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Comparison of the Allplex TM Respiratory Panel Assays and the automated Fast Track Diagnostics Respiratory pathogens 21 assay for the diagnosis of pediatric respiratory viral infections. Arch Virol 2020; 165:1191-1196. [PMID: 32232675 PMCID: PMC7105963 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-020-04593-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Acute respiratory tract infections frequently occur in children and represent one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Quick and accurate pathogen detection can lead to a more appropriate use of antimicrobial treatment as well as timely implementation of isolation precautions. In the last decade, several commercial assays have been developed for the simultaneous diagnosis of respiratory pathogens, which substantially vary in formulation and performance characteristics. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of the “AllplexTM Respiratory Panel Assays” (Seegene) with that of the automated “Fast Track Diagnostics Respiratory pathogens 21” assay (Siemens) for the diagnosis of pediatric respiratory viral infections. One hundred forty-five nasopharyngeal wash samples, collected at the Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital in Rome during the fall-winter 2017-2018 season, were processed and analyzed with both workflows. Our results suggest a high concordance between the two methods for positive and negative samples. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated with both tests as a reference method. For the AllplexTM Respiratory Panel Assays, they were 98% and 100%, respectively, and for the Fast Track Diagnostics Respiratory pathogens 21 assay, they were both 100%. This comparative study allowed us to highlight the characteristics of the two assays to evaluate the best solution, on the basis of diagnostic routine and laboratory workflows, keeping in mind local epidemiology.
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Comparative analysis of 2 commercial molecular tests for the detection of gastroenteric viruses on stool samples. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 96:114893. [PMID: 31677959 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2019.114893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our purpose was to compare the performance of 2 recently introduced molecular tests for the identification of gastrointestinal viral infections. METHODS One hundred fecal samples from pediatric patients were analyzed using 2 workflows, each including nucleic acids extraction and multiplex Real-Time PCR: Allplex™ GI-Virus Assay and FTD Viral gastroenteritis. The agreement was evaluated calculating Cohen's kappa and applying McNemar's test. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Allplex and FTD assays showed 100% overall agreement for Norovirus GI/GII and Sapovirus (κ: 1.00), and 99% for Astrovirus (κ: 0.66). A lower agreement was detected for Adenovirus (89%; κ: 0.72) and Rotavirus (91%, k: 0.53), owing to samples resulted positive only with FTD test. The discrepancies were attributed to a different efficiency of extraction/amplification and to the different Adenovirus serotype specificity of the tests since Allplex detects only AdVF40 and AdVF41. FTD test should be used when non enteric adenovirus could have a clinical significance.
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Abstract
Urinary incontinence during sexual intercourse refers to overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome and it is divided in incontinence during penetration and during orgasm. 480 women with low urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) were divided in a) affected by probable genuine stress incontinence, b) probable Urge-stress incontinence, c) probable Urge Incontinence, to specify incidence. Materials and Methods In Group C (186 women) 36 women, age range 24 to 56 years, with urinary incontinence only during sexual intercourse, were selected: 16 during orgasm (group I), 20 during penetration (group II). These patients filled in specific validated questionnaires (ICI-9), urinary recordings and, after urine exam, they underwent US study of urinary tract with post-micturition evaluation. The patients with other urological diseases or pelvic prolapse in stage II of POP-Q or higher were excluded. Patients were referred to physiatric evaluation and urodynamic exam with cystomanometry and perineal EMG, with provocative tests and after pressure-flow study. Results Cystocele was found in 4 out of 16 women in Group I, and in 6 out of 20 in Group II. No patients showed basic detrusor hyperactivity during cystomanometry. In Group I: 50% had detrusor hyperactivity and 18.75% had prolonged perineal relaxation. In Group II 30% had detrusor hyperactivity and 35% had prolonged perineal deficit. Results suggest parasympathetic deficiency in Group I and sympathetic deficiency in Group II.
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[Sexual activity and urinary incontinence in women]. Urologia 2009; 76:203-206. [PMID: 21086293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
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Sexual dysfunction in chronic hepatitis C virus patients treated with interferon alpha and ribavirin. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2009; 28:603-9. [PMID: 18778198 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2008.0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects on sexual behavior in patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with IFN alpha plus ribavirin is an understudied field. The aim of our study was to evaluate this treatment on sexual behavior. We enrolled 170 male patients affected by chronic hepatitis C that received three MIU intramuscular leukocyte Interferon alpha plus Ribavirin thrice a week for 12 months. We assessed IFN influence by using the responses to International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). The baseline values of each IIEF score were compared to those obtained at the end of months 1, 3, 6, and 12 as well as at the end of the follow-up period. At the end of month 1, we detected a significant reduction of IIEF scores with respect to basal values, for all administered items. These values were similar to those found at the end of month 3 for almost all parameters, being increased in only the scores of erectile function. At the end of treatment, all scores appeared reincreased, but only mean score of erectile function appeared similar to pretreatment value. The organism adapts itself in someway to the action of cytokine. Psychological influence of IFN on the patients could justify the partial impairment of sensation linked to sexual behavior. Our study provided some more information in quantification and qualification of sexual disturbances related to IFN plus Ribavirin administration in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.
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A RANDOMIZED TRIAL COMPARING TAMOXIFEN THERAPY VERSUS TAMOXIFEN PROPHYLAXIS IN BICALUTAMIDE INDUCED GYNAECOMASTIA. J Urol 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/s0022-5347(08)60524-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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IDENTIFICAZIONE MOLECOLARE RAPIDA DI BATTERI E DI GENI DI RESISTENZA DA FLACONI EMOCOLTURALI: ESPERIENZA PEDIATRICA. MICROBIOLOGIA MEDICA 2007. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2007.2884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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IL SEQUENZIAMENTO GENICO DEL 16S rDNA NELLA DIAGNOSI DELLE INFEZIONI DA BATTERI ANAEROBI. MICROBIOLOGIA MEDICA 2007. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2007.2885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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New technique of total phalloplasty with reinnervated latissimus dorsi myocutaneous free flap in female-to-male transsexuals. Ann Plast Surg 2007; 58:544-50. [PMID: 17452841 DOI: 10.1097/01.sap.0000245123.16757.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
From December 2001 to September 2005, the technique of total penile reconstruction with a reinnervated free latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap was used in 22 patients (24-38 years old) with gender dysphoria. These patients were followed up for at least 11 months (range, 11-44 months). All flaps survived. Complications include hematoma (7 cases), vascular thrombosis (2 cases), partial necrosis (1 case), excessive swelling of the neophallus (3 cases), and skin graft loss at the donor site (1 case). Of the 19 patients included in the final evaluation, the transplanted muscle was able to obtain contraction in 18 (95%) cases and 8 patients (42%) had sexual intercourse by contracting the muscle to stiffen and move the neopenis. The described technique of neophalloplasty proved to be a reliable technique and the muscle movement in the neophallus can be expected in almost all cases. The muscle contraction in the neophallus leads to "paradox" erection-stiffening, widening, and shortening of the neopenis, which allows for sexual intercourse in some patients. Subsequent reconstruction of the urethra is possible.
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Neo-phalloplasty with re-innervated latissimus dorsi free flap: a functional study of a novel technique. ACTA CHIRURGIAE PLASTICAE 2007; 49:3-7. [PMID: 17469438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Twenty two patients with gender dysphoria underwent neo-phalloplasties using a novel technique. Latissimus dorsi musculocutaneus re-innervated free flap was used to allow voluntary rigidity of the neo-penis. From the first 22 patients, 18 have obtained motoric function of reconstructed penis; the "paradox erection" was obtained. 14 patients came for examination after a follow-up period of mean 26.4 months. We evaluated the motility and shape changes of neo-phallus measuring its different size and dimension during relax and muscle contraction. The range of neo-phallus length in relaxed position was between 7 and 17 cm (mean 12.2 cm), its circumference in the same position had a range between 13 and 20 cm (mean 13.7 cm). All patients were able to contract the muscle with an average length reduction of 3.08 cm and an average circumference enlargement of 4 cm. In this study, the dimensions and motility were quantified demonstrating the neo-phallus function and size changes during sexual intercourse.
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Hepatitis C virus in elderly cancer patients. Eur J Intern Med 2006; 17:325-9. [PMID: 16864006 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2006.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2005] [Revised: 01/17/2006] [Accepted: 02/03/2006] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are few studies about the relationship between HCV and the development of other tumors. We consider the prevalence of HCV infection in elderly cancer patients who have tumors different from that in hepatocellular carcinoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. METHODS We evaluated the prevalence of HCV infection in 236 elderly cancer patients in comparison with 300 elderly volunteers. Cancer patients presented a variety of tumors other than hepatocarcinoma and lymphoma, namely, colorectal (n=66), breast (n=44), bladder (n=40), prostate (n=30), lung (n=22), kidney (n=15), pancreatic (n=6), thyroid (n=5), cervical (n=4), melanoma (n=3) and vaginal (n=1). RESULTS Among the 236 elderly cancer patients, 87 were positive for HCV antibodies (36%) and, among the 300 elderly patients, 32 were positive (10%). A comparison between the two groups revealed a statistically significant difference (p<0.001) between patients with kidney cancer, bladder cancer or prostate cancer, and the control group. CONCLUSIONS The high anti-HCV prevalence in elderly cancer patients may be due to several mechanisms. These patients are more prone to acquire an HCV infection because of their frequent hospitalizations and the immunological changes in patients with tumors may lower their threshold for HCV infection.
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The chromogranin-A (CgA) in prostate cancer. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2006; 43:117-26. [PMID: 16280180 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2005.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2005] [Revised: 09/08/2005] [Accepted: 09/14/2005] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is one of the most frequent tumors in men. The neuroendocrine differentiation in prostate cancer has become more widely recognized and has attracted considerable attention as a potentially new finding with major diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic implications. We investigated the role of the serum concentrations of CgA in a group of 57 patients with prostate cancer and in 61 elderly subjects with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) is the most frequently employed marker to detect neuroendocrine features. Serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), CgA and NSE levels were determined. Comparing prostate cancer group versus BPH group, the CgA level difference was 63.00 ng/ml (p<0.0001) and the PSA level difference was 50.86 mcg/ml (p<0.0001). Between prostate cancer group and control group the CgA level difference was 94.3 ng/ml (p<0.0001), the PSA level difference was 52.91 mcg/ml (p<0.0001), and the NSE level difference was 1.34 microg/l (p<0.0001). Patients with higher CgA levels had poorer prognosis and survival, compared to those with lower CgA levels. These results support the concept that serum CgA level determination before treatment is a potential prognostic factor for prostate cancer.
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[Primary hyperoxaluria and pregnancy]. MINERVA UROL NEFROL 2005; 57:341-3. [PMID: 16247357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
A rare case of pregnancy in a patient with primary hyperoxaluria type 1 is reported offering a clinical contribution for the prognostic study of a natural event such as the pregnancy on these patients. It is underlined how epicriticity of the hepatorenal system is remarkably altered during the last weeks of pregnancy with a great increase of calciuria and proteinuria with a risk of life for the patient and the newborn. In fact, during the 36rd week a caesarean section was performed due to gestosis. Moreover, the deterioration of kidney functionality doesn't decrease during post partum. Therefore, it would be advisable inform these patients about the risk of pregnancy.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) is believed to be transmitted mainly by sexual contact; epidemiological data from Africa show, however, that non-sexual transmission routes may also play an important role. To evaluate better the distribution of HHV8 infection in the Mediterranean area, we performed an age-specific seroprevalence study. METHODS Sera were collected from subjects from different geographical areas. The sera were analyzed by immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A total of 1083 patients were studied, 667 patients from various regions of Italy and 416 from Albania. The patients were stratified into six age groups. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between HHV8 and demographic data. RESULTS An overall seropositivity rate of 17.6% was observed. The highest rate was observed in Sardinia (25.0%) and the lowest was found in Albania (13.9%). The prevalence rate increased linearly with age, from 9.7% in patients belonging to the 0-14 years age group to 26.3% for patients more than 59 years old. Seropositivity for HHV8 was significantly associated with membership of the 59 years-plus age group. Rates of seropositivity were significantly higher in patients from central southern Italy (OR = 1.7) and Sardinia (OR = 1.8) than in patients from Albania. CONCLUSIONS The data suggest that HHV8 is widespread in the Mediterranean area, including regions like Albania that have not been previously investigated. The statistically significant association between HHV8 seropositivitity and increasing age suggests that non-sexual transmission routes may be involved in the spread of the virus.
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HHV 8 seroprevalence and transmission within Albanian family groups. THE NEW MICROBIOLOGICA 2003; 26:1-6. [PMID: 12578305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
The recently discovered Human Herpesvirus 8 (HHV 8) is associated with all clinical forms of Kaposi's sarcoma. While early research suggested that the virus was transmitted sexually and that it was present only in KS patients, more recent studies seem to show that infection with the virus is more common than once thought, presenting differing distribution patterns in different geographical areas. In this study we analyze seroprevalence and transmission of HHV 8 in a sample of 86 family groups from Albania. Participants were selected among families requesting routine pre-expatriation medical examinations at the Poliambulatorio Padre "L. Monti" in Tirana. Specimens were collected from 180 healthy individuals and tested for the presence of a specific antibody. Antibody anti-HHV-8 detection was performed by immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The study found an overall rate of HHV 8 seroprevalence of 20.0%. In 4.5% of couples the male and female were both positive, in 30.2% at least one partner was positive; (in 17.4% only the male was positive; in 12.8% only the female). These results support the hypothesis that HHV 8 spreads via multiple transmission routes.
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Hypospadias: Classification and criteria for surgery. Urologia 1997. [DOI: 10.1177/039156039706400404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
– The authors report on 579 cases of hypospadias operated between 1975 and 1995 (405 Balkan, 112 penile and 62 with involvement of the scrotum). The first 90 cases were treated with traditional techniques (45 Ombredanne, 25 Matthieu, 15 Duplay-Marion, 5 Brown), the most recent, from 1979 to 1995, by urethroplasty with pedunculated island strips. The authors describe these techniques applied to the various kinds of hypospadias and conclude that modern techniques (modified MAGPI, modified Standoli, Micali) permit reconstruction in one session with few complications.
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Cystic pathology of the prostate and seminal vesicles: Our experience. Urologia 1997. [DOI: 10.1177/039156039706400423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
– The authors report on their experience with 46 cases of prostatic cysts diagnosed from 1479 transrectal prostatic ultrasound exams. Twelve patients with urinary and/or seminal obstruction symptoms were treated with echo-guided needle aspiration by trans-perineal approach. Symptoms improved in all cases although there were 33.3% recurrences. The authors therefore consider echo-guided aspiration as first choice treatment for symptomatic cysts, while the more invasive methods should be used in refractory cases.
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Strictures and fistulas of the anterior urethra. Urologia 1997. [DOI: 10.1177/039156039706400405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
– The first documents of urethral surgery for urethral strictures date back to the 4th century BC. In the past, endoscopic surgery was the best solution for most urologists. Nowadays, literature shows that the approach to urethral strictures depends on the degree of involvement of the spongy body. The choice of surgical reconstruction technique depends on the anatomical differences in the anterior portion of the urethra, which is divided anatomically into navicular, penile and bulbar. The gold standard for urethroplasty of the navicular urethra is the free graft which can take root due to the presence of glandular tissue. Techniques using a preputial pedunculated graft are good for penile urethra, while a free graft of preputial origin, that has first been perforated and then tubularised, is suggested for very long strictures (> 5 cm). Epidermal or mucosal free grafts can be used for bulbous urethral strictures, due to the presence of thick spongy tissue. The urethra should be completely substituted with a neo-urethra formed by preputial pedunculated and tubularised graft only for wide strictures with associated fibrosis of the spongy portion. Recurrent strictures can be treated twice with surgery.
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Trattamento Della Induratio Penis Plastica Con Infiltrazioni Di Orgoteina. Urologia 1989. [DOI: 10.1177/039156038905600202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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[Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in carcinoma of the upper urinary tract and bladder. Immunohistochemical study]. Pathologica 1986; 78:451-8. [PMID: 3302887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
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[Therapeutic activity of aztreonam in the treatment of acute and chronic urinary infections]. MINERVA UROL NEFROL 1986; 38:65-9. [PMID: 3738680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Attuali Orientamenti in Tema Di Calcolosi Renale Infetta. Urologia 1984. [DOI: 10.1177/039156038405142s04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Valutazione Clinica E Batteriologica Dell'Attività Del Rocefin (Ceftriaxone) in Paragone Alla Gentamicina in Pazienti Con Infezioni Alle Vie Urinarie. Urologia 1983. [DOI: 10.1177/039156038305000415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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