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  1. Article ; Online: Neurological complications of COVID-19: from pathophysiology to rehabilitation. An overview.

    Raciti, Loredana / Calabrò, Rocco Salvatore

    Acta bio-medica : Atenei Parmensis

    2021  Volume 92, Issue 4, Page(s) e2021317

    Abstract: Objective: To evaluate how the SARS-COV2 is able to affect the nervous system, the main neurological manifestation, and the treatment used, including neurorehabilitation.: Methods: Studies performed during the current year that fulfilled inclusion ... ...

    Abstract Objective: To evaluate how the SARS-COV2 is able to affect the nervous system, the main neurological manifestation, and the treatment used, including neurorehabilitation.
    Methods: Studies performed during the current year that fulfilled inclusion criteria were selected from PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Sciences databases. The search combined the terms "Covid 19," "rehabilitation/treatment," and "neurological complications."
    Results: The exact route by which SARS-CoV-2 can penetrate the CNS is still unknown, although a possible retrograde transynaptic pathway from peripheral nerve endings, and/or through the olfactory bulb, have been suggested. An early management of COVID-19 by a multiprofessional team is fundamental to avoid long term sequaele. Rehabilitation is recommended to improve respiratory and cardiac function, as well as to avoid long term neurological complications.
    Conclusions: As no specific conclusions in term of prognosis and treatment could be done, research and consensus paper are needed to provide NeuroCovid patients with the best treatment options, including neurorehabilitation.
    MeSH term(s) COVID-19 ; Humans ; Nervous System Diseases/etiology ; Prognosis ; RNA, Viral ; SARS-CoV-2
    Chemical Substances RNA, Viral
    Language English
    Publishing date 2021-09-02
    Publishing country Italy
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 2114240-3
    ISSN 2531-6745 ; 0392-4203
    ISSN (online) 2531-6745
    ISSN 0392-4203
    DOI 10.23750/abm.v92i4.10620
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  2. Article ; Online: Gender and Neurosteroids: Implications for Brain Function, Neuroplasticity and Rehabilitation.

    Raciti, Loredana / Formica, Caterina / Raciti, Gianfranco / Quartarone, Angelo / Calabrò, Rocco Salvatore

    International journal of molecular sciences

    2023  Volume 24, Issue 5

    Abstract: Neurosteroids are synthesized de novo in the nervous system; they mainly moderate neuronal excitability, and reach target cells via the extracellular pathway. The synthesis of neurosteroids occurs in peripheral tissues such as gonads tissues, liver, and ... ...

    Abstract Neurosteroids are synthesized de novo in the nervous system; they mainly moderate neuronal excitability, and reach target cells via the extracellular pathway. The synthesis of neurosteroids occurs in peripheral tissues such as gonads tissues, liver, and skin; then, because of their high lipophilia, they cross the blood-brain barrier and are stored in the brain structure. Neurosteroidogenesis occurs in brain regions such as the cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala by enzymes necessary for the in situ synthesis of progesterone from cholesterol. Neurosteroids could be considered the main players in both sexual steroid-induced hippocampal synaptic plasticity and normal transmission in the hippocampus. Moreover, they show a double function of increasing spine density and enhancing long term potentiation, and have been related to the memory-enhancing effects of sexual steroids. Estrogen and progesterone affect neuronal plasticity differently in males and females, especially regarding changes in the structure and function of neurons in different regions of the brain. Estradiol administration in postmenopausal women allowed for improving cognitive performance, and the combination with aerobic motor exercise seems to enhance this effect. The paired association between rehabilitation and neurosteroids treatment could provide a boosting effect in order to promote neuroplasticity and therefore functional recovery in neurological patients. The aim of this review is to investigate the mechanisms of action of neurosteroids as well as their sex-dependent differences in brain function and their role in neuroplasticity and rehabilitation.
    MeSH term(s) Male ; Humans ; Female ; Neurosteroids/metabolism ; Progesterone/metabolism ; Neurons/metabolism ; Neuronal Plasticity/physiology ; Steroids/metabolism ; Brain/metabolism
    Chemical Substances Neurosteroids ; Progesterone (4G7DS2Q64Y) ; Steroids
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-03-01
    Publishing country Switzerland
    Document type Journal Article ; Review
    ZDB-ID 2019364-6
    ISSN 1422-0067 ; 1422-0067 ; 1661-6596
    ISSN (online) 1422-0067
    ISSN 1422-0067 ; 1661-6596
    DOI 10.3390/ijms24054758
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  3. Article: Sleep in Disorders of Consciousness: A Brief Overview on a Still under Investigated Issue.

    Raciti, Loredana / Raciti, Gianfranco / Militi, David / Tonin, Paolo / Quartarone, Angelo / Calabrò, Rocco Salvatore

    Brain sciences

    2023  Volume 13, Issue 2

    Abstract: Consciousness is a multifaceted concept, involving both wakefulness, i.e., a condition of being alert that is regulated by the brainstem, and awareness, a subjective experience of any thoughts or perception or emotion. Recently, the European Academy of ... ...

    Abstract Consciousness is a multifaceted concept, involving both wakefulness, i.e., a condition of being alert that is regulated by the brainstem, and awareness, a subjective experience of any thoughts or perception or emotion. Recently, the European Academy of Neurology has published international guidelines for a better diagnosis of coma and other disorders of consciousness (DOC) through the investigation of sleep patterns, such as slow-wave and REM, and the study of the EEG using machine learning methods and artificial intelligence. The management of sleep disorders in DOC patients is an increasingly hot topic and deserves careful diagnosis, to allow for the most accurate prognosis and the best medical treatment possible. The aim of this review was to investigate the anatomo-physiological basis of the sleep/wake cycle, as well as the main sleep patterns and sleep disorders in patients with DOC. We found that the sleep characteristics in DOC patients are still controversial. DOC patients often present a theta/delta pattern, while epileptiform activity, as well as other sleep elements, have been reported as correlating with outcomes in patients with coma and DOC. The absence of spindles, as well as REM and K-complexes of NREM sleep, have been used as poor predictors for early awakening in DOC patients, especially in UWS patients. Therefore, sleep could be considered a marker of DOC recovery, and effective treatments for sleep disorders may either indirectly or directly favor recovery of consciousness.
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-02-07
    Publishing country Switzerland
    Document type Journal Article ; Review
    ZDB-ID 2651993-8
    ISSN 2076-3425
    ISSN 2076-3425
    DOI 10.3390/brainsci13020275
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  4. Article: Could Palmitoylethanolamide Be an Effective Treatment for Long-COVID-19? Hypothesis and Insights in Potential Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Applications.

    Raciti, Loredana / Arcadi, Francesca Antonia / Calabrò, Rocco Salvatore

    Innovations in clinical neuroscience

    2022  Volume 19, Issue 1-3, Page(s) 19–25

    Abstract: COVID-19 is highly transmissive and contagious disease with a wide spectrum of clinicopathological issues, including respiratory, vasculo-coagulative, and immune disorders. In some cases of COVID-19, patients can be characterized by clinical sequelae ... ...

    Abstract COVID-19 is highly transmissive and contagious disease with a wide spectrum of clinicopathological issues, including respiratory, vasculo-coagulative, and immune disorders. In some cases of COVID-19, patients can be characterized by clinical sequelae with mild-to-moderate symptoms that persist long after the resolution of the acute infection, known as long-COVID, potentially affecting their quality of life. The main symptoms of long-COVID include persistent dyspnea, fatigue and weakness (that are typically out of proportion, to the degree of ongoing lung damage and gas exchange impairment), persistence of anosmia and dysgeusia, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and cognitive dysfunctions (such as brain fog or memory lapses). The appropriate management and prevention of potential long-COVID sequelae is still lacking. It is also believed that long-term symptoms of COVID-19 are related to an immunity over-response, namely a cytokine storm, involving the release of pro-inflammatory interleukins, monocyte chemoattractant proteins, and tissue necrosis factors. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) shows affinity for vanilloid receptor 1 and for cannabinoid-like G protein-coupled receptors, enhancing anandamide activity by means of an entourage effect. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, PEA has been recently used as an early add-on therapy for respiratory problems in patients with COVID-19. It is believed that PEA mitigates the cytokine storm modulating cell-mediated immunity, as well as counteracts pain and oxidative stress. In this article, we theorize that PEA could be a potentially effective nutraceutical to treat long-COVID, with regard to fatigue and myalgia, where a mythocondrial dysfunction is hypothesizable.
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-03-31
    Publishing country United States
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 2675366-2
    ISSN 2158-8341 ; 2158-8333
    ISSN (online) 2158-8341
    ISSN 2158-8333
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  5. Article ; Online: Gender and Neurosteroids

    Loredana Raciti / Caterina Formica / Gianfranco Raciti / Angelo Quartarone / Rocco Salvatore Calabrò

    International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Vol 24, Iss 4758, p

    Implications for Brain Function, Neuroplasticity and Rehabilitation

    2023  Volume 4758

    Abstract: Neurosteroids are synthesized de novo in the nervous system; they mainly moderate neuronal excitability, and reach target cells via the extracellular pathway. The synthesis of neurosteroids occurs in peripheral tissues such as gonads tissues, liver, and ... ...

    Abstract Neurosteroids are synthesized de novo in the nervous system; they mainly moderate neuronal excitability, and reach target cells via the extracellular pathway. The synthesis of neurosteroids occurs in peripheral tissues such as gonads tissues, liver, and skin; then, because of their high lipophilia, they cross the blood–brain barrier and are stored in the brain structure. Neurosteroidogenesis occurs in brain regions such as the cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala by enzymes necessary for the in situ synthesis of progesterone from cholesterol. Neurosteroids could be considered the main players in both sexual steroid-induced hippocampal synaptic plasticity and normal transmission in the hippocampus. Moreover, they show a double function of increasing spine density and enhancing long term potentiation, and have been related to the memory-enhancing effects of sexual steroids. Estrogen and progesterone affect neuronal plasticity differently in males and females, especially regarding changes in the structure and function of neurons in different regions of the brain. Estradiol administration in postmenopausal women allowed for improving cognitive performance, and the combination with aerobic motor exercise seems to enhance this effect. The paired association between rehabilitation and neurosteroids treatment could provide a boosting effect in order to promote neuroplasticity and therefore functional recovery in neurological patients. The aim of this review is to investigate the mechanisms of action of neurosteroids as well as their sex-dependent differences in brain function and their role in neuroplasticity and rehabilitation.
    Keywords neurosteroids ; neuroplasticity ; excitability ; GABA-receptors ; estrogen ; gender ; Biology (General) ; QH301-705.5 ; Chemistry ; QD1-999
    Subject code 616
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-03-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher MDPI AG
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  6. Article ; Online: Can volcanic trace elements facilitate Covid-19 diffusion? A hypothesis stemming from the Mount Etna area, Sicily.

    Raciti, Loredana / Calabrò, Rocco Salvatore

    Medical hypotheses

    2020  Volume 144, Page(s) 110058

    Abstract: In December 2019, severe cases of pneumonia of unknown aetiology were reported in Wuhan city, in China. Lately, the pneumonia was related to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), and the diseases was termed coronavirus disease- ...

    Abstract In December 2019, severe cases of pneumonia of unknown aetiology were reported in Wuhan city, in China. Lately, the pneumonia was related to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), and the diseases was termed coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). At the end of January 2020, the infection spread all over Italy, but with high infection rates and mortality in the northern part, especially in Lombardy, the most industrialized and polluted region of the country. It is noteworthy that a strong association between severe viral respiratory disease and air pollution has been described. Air pollutant could be solid particles, liquid droplets, or gases and can be of natural origin (such as ash from a volcanic eruption) or released from motor vehicle depletes (carbon monoxide gas) or factories (sulfur dioxide). Volcanic eruptions release large amounts of sulphuric acid, hydrogen sulfide, and hydrochloric acid into the atmosphere. Pulmunary diseases spreadby means of small droplets in thebreath, also called aerosols, and air pollution may facilitate the outside survival of viruses. We suppose that ash and gases emitted from the Mount Etna contributed to air pollution, potentially favouring the major contagion of COVID-19 in the eastern flank of the mountain, as in Catania city. In fact, ash and gases (with regard to radon) are usually particularly intense in winter, with a reduction of emission of specific metals with warmer weather. This is the first paper that elaborates the hypothesis of a potential role of volcanic gases and heavy metals-related air pollution, combined to specific climatic conditions and regional topography, in favouring severe COVID-19 diffusion in Sicily. Clinical and epidemiological studies are needed to support the hypothesis and plan the due prevention and awareness-raising campaigns.
    MeSH term(s) Air Pollutants ; Air Pollution/adverse effects ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; COVID-19/transmission ; Cities ; Gases ; Humans ; Hydrochloric Acid ; Hydrogen Sulfide ; Italy/epidemiology ; Metals, Heavy ; Models, Theoretical ; Sicily/epidemiology ; Soil ; Sulfuric Acids ; Trace Elements/analysis ; Volcanic Eruptions ; Water
    Chemical Substances Air Pollutants ; Gases ; Metals, Heavy ; Soil ; Sulfuric Acids ; Trace Elements ; Water (059QF0KO0R) ; sulfuric acid (O40UQP6WCF) ; Hydrochloric Acid (QTT17582CB) ; Hydrogen Sulfide (YY9FVM7NSN)
    Keywords covid19
    Language English
    Publishing date 2020-06-27
    Publishing country United States
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 193145-3
    ISSN 1532-2777 ; 0306-9877
    ISSN (online) 1532-2777
    ISSN 0306-9877
    DOI 10.1016/j.mehy.2020.110058
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  7. Article: Neurogenic Dysphagia and Nutrition in Disorder of Consciousness: An Overview with Practical Advices on an "Old" but Still Actual Clinical Problem.

    Raciti, Loredana / Raciti, Gianfranco / Pulejo, Grazia / Conti-Nibali, Valeria / Calabrò, Rocco Salvatore

    Medicines (Basel, Switzerland)

    2022  Volume 9, Issue 2

    Abstract: Neurogenic dysphagia is a difficulty in swallowing food caused by disease or impairment of the nervous system, including stroke and traumatic brain injury. The most clinically apparent complication of neurogenic dysphagia is pulmonary aspiration, which ... ...

    Abstract Neurogenic dysphagia is a difficulty in swallowing food caused by disease or impairment of the nervous system, including stroke and traumatic brain injury. The most clinically apparent complication of neurogenic dysphagia is pulmonary aspiration, which may manifest itself acutely as choking or coughing, respiratory distress, wheezing, gasping or gurgling, and tachycardia. However, chronic symptoms, including weight loss, production of excessive oral secretions and aspiration pneumonia, may be also present, especially in patients with a disorder of consciousness (DOC). Usually, patients with dysphagia after the acute phase need to be treated with enteral nutrition using a feeding tube. This avoids patient malnutrition and supports the rehabilitation program. This narrative review aims to investigate dysphagia and its complications and management in patients with DOC. Clinical indications and practical advice on how to assess and treat this complex problem are also provided.
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-02-21
    Publishing country Switzerland
    Document type Journal Article ; Review
    ZDB-ID 2777965-8
    ISSN 2305-6320
    ISSN 2305-6320
    DOI 10.3390/medicines9020016
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  8. Article ; Online: The Use of Palmitoylethanolamide in the Treatment of Long COVID: A Real-Life Retrospective Cohort Study.

    Raciti, Loredana / De Luca, Rosaria / Raciti, Gianfranco / Arcadi, Francesca Antonia / Calabrò, Rocco Salvatore

    Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland)

    2022  Volume 10, Issue 3

    Abstract: COVID-19 can cause symptoms that last weeks or months after the infection has gone, with a significant impairment of quality of life. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a naturally occurring lipid mediator that has an entourage effect on the endocannabinoid ... ...

    Abstract COVID-19 can cause symptoms that last weeks or months after the infection has gone, with a significant impairment of quality of life. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a naturally occurring lipid mediator that has an entourage effect on the endocannabinoid system mitigating the cytokine storm. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the potential efficacy of PEA in the treatment of long COVID. Patients attending the Neurological Out Clinic of the IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo (Messina, Italy) from August 2020 to September 2021 were screened for potential inclusion in the study. We included only long COVID patients who were treated with PEA 600 mg two times daily for about 3 months. All patients performed the post-COVID-19 Functional Status (PCFS) scale. Thirty-three patients (10 males, 43.5%, mean age 47.8 ± 12.4) were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into two groups based on hospitalization or home care observation. A substantial difference in the PCFS score between the two groups at baseline and after treatment with PEA were found. We found that smoking was a risk factor with an odds ratio of 8.13 CI 95% [0.233, 1.167]. Our findings encourage the use of PEA as a potentially effective therapy in patients with long COVID.
    MeSH term(s) Adult ; Amides ; COVID-19/complications ; COVID-19/drug therapy ; Ethanolamines ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Palmitic Acids ; Quality of Life ; Retrospective Studies
    Chemical Substances Amides ; Ethanolamines ; Palmitic Acids ; palmidrol (6R8T1UDM3V)
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-07-14
    Publishing country Switzerland
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 2754473-4
    ISSN 2076-3271 ; 2076-3271
    ISSN (online) 2076-3271
    ISSN 2076-3271
    DOI 10.3390/medsci10030037
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  9. Article: Chronic Migraine: A Narrative Review on the Use of Botulinum Toxin with Clinical Indications and Future Directions.

    Raciti, Loredana / Raciti, Gianfranco / Militi, David / Casella, Carmela / Calabrò, Rocco Salvatore

    Journal of integrative neuroscience

    2022  Volume 21, Issue 5, Page(s) 141

    Abstract: Chronic migraine belongs to the "chronic long-duration headaches", and it is associated to high burden and significant economic impact. Treatment for both episodic (EM) and chronic migraine (CM) is based on the management of acute attacks and their ... ...

    Abstract Chronic migraine belongs to the "chronic long-duration headaches", and it is associated to high burden and significant economic impact. Treatment for both episodic (EM) and chronic migraine (CM) is based on the management of acute attacks and their prevention. For moderate/severe attacks, pharmacological therapies are triptans, dihydroergotamine nasal sprays or injections or neuroleptics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroids. Chronic migraine belongs to the "chronic long-duration headaches", and it is associated to high burden and significant economic impact. Treatment for both episodic (EM) and chronic migraine (CM) is based on the management of acute attacks and their prevention. For moderate/severe attacks, pharmacological therapies are triptans, dihydroergotamine nasal sprays or injections or neuroleptics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroids. The pathophysiology of CM is characterized by an abnormal activation of the trigemino-vascular system in the meninges causing a neurogenic inflammation, which explains the use of anti-inflammatory during attacks. It seems that the objective of the preventive therapy with the botulin toxin OnaBoNT-A consists in interrupting the release of CGRP and other neuropeptides as well as the activation of C-fiber nociceptor and of the nearby A-delta fibers. The protocol for migraine treatment with OnaBoNT-A injections consists of 31-39 pericranial injection sites involving seven muscle groups bilaterally in specific areas of the head and neck, with a total dose of between 155 and 195 units, every three months. The severe adverse events reported with high doses of botulin toxin for spasticity, have not been reported for CM treated with OnabotA at the labeled dose. The established improvement with onabotulinumtoxinA treatment in CM patients had a positive impact not only in reduction monthly headache days but also in improving quality of life, with reduction in both healthcare resource utilisation (HRU) and work impairment. Aim of this review was to give an overview on the use of BoNT-A in patients with CM, giving practical advices on the clinical indications.
    MeSH term(s) Antipsychotic Agents ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/therapeutic use ; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide/therapeutic use ; Dihydroergotamine/therapeutic use ; Headache/drug therapy ; Humans ; Migraine Disorders ; Nasal Sprays ; Quality of Life ; Treatment Outcome ; Tryptamines/therapeutic use
    Chemical Substances Antipsychotic Agents ; Nasal Sprays ; Tryptamines ; Dihydroergotamine (436O5HM03C) ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A (EC 3.4.24.69) ; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (JHB2QIZ69Z)
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-09-17
    Publishing country Singapore
    Document type Journal Article ; Review
    ZDB-ID 2136427-8
    ISSN 0219-6352
    ISSN 0219-6352
    DOI 10.31083/j.jin2105141
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  10. Article: Behavioral and Psychiatric Symptoms in Patients with Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Comprehensive Overview.

    Torregrossa, William / Raciti, Loredana / Rifici, Carmela / Rizzo, Giuseppina / Raciti, Gianfranco / Casella, Carmela / Naro, Antonino / Calabrò, Rocco Salvatore

    Biomedicines

    2023  Volume 11, Issue 5

    Abstract: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is defined as an altered brain structure or function produced by an external force. Adults surviving moderate and severe TBI often experience long-lasting neuropsychological and neuropsychiatric disorders (NPS). NPS can occur ...

    Abstract Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is defined as an altered brain structure or function produced by an external force. Adults surviving moderate and severe TBI often experience long-lasting neuropsychological and neuropsychiatric disorders (NPS). NPS can occur as primary psychiatric complications or could be an exacerbation of pre-existing compensated conditions. It has been shown that changes in behavior following moderate to severe TBI have a prevalence rate of 25-88%, depending on the methodology used by the different studies. Most of current literature has found that cognitive behavioral and emotional deficit following TBI occurs within the first six months whereas after 1-2 years the condition becomes stable. Identifying the risk factors for poor outcome is the first step to reduce the sequelae. Patients with TBI have an adjusted relative risk of developing any NPS several-fold higher than in the general population after six months of moderate-severe TBI. All NPS features of an individual's life, including social, working, and familiar relationships, may be affected by the injury, with negative consequences on quality of life. This overview aims to investigate the most frequent psychiatric, behavioral, and emotional symptoms in patients suffering from TBI as to improve the clinical practice and tailor a more specific rehabilitation training.
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-05-15
    Publishing country Switzerland
    Document type Journal Article ; Review
    ZDB-ID 2720867-9
    ISSN 2227-9059
    ISSN 2227-9059
    DOI 10.3390/biomedicines11051449
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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