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Köhler F, Heule M, Jäggi M, Dutheil P, Brand A, Walter N, Mayer S. Microscopic and radioanalytical investigation of asbestos-containing decommissioning waste. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-022-08544-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
AbstractDuring decommissioning of nuclear facilities, possibly contaminated asbestos containing materials (ACM) emerge. In this work, we propose an analytical method to characterize ACM contaminated with alpha and beta nuclides by microscopic (light and electron microscopy) and radioanalytical techniques. For this purpose, a chromatographic separation is applied after decomposition of ACM by a lithium borate fusion at 1065 °C. The subsequent separation is performed with UTEVA-TRU-Sr chromatographic resins. Recovery rates for analyzed radionuclides were on an average of 80–90% for Am, Cm, Pu isotopes, and Sr-90. Compared to sample pre-treatment with hydrofluoric acid, the lithium borate fusion proves more suitable, while providing higher working safety.
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Janošíková M, Nakládalová M, Štěpánek L, Boriková A, Vildová H, Fošum M. Occurrence of asbestos-related occupational diseases in the Czech Republic in the last 20 years. Cent Eur J Public Health 2020; 28 Suppl:S37-S42. [PMID: 33069179 DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a6297] [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: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Asbestos-related diseases are still a current problem worldwide. What is their occurrence in the Czech Republic? The answer is the subject of this study, which aims to provide a general and regional overview of the situation over the last 20 years with a more detailed focus on mesothelioma, the development of which is highly associated with asbestos exposure and the issue of their recognition as an occupational disease. METHODS In its retrospective reviews, the study is based on analyses of data from the Institute of Health Information and Statistics of the Czech Republic and data from the Czech National Cancer Registry, which also interconnects. RESULTS In the last 20 years, 512 new cases of occupational diseases from asbestos have been reported, namely 228 cases of pleural thickening, 133 mesotheliomas, 92 asbestoses, and 59 cases of lung cancer. In the last 5 years, mesotheliomas (n = 39) predominated among the reported diseases with a 45% proportion in the total number of 86 cases. The trend in their incidence, as the only one among asbestos-related diseases, is not declining. There was a significant difference in the overall incidence of mesothelioma in a general population and the incidence of occupational mesotheliomas. At the national level, occupational aetiology was acknowledged in only 11.3% of cases of mesothelioma on average. The highest proportion of occupational mesotheliomas and the highest incidence of all asbestos-related diseases were found in regions where the largest asbestos processing plants were located. CONCLUSION The authors emphasize the importance of work history for the diagnostic process of asbestos-related diseases and also the need to perform follow-up examinations for their early detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdaléna Janošíková
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic.,Department of Occupational Medicine, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Marie Nakládalová
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic.,Department of Occupational Medicine, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Ladislav Štěpánek
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic.,Department of Occupational Medicine, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Boriková
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic.,Department of Occupational Medicine, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Helena Vildová
- Department of Occupational Medicine, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Matyáš Fošum
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic.,Ministry of Health, Prague, Czech Republic
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3
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Abstract
Background: Asbestos consumption in Latin America (LA) amounts to 10% of yearly global production. Little is known about the impact of asbestos exposure in the region. Objective: To discuss scientific and socio-economic issues and conflicts of interest and to summarize epidemiological data of asbestos health effects in LA. Discussion: Recent data on chrysotile strengthened the evidence of its carcinogenicity and showed an excessive risk of lung cancer at cumulative exposure levels as low as 1.5 fibre-years/ml. Technology for substitution is available for all asbestos-containing products and ceasing asbestos production and manufacturing will not result in unemployment and loss of income, except for the mining industry. The flawed arguments used by the industry to maintain its market, both to the public and in courtrooms, strongly relies on the lack of local evidence of the ill effects and on the invisibility of asbestos-related diseases in LA, due to the limited number of studies and the exposed workers’ difficulty accessing health services. The few epidemiological studies available show clear evidence of clusters of mesothelioma in municipalities with a history of asbestos consumption and a forecasted rise in its incidence in Argentina and Brazil for the next decade. In Brazil, non-governmental organizations of asbestos workers were pivotal to counterbalance misinformation and inequities, ending recently in a Supreme Court decision backing an asbestos ban. In parallel, continuous efforts should be made to stimulate the growth of competent and ethical researchers to convey adequate information to the scientific community and to the general public.
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Douglas T, Van den Borre L. Asbestos neglect: Why asbestos exposure deserves greater policy attention. Health Policy 2019; 123:516-519. [PMID: 30770142 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
While many public health threats are now widely appreciated by the public, the risks from asbestos exposure remain poorly understood, even in high-risk groups. This article makes the case that asbestos exposure is an important, ongoing global health threat, and argues for greater policy efforts to raise awareness of this threat. It also proposes the extension of asbestos bans to developing countries and increased public subsidies for asbestos testing and abatement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Douglas
- Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Oxford, Littlegate House, St Ebbes Street, Oxford, OX1 1PT, United Kingdom.
| | - Laura Van den Borre
- Interface Demography, Sociology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium.
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Colin DJ, Cottet-Dumoulin D, Faivre A, Germain S, Triponez F, Serre-Beinier V. Experimental Model of Human Malignant Mesothelioma in Athymic Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19071881. [PMID: 29949929 PMCID: PMC6073357 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19071881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 06/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a thoracic aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure, which is difficult to diagnose and treat. Here, we characterized an in vivo orthotopic xenograft model consisting of human mesothelioma cells (designed as H2052/484) derived from a pleural NCI-H2052 tumor injected in partially immunodeficient athymic mice. We assessed tumor formation and tumor-dependent patterns of inflammation. H2052/484 cells conserved their mesothelioma phenotype and most characteristics from the parental NCI-H2052 cells. After intra-thoracic injection of H2052/484 cells, thoracic tumors developed in nearly all mice (86%) within 14 days, faster than from parental NCI-H2052 cells. When the mice were euthanized, the pleural lavage fluid was examined for immune cell profiles. The pleural immune cell population increased with tumor development. Interestingly, the proportion of myeloid-derived suppressor cell and macrophage (especially CD206+ M2 macrophages) populations increased in the pleural fluid of mice with large mesothelioma development, as previously observed in immunocompetent mice. This reliable orthotopic model recapitulates human mesothelioma and may be used for the study of new treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didier J Colin
- MicroPET/SPECT/CT Imaging Laboratory, Centre for BioMedical Imaging (CIBM), University Hospitals and University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland.
| | - David Cottet-Dumoulin
- Department of Thoracic and Endocrine Surgery, University Hospitals and University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland.
| | - Anna Faivre
- Department of Thoracic and Endocrine Surgery, University Hospitals and University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland.
| | - Stéphane Germain
- MicroPET/SPECT/CT Imaging Laboratory, Centre for BioMedical Imaging (CIBM), University Hospitals and University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland.
| | - Frédéric Triponez
- Department of Thoracic and Endocrine Surgery, University Hospitals and University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland.
| | - Véronique Serre-Beinier
- Department of Thoracic and Endocrine Surgery, University Hospitals and University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland.
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Ampollini L, Barocelli E, Cavazzoni A, Petronini P, Mucchino C, Cantoni AM, Leonardi F, Ventura L, Barbieri S, Colombo P, Fusari A, Carbognani P, Rusca M, Sonvico F. Polymeric films loaded with cisplatin for malignant pleural mesothelioma: a pharmacokinetic study in an ovine model. J Thorac Dis 2018; 10:S207-S220. [PMID: 29507788 PMCID: PMC5830553 DOI: 10.21037/jtd.2017.10.74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) continues to be a distressing tumor due to its aggressive biologic behavior and scanty prognosis. Several therapeutic approaches have been tested both in clinical and preclinical settings, being intrapleural chemotherapy one of the most promising. Some years ago, our interest focused on polymeric films loaded with cisplatin for the adjuvant intrapleural treatment of surgical patients. After in vitro and in vivo studies in a rat recurrence model of MPM, the aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of the polymeric films in a sheep model in view of further studies in a clinical setting. METHODS An ovine model was used. Animals were divided into four groups according to pharmacologic treatment: control group (three animals undergoing left pneumonectomy and saline-NaCl solution); intrapleural hyaluronate cisplatin films (HYALCIS) group (six animals undergoing left pneumonectomy and intrapleural application of polymeric films loaded with cisplatin); intrapleural cisplatin solution (six animals undergoing left pneumonectomy and intrapleural application of cisplatin solution); intravenous cisplatin (five animals undergoing left pneumonectomy and intravenous administration of cisplatin solution). The primary objective was the plasmatic and pleural concentration of cisplatin in the treatment groups. The secondary objective was the treatment-related toxicity evaluated by plasmatic analysis performed at prearranged time intervals and histological examinations of tissue samples collected during animal autopsy. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for statistical analysis. Bonferroni correction was applied for comparison between all groups. RESULTS Twenty female Sardinian sheep with a mean weight of 45.1 kg were studied. All animals survived the surgical procedures. The whole surgical procedure had a mean duration of 113 minutes. Cisplatin blood levels obtained from polymeric films application were low during the first 24 hours after the application; then, the cisplatin blood level increased gradually and progressively until it reached significantly higher plasmatic concentrations after 120 hours compared to intrapleural cisplatin solution (P=0.004) and intravenous administration (P=0.001), respectively. Considering cisplatin concentration at 168 hours after the application, animals treated with polymeric films had higher plasmatic values than animals treated with intrapleural cisplatin solution and intravenous cisplatin (P=0.001). Despite the high cisplatin plasmatic concentrations, treatment related-toxicity towards kidneys and liver was comparatively lower compared to the intravenous and intrapleural cisplatin administration and closer to the control levels. CONCLUSIONS Polymeric films loaded with cisplatin allowed to reach significantly higher intrapleural and plasmatic cisplatin concentrations compared to intrapleural and intravenous cisplatin solution, providing at the same time, a significant reduction of treatment related toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Ampollini
- Thoracic Surgery, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Cavazzoni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Claudio Mucchino
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Fabio Leonardi
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Luigi Ventura
- Thoracic Surgery, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Stefano Barbieri
- Biopharmanet-TEC, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Antonella Fusari
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Paolo Carbognani
- Thoracic Surgery, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Michele Rusca
- Thoracic Surgery, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Fabio Sonvico
- Biopharmanet-TEC, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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Lamote K, Vynck M, Thas O, Van Cleemput J, Nackaerts K, van Meerbeeck JP. Exhaled breath to screen for malignant pleural mesothelioma: a validation study. Eur Respir J 2017; 50:50/6/1700919. [PMID: 29269578 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00919-2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is predominantly caused by asbestos exposure and has a poor prognosis. Breath contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and can be explored as an early detection tool. Previously, we used multicapillary column/ion mobility spectrometry (MCC/IMS) to discriminate between patients with MPM and asymptomatic high-risk persons with a high rate of accuracy. Here, we aim to validate these findings in different control groups.Breath and background samples were obtained from 52 patients with MPM, 52 healthy controls without asbestos exposure (HC), 59 asymptomatic former asbestos workers (AEx), 41 patients with benign asbestos-related diseases (ARD), 70 patients with benign non-asbestos-related lung diseases (BLD) and 56 patients with lung cancer (LC).After background correction, logistic lasso regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the MPM group was discriminated from the HC, AEx, ARD, BLD and LC groups with 65%, 88%, 82%, 80% and 72% accuracy, respectively. Combining AEx and ARD patients resulted in 94% sensitivity and 96% negative predictive value (NPV). The most important VOCs selected were P1, P3, P7, P9, P21 and P26.We discriminated MPM patients from at-risk subjects with great accuracy. The high sensitivity and NPV allow breath analysis to be used as a screening tool for ruling out MPM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Lamote
- Dept of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium .,Dept of Internal Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Matthijs Vynck
- Dept of Mathematical Modelling, Statistics and Bio-informatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Olivier Thas
- Dept of Mathematical Modelling, Statistics and Bio-informatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,National Institute for Applied Statistics Research Australia (NIASRA), University of Wollongong, Keiraville, Australia
| | | | - Kristiaan Nackaerts
- Dept of Respiratory Diseases, KU Leuven, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan P van Meerbeeck
- Dept of Internal Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Thoracic Oncology, Multi-disciplinary Oncological Center Antwerp (MOCA), Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
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Vincenten J, George F, Martuzzi M, Schröder-Bäck P, Paunovic E. Barriers and Facilitators to the Elimination of Asbestos Related Diseases-Stakeholders' Perspectives. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:E1269. [PMID: 29065497 PMCID: PMC5664770 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14101269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Despite sound scientific knowledge and evidence that any exposure to asbestos fibers in all of its forms, are carcinogenic to humans, its presence, use and trade is still substantial, including in the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region. Banning the production and use of all forms of asbestos, as recommended by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and WHO, has been proven as the most efficient evidence-based strategy to eliminate Asbestos Related Diseases (ARDs). To effectively move elimination of ARDs forward, attaining a greater understanding of key stakeholders perspectives was identified as an important action. The WHO Regional Office for Europe, the European Centre for Environment and Health, undertook semi-structured interviews, and follow-up discussions with diverse representatives dealing professionally with asbestos. The interview questionnaire was developed based on the current ARDs WHO Report, the Evidence Implementation Model for Public Health and categories of the theory of diffusion. Data were attained on three main questions within the interview questionnaire: (1) Identifying barriers to implementation of WHO evidence-based asbestos recommendations; (2) Describing roles of key stakeholders; and, (3) Proposing possible solutions. The results demonstrated use of sound and convincing scientific evidence along with economic evidence and facilitators can be used to achieve evidence-based policy development, and comprehensive diverse actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Vincenten
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, School CAPHRI-Care and Public Health Research Institute, Department of International Health, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Frank George
- World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, the European Centre for Environment and Health, Bonn D-53113, Germany.
| | - Marco Martuzzi
- World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, the European Centre for Environment and Health, Bonn D-53113, Germany.
| | - Peter Schröder-Bäck
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, School CAPHRI-Care and Public Health Research Institute, Department of International Health, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
- Faculty of Human & Health Sciences, Bremen University, Bremen D-28359, Germany.
| | - Elizabet Paunovic
- World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, the European Centre for Environment and Health, Bonn D-53113, Germany.
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Mesothelioma continues to increase even 40 years after exposure – Evidence from long-term epidemiological observation. Lung Cancer 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2017.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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10
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Świątkowska B, Szeszenia-Dąbrowska N, Wilczyńska U. Medical monitoring of asbestos-exposed workers: experience from Poland. Bull World Health Organ 2016; 94:599-604. [PMID: 27516637 PMCID: PMC4969984 DOI: 10.2471/blt.15.159426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Revised: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In Poland, the use of asbestos was banned in 1997 and asbestos plants have been closed since then. Despite their closure, cases of asbestos-related occupational diseases among former asbestos workers are still being recorded in the Central Register of Occupational Diseases. Between 2001 and 2014, there were 2726 asbestos-related illnesses, classified and reported as diseases associated with occupational exposure to asbestos. In 2000, Poland introduced a programme called Amiantus, targeted at former asbestos-processing plant workers. The programme provided periodic medical examinations to workers and free access to medications for treatment of asbestos-related illnesses. Introduction of the programme provided additional data to generate a reliable estimation of the number of asbestos-related occupational diseases, including cancer. The average latency period for asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma is about 40 years so there may still be some health impact to former workers necessitating follow-up. We present the Polish experience of implementing a medical examination programme for asbestos-exposed workers and provide a list of activities to consider when planning for such a programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Świątkowska
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology, Reference Center for Asbestos Exposure & Health Risk Assessment, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Sw. Teresy 8, 91-348 Lodz, Poland
| | - Neonila Szeszenia-Dąbrowska
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology, Reference Center for Asbestos Exposure & Health Risk Assessment, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Sw. Teresy 8, 91-348 Lodz, Poland
| | - Urszula Wilczyńska
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology, Reference Center for Asbestos Exposure & Health Risk Assessment, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Sw. Teresy 8, 91-348 Lodz, Poland
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