treat, for specific diagnosis and treatment according to species obtaining, for further research in the role of species and gametocytaemia in imported malaria, cannot be overemphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen N Chipoya
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Ridgeway Campus, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Nzooma M Shimaponda-Mataa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Ridgeway Campus, Lusaka, Zambia.
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Koru O, Yazici E, Rasmussen C, Ringwald P, Artuk C, Bedir O. False resistance after artemether-lumefantrine treatment in a falciparum malaria patient in Turkey: A case report. IDCases 2019; 18:e00607. [PMID: 31700799 PMCID: PMC6831798 DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2019.e00607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is recommended by the World Health Organization as first-line treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. ACT treatments failures among travellers returning from Africa to non-endemic countries are considered to be caused by resistance. Case presentation We report on a case of artemether-lumefantrine treatment failure in a Turkish traveller with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria returning from Bamako, Mali. Conclusions Information on returning travellers, includes ensuring that the patients receive supervised treatment with the recommended dose of a quality controlled medicine, routine follow-up of all cases, assessment of adequate absorption of the drug, and/or testing the prevalence of molecular markers of drug resistance if validated, can be an important source of an early warning system for emerging resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozgur Koru
- Gulhane Training and Research Hospital, Department of Medical Microbiology, Etlik, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ertugrul Yazici
- World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia, 1211, Geneva 27, Switzerland
| | - Charlotte Rasmussen
- Gulhane Training and Research Hospital, Department of Infectious Diseases, Etlik, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Pascal Ringwald
- Gulhane Training and Research Hospital, Department of Infectious Diseases, Etlik, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Cumhur Artuk
- World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia, 1211, Geneva 27, Switzerland
| | - Orhan Bedir
- Gulhane Training and Research Hospital, Department of Medical Microbiology, Etlik, Ankara, Turkey
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Premaratne R, Wickremasinghe R, Ranaweera D, Gunasekera WMKTDAW, Hevawitharana M, Pieris L, Fernando D, Mendis K. Technical and operational underpinnings of malaria elimination from Sri Lanka. Malar J 2019; 18:256. [PMID: 31358007 PMCID: PMC6664748 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-019-2886-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria was eliminated from Sri Lanka in 2012, and the country received WHO-certification in 2016. The objective of this paper is to describe the epidemiology of malaria elimination in Sri Lanka, and the key technical and operational features of the elimination effort, which may have been central to achieving the goal, even prior to schedule, and despite an ongoing war in parts of the country. Analysis of information and data from the Anti Malaria Campaign (AMC) of Sri Lanka during and before the elimination phase, and the experiences of the author(s) who directed and/or implemented the elimination programme or supported it form the basis of this paper. The key epidemiological features of malaria on the path to elimination included a steady reduction of case incidence from 1999 onwards, and the simultaneous elimination of both Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax. Against the backdrop of a good health infrastructure the AMC, a specialized programme within the Ministry of Health operated through a decentralized provincial health system to implement accepted strategies for the elimination of malaria. Careful planning combined with expertise on malaria control at the Central level with dedicated staff at all levels at the Centre and on the ground in all districts, for several years, was the foundation of this success. The stringent implementation of anti-relapse treatment for P. vivax through a strong collaboration with the military in whose cadres most of the malaria cases were clustered in the last few years of transmission would have supported the relatively rapid elimination of P. vivax. A robust case and entomological surveillance and investigation system described here enabled a highly focused approach to delivering interventions leading to the interruption of transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Risintha Premaratne
- Anti Malaria Campaign, 555/5 Public Health Building, Narahenpita, Sri Lanka.,World Health Organization Regional Office for South East Asia, New Delhi, India
| | - Rajitha Wickremasinghe
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, P.O. Box 6, Thalagolla Road, Ragama, Sri Lanka
| | - Dewanee Ranaweera
- Anti Malaria Campaign, 555/5 Public Health Building, Narahenpita, Sri Lanka
| | | | | | | | - Deepika Fernando
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, 25 Kynsey Road, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
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Dharmawardena P, Premaratne R, Mendis K, Wickemasinghe R, Rodrigo C, Harintheran A, Fernando D. Effectiveness of passive case detection for imported malaria in a hospital setting in Sri Lanka during the prevention of re-introduction phase of malaria. Int Health 2019; 11:64-70. [PMID: 30137418 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihy061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The effectiveness of the passive case detection (PCD) system for imported malaria was assessed in government hospitals in Sri Lanka post-elimination of malaria. Methods In 18 medical wards (test wards) in four government hospitals, the referral for malaria testing and the diagnosis of malaria by the ward physicians were monitored. Concurrently, in-ward febrile patients were assessed independently for their eligibility for referral for malaria diagnosis and were tested for malaria. The malaria incidence in 16 other wards (control wards), which the study did not screen, served as controls. Results Four imported malaria patients were diagnosed within the PCD system among 25 874 febrile patients admitted during the 14-month study period, two of whom were diagnosed in the test wards and two in the control wards. The study's screening programme did not detect any more malaria patients than detected by the routine PCD system of the wards. However, far fewer patients were screened for malaria (1.3%) than were eligible for screening (29.4%), and some infections were detected incidentally, rather than by a request for a malaria test. Conclusion A continuous effort to maintain awareness of the disease among physicians would be required if the PCD system is to be effective for the detection of imported malaria, post-elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyani Dharmawardena
- Anti Malaria Campaign, Ministry of Health, 555/5 Public Health Complex, Narahenpita, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Risintha Premaratne
- World Health Organization Regional Office for South East Asia Region, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Rajitha Wickemasinghe
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Chaturaka Rodrigo
- Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Deepika Fernando
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
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Dhiman S. Are malaria elimination efforts on right track? An analysis of gains achieved and challenges ahead. Infect Dis Poverty 2019; 8:14. [PMID: 30760324 PMCID: PMC6375178 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-019-0524-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria causes significant morbidity and mortality each year. In the past few years, the global malaria cases have been declining and many endemic countries are heading towards malaria elimination. Nevertheless, reducing the number of cases seems to be easy than sustained elimination. Therefore to achieve the objective of complete elimination and maintaining the elimination status, it is necessary to assess the gains made during the recent years. Main text With inclining global support and World Health Organisation (WHO) efforts, the control programmes have been implemented effectively in many endemic countries. Given the aroused interest and investments into malaria elimination programmes at global level, the ambitious goal of elimination appears feasible. Sustainable interventions have played a pivotal role in malaria contraction, however drug and insecticide resistance, social, demographic, cultural and behavioural beliefs and practices, and unreformed health infrastructure could drift back the progress attained so far. Ignoring such impeding factors coupled with certain region specific factors may jeopardise our ability to abide righteous track to achieve global elimination of malaria parasite. Although support beyond the territories is important, but well managed integrated vector management approach at regional and country level using scrupulously selected area specific interventions targeting both vector and parasite along with the community involvement is necessary. A brief incline in malaria during 2016 has raised fresh perturbation on whether elimination could be achieved on time or not. Conclusions The intervention tools available currently can most likely reduce transmission but clearing of malaria epicentres from where the disease can flare up any time, is not possible without involving local population. Nevertheless maintaining zero malaria transmission and checks on malaria import in declared malaria free countries, and further speeding up of interventions to stop transmission in elimination countries is most desirable. Strong collaboration backed by adequate political and financial support among the countries with a common objective to eliminate malaria must be on top priority. The present review attempts to assess the progress gained in malaria elimination during the past few years and highlights some issues that could be important in successful malaria elimination. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s40249-019-0524-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Dhiman
- Vector Management Division, Defence Research and Development Establishment, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, 474002, India.
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