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Faggian L, Agostini S, Müller B, Gupte AP, Favaro L. Efficient production of hydrogen through bioaugmentation of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste by the newly isolated Clostridium sartagoforme SA1. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2025; 415:131658. [PMID: 39427849 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.131658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2024] [Revised: 10/14/2024] [Accepted: 10/15/2024] [Indexed: 10/22/2024]
Abstract
Bio-hydrogen from organic waste holds promise as renewable energy. However, its large-scale production is limited by technical challenges, with low H2 yields and the absence of robust microbial strains being the major ones. To address these limitations, H2-producing microbes have been isolated from a full-scale anaerobic digestor treating complex organic waste. Clostridium sartagoforme SA1 was selected because of high H2 yields from glucose, soluble starch, and carboxymethylcellulose. The strain was then tested for H2 production from the Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste (OFMSW), rich in starch and cellulose, with productions up to 55 mLH2 g/VS. Additionally, C. sartagoforme SA1 confirmed high H2 performances even in the presence of OFMSW's indigenous microflora, increasing the H2 yield by 38 % and highlighting its robustness in a highly competitive environment. This is the first report describing the efficient adoption of a C. sartagoforme strain for bioaugmentation of non-sterile OFMSW towards high H2 yields.
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Müller B, Gaul C, Reis O, Jürgens TP, Kropp P, Ruscheweyh R, Straube A, Brähler E, Förderreuther S, Rimmele F, Dresler T. Household income is associated with attack frequency, but not with the prevalence of headache: an analysis of self-reported headache in the general population in Germany. J Headache Pain 2024; 25:164. [PMID: 39354353 PMCID: PMC11443947 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-024-01844-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 10/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Headache disorders are among the most prevalent neurological disorders worldwide. However, whether groups differing in socioeconomic position (SEP) are disproportionately affected by headache disorders has not yet been adequately clarified. Our aim was to analyse (1) the headache prevalence by socioeconomic position (SEP) and (2) the attack frequency by SEP in a German population-based adult sample. METHODS Cross-sectional data from a random general population were used. The sample included N = 2,189 participants aged ≥ 18 years. SEP was measured using net equivalised income (NEI) and education. A binary logistic regression model tested the effect of SEP in predicting the prevalence of headache in general. Ordinal logistic regressions were modeled to predict the effect of SEP on the likelihood of attack frequency. Attack frequency was categorized in low frequency episodic headache (LFEH: 0-3 days per month), moderate frequency episodic headache (MFEH: 4-14 days per month) and chronic headache (CH: ≥ 15 days per month). RESULTS Of the 2,189 participants, 891 reported headache in the last six months. Neither income nor education was associated with headache prevalence. However, significant differences between income groups were found for attack frequency. Compared to participants with NEI > 150%, those with NEI < 60% were 5.21 times more likely (95%CI 2.03, 13.36) to experience higher headache frequency, and those with NEI between 60 and 150% were 2.29 times more likely (95%CI 1.02, 5.11), with adjustments made for a set of potential confounders, including depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS To reduce headache attacks, it is essential to address both low- and middle-income groups affected by headaches. Universal public health prevention campaigns are particularly appropriate.
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Engelkamp JE, Hartmann AS, Petrowski K, Herhaus B, Fegert JM, Sachser C, Kropp P, Müller B, Brähler E, Hilbert A. Health behavior and psychological treatment utilization in adults with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder symptoms. J Eat Disord 2024; 12:88. [PMID: 38926791 PMCID: PMC11200871 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-024-01049-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), an eating disorder not associated with weight and shape concerns, results in nutrient or energy deficiencies related with further health consequences and a pronounced need for specialized treatment. These interventions need to be tailored to individual health behavior. However, research about health behavior and treatment utilization in ARFID is scarce, particularly in adults, as ARFID is more common in children despite occurring across the lifespan. One important aspect of health behavior is the individual's health regulatory focus (i.e., health prevention and health promotion). Additionally, symptoms of eating disorders have generally been associated with various health risk behaviors, such as smoking, drinking, or unhealthy physical (in)activity. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate health behavior and psychological treatment utilization in adults with symptoms of ARFID. METHODS A representative adult population sample (N = 2415) completed several self-report questionnaires assessing symptoms of eating disorders and health behavior. Differences between groups (symptoms of ARFID vs. no symptoms of ARFID) were tested with analysis of variance, Mann-Whitney-U-tests, and binary logistic regression. RESULTS Individuals with symptoms of ARFID (n = 20) did not differ in their health regulatory focus, smoking status, physical activity or psychological treatment utilization from individuals without symptoms of ARFID (n = 2395). However, they reported higher alcohol misuse than individuals without symptoms of ARFID. CONCLUSION The findings suggest a relevance of further exploration of the relationship between alcohol misuse and ARFID, given the preliminary nature of these results. This exploration could inform treatment strategies for addressing potential comorbid substance misuse. Furthermore, the low psychological treatment utilization in adults with symptoms of ARFID suggest a need for more specialized psychological treatment services, public education about ARFID being an indication for psychological treatment, and further research about treatment barriers.
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Giesen S, Rimmele F, Jürgens TP, Scheidt J, Drescher J, Leonhardt AK, Schulze S, Harbeck B, Meyer W, Müller B, Kropp P, Keller A. Relationship between Contingent Negative Variation and afterimage duration in migraine patients. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1401212. [PMID: 38827574 PMCID: PMC11141693 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1401212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Abnormalities in electrocortical parameters and persistence of afterimage after visual stimulation are known to occur in migraine patients. The results of studies on Contingent Negative Variation (CNV) and afterimage persistence in migraine patients suggest a link between these two phenomena and a connection to the pathomechanism of migraine. Objectives To date, no studies have investigated both afterimage duration and CNV parameters in the same subjects. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the early component of CNV (iCNV) and the duration of the afterimage in migraine patients. Methods Sixty seven migraine patients from the headache center of the University of Rostock Medical Center were examined for iCNV amplitude, iCNV habituation and afterimage duration. The subjects also completed questionnaires developed for this study and the MIDAS (Migraine Disability Assessment) questionnaire. Results Associations were found between iCNV amplitude and afterimage duration and between habituation capacity and afterimage duration. A deficit in habituation capacity correlated with a significantly prolonged afterimage duration. Increased iCNV amplitude and prolonged afterimage duration were also significantly correlated. Conclusion Conclusions about the pathophysiology of migraine can be drawn from the results of this study. The results support the hypothesis of cortical hyperexcitability as a consequence of a low pre-activation level, which may be a possible contributory cause of migraine. Furthermore, they allow assessment of whether the afterimage examination, which is easier and quicker to perform than the CNV examination, can be used as a diagnostic tool or as a parameter to monitor the course of therapy in people with migraine.
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Müller B, Dresler T, Rimmele F, Jürgens T, Niederberger U, Schwarz C, Kropp P. [Interdisciplinary multimodal pain therapy in headache disorders]. Schmerz 2024; 38:80-88. [PMID: 37278838 DOI: 10.1007/s00482-023-00723-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Primary headaches are among the most common pain disorders. They include migraines (prevalence 15%), tension headaches (up to 80%), and others, including trigeminal autonomic headaches (about 0.2%). Migraine, in particular, leads to significant impairment of personal life and high societal costs. Therefore, the need for effective and sustainable therapeutic procedures is high. This article provides an overview of psychological procedures in headache therapy and critically summarizes the empirical evidence for the effectiveness of interdisciplinary multimodal pain therapy (IMST) consisting of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. It can be shown that psychoeducation, relaxation procedures, cognitive behavioral therapy, and biofeedback are psychological procedures from which headache patients can benefit. In the synopsis of multimodal approaches in the treatment of headache, consistently greater effects can be observed when both pharmacological treatment and psychotherapeutic procedures are used. This added value should be regularly taken into account in the treatment of headache disorders. This requires close cooperation between headache specialists and psychotherapists who specialize in the treatment of pain.
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Schrötter S, Kropp P, Müller B. Comparison of empathy profiles of medical students at the start and in the advanced clinical phase of their training. GMS JOURNAL FOR MEDICAL EDUCATION 2024; 41:Doc7. [PMID: 38504859 PMCID: PMC10946216 DOI: 10.3205/zma001662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Background The National Competence Based Catalogue of Learning Objectives for Undergraduate Medical Education (NKLM) cites empathy as a basic competence for medical doctors. Based on a multidimensional concept of clinical empathy, empathy profiles of medical students at the start of their training and in the 9th semester were identified and compared in order to draw conclusions for the conception of effective course offers. Method Using the Saarbrücker Personality Questionnaire on Empathy (SPF-IRI), self-rated empathy was recorded in a cross-sectional study of medical students (1st semester: N=192/9th semester: N=221). Two Stage Clustering was performed for data analysis. Result Three empathy profiles which could be meaningfully delineated by content were identified: 1. reflected, functional empathy, 2. unreflected, burdensome empathy and 3. distancing and avoidance. Students in the 9th semester mostly tended toward unreflected, burdensome empathy. Only one-third appeared capable of feeling empathy with patients while at the same time adequately regulating their own emotions and thus protecting themselves from emotional overload. Conclusion An adequately reflected and functional empathy among medical students can neither be assumed at the start of their training, nor do existing course offers appear to provide sufficient training for this. Empathy should thus be implemented as a competence which needs to be promoted over the entire course of study. Emotion regulation plays a key role.
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Palmer A, Hamann T, Liese J, Müller B, Kropp P, Jürgens TP, Rimmele F. Efficacy of cranial electrotherapy stimulation in patients with burning mouth syndrome: a randomized, controlled, double-blind pilot study. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1343093. [PMID: 38419716 PMCID: PMC10900232 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1343093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by a burning sensation in the oral mucous membranes. The etiology and pathophysiology of BMS is largely unexplained. To date, there is no evidence-based treatment strategy for BMS. Cranial electrical stimulation (CES) represents a non-invasive treatment option with a low side effect profile that is approved for the treatment of pain, depression, anxiety disorder and insomnia. It has shown efficacy in studies for chronic pain such as fibromyalgia and neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effectiveness of CES in combination with local transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) as an adjunct therapy in patients with BMS compared to sham stimulation. Methods This randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled pilot study enrolled 22 patients, aged 18 years and over, with the diagnosis of BMS meeting the ICHD-3 criteria from August 2020 to June 2021. The study duration was 4 weeks (28 days) per participant. After randomization, the active group participants (n = 11) received a 100 μA CES treatment for 60 min a day whereas the devices in the Sham group did not emit electricity. Simple linear regression was used to determine whether the interventions promoted significant differences in pain intensity. Results The linear regression showed that the period of stimulation significantly predicted decrease in the intensity of pain in the active group [β = -0.036; t(26) = -7.219; p < 0.001] as in the sham group [β = -0.026; t(26) = -2.56; p < 0.017]. With the applied cutoff of 30% pain reduction within the stimulation period, both the active and sham groups had 36% responders (n = 4) (Fisher's exact test, p = 1.00). In both groups (active stimulation and sham group), a significant decrease in the intensity of pain, somatic symptoms and an improvement in sleep quality over the study period was observed. Subjects reported no adverse events during the study. Conclusion Although CES is an easily applicable and safe therapeutic option for chronic facial pain, active stimulation was not superior to sham stimulation. Among other reasons, this could be due to the short double-blinded treatment period, duration of the daily stimulation session or the small sample size.
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Keim-Klärner S, Adebahr P, Brandt S, Gamper M, Klärner A, Knabe A, Kupfer A, Müller B, Reis O, Vonneilich N, Ganser MA, de Bruyn C, von der Lippe H. Social inequality, social networks, and health: a scoping review of research on health inequalities from a social network perspective. Int J Equity Health 2023; 22:74. [PMID: 37098617 PMCID: PMC10131340 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-023-01876-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This review summarises the present state of research on health inequalities using a social network perspective, and it explores the available studies examining the interrelations of social inequality, social networks, and health. METHODS Using the strategy of a scoping review, as outlined by Arksey and O'Malley (Int J Sci Res Methodol 8:19-32, 2005), our team performed two searches across eight scientific, bibliographic databases including papers published until October 2021. Studies meeting pre-defined eligibility criteria were selected. The data were charted in a table, and then collated, summarised, and reported in this paper. RESULTS Our search provided a total of 15,237 initial hits. After deduplication (n = 6,168 studies) and the removal of hits that did not meet our baseline criteria (n = 8,767 studies), the remaining 302 full text articles were examined. This resulted in 25 articles being included in the present review, many of which focused on moderating or mediating network effects. Such effects were found in the majority of these studies, but not in all. Social networks were found to buffer the harsher effects of poverty on health, while specific network characteristics were shown to intensify or attenuate the health effects of social inequalities. CONCLUSIONS Our review showed that the variables used for measuring health and social networks differed considerably across the selected studies. Thus, our attempt to establish a consensus of opinion across the included studies was not successful. Nevertheless, the usefulness of social network analysis in researching health inequalities and the employment of health-promoting interventions focusing on social relations was generally acknowledged in the studies. We close by suggesting ways to advance the research methodology, and argue for a greater orientation on theoretical models. We also call for the increased use of structural measures; the inclusion of measures on negative ties and interactions; and the use of more complex study designs, such as mixed-methods and longitudinal studies.
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Müller B, Gaul C, Reis O, Jürgens TP, Kropp P, Ruscheweyh R, Straube A, Brähler E, Förderreuther S, Schroth J, Dresler T. Headache impact and socioeconomic status: findings from a study of the German Migraine and Headache Society (DMKG). J Headache Pain 2023; 24:37. [PMID: 37016306 PMCID: PMC10071716 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-023-01564-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGOUND Headache disorders are not only among the most prevalent, they are also among the most disabling disorders worldwide. This paper investigates the association between headache impact on daily life and the socioeconomic status (SES) of headache sufferers. METHODS Data stem from a random general population sample in Germany. Respondents who reported having headache for at least a year and were aged ≥ 18 years were included in the study. A standardized questionnaire addressing headache and headache treatment was filled in during the face-to-face survey. The impact of headache on daily life was measured using the German version of the Headache Impact Test (HIT-6). RESULTS Higher headache impact was found in low and medium SES compared to high SES. After adjustment for sociodemographics, headache-related factors (analgesic use, headache duration, headache frequency, migraine diagnosis), depressive symptoms, physical inactivity and obesity, an increased odds ratio of having higher headache impact in low SES compared to high SES was found: OR = 1.83, 95% CI [1.43, 2.23], p = .014. When the interactions "SES*obesity", "SES*depressive symptoms", and "SES*physical inactivity" were added, the results showed a significant interaction effect of "SES*obesity". Obese persons with low SES were 3.64 times more likely to have higher headache impact than non-obese persons with low SES. No significant differences between obese and non-obese persons were found in the medium and high SES groups. CONCLUSIONS SES is an important factor that should not be neglected in headache awareness campaigns and headache treatment. Longitudinal studies are needed in the future to investigate whether lifestyle interventions, such as weight reduction, can help to reduce headache impact in people in lower SES.
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Luen SJ, Viale G, Nik-Zainal S, Savas P, Kammler R, Dell'Orto P, Biasi O, Degasperi A, Brown LC, Láng I, MacGrogan G, Tondini C, Bellet M, Villa F, Bernardo A, Ciruelos E, Karlsson P, Neven P, Climent M, Müller B, Jochum W, Bonnefoi H, Martino S, Davidson NE, Geyer C, Chia SK, Ingle JN, Coleman R, Solbach C, Thürlimann B, Colleoni M, Coates AS, Goldhirsch A, Fleming GF, Francis PA, Speed TP, Regan MM, Loi S. Genomic characterisation of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer arising in very young women. Ann Oncol 2023; 34:397-409. [PMID: 36709040 PMCID: PMC10619213 DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2023.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Very young premenopausal women diagnosed with hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HR+HER2-) early breast cancer (EBC) have higher rates of recurrence and death for reasons that remain largely unexplained. PATIENTS AND METHODS Genomic sequencing was applied to HR+HER2- tumours from patients enrolled in the Suppression of Ovarian Function Trial (SOFT) to determine genomic drivers that are enriched in young premenopausal women. Genomic alterations were characterised using next-generation sequencing from a subset of 1276 patients (deep targeted sequencing, n = 1258; whole-exome sequencing in a young-age, case-control subsample, n = 82). We defined copy number (CN) subgroups and assessed for features suggestive of homologous recombination deficiency (HRD). Genomic alteration frequencies were compared between young premenopausal women (<40 years) and older premenopausal women (≥40 years), and assessed for associations with distant recurrence-free interval (DRFI) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS Younger women (<40 years, n = 359) compared with older women (≥40 years, n = 917) had significantly higher frequencies of mutations in GATA3 (19% versus 16%) and CN amplifications (CNAs) (47% versus 26%), but significantly lower frequencies of mutations in PIK3CA (32% versus 47%), CDH1 (3% versus 9%), and MAP3K1 (7% versus 12%). Additionally, they had significantly higher frequencies of features suggestive of HRD (27% versus 21%) and a higher proportion of PIK3CA mutations with concurrent CNAs (23% versus 11%). Genomic features suggestive of HRD, PIK3CA mutations with CNAs, and CNAs were associated with significantly worse DRFI and OS compared with those without these features. These poor prognostic features were enriched in younger patients: present in 72% of patients aged <35 years, 54% aged 35-39 years, and 40% aged ≥40 years. Poor prognostic features [n = 584 (46%)] versus none [n = 692 (54%)] had an 8-year DRFI of 84% versus 94% and OS of 88% versus 96%. Younger women (<40 years) had the poorest outcomes: 8-year DRFI 74% versus 85% and OS 80% versus 93%, respectively. CONCLUSION These results provide insights into genomic alterations that are enriched in young women with HR+HER2- EBC, provide rationale for genomic subgrouping, and highlight priority molecular targets for future clinical trials.
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Rimmele F, Müller B, Becker-Hingst N, Wegener S, Rimmele S, Kropp P, Jürgens TP. Medication adherence in patients with cluster headache and migraine: an online survey. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4546. [PMID: 36941306 PMCID: PMC10027659 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30854-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
To examine factors for adherent and non-adherent behavior in patients with cluster headache and migraine. Adults with cluster headache or migraine were included in this anonymous online survey using a questionnaire accessed via homepages of headache support groups. Medication adherence in preventive treatment was measured with the Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS-D). Factors for non-adherent behavior were examined (subjective socioeconomic status, psychological comorbidities, self-efficacy, coping, side effects, expectations of treatment, information on medical treatment, and trust in the physician/treatment concept). 200 participants (n = 58 with cluster headache, n = 142 with migraine) were included. The rate of medication adherence in preventive treatment was 32.8% for participants with cluster headache and 20.4% for migraine. The most common reasons for low adherence in participants with cluster headache were altering the prescribed medication dose (34%) or taking less than instructed (14%), which was mostly due to insufficient benefit from the medication or side effects. Positive expectations of medical treatment (p ≤ 0.05) correlated significantly with adherent behavior in cluster headache. Furthermore, the adherence-promoting factors coping and self-efficacy were more pronounced in patients with cluster headache than in those with migraine (p < 0.05). This study is the first to comprehensively investigate medication adherence and factors influencing adherent/non-adherent behavior in patients with cluster headache. Patients with cluster headache had similar adherence levels to patients with migraine, but had higher resources of adherence-promoting factors.
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Thiem A, Mashhadiakbar P, Cussigh C, Hassel JC, Grimmelmann I, Gutzmer R, Schlaak M, Heppt MV, Dücker P, Hüning S, Schulmeyer L, Schilling B, Haferkamp S, Ziemer M, Moritz RKC, Hagelstein V, Terheyden P, Posch C, Gaiser MR, Kropp P, Emmert S, Müller B, Tietze JK. Immune checkpoint inhibition and targeted therapy for melanoma: A patient‐oriented cross‐sectional comparative multicenter study. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2022; 37:884-893. [PMID: 36433671 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.18778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Choosing the adequate systemic treatment for melanoma is driven by clinical parameters and personal preferences. OBJECTIVE Evaluation of the impact of disease and treatment on the daily life of patients receiving systemic therapy for melanoma. METHODS A German-wide, cross-sectional comparative study was conducted at 13 specialized skin cancer centres from 08/2020 to 03/2021. A questionnaire was distributed to assess patients' perception of disease and symptoms, the impact of their current treatment on quality of life (QOL) and activities, adverse events (AEs), therapeutic visits, as well as believe in and satisfaction with their current systemic melanoma treatment. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were rated on a continuous numerical rating scale or selected from a given list. RESULTS Four hundred and fourteen patients with systemic melanoma therapy were included. 359 (87%) received immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) and 55 (13%) targeted therapy (TT). About 1/3 of patients were adjuvantly treated, the remaining because of unresectable/metastatic melanoma. In subgroup analyses, only in the adjuvant setting, TT patients reported a significant decrease in their treatment associated QOL compared to patients with ICI (p = 0.02). Patients with TT were 1.9 times more likely to report AEs than patients with ICI, a difference being significant just for the adjuvant setting (p = 0.01). ICI treatment intervals differed significantly between adjuvant and unresectable/metastatic setting (p = 0.04), though all patients, regardless of their specific ICI drug, evaluated their treatment frequency as adequate. TT patients with dabrafenib/trametinib (n = 37) or encorafenib/binimetinib (n = 15) did not differ regarding the strain of daily pill intake. Patients older than 63 years rated various PROs better than younger patients. CONCLUSIONS Patients evaluated their treatment mainly positively. ICI might be preferred over TT regarding QOL and patient-reported AEs in the adjuvant setting. Older melanoma patients appeared to be less impacted by their disease and more satisfied with their treatment.
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Löffler C, Buuck T, Iwen J, Schulz M, Zapf A, Kropp P, Wollny A, Krause L, Müller B, Ozga AK, Goldschmidt E, Altiner A. Promoting rational antibiotic therapy among high antibiotic prescribers in German primary care-study protocol of the ElektRA 4-arm cluster-randomized controlled trial. Implement Sci 2022; 17:69. [PMID: 36195897 PMCID: PMC9530431 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-022-01241-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The rational use of antibiotics is of great importance in health care. In primary care, acute respiratory infections are the most common cause of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing. Since existing studies aiming to optimize antibiotic use are usually based on the voluntary participation of physicians, general practitioners (GPs) with inappropriate prescribing behavior are underrepresented. For the first time in Germany, the ElektRA study will assess and compare the effects of three interventions on antibiotic prescribing rates for respiratory and urinary tract infections among high prescribers in primary care. Method ElektRA is a 4-arm cluster-randomized controlled trial among German GPs in nine regional Associations of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians. On their behalf, the Central Research Institute of Ambulatory Health Care in Germany (Zi) analyses all outpatient claims and prescription data. Based on this database, high antibiotic prescribing GPs are identified and randomized into four groups: a control group (N=2000) and three intervention arms. We test social norm feedback on antibiotic prescribing (N=2000), social norm feedback plus online training on rational prescribing practice and communication strategies (N=2000), and social norm feedback plus online peer-moderated training on rational antibiotic prescribing, communication strategies, and sustainable behavior change (N=1250). The primary outcome is the overall rate of antibiotic prescriptions. Outcomes are measured before intervention (T0, October 2020–September 2022) and over a period of 15 months (T1, October 2022 to December 2023) after randomization. Discussion The aim of the study is to implement individualized, low-threshold interventions to reduce antibiotic prescribing among high prescribers in primary care. If successful, a change in behavior among otherwise difficult-to-reach high prescribers will directly improve patient care. The increase in quality of care will ideally be achieved both in terms of the quantity of antibiotics used as well as the kind of substances prescribed. Also, if effective strategies for high prescribers are identified through this study, they can be applied not only to the antibiotics addressed in this study, but also to other areas of prescription management. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN95468513. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13012-022-01241-4.
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Müller B, Gaul C, Glass Ä, Reis O, Jürgens TP, Kropp P, Ruscheweyh R, Straube A, Brähler E, Förderreuther S, Dresler T. Physical Activity is Associated with Less Analgesic Use in Women Reporting Headache-A Cross-Sectional Study of the German Migraine and Headache Society (DMKG). Pain Ther 2022; 11:545-560. [PMID: 35212968 PMCID: PMC9098765 DOI: 10.1007/s40122-022-00362-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this analysis is to determine whether regular physical activity is associated with less analgesic use in men and women suffering from headache disorders based on population-based cross-sectional data. METHODS We used data from a random general population sample in Germany that comprised 2477 participants aged ≥ 14 years. A standardized questionnaire addressing headache and headache treatment was filled in during the face-to-face survey. RESULTS Thirty-nine percent of the participants reported headache. Of these, 37.5% of men and 33.6% of women were physically active. Of the participants with headache, 43.3% reported taking analgesics on < 2 days a month, 40.7% on 2-5 days a month, 10.1% on 6-10 days a month, and 5.9% on > 10 days a month. Frequent headache, severe impact of headache on daily life, and depressive symptoms were associated with higher analgesic use in both men and women. For women, physical inactivity was associated with the frequency of analgesic use adjusted for sociodemographic and headache-related variables. For men, results did not suggest any association between physical inactivity and frequency of analgesic use. CONCLUSIONS There are both sex-unspecific and sex-specific factors associated with analgesic use among men and women with headache. In women with increased analgesic use, promoting physical activity may reduce analgesic use. For men, education about the therapeutic effects of physical activity for headaches is an important resource.
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Müller B, Estay R. Letter comments on: "Twelve years of European cancer drug approval-a systematic investigation of the 'magnitude of clinical benefit'". ESMO Open 2022; 7:100487. [PMID: 35525185 PMCID: PMC9092263 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2022.100487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Jerusalem G, Farah S, Courtois A, Chirgwin J, Aebi S, Karlsson P, Neven P, Hitre E, Graas MP, Simoncini E, Abdi E, Kamby C, Thompson A, Loibl S, Gavilá J, Kuroi K, Marth C, Müller B, O'Reilly S, Gombos A, Ruhstaller T, Burstein HJ, Rabaglio M, Ruepp B, Ribi K, Viale G, Gelber RD, Coates AS, Loi S, Goldhirsch A, Regan MM, Colleoni M. Continuous versus intermittent extended adjuvant letrozole for breast cancer: final results of randomized phase III SOLE (Study of Letrozole Extension) and SOLE Estrogen Substudy. Ann Oncol 2021; 32:1256-1266. [PMID: 34384882 DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2021.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Late recurrences in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancers remain an important challenge. Avoidance or delayed development of resistance represents the main objective in extended endocrine therapy (ET). In animal models, resistance was reversed with restoration of circulating estrogen levels during interruption of letrozole treatment. This phase III, randomized, open-label Study of Letrozole Extension (SOLE) studied the effect of extended intermittent letrozole treatment in comparison with continuous letrozole. In parallel, the SOLE estrogen substudy (SOLE-EST) analyzed the levels of estrogen during the interruption of treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS SOLE enrolled 4884 postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive, lymph node-positive, operable breast cancer between December 2007 and October 2012 and among them, 104 patients were enrolled in SOLE-EST. They must have undergone local treatment and have completed 4-6 years of adjuvant ET. Patients were randomized between continuous letrozole (2.5 mg/day orally for 5 years) and intermittent letrozole treatment (2.5 mg/day for 9 months followed by a 3-month interruption in years 1-4 and then 2.5 mg/day during all of year 5). RESULTS Intention-to-treat population included 4851 women in SOLE (n = 2425 in the intermittent and n = 2426 in the continuous letrozole groups) and 103 women in SOLE-EST (n = 78 in the intermittent and n = 25 in the continuous letrozole groups). After a median follow-up of 84 months, 7-year disease-free survival (DFS) was 81.4% in the intermittent group and 81.5% in the continuous group (hazard ratio: 1.03, 95% confidence interval: 0.91-1.17). Reported adverse events were similar in both groups. Circulating estrogen recovery was demonstrated within 6 weeks after the stop of letrozole treatment. CONCLUSIONS Extended adjuvant ET by intermittent administration of letrozole did not improve DFS compared with continuous use, despite the recovery of circulating estrogen levels. The similar DFS coupled with previously reported quality-of-life advantages suggest intermittent extended treatment is a valid option for patients who require or prefer a treatment interruption.
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Ritter C, Wollmann T, Lee JY, Imle A, Müller B, Fackler OT, Bartenschlager R, Rohr K. Data fusion and smoothing for probabilistic tracking of viral structures in fluorescence microscopy images. Med Image Anal 2021; 73:102168. [PMID: 34340105 DOI: 10.1016/j.media.2021.102168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Automatic tracking of viral structures displayed as small spots in fluorescence microscopy images is an important task to determine quantitative information about cellular processes. We introduce a novel probabilistic approach for tracking multiple particles based on multi-sensor data fusion and Bayesian smoothing methods. The approach exploits multiple measurements as in a particle filter, both detection-based measurements and prediction-based measurements from a Kalman filter using probabilistic data association with elliptical sampling. Compared to previous probabilistic tracking methods, our approach exploits separate uncertainties for the detection-based and prediction-based measurements, and integrates them by a sequential multi-sensor data fusion method. In addition, information from both past and future time points is taken into account by a Bayesian smoothing method in conjunction with the covariance intersection algorithm for data fusion. Also, motion information based on displacements is used to improve correspondence finding. Our approach has been evaluated on data of the Particle Tracking Challenge and yielded state-of-the-art results or outperformed previous approaches. We also applied our approach to challenging time-lapse fluorescence microscopy data of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and hepatitis C virus proteins acquired with different types of microscopes and spatial-temporal resolutions. It turned out, that our approach outperforms existing methods.
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Müller B, Kropp P, Cardona MI, Michalowsky B, van den Berg N, Teipel S, Hoffmann W, Thyrian JR. Types of leisure time physical activities (LTPA) of community-dwelling persons who have been screened positive for dementia. BMC Geriatr 2021; 21:270. [PMID: 33892624 PMCID: PMC8063325 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-021-02201-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To (a) describe the pattern of leisure time physical activities (LTPA) in community-dwelling persons who have been screened positive for dementia and (b) determine the health-related and sociodemographic factors associated with LTPA. Methods Data of the general practitioner-based, randomized, controlled intervention trial, DelpHi-MV (Dementia: life- and person-centered help in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania) were used. Patients aged 70 years or older, who lived at home and had a DemTect< 9 were informed about the study by their General practitioners and invited to participate. Data from 436 participants with complete baseline data were used. Standardized, computer-assisted assessments were made during face-to-face interviews at the participants’ homes. Results Two hundred thirty-eight patients (54.6%) carried out LTPA (men 58.4%, women 51.8%). Physically active patients mentioned one to two different activities; diversity of LTPA was higher for men than for women. The most-frequently mentioned types of activity were gardening (35.3%), cycling (24.1%) and mobility training (12.4%); there was only a statistically significant difference between men and women in cycling, χ2(1) = 21.47, p < .001. The odds of LTPA increased with increasing quality of life (OR = 2.41), lower impairments in activities of daily living (OR = 0.85), and living in a rural environment (OR = 2.02). Conclusions Our findings suggest that people who have been screened positive for dementia living in a rural area are more likely to be active than people living in an urban area. Following studies should investigate whether this difference has an effect on the progression of dementia. Trial registration ClinicalTrial.gov Identifier NCT01401582. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-021-02201-1.
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Müller M, Kaegi-Braun N, Schuetz P, Müller B, Kutz A. Association of nutritional support with in-hospital mortality in malnourished medical patients. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2020.09.605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Hersberger L, Bürgler H, Dietz A, Schuetz P, Müller B, Bargetzi L, Bargetzi A. Individualized nutritional support in congestive heart failure inpatients at nutritional risk secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2020.09.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Bargetzi L, Schütz P, Müller B, Bargetzi M, Brack C, Herrmann J, Bargetzi A, Hersberger L. Association of different cancer types and benefit from nutritional support in patients at nutritional risk: secondary analysis of a prospective randomized trial. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2020.09.460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Gronbach M, Mitrach F, Lidzba V, Müller B, Möller S, Rother S, Salbach-Hirsch J, Hofbauer LC, Schnabelrauch M, Hintze V, Hacker MC, Schulz-Siegmund M. Scavenging of Dickkopf-1 by macromer-based biomaterials covalently decorated with sulfated hyaluronan displays pro-osteogenic effects. Acta Biomater 2020; 114:76-89. [PMID: 32673749 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2020.07.017] [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: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Dickkopf-1 (DKK1), a Wnt inhibitor secreted by bone marrow stromal cells (MSC), is known to play an important role in long-term non-union bone fracture defects and glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis. Mitigating its effects in early bone defects could improve osteogenesis and bone defect healing. Here, we applied a biomaterial strategy to deplete a defect environment from DKK1 by scavenging the protein via a macromer-based biomaterial covalently decorated with sulfated hyaluronan (sHA3). The material consisted of cross-copolymerized three-armed macromers with a small anchor molecule. Using the glycidyl anchor, polyetheramine (ED900) could be grafted to the material to which sHA3 was efficiently coupled in a separate step. For thorough investigation of material modification, flat material surfaces were generated by fabricating them on glass discs. The binding capability of sHA3 for DKK1 was demonstrated in this study by surface plasmon resonance measurements. Furthermore, the surfaces demonstrated the ability to scavenge and inactivate pathologic amounts of DKK1 from complex media. In a combinatory approach with Wnt3a, we were able to demonstrate that DKK1 is the preferred binding partner of our sHA3-functionalized surfaces. We validated our findings in a complex in vitro setting of differentiating SaOS-2 cells and primary hMSC. Here, endogenous DKK-1 was scavenged resulting in increased osteogenic differentiation indicating that this is a consistent biological effect irrespective of the model system used. Our study provides insights in the mechanisms and efficiency of sHA3 surface functionalization for DKK1 scavenging, which may be used in a clinical context in the future.
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Müller B, Dresler T, Gaul C, Jürgens T, Kropp P, Rehfeld A, Reis O, Ruscheweyh R, Straube A, Förderreuther S. Use of outpatient medical care by headache patients in Germany: a population-based cross-sectional study. J Headache Pain 2020; 21:49. [PMID: 32393247 PMCID: PMC7212612 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-020-01099-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Headache sufferers in need of professional health care often do not utilize the care available, and factors influencing headache-specific physician consultation are not yet understood. Objectives of this study are (1) to assess self-reported headache-specific physician consultations and (2) to identify headache-related and sociodemographic predictors. Methods Data of a random sample of the general population in Germany aged ≥14 years were analyzed (N = 2461). A multivariate binary logistic regression was conducted to identify a parsimonious model to predict physician consultation. Results 50.7% of the participants with headache reported at least one headache-specific physician consultation during lifetime. Of these, 53.6% had seen one, 26.1% two, and 20.3% more than two physicians because of their headaches. The odds of physician consultation increased with the number of headache days per month (HDM) [(reference HDM < 1) HDM 1–3 (OR = 2.29), HDM 4–14 (OR = 2.41), and HDM ≥15 (OR = 4.83)] and increasing Headache Impact Test score (HIT-6) [(reference “no or little impact”) moderate impact (OR = 1.74), substantial impact (OR = 3.01), and severe impact (OR = 5.08)]. Middle-aged participants were more likely to have consulted than younger and older ones [(reference 14–34 years) 35–54 years (OR = 1.90), 55–74 years (OR = 1.96), ≥75 years (OR = 1.02)]. The odds of physician consultation among self-employed subjects were lower than among employed manual workers (OR = 0.48). The living environment (rural versus urban) did not have an influence on the consultation frequency. Conclusion The results indicate that apart from burden-related factors (headache frequency; headache impact), health care utilization patterns are also influenced by patients’ occupational status and age. Further research is needed to analyze whether the lower consultation rate means that the self-employed have a higher risk of chronification or that they have more effective self-management strategies regarding headache.
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Martínez-Pérez MJ, Müller B, Lin J, Rodriguez LA, Snoeck E, Kleiner R, Sesé J, Koelle D. Magnetic vortex nucleation and annihilation in bi-stable ultra-small ferromagnetic particles. NANOSCALE 2020; 12:2587-2595. [PMID: 31939948 DOI: 10.1039/c9nr08557b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Vortex-mediated magnetization reversal in individual ultra-small (∼100 nm) ferromagnetic particles at low temperatures is studied by nanoSQUID magnetometry. At zero applied bias field, the flux-closure magnetic state (vortex) and the quasi uniform configuration are bi-stable. This stems from the extremely small size of the nanoparticles that lies very close to the limit of single-domain formation. The analysis of the temperature-dependent (from 0.3 to 70 K) hysteresis of the magnetization allows us to infer the nature of the ground state magnetization configuration. The latter corresponds to a vortex state as also confirmed by electron holography experiments. Based on the simultaneous analysis of the vortex nucleation and annihilation data, we estimate the magnitude of the energy barriers separating the quasi single-domain and the vortex state and their field dependence. For this purpose, we use a modified power-law scaling of the energy barriers as a function of the applied bias field. These studies are essential to test the thermal and temporal stability of flux-closure states stabilized in ultra-small ferromagnets.
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Brandes K, Leuzinger K, Rogge G, Müller B, Teifke J. Conjunctival Papillomas and Corneal Squamous Cell Carcinomas After Long-term Ciclosporin Treatment in Four Brachycephalic Dogs with Chronic Keratitis. J Comp Pathol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2019.10.188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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