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Cianfrini F, d'Amati A, Arciuolo D, Travaglino A, D'Alessandris N, Scaglione G, Valente M, Urtueta BP, Addante F, Narducci N, Angelico G, Piermattei A, Mulè A, Santoro A, Rossi ED, Zannoni GF. Atypical glandular cells and predictive features of malignancy in Pap smears: A retrospective monocentric study. Cytopathology 2024; 35:473-480. [PMID: 38686982 DOI: 10.1111/cyt.13383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The introduction of cytological screening with the Papanicolau smear significantly reduced cervical cancer mortality. However, Pap smear examination can be challenging, being based on the observer ability to decode different cytological and architectural features. This study aims to evaluate the malignancy rate of AGC (atypical glandular cells) category, investigating the relationships between cytological and histological diagnosis. METHODS Eighty-nine patients, diagnosed as AGC at cytological evaluation and followed up with biopsy or surgical procedure at Policlinico Gemelli Hospital, Rome, Italy, were included in the study. The cytopathological architectural (feathering, rosette formation, overlapping, loss of polarity, papillary formation, three-dimensional formation) and nuclear (N/C ratio, nuclear enlargement and hyperchromasia, mitoses, nuclei irregularity, evident nucleoli) features of AGC were evaluated. Statistical analyses were performed to assess cyto-histological correlation and determine the relevance of architectural and nuclear features in the diagnosis of malignancy. RESULTS Of the 89 AGC patients, 48 cases (53.93%) were diagnosed as AGC-NOS and 41 (46.07%) were diagnosed as AGC-FN, according to the Bethesda classification system. The follow-up biopsies or surgical resections revealed malignancy in 46 patients (51.69%). The rates of malignancy for AGC-NOS and AGC-FN were 35.41% and 70.73% respectively. Furthermore, analysing cytopathological features, we found that both architectural and nuclear criteria were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Only overlapping, nuclear irregularity and increased N/C ratio were not found to be statistically significant for detecting malignancy. CONCLUSIONS Cytological diagnosis of glandular lesions remains a valid tool, when appropriate clinical correlation and expert evaluation are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Cianfrini
- Unità di Ginecopatologia e Patologia Mammaria, Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio d'Amati
- Unità di Ginecopatologia e Patologia Mammaria, Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Damiano Arciuolo
- Unità di Ginecopatologia e Patologia Mammaria, Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Travaglino
- Pathology Unit, Department of Medicine and Technological Innovation, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Nicoletta D'Alessandris
- Unità di Ginecopatologia e Patologia Mammaria, Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Scaglione
- Unità di Ginecopatologia e Patologia Mammaria, Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Valente
- Unità di Ginecopatologia e Patologia Mammaria, Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Belen Padial Urtueta
- Unità di Ginecopatologia e Patologia Mammaria, Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Addante
- Unità di Ginecopatologia e Patologia Mammaria, Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Nadine Narducci
- Unità di Ginecopatologia e Patologia Mammaria, Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Angelico
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies G.F. Ingrassia, Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Alessia Piermattei
- Unità di Ginecopatologia e Patologia Mammaria, Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Antonino Mulè
- Unità di Ginecopatologia e Patologia Mammaria, Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Santoro
- Unità di Ginecopatologia e Patologia Mammaria, Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
- Istituto di Anatomia Patologica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Esther Diana Rossi
- Unità di Ginecopatologia e Patologia Mammaria, Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
- Istituto di Anatomia Patologica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Gian Franco Zannoni
- Unità di Ginecopatologia e Patologia Mammaria, Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
- Istituto di Anatomia Patologica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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Almeida G, Sainz JE, Fonseca R, Chaves N, Silva KS, Nunes J, Furtado Y. Preventing Uterine Cervix Cancer: The Clinical Meaning of Atypical Glandular Cells. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE GINECOLOGIA E OBSTETRICIA : REVISTA DA FEDERACAO BRASILEIRA DAS SOCIEDADES DE GINECOLOGIA E OBSTETRICIA 2022; 44:483-488. [PMID: 35139566 PMCID: PMC9948133 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1742318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of the atypical glandular cells (AGCs) cytology and to analyze its clinical significance in different age ranges. METHODS Retrospective observational study using computerized data from the Brazilian National Cancer Institute, including women screened between January 2002 and December 2008. The women included were those with an AGC result who were properly followed-up with colposcopy and a second cytology. RESULTS A total of 132,147 cytopathological exams were performed during the study period. Five-hundred and thirty-three (0.4%) women with AGC cytology were identified and, of these, 69.41% (370/533) were properly referred for colposcopy and a new cytology. Most of the women (79.2%) with a 1st or 2nd AGC cytology were between the ages of 25 and 54 years. The 2nd cytology demonstrated 67.6% (250/370) of normality, 24.5% (91/370) of squamous atypia, and 6.2% (23/370) of AGC, 0.8% (3/370) adenocarcinoma in situ and 0.8% (3/370) adenocarcinoma invasor. On biopsy of the women with a second AGC cytology, 43.4% (10/23) had normal histology, 43.4% (10/23) had squamous lesions, 8.7% (2/23) had invasive adenocarcinoma, and 1.2% (1/23) had an inconclusive report. All of the women with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) or invasive adenocarcinoma (respectively 5 and 2 patients), after a 2nd AGC cytology were 25 years old or older. CONCLUSION The prevalence of the AGC cytology was low in the studied population. Most of the AGC cytology cases occurred in adult women between the ages of 25 and 54. Although most of the patients had normal histology after follow-up, several of them presented with squamous intraepithelial lesions or invasive adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Renata Fonseca
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Neil Chaves
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Julio Nunes
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavior Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Yara Furtado
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Yucel Polat A, Tepeoglu M, Tunca MZ, Ayva ES, Ozen O. Atypical glandular cells in Papanicolaou test: Which is more important in the detection of malignancy, architectural or nuclear features? Cytopathology 2021; 32:344-352. [PMID: 33606313 DOI: 10.1111/cyt.12957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Atypical glandular cells (AGCs) in Pap (Papanicolaou) smears are uncommon but may represent various benign and malignant lesions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the AGC incidence in Pap smears, analyse the relationship between AGC and malignancy, and reveal the importance of architectural and nuclear features observed cytologically in malignancies. METHODS Patients diagnosed with AGC on the basis of cervicovaginal cytology between May 2011 and July 2018 were included in this study. All slides were retrospectively reviewed and subclassified according to the Bethesda 2001 classification system. The cytomorphological features observed in the smears were recorded. Cytohistological correlations were evaluated, and the significant clinicopathological findings for malignancy were determined. RESULTS Of 87 536 Pap smears, 195 (0.22%) had AGC results and 156 had tissue follow-up. Among the 156 smears with AGC, 80 (51.3%) were diagnosed as AGC-NOS (atypical glandular cells, not otherwise specified) and 76 (48.7%) as AGC-FN (atypical glandular cells, favour neoplastic). Follow-up biopsies revealed benign pathologies in 49 cases (31.4%) and malignant pathologies in 107 (68.6%). The rate of malignancy observed in AGC-FN cases (89.5%) was higher than the rate of malignancy in AGC-NOS cases (48.8%). Among the cytomorphological features, nuclear irregularity, presence of macronucleoli, feathering, loss of polarity, papillary pattern, and three-dimensional formation were found to be significant indicators of malignancy. CONCLUSION As AGC in Pap smear was associated with a clinically significant diagnosis in 68.6% of the cases in our study, we suggest that all patients with AGC should undergo further clinical assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysegul Yucel Polat
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Merih Tepeoglu
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Ebru Sebnem Ayva
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Ozen
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey
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Reynolds JP, Salih ZT, Smith AL, Dairi M, Kigen OJ, Nassar A. Cytologic parameters predicting neoplasia in Papanicolaou smears with atypical glandular cells and histologic follow-up: a single-institution experience. J Am Soc Cytopathol 2018; 7:7-15. [PMID: 31043252 DOI: 10.1016/j.jasc.2017.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Studies investigating histologic follow-up of The 2001 Bethesda System diagnosis of atypical glandular cells (AGC) have focused on various screening methods, patient populations, and Papanicolaou preparations. Our aim was to report the histologic follow-up of AGC diagnoses from ThinPrep slides and evaluate specific cytologic features predicting benign or malignant follow-up results. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective search identified liquid-based cervical cytology results interpreted as AGC. AGC diagnoses were stratified into four groups: atypical endometrial cells (AGC-EM); atypical endocervical cells (AGC-EC); AGC, favor neoplastic (AGC-FN); and AGC not otherwise specified (AGC-NOS). Evidence of disease was based on histologic follow-up (biopsy or resection specimen) with a diagnosis of cancer, complex endometrial hyperplasia, or high-grade squamous dysplasia. Available slides were blindly reviewed for specific cytologic features. Statistical analysis compared cytologic factors that would predict benign or malignant follow-up. RESULTS We interpreted 264 samples as AGC from 2005 through 2009. Of the 246 (93.2%) with follow-up histologic material, 60 (24.4%) were AGC-EM; 36 (14.6%) were AGC-EC; 28 (11.4%) were AGC-FN; and 122 (49.6%) were AGC-NOS. Neoplasia was diagnosed in 80 (32.5%). Neoplastic cases showed significantly increased numbers of single cells, cells in 3-dimensional clusters, engulfed neutrophils, nuclear enlargement, increased nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio, irregular nuclear borders, reniform nuclei, loss of polarity, and macronucleoli. CONCLUSIONS Cytologic parameters can be used to predict benign from neoplastic glandular lesions. Biopsy follow-up is necessary to correlate cytologic findings when AGC is diagnosed on a Papanicolaou smear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan P Reynolds
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Ziyan T Salih
- Department of Pathology, Wake Forest Baptist Hospital, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Ashley L Smith
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Mohammad Dairi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Ocla J Kigen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Aziza Nassar
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida.
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Hoda RS, Loukeris K, Abdul-Karim FW. Gynecologic cytology on conventional and liquid-based preparations: a comprehensive review of similarities and differences. Diagn Cytopathol 2012; 41:257-78. [PMID: 22508662 DOI: 10.1002/dc.22842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2011] [Accepted: 01/10/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Liquid-based preparations (LBPs) have largely replaced conventional Papanicolaou smears (CPS) for cervical samples in the United States and in many other industrialized countries. The two FDA-approved LBP currently in use include ThinPrep (TP), (Hologic Inc., Bedford, MA) and SurePath (SP), (BD Diagnostic, Burlington, NC). Split-sample and direct-to-vial studies have shown that LBPs show an overall improvement in sample collection and processing, reduce artifacts that interfere in diagnosis, are more sensitive, can be utilized for ancillary tests and are a cost-effective replacement for CPS. Comparative analyses of diagnostic accuracy indicate that LBPs perform at least as well as CPS. However, the added advantages of standardized, automated preparations and screening, reduced unsatisfactory rate, improved specimen adequacy and ability to perform human papillomavirus (HPV) test, are enough to continue use of LBP. The cytologic features in LBP are similar to CPS with subtle differences, particularly in background information. There are also subtle differences between the two LBPs, SP and TP, which are reflective of different sampling devices, collection media, and processing techniques. Architecturally, LBP shows smaller cell clusters and sheets and more dyscohesion. Cytologically, enhanced nuclear features and smaller cell size are more prominent. Advances in liquid-based Papanicolaou's (Pap) test have lead to well-defined patient management guidelines by the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology. Herein, we review these aspects of Pap test including, morphology, automation, ancillary tests (HPV and immunochemistry), pertinent QA/QC monitors, patient management guidelines, and review of pertinent literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana S Hoda
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York 10065, USA.
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Nora LCD, Ázara CZS, de Sousa Pace EL, Martins CM, Zeferino LC, do Amaral Westin MC, Derchain SF, Rabelo-Santos SH. Cytomorphological criteria, subclassifications of endocervical glandular cell abnormalities, and histopathological outcome: A frequency study. Diagn Cytopathol 2010; 38:806-10. [DOI: 10.1002/dc.21295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Glandular neoplasms of the cervix. Diagn Cytopathol 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-7020-3154-0.00024-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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8
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Zhao C, Florea A, Austin RM. Clinical Utility of Adjunctive High-Risk Human Papillomavirus DNA Testing in Women With Papanicolaou Test Findings of Atypical Glandular Cells. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2010; 134:103-8. [DOI: 10.5858/2008-0755-oar1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Context.
Atypical glandular cell (AGC) Papanicolaou (Pap) test interpretations are challenging. Most biopsy findings are benign, but AGC results may also reflect highly significant noninvasive neoplastic and malignant histologic outcomes. High-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) test use with AGC Pap test results is evolving.
Objective.
To further evaluate the utility and limitations of hrHPV testing with AGC Pap tests.
Design.
Hospital records were searched for AGC Pap tests results from June 1, 2005, to August 31, 2007. Cases of AGC with hrHPV tests and histopathologic follow-up were included.
Results.
Of the 662 women with AGC Pap test results and follow-up analyzed, hrHPV results were available for 309 (46.7%) and were positive in 75 cases (24.3%). Among the 75 cases with hrHPV+ AGC results, 13 (17.3%) had cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grades 2/3, 10 (13.3%) had adenocarcinoma in situ, and 3 (4.0%) had cervical invasive adenocarcinoma, whereas for 234 women with hrHPV− results, 1 (0.4%) had cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grades 2/3, 1 (0.4%) had adenocarcinoma in situ, 1 each (0.4%) had cervical adenocarcinoma and ovarian carcinoma, and 8 (3.4%) had endometrial carcinoma.
Conclusions.
Positive hrHPV AGC results were most strongly associated with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grades 2/3 and adenocarcinoma in situ in women younger than 50 years. Positive hrHPV AGC results were also present in all 3 cases of invasive cervical adenocarcinoma in women younger than 50 years. Of note, hrHPV− AGC results were present in 10 of 13 carcinomas (76.9%) detected after AGC Pap tests, all in women 40 years or older with endometrial adenocarcinomas (n = 8), ovarian carcinoma (n = 1), and cervical adenosquamous carcinoma in a woman (n = 1) in her 50s. Testing for hrHPV after AGC Pap testing was most helpful in the detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grades 2/3, adenocarcinoma in situ, and invasive cervical adenocarcinomas in women younger than 50 years.
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Hunter C, Duggan MA, Duan Q, Power P, Gregoire J, Nation J. Cytology and outcome of LSIL: cannot exclude HSIL compared to ASC-H. Cytopathology 2009; 20:17-26. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2303.2008.00561.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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10
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Rabelo-Santos SH, Derchain SFM, Do Amaral Westin MC, Angelo-Andrade LAL, Sarian LOZ, Oliveira ERZM, Morais SS, Zeferino LC. Endocervical glandular cell abnormalities in conventional cervical smears: evaluation of the performance of cytomorphological criteria and HPV testing in predicting neoplasia. Cytopathology 2008; 19:34-43. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2303.2007.00466.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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