International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Research

13 pages, 2322 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Operationalization and Reporting Practices in Manuscripts Addressing Gender Differences in Biomedical Research: A Cross-Sectional Bibliographical Study

by Lori van den Hurk, Sarah Hiltner and Sabine Oertelt-Prigione

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(21), 14299; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192114299 - 1 Nov 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1756

Abstract

Historically, authors in the biomedical field have often conflated the terms sex and gender in their research significantly limiting the reproducibility of the reported results. In the present study, we investigated current reporting practices around gender in biomedical publications that claim the identification [...] Read more.

Historically, authors in the biomedical field have often conflated the terms sex and gender in their research significantly limiting the reproducibility of the reported results. In the present study, we investigated current reporting practices around gender in biomedical publications that claim the identification of “gender differences”. Our systematic research identified 1117 articles for the year 2019. After random selection of 400 publications and application of inclusion criteria, 302 articles were included for analysis. Using a systematic evaluation grid, we assessed the provided methodological detail in the operationalization of gender and the provision of gender-related information throughout the manuscript. Of the 302 articles, 69 (23%) solely addressed biological sex. The remaining articles investigated gender, yet only 15 (6.5%) offered reproducible information about the operationalization of the gender dimension studied. Followingly, these manuscripts also provided more detailed gender-specific background, analyses and discussions compared to the ones not detailing the operationalization of gender. Overall, our study demonstrated persistent inadequacies in the conceptual understanding and methodological operationalization of gender in the biomedical field. Methodological rigor correlated with more nuanced and informative reporting, highlighting the need for appropriate training to increase output quality and reproducibility in the field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Research and Public Health: Featured Review Papers)

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21 pages, 3502 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Healthcare Workers following the First SARS-CoV Epidemic of 2003: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Bastien Alberque, Catherine Laporte, Laurie Mondillon, Julien S. Baker, Martial Mermillod, George Brousse, Ukadike Chris Ugbolube, Reza Bagheri, Jean-Baptiste Bouillon-Minois and Frédéric Dutheil

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(20), 13069; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192013069 - 11 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2711

Abstract

The world is still in the grip of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, with putative psychological consequences for healthcare workers (HCWs). Exploring the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during the first SARS-CoV-1 epidemic in 2003 may inform us [...] Read more.

The world is still in the grip of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, with putative psychological consequences for healthcare workers (HCWs). Exploring the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during the first SARS-CoV-1 epidemic in 2003 may inform us of the long-term effects of the actual pandemic, as well as putative influencing factors such as contact with the virus, time effects, or the importance of some sociodemographic data. This information may help us develop efficient preventive strategies. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the prevalence of PTSD in HCWs following the SARS-CoV-1 in 2003. PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, Psychinfo, and Web of Science were searched until September 2022. Random-effects meta-analyses were stratified by the time of follow-up. We included 14 studies: 4842 HCWs (32.0 years old, 84% women). The overall prevalence of PTSD was 14% (95CI 10 to 17%). The prevalence of PTSD was 16% (8 to 24%) during the epidemic, 19% (16 to 22%) within 6 months after the epidemic, and 8% (4 to 13%) more than one year after the end of the epidemic. The longest follow-up was three years after the epidemic, with 10% of HCWs with PTSD. Nevertheless, the prevalence of PTSD was significantly lower more than one year after the end of the epidemic than the first six months after the epidemic (Coefficient −10.4, 95CI −17.6 to −3.2, p = 0.007). In conclusion, the prevalence of PTSD in HCWs was high during the first epidemic of SARS-CoV in 2003 and remained high in the long term. The lessons from the SARS-CoV-1 epidemic may help prevent a wave of PTSD following the latest COVID-19 pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Research and Public Health: Featured Review Papers)

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Review

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36 pages, 2844 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Contribution of Environmental Science to Mental Health Research: A Scoping Review

by Michaela Roberts, Kathryn Colley, Margaret Currie, Antonia Eastwood, Kuang-Heng Li, Lisa M. Avery, Lindsay C. Beevers, Isobel Braithwaite, Martin Dallimer, Zoe G. Davies, Helen L. Fisher, Christopher J. Gidlow, Anjum Memon, Ian S. Mudway, Larissa A. Naylor, Stefan Reis, Pete Smith, Stephen A. Stansfeld, Stephanie Wilkie and Katherine N. Irvine

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(7), 5278; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20075278 - 27 Mar 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 6644

Abstract

Mental health is influenced by multiple complex and interacting genetic, psychological, social, and environmental factors. As such, developing state-of-the-art mental health knowledge requires collaboration across academic disciplines, including environmental science. To assess the current contribution of environmental science to this field, a scoping [...] Read more.

Mental health is influenced by multiple complex and interacting genetic, psychological, social, and environmental factors. As such, developing state-of-the-art mental health knowledge requires collaboration across academic disciplines, including environmental science. To assess the current contribution of environmental science to this field, a scoping review of the literature on environmental influences on mental health (including conditions of cognitive development and decline) was conducted. The review protocol was developed in consultation with experts working across mental health and environmental science. The scoping review included 202 English-language papers, published between 2010 and 2020 (prior to the COVID-19 pandemic), on environmental themes that had not already been the subject of recent systematic reviews; 26 reviews on climate change, flooding, air pollution, and urban green space were additionally considered. Studies largely focused on populations in the USA, China, or Europe and involved limited environmental science input. Environmental science research methods are primarily focused on quantitative approaches utilising secondary datasets or field data. Mental health measurement was dominated by the use of self-report psychometric scales. Measures of environmental states or exposures were often lacking in specificity (e.g., limited to the presence or absence of an environmental state). Based on the scoping review findings and our synthesis of the recent reviews, a research agenda for environmental science’s future contribution to mental health scholarship is set out. This includes recommendations to expand the geographical scope and broaden the representation of different environmental science areas, improve measurement of environmental exposure, prioritise experimental and longitudinal research designs, and giving greater consideration to variation between and within communities and the mediating pathways by which environment influences mental health. There is also considerable opportunity to increase interdisciplinarity within the field via the integration of conceptual models, the inclusion of mixed methods and qualitative approaches, as well as further consideration of the socio-political context and the environmental states that can help support good mental health. The findings were used to propose a conceptual model to parse contributions and connections between environmental science and mental health to inform future studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Research and Public Health: Featured Review Papers)

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15 pages, 762 KiB

Open AccessReview

Human Monkeypox—A Global Public Health Emergency

by Enrico Maria Zardi and Camilla Chello

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(24), 16781; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192416781 - 14 Dec 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3296

Abstract

Monkeypox, a viral zoonosis caused by an Orthopoxvirus, is clinically characterized by fever, headache, lymphadenopathy, myalgia, rash and burdened by some complications that can be severe and life threatening. Monkeypox, endemic in some central and west African countries, in tropical areas near equator, [...] Read more.

Monkeypox, a viral zoonosis caused by an Orthopoxvirus, is clinically characterized by fever, headache, lymphadenopathy, myalgia, rash and burdened by some complications that can be severe and life threatening. Monkeypox, endemic in some central and west African countries, in tropical areas near equator, rose to the headlines following its recent outbreak in non-endemic countries of Europe and the USA. Thus, the World Health Organization, worried about the growing dimension of the problem, declared monkeypox a global public health emergency. Now, after months of careful observation, the western scientific research is drawing conclusion that African endemic countries represent a reserve pool able to feed, through travelers and sexual networks, the outbreak in non-endemic countries in which high-risk communities such as gay and bisexual men are the most affected. Prevention through vaccination and early diagnosis are the core to breaking the chain of diffusion of this epidemic. Particular attention should be paid to avoid the spread from endemic countries, also implementing the economic investments in their public health system. Information campaigns and assistance to high-risk classes in non-endemic countries are important priorities, however, assuming that specific treatments for this disease are still tentative. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Research and Public Health: Featured Review Papers)

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21 pages, 4985 KiB

Open AccessReview

Impacts of Urban Blue-Green Space on Residents’ Health: A Bibliometric Review

by Kun Wang, Zhihao Sun, Meng Cai, Lingbo Liu, Hao Wu and Zhenghong Peng

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(23), 16192; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192316192 - 3 Dec 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4204

Abstract

Urban blue-green space (UBGS), as an important component of the urban environment, is found to closely relate to human health. An extensive understanding of the effects of UBGS on human health is necessary for urban planning and intervention schemes towards healthy city development. [...] Read more.

Urban blue-green space (UBGS), as an important component of the urban environment, is found to closely relate to human health. An extensive understanding of the effects of UBGS on human health is necessary for urban planning and intervention schemes towards healthy city development. However, a comprehensive review and discussion of relevant studies using bibliometric methods is still lacking. This paper adopted the bibliometric method and knowledge graph visualization technology to analyze the research on the impact of UBGS on residents’ health, including the number of published papers, international influence, and network characteristics of keyword hotspots. The key findings include: (1) The number of articles published between 2001 and 2021 shows an increasing trend. Among the articles collected from WoS and CNKI, 38.74% and 32.65% of the articles focus on physical health, 38.32% and 30.61% on mental health, and 17.06% and 30.61% on public health, respectively. (2) From the analysis of international partnerships, countries with high levels of economic development and urbanization have closer cooperation than other countries. (3) UBGS has proven positive effects on residents’ physical, mental, and public health. However, the mediating effects of UBGS on health and the differences in the health effects of UBGS on different ages and social classes are less studied. Therefore, this study proposes several future research directions. First, the mediating effect of UBGS on health impacts should be further examined. Furthermore, the interactive effects of residents’ behaviors and the UBGS environment should be emphasized. Moreover, multidisciplinary integration should be strengthened. The coupling mechanism between human behavior and the environment should also be studied in depth with the help of social perception big data, wearable devices, and human–computer interactive simulation. Finally, this study calls for developing health risk monitoring and early warning systems, and integrating health impact assessment into urban planning, so as to improve residents’ health and urban sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Research and Public Health: Featured Review Papers)

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29 pages, 1058 KiB

Open AccessReview

Household Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal as a Global Problem—A Review

by Justyna Rogowska and Agnieszka Zimmermann

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(23), 15798; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192315798 - 27 Nov 2022

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 7744

Abstract

The negative effect of the pharmaceuticals presence (persistence?) in various components of the environment is a global problem today. These compounds are released into the environment as a result of, inter alia, their use and improper disposal. Therefore, it is important to reduce [...] Read more.

The negative effect of the pharmaceuticals presence (persistence?) in various components of the environment is a global problem today. These compounds are released into the environment as a result of, inter alia, their use and improper disposal. Therefore, it is important to reduce excessive drug consumption and to develop a system for the collection of unused/expired pharmaceuticals. The effectiveness of actions in this area is inextricably linked with the need to educate society on how to deal properly with unwanted medications. The aim of the study was to show that the inappropriate handling of unused/expired drugs by society is an important problem in waste management systems, and it impacts the state of the environment. Forty-eight scientific articles published between 2012 and 2021 were taken into account that discussed the systems in various countries for the collection of unused/expired pharmaceuticals. This literature review shows that the main method of disposing of unused/expired medications, according to respondents from different countries, is either by disposing of them in household waste or flushing them into the sewage system. This is also the case in countries with systems or programs for the return of redundant drugs, which indicates that these systems are not sufficiently effective. This may be influenced by many factors, including the lack or ineffective education of the society. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Research and Public Health: Featured Review Papers)

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22 pages, 1168 KiB

Open AccessReview

Emergency First Responders and Professional Wellbeing: A Qualitative Systematic Review

by Malcolm P. Bevan, Sally J. Priest, Ruth C. Plume and Emma E. Wilson

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(22), 14649; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192214649 - 8 Nov 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5684

Abstract

Emergency first responders (EFRs) such as police officers, firefighters, paramedics and logistics personnel often suffer high turnover due to work-related stress, high workloads, fatigue, and declining professional wellbeing. As attempts to counter this through resilience programmes tend to have limited success, there is [...] Read more.

Emergency first responders (EFRs) such as police officers, firefighters, paramedics and logistics personnel often suffer high turnover due to work-related stress, high workloads, fatigue, and declining professional wellbeing. As attempts to counter this through resilience programmes tend to have limited success, there is a need for further research into how organisational policies could change to improve EFRs’ professional wellbeing. Aim: To identify the factors that may contribute to or affect EFRs’ professional wellbeing. Methods: A systematic literature review has been carried out. Three databases (Science Direct, ProQuest, and PubMed) were searched using keywords developed based on the PICo (population, interest, and context) framework. A total of 984 articles were extracted. These were then critically appraised for the quality of the evidence presented, leading to a total of five being ultimately included for review. Results: Thematic analysis revealed that although EFRs may be exposed daily to traumatic events, factors that contribute to a decline in professional wellbeing emerge from within the organisational environment, rather than from the event itself. Conclusion: The study concludes that organisational and team relations factors significantly impact EFRs ability to cope with stress. As such, organisational policy should evolve to emphasise team relations over resilience programmes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Research and Public Health: Featured Review Papers)

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14 pages, 380 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Effects of Early Physiotherapy Treatment on Musculoskeletal Injury Outcomes in Military Personnel: A Narrative Review

by Patrick Campbell, Rodney Pope, Vinicius Simas, Elisa Canetti, Benjamin Schram and Robin Orr

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(20), 13416; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192013416 - 17 Oct 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3804

Abstract

The risks and incidence rates of musculoskeletal injuries among military personnel are high, and the importance of physiotherapy in treating these injuries is well established. However, what is less clear is whether the timing of commencement of physiotherapy treatment affects musculoskeletal injury outcomes [...] Read more.

The risks and incidence rates of musculoskeletal injuries among military personnel are high, and the importance of physiotherapy in treating these injuries is well established. However, what is less clear is whether the timing of commencement of physiotherapy treatment affects musculoskeletal injury outcomes in military personnel. This lack of clarity is exacerbated by the known underreporting of injuries among military personnel, and the resulting self-management of musculoskeletal injuries using analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and other means. This narrative review was designed to identify and synthesize current evidence regarding the effects of timing of physiotherapy treatment on musculoskeletal injury outcomes, focusing on potential benefits of early versus typical or delayed commencement of physiotherapy treatment. Overall, current evidence suggests early physiotherapy treatment of musculoskeletal injuries offers distinct advantages over typical or delayed commencement of physiotherapy treatment in military settings. Specifically, it appears early treatment expedites recovery in early phases following injury onset and benefits longer term mental health and well-being. It may also reduce the need for more invasive and costly health care interventions and enable earlier return to training and operational service. Importantly, a cultural shift within military contexts to ensure early reporting of musculoskeletal injuries is required if the benefits of early commencement of physiotherapy treatment are to be achieved. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Research and Public Health: Featured Review Papers)

20 pages, 778 KiB

Open AccessReview

Unveiling Urinary Mutagenicity by the Ames Test for Occupational Risk Assessment: A Systematic Review

by Bela Barros, Marta Oliveira and Simone Morais

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(20), 13074; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192013074 - 11 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2596

Abstract

Occupational exposure may involve a variety of toxic compounds. A mutagenicity analysis using the Ames test can provide valuable information regarding the toxicity of absorbed xenobiotics. Through a search of relevant databases, this systematic review gathers and critically discusses the published papers (excluding [...] Read more.

Occupational exposure may involve a variety of toxic compounds. A mutagenicity analysis using the Ames test can provide valuable information regarding the toxicity of absorbed xenobiotics. Through a search of relevant databases, this systematic review gathers and critically discusses the published papers (excluding other types of publications) from 2001–2021 that have assessed urinary mutagenicity (Ames test with Salmonella typhimurium) in an occupational exposure context. Due to the heterogeneity of the study methods, a meta-analysis could not be conducted. The characterized occupations were firefighters, traffic policemen, bus drivers, mail carriers, coke oven and charcoal workers, chemical laboratory staff, farmers, pharmacy workers, and professionals from several other industrial sectors. The genetically modified bacterial strains (histidine dependent) TA98, TA100, YG1041, YG1021, YG1024 and YG1042 have been used for the health risk assessment of individual (e.g., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) and mixtures of compounds (e.g., diesel engine exhaust, fire smoke, industrial fumes/dyes) in different contexts. Although comparison of the data between studies is challenging, urinary mutagenicity can be very informative of possible associations between work-related exposure and the respective mutagenic potential. Careful interpretation of results and their direct use for occupational health risk assessment are crucial and yet complex; the use of several strains is highly recommended since individual and/or synergistic effects of complex exposure to xenobiotics can be overlooked. Future studies should improve the methods used to reach a standardized protocol for specific occupational environments to strengthen the applicability of the urinary mutagenicity assay and reduce inter- and intra-individual variability and exposure source confounders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Research and Public Health: Featured Review Papers)

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11 pages, 2982 KiB

Open AccessReview

Rescue Blankets as Multifunctional Rescue Equipment in Alpine and Wilderness Emergencies—A Narrative Review and Clinical Implications

by Bernd Wallner, Hannah Salchner, Markus Isser, Thomas Schachner, Franz J. Wiedermann and Wolfgang Lederer

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 12721; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912721 - 5 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2935

Abstract

The utilization of rescue blankets in pre-hospital emergency medicine exceeds protection from hypothermia and enhanced visibility by far. In this narrative review, we focus on emphasizing the alternative applications of these fascinating multifunctional tools in the pre-hospital setting. A literature search in PubMed [...] Read more.

The utilization of rescue blankets in pre-hospital emergency medicine exceeds protection from hypothermia and enhanced visibility by far. In this narrative review, we focus on emphasizing the alternative applications of these fascinating multifunctional tools in the pre-hospital setting. A literature search in PubMed^® and Web of Science^TM yielded 100 results (last update was on 8 July 2022), a total number of 26 of which were included in this narrative review. Nine articles assessing alternative functions of rescue blanket were further evaluated and described in more detail. In addition, we performed various experimental and observational trials to test the functionality of rescue practice in mountain emergency medicine. Newly fabricated rescue blankets proved to possess impressive robustness. We evaluated rescue blankets in their applicability to not only protect from hypothermia, but also as practical tools to treat catastrophic hemorrhage and bleeding limbs, to perform open pneumothorax chest seals in sucking chest wounds, to prevent damage to unprotected eyes on the glacier and as alternative instruments for transportation in the inaccessible areas. Rescue blankets are important rescue equipment in alpine and wilderness emergencies with multifunctional applications, and must be part of every personal medical kit. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Research and Public Health: Featured Review Papers)

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Other

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16 pages, 2225 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Raising Suicide in Medical Appointments—Barriers and Facilitators Experienced by Young Adults and GPs: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review

by Debra Osborne, Kathleen De Boer, Denny Meyer and Maja Nedeljkovic

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(1), 822; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010822 - 1 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2484

Abstract

The aim of this review was to understand the barriers and facilitators facing GPs and young adults in raising and addressing suicide in medical appointments. A mixed-methods systematic review was conducted of qualitative and quantitative studies. The focus was papers that explored barriers [...] Read more.

The aim of this review was to understand the barriers and facilitators facing GPs and young adults in raising and addressing suicide in medical appointments. A mixed-methods systematic review was conducted of qualitative and quantitative studies. The focus was papers that explored barriers and facilitators experienced by young adults aged 18 to 26, and GPs working in primary care environments. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Four studies provided information on young adults’ views, four on GPs, and one considered both GP and young adults’ viewpoints. Nine barrier and seven facilitator themes were identified. Unique to this review was the recognition that young adults want GPs to initiate the conversation about suicide. They see this as a GP’s responsibility. This review further confirmed that GPs lack the confidence and skills to assess suicide risk in young adults. Both findings combined could explain previous results for reduced identification of suicide risk in this cohort. GP training needs considerable focus on addressing skill deficiencies and improving GP confidence to assess suicide risk. However, introducing suicide risk screening in primary care for young adults should be a priority as this will overcome the need for young adults to voluntarily disclose thoughts of suicide. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Research and Public Health: Featured Review Papers)

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5 pages, 294 KiB

Open AccessCommentary

Monkeypox Mysteries of the New Outbreak in Non-Endemic Areas

by Francisco Antunes and Ana Virgolino

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(22), 14881; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192214881 - 12 Nov 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1545

Abstract

Monkeypox virus (MPXV) was declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) in mid-2022 to be a public health emergency of international concern, following its spread around the world after circulating in Western and Central Africa. This new outbreak is concentrated in men who [...] Read more.

Monkeypox virus (MPXV) was declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) in mid-2022 to be a public health emergency of international concern, following its spread around the world after circulating in Western and Central Africa. This new outbreak is concentrated in men who have sex with men (MSM). Moreover, beyond the epidemiological change, compared with endemic countries, differences in clinical features and many other aspects have also been detected. These and other characteristics are unusual and still unclear. Based on the available data, the authors try to help to clarify some of the current major gaps in monkeypox knowledge to strengthen the outbreak response. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Research and Public Health: Featured Review Papers)

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