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Abstract Objective To compare colorectal cancer (CRC) incidences in carriers of pathogenic variants of the MMR genes in the PLSD and IMRC cohorts, of which only the former included mandatory colonoscopy surveillance for all participants. Methods CRC incidences were calculated in an intervention group comprising a cohort of confirmed carriers of pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in mismatch repair genes (path_MMR) followed prospectively by the Prospective Lynch Syndrome Database (PLSD). All had colonoscopy surveillance, with polypectomy when polyps were identified. Comparison was made with a retrospective cohort reported by the International Mismatch Repair Consortium (IMRC). This comprised confirmed and inferred path_MMR carriers who were first- or second-degree relatives of Lynch syndrome probands. Results In the PLSD, 8,153 subjects had follow-up colonoscopy surveillance for a total of 67,604 years and 578 carriers had CRC diagnosed. Average cumulative incidences of CRC in path_MLH1 carriers at 70 years of age were 52% in males and 41% in females; for path_MSH2 50% and 39%; for path_MSH6 13% and 17% and for path_PMS2 11% and 8%. In contrast, in the IMRC cohort, corresponding cumulative incidences were 40% and 27%; 34% and 23%; 16% and 8% and 7% and 6%. Comparing just the European carriers in the two series gave similar findings. Numbers in the PLSD series did not allow comparisons of carriers from other continents separately. Cumulative incidences at 25 years were < 1% in all retrospective groups. Conclusions Prospectively observed CRC incidences (PLSD) in path_MLH1 and path_MSH2 carriers undergoing colonoscopy surveillance and polypectomy were higher than in the retrospective (IMRC) series, and were not reduced in path_MSH6 carriers. These findings were the opposite to those expected. CRC point incidence before 50 years of age was reduced in path_PMS2 carriers subjected to colonoscopy, but not significantly so.

Compounds that block the function of connexin and pannexin protein channels have been suggested to be valuable therapeutics for a range of diseases. Some of these compounds are now in clinical trials, but for many of them, the literature is inconclusive about the molecular effect on the tissue, despite evidence of functional recovery. Blocking the different channel types has distinct physiological and pathological implications and this review describes current knowledge of connexin and pannexin protein channels, their function as channels and possible mechanisms of the channel block effect for the latest therapeutic compounds. We summarize the evidence implicating pannexins and connexins in disease, considering their homeostatic versus pathological roles, their contribution to excesive ATP release linked to disease onset and progression.

The genus Nepenthes (Nepenthaceae) in Peninsular Malaysia includes fourteen species that can be found from the sea-level to over 1000 m in the mountains. Our observation indicated that Nepenthes can be found in five major habitat types: specifically in tropical lowland evergreen rain forest, heath forest, peat swamp forest, montane forest, and limestone forest. Their leaves have several anatomical characters that remain underexplored. There were specific differences between species that could be potential identification characters. The following anatomical characteristics were explored for their diagnostic value and comprised of ten distinct anatomical characteristics in Nepenthes, viz., density and stomatal index (SI), hypodermis cell – cell layers, occurrence of fiber groups mixed with the hypodermis cells, adaxial cuticle thickness, vascular bundle arrangement, midrib outline shape, venation plasticity, druses appearance and appendage/trichome type.

ABSTRACT Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) measurement is commonly performed in diabetes mellitus patients to monitor glycemic control over the last three to four months. Carbamylated hemoglobin, which is the hemoglobin that binds to isocyanic acid derived from urea, is one of the possible analytical interference in the uremic patient. When measured by ion-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), carbamylated hemoglobin forms a peak that overlaps the peak of HbA1c, causing a falsely elevated HbA1c result. We report a case of a 60-years-old man who had a spurious increase in HbA1c, with a high carbamylated hemoglobin peak disproportionate to the urea value. Subsequent hemoglobin analysis using hemoglobin electrophoresis and HPLC hemoglobin testing system suggested hemoglobin J (Hb J) variant. Our case highlighted the possibility of misleading HbA1c interpretation in the presence of a high carbamylated hemoglobin peak, but not proportionate to urea value. In this study, Hb J was detected. A method free from hemoglobin variant interference should be used ideally, and monitoring glycemic control should be performed using alternative methods, such as serum fructosamine or continuous glucose monitoring.

The demand for composite fiber material is significantly high due to its excellent mechanical properties and its use in various industries. Recently, with the increasing awareness of environmental issues, researchers are now focusing more on eco-friendly and green materials. A biocomposite offers a good balance of strength and stiffness ratio, bending and membrane mechanical properties, balanced thermal distortion stability, reduced weight and cost, improved fatigue resistance, reduced notch sensitivity, and, comparatively, better performance than synthetic composites. Yet, due to the complex anisotropy of the composite material, the inspection and detection of inner defects become a challenge. Long-pulse thermography is one of the non-destructive evaluations (NDEs) used to detect defects in composite materials. However, very limited research has been carried out on the usage of a low-resolution infrared camera to perform defect or damage inspection on flax composite laminates. In this paper, an experimental setup of a long pulse thermography system using low-resolution infrared camera was performed on flax bio-composite to identify impact and lightning damage. The result highlights that with control parameters, a low-resolution infrared camera has the capability to capture the lightning and impact defects of flax biocomposites using the long-pulse thermography system. An image processing method is then applied to the defect to improve the quality of defect detection and reduce background noise.

This article describes the data of raw material compositions for formulating the diet for Indonesian short-fin eel, Anguilla bicolor Anguilla bicolor McClelland, 1844 elver. The data on growth performance, survival and feed utilization of eel elver from the formulated diet test results are also presented here. Four formulated diets and one commercial feed were tested for the eel elver. The formulated diet was formulated from animal and plant based protein sources such as; fish meal, cornmeal, soybean meal, fine bran, ebi-shrimp meal, golden snail meal, bloodmeal, and tapioca flour. Vitamins and minerals were added into the diet. In addition, probiotics and papain enzyme and its combination were also included into the experimental diets to boost the growth performance, survival and feed utilization of the fish. The tested treatments were; (A) commercial diet without probiotic and papain enzyme, (B) experimental diet without probiotic and papain enzyme, (C) experimental diet with probiotic 10 ml kg−1 feed, (D) experimental diet with papain enzyme 10 g kg−1 feed, (E) experimental diet with probiotic 10 ml kg−1 + papain 10 g kg−1 feed, (F) experimental diet with probiotic 5 ml kg−1 + papain 5 g kg−1 feed. Each experimental fish group was fed on an experimental diet twice a day at 08.00 AM and 06.00 PM at feeding level of 10% body weight for 60 days. The results showed that the weight gain ranged between 4.60 g to 5.92 g, daily growth rate between 0.063 g day−1 and 0.098 g per day−1, the specific growth rate varies from 0.72% day−1 to 1.35% day−1, survival rate 50.00% to 73.33%, feed conversion ratio from 2.35 to 4.17, and feed efficiency between 41.82% to 58.98%. The best treatment was found in fish fed on the experimental diet with papain enzyme 10 g kg−1 of feed

Summary: The aim of the present study was to assess and compare the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern against a panel of antibiotics and molecular and methicillin resistance-associated genotypes of 120 carriage S. aureus isolates previously isolated from a student population at two isolation events within a one-month interval. The antibiotic susceptibility of isolates was determined using the Kirby-Bauer disc-diffusion method (cefoxitin by Etest). The MRSA was screened using polymerase chain reaction for the presence of the mecA gene. The mecA-positive isolates were subjected to staphylococcal cassette chromosome (SCC) mec typing, multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and eBURST analysis. All isolates were characterized for the presence of the Panton–Valentine leukocidin (PVL) gene, an enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus-polymerase chain reaction (ERIC-PCR) pattern and the spa type. For the two occasions where S. aureus was isolated, the highest frequency of resistance was observed for penicillin (70% and 65%, respectively), with a lower rate against erythromycin and tetracycline (

The present study is a pursuit to define implications of dual cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) (DuCLOX-2/5) inhibition on various aspects of cancer augmentation and chemoprevention. The monotherapy and combination therapy of zaltoprofen (COX-2 inhibitor) and zileuton (5-LOX inhibitor) were validated for their effect against methyl nitrosourea (MNU) induced mammary gland carcinoma in albino wistar rats. The combination therapy demarcated significant effect upon the cellular proliferation as evidenced through decreased in alveolar bud count and restoration of the histopathological architecture when compared to toxic control. DuCLOX-2/5 inhibition also upregulated levels of caspase-3 and caspase-8, and restored oxidative stress markers (GSH, TBARs, protein carbonyl, SOD and catalase). The immunoblotting and qRT-PCR studies revealed the participation of the mitochondrial mediated death apoptosis pathway along with favorable regulation of COX-2, 5-LOX. Aforementioned combination restored the metabolic changes to normal when scrutinized through 1H NMR studies. Henceforth, the DuCLOX-2/5 inhibition was recorded to import significant anticancer effects in comparison to either of the individual treatments.

The objective of the present study was to determine the best concentration of urea solution and rinsing time to remove adhesiveness of African catfish eggs. Four different concentrations of rinse solution were used in this experiment comprising of 2 g, 4 g, 6 g and 8 g of urea diluted in 4 g NaCl/L of water producing a concentration of 0.486 mM, 0.973 mM, 1.458 mM, and 1.946 mM of urea concentration respectively, while 4 g NaCl/L of water without urea were used as control. The fish eggs were rinsed with the solutions at different durations namely; 1, 5 and 10 minutes. Each rinsing solution concentration and rinsing time were conducted in three replicates. The fertilization and hatching rates increased and peaked from the control (0 mM of urea) to 0.466 mN urea and decreased when concentration of urea was increased to 0.973 mM urea and 1.458 mM urea, then increased again at 1.946 mM urea, but these values were lower than at 0.486 mM urea. Thus, the best concentration for fertilization and hatching rates were 0.486 urea of urea. However 0.973 mM of urea was optimum in reducing clumping of eggs.

A double-lateral-gate p-type junctionless transistor is fabricated on a low-doped (1015) silicon-on-insulator wafer by a lithography technique based on scanning probe microscopy and two steps of wet chemical etching. The experimental transfer characteristics are obtained and compared with the numerical characteristics of the device. The simulation results are used to investigate the pinch-off mechanism, from the flat band to the off state. The study is based on the variation of the carrier density and the electric-field components. The device is a pinch-off transistor, which is normally in the on state and is driven into the off state by the application of a positive gate voltage. We demonstrate that the depletion starts from the bottom corner of the channel facing the gates and expands toward the center and top of the channel. Redistribution of the carriers due to the electric field emanating from the gates creates an electric field perpendicular to the current, toward the bottom of the channel, which provides the electrostatic squeezing of the current.

Background: Risk taking behaviour refers to the tendency to engage in behaviours that have the potential to be harmful or dangerous, which has become a major concern and is rated as one of the public health issues that need special attention. The objective of the study was to compare the prevalence of risk taking behaviour and its associated factors among urban and rural adolescents. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 306 adolescents by multistage sampling from two selected schools with involvement of their parents. Results: The prevalence of risk taking behaviours was 81.7% in the urban and 83.7% in the rural area ( p = 0.650). Parental background factors such as parent’s education level, marital status, health status, and income were unrelated with risk taking behaviour among adolescents. The multiple logistic regression test showed that being a male (AOR = 4.55, 95% CI = 2.28–9.07), inadequate number of bedrooms (AOR = 11.54, 95% CI = 1.48–89.75), and presence of family conflict (AOR = 3.64, 95% CI = 1.49–8.89) were the predictors among adolescents for risk taking behaviour in rural areas. Conclusion: The absence of a balanced healthy family and conducive environment would lead to a negative influence towards adolescent behaviour, which may affect both the individual and community.

The aboriginal populations of Peninsular Malaysia, also known as Orang Asli (OA), comprise three major groups; Semang, Senoi and Proto-Malays. Here, we analyzed for the first time KIR gene polymorphisms for 167 OA individuals, including those from four smallest OA subgroups (Che Wong, Orang Kanaq, Lanoh and Kensiu) using polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific primer (PCR-SSP) analyses. The observed distribution of KIR profiles of OA is heterogenous; Haplotype B is the most frequent in the Semang subgroups (especially Batek) while Haplotype A is the most common type in the Senoi. The Semang subgroups were clustered together with the Africans, Indians, Papuans and Australian Aborigines in a principal component analysis (PCA) plot and shared many common genotypes (AB6, BB71, BB73 and BB159) observed in these other populations. Given that these populations also display high frequencies of Haplotype B, it is interesting to speculate that Haplotype B may be generally more frequent in ancient populations. In contrast, the two Senoi subgroups, Che Wong and Semai are displaced toward Southeast Asian and African populations in the PCA scatter plot, respectively. Orang Kanaq, the smallest and the most endangered of all OA subgroups, has lost some degree of genetic variation, as shown by their relatively high frequency of the AB2 genotype (0.73) and a total absence of KIR2DL2 and KIR2DS2 genes. Orang Kanaq tradition that strictly prohibits intermarriage with outsiders seems to have posed a serious threat to their survival. This present survey is a demonstration of the value of KIR polymorphisms in elucidating genetic relationships among human populations.

Objective: A recent literature review has shown rekin-dled interest in the use of estramustine phosphate (EMP) inpatients with advanced prostatic cancer. This led us to assess prostate specific antigen (PSA ) response and drug tolerability following EMP therapy inpatients with hor-mone refractory prostate cancer Patients and Methods: Twenty-five patients with a mean age of 73.5 years (range 49 to 85 years) received EMP for hormone insensitive prostate cancer from January 1996 onwards. They were received at 6 weeks initially followed by 3 monthly intervals to monitor further progression of disease. At each visit clinical examination and blood chem-istry (PSA, etc) was done and further investigations, i.e., bone scan, CT scan, etc. were requested if thought neces-sary. Results: According to the WHO score of pain 71 %found immediate symptomatic relief following EMP treatment but only 29% were pain free after one year PSA level showed a persistent decline of> 50% of pre-treatment value in 16 patients (64%) at 6 weeks. However, at 1 year 22% had either a still declining PSA or had reached a stable nadir PSA level while the rest showed rising PSA suggesting in-sensitivity to EMP. Three out of 5 patients (excluding I patient with intolerance at 2 months) with> 80% decrease in PSA at 6 weeks had longer period of progression free interval (1 year in 2 and 2 years in 1 patient). The treat-ment was generally well tolerated (72%) as only 7 patients had to discontinue EMP because of severe side ef-fects. Conclusions: EMP treatment in patients with hormone escaped prostatic cancer does produce immediate PSA response which is reflected simultaneously in pain improve-ment in the majority of cases but overall the benefit is shortlived. Patients who have> 80% reduction in pre-treat-ment PSA value at 6 weeks may have longer period of pro-gressionfree intervals. However EMP was generally well tolerated.

Through sustainable development goals 3 and 8 and other policies, countries have committed to protect and promote workers' health by reducing the work-related burden of disease. To monitor progress on these commitments, indicators that capture the work-related burden of disease should be available for monitoring workers' health and sustainable development. The World Health Organization and the International Labour Organization estimate that only 363 283 (19%) of 1 879 890 work-related deaths globally in 2016 were due to injuries, whereas 1 516 607 (81%) deaths were due to diseases. Most monitoring systems focusing on workers' health or sustainable development, such as the global indicator framework for the sustainable development goals, include an indicator on the burden of occupational injuries. Few such systems, however, have an indicator on the burden of work-related diseases. To address this gap, we present a new global indicator: mortality rate from diseases attributable to selected occupational risk factors, by disease, risk factor, sex and age group. We outline the policy rationale of the indicator, describe its data sources and methods of calculation, and report and analyse the official indicator for 183 countries. We also provide examples of the use of the indicator in national workers' health monitoring systems and highlight the indicator's strengths and limitations. We conclude that integrating the new indicator into monitoring systems will provide more comprehensive and accurate surveillance of workers' health, and allow harmonization across global, regional and national monitoring systems. Inequalities in workers' health can be analysed and the evidence base can be improved towards more effective policy and systems on workers' health. Par le biais des objectifs de developpement durable 3 et 8 ainsi que d'autres mesures, plusieurs pays se sont engages a proteger et promouvoir la sante des travailleurs en reduisant l'impact des maladies liees au travail. Mais pour evaluer leurs progres en la matiere, il convient de mettre en place des indicateurs estimant l'impact des maladies liees au travail afin de placer le developpement durable et la sante des travailleurs sous surveillance. D'apres l'Organisation mondiale de la Sante et l'Organisation internationale du Travail, seulement 363 283 (19%) des 1 879 890 deces lies au travail dans le monde en 2016 decoulaient de blessures, tandis que 1 516 607 (81%) d'entre eux etaient causes par des maladies. La plupart des systemes de surveillance qui s'interessent a la sante des travailleurs ou au developpement durable, comme le cadre mondial d'indicateurs pour les objectifs de developpement durable, comportent un indicateur relatif a l'impact des accidents de travail. Cependant, rares sont ceux qui possedent un indicateur concernant l'impact des maladies professionnelles. Pour combler cette lacune, nous devoilons un nouvel indicateur mondial: le taux de mortalite du aux maladies attribuables a certains facteurs de risque professionnels classe par maladie, facteur de risque, sexe et categorie d'age. Nous exposons le motif politique de l'indicateur, decrivons l'origine des donnees et les methodes de calcul, et communiquons et analysons l'indicateur officiel pour 183 pays. Nous fournissons egalement des exemples de la facon dont l'indicateur peut etre utilise dans des systemes nationaux de surveillance de la sante des travailleurs et soulignons ses forces et faiblesses. Nous concluons en affirmant que l'integration de ce nouvel indicateur dans les systemes de surveillance offrira un suivi plus complet et precis de la sante des travailleurs et ouvrira la voie a une harmonisation des systemes mondiaux, nationaux et regionaux. Il est possible d'analyser les inegalites en matiere de sante des travailleurs et d'en ameliorer les bases factuelles afin d'etablir des politiques et systemes plus efficaces dans ce domaine. A traves de los objetivos de desarrollo sostenlble 3 y 8 y de otras politicas, los paises se han comprometido a proteger y promover la salud de los trabajadores reduciendo la carga de morbilidad relacionada con el trabajo. Para supervisar los avances en el cumplimiento de estos compromisos, deberia disponerse de indicadores que reflejen la carga de morbilidad relacionada con el trabajo, a fin de controlar la salud de los trabajadores y el desarrollo sostenible. La Organizacion Mundial de la Salud y la Organizacion Internacional del Trabajo estiman que solo 363 283 (19%) de las 1 879 890 muertes relacionadas con el trabajo a nivel mundial en 2016 se debieron a lesiones, mientras que 1 516 607 (81%) muertes se debieron a enfermedades. La mayoria de los sistemas de vigilancia centrados en la salud de los trabajadores o el desarrollo sostenible, como el marco de indicadores mundiales para los objetivos de desarrollo sostenible, incluyen un indicador sobre la carga de las lesiones laborales. No obstante, pocos de estos sistemas cuentan con un indicador sobre la carga de las enfermedades relacionadas con el trabajo. Para subsanar esta carencia, presentamos un nuevo indicador mundial: la tasa de mortalidad por enfermedades atribuibles a factores de riesgo laborales seleccionados, por enfermedad, factor de riesgo, sexo y grupo de edad. Describimos la justificacion politica del indicador, describimos sus fuentes de datos y metodos de calculo, e informamos y analizamos el indicador oficial para 183 paises. Tambien proporcionamos ejemplos del uso del indicador en los sistemas nacionales de vigilancia de la salud de los trabajadores y destacamos las ventajas y las limitaciones del indicador. Concluimos que la integracion del nuevo indicador en los sistemas de vigilancia proporcionara una vigilancia mas exhaustiva y precisa de la salud de los trabajadores, y permitira la armonizacion entre los sistemas de vigilancia mundiales, regionales y nacionales. Se podran analizar las desigualdades en la salud de los trabajadores y se podra mejorar la base de evidencias para lograr politicas y sistemas mas eficaces en materia de salud de los trabajadores., Introduction Countries have made policy commitments through the sustainable development goals (SDGs) to ensure health and promote decent work for all. (1) SDG targets 3.9 and 8.8 are to 'substantially [...]

A 66-year-old man underwent transurethral bladder outlet surgery over 6 years on five occasions without im-provement and without any pressure flow studies. To un-derstand fully the aetiology of post-transurethral resection voiding problems and symptoms, a proper urodynamie evaluation is mandatory.

Cereals are consumed globally because of their nutritional values and potential to reduce malnutrition. Despite their usefulness, cereals are prone to aflatoxin contamination. Aflatoxins are highly toxic and carcinogenic secondary metabolic products that contaminate agricultural products consumed by humans. Studies have shown that aflatoxin is found in cereals at a high level. Human exposure to aflatoxin through food and feed results in a wide range of health issues, including a weakened immune system and cancer. Worst, it can cause death depending on the level and extent of exposure. Several climate-induced factors, such as drought, can trigger aflatoxin production worldwide, especially in Africa, where the environment is conducive. Several precautions have been taken to mitigate human exposure to aflatoxin, including strict regulations, pre- and post-harvest contamination prevention, detoxification, and decontamination. In addition, good farm management and practices, and awareness creation and education can help to reduce aflatoxin contamination and exposure, if not eradicate it. The current review detailed the up-to-date information on aflatoxin occurrence, health implications, and control measures for aflatoxin in cereals to ensure food safety and human well-being. This review also illuminated the potential hazards of human exposure to aflatoxin beyond the permissible level, particularly in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the association between online students' interaction through the Learning Management System (LMS) discussion forum and their reported course satisfaction. The participants in the study reported here were selected from several faculties in one university in Malaysia who were enrolled in at least one hybrid or fully online course. The Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework, its instrument and satisfaction scale were employed in this study via a Qualtrics online survey. Teaching presence in the CoI was used to find out how strong it correlated with students' course satisfaction. The results showed that both variables were significantly positively associated with each other; indicating that students who enjoyed a relatively high teaching presence in online discussions were very likely to report higher course satisfaction.

Objective To compare colorectal cancer (CRC) incidences in carriers of pathogenic variants of the MMR genes in the PLSD and IMRC cohorts, of which only the former included mandatory colonoscopy surveillance for all participants. Methods CRC incidences were calculated in an intervention group comprising a cohort of confirmed carriers of pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in mismatch repair genes (path_MMR) followed prospectively by the Prospective Lynch Syndrome Database (PLSD). All had colonoscopy surveillance, with polypectomy when polyps were identified. Comparison was made with a retrospective cohort reported by the International Mismatch Repair Consortium (IMRC). This comprised confirmed and inferred path_MMR carriers who were first- or second-degree relatives of Lynch syndrome probands. Results In the PLSD, 8,153 subjects had follow-up colonoscopy surveillance for a total of 67,604 years and 578 carriers had CRC diagnosed. Average cumulative incidences of CRC in path_MLH1 carriers at 70 years of age were 52% in males and 41% in females; for path_MSH2 50% and 39%; for path_MSH6 13% and 17% and for path_PMS2 11% and 8%. In contrast, in the IMRC cohort, corresponding cumulative incidences were 40% and 27%; 34% and 23%; 16% and 8% and 7% and 6%. Comparing just the European carriers in the two series gave similar findings. Numbers in the PLSD series did not allow comparisons of carriers from other continents separately. Cumulative incidences at 25 years were < 1% in all retrospective groups. Conclusions Prospectively observed CRC incidences (PLSD) in path_MLH1 and path_MSH2 carriers undergoing colonoscopy surveillance and polypectomy were higher than in the retrospective (IMRC) series, and were not reduced in path_MSH6 carriers. These findings were the opposite to those expected. CRC point incidence before 50 years of age was reduced in path_PMS2 carriers subjected to colonoscopy, but not significantly so. Keywords: Lynch Syndrome, Epidemiology, Prevention, Penetrance, Colorectal cancer, Segregation analysis, Prospective, Incidence, Over-diagnosis, Colonoscopy, Author(s): Pål Maller[sup.1], Toni Seppälä[sup.2,3,4], James G. Dowty[sup.5], Saskia Haupt[sup.6,7], Mev Dominguez-Valentin[sup.1], Lone Sunde[sup.8,9], Inge Bernstein[sup.10,11], Christoph Engel[sup.12], Stefan Aretz[sup.13], Maartje Nielsen[sup.14], Gabriel Capella[sup.15], Dafydd Gareth Evans[sup.16], John Burn[sup.17], Elke [...]

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