Chronic rhinosinusitis and emerging treatment options

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Medaxs
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Int J Gen Med. 2013; 6: 453–464.

PMCID: PMC3682850

Abstract

This review describes the epidemiology and various treatments in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP). Evidence for short-term use of systemic corticosteroids has been shown to be favorable in CRSwNP, but still limited in CRSsNP. Topical corticosteroids improve symptom scores in both CRS subgroups. The role of microbes in CRS is still controversial. Culture-directed antibiotics are recommended for CRSsNP with exacerbation. Long-term use of low dosage antibiotics is recommended for CRSsNP for their anti-inflammatory effects. Other emerging treatment options are also discussed.

Keywords: rhinosinusitis, chronic, nasal polyps, therapy, sinus

Clinical characteristics of chronic rhinosinusitis

Rhinosinusitis is an inflammatory disease of the nasal and paranasal sinus mucosa. It is defined as chronic when it lasts longer than 3 months without complete symptom resolution. Diagnostic criteria consist of the presence of symptoms including purulent nasal discharge, nasal obstruction, facial pain/pressure/fullness, and/or decreased sense of smell plus either endoscopic findings of inflammation, purulent discharge or edema of the middle meatus or ethmoid region, polyps in the nasal cavity or the middle meatus, and/or radiographic imaging showing inflammation of the paranasal sinuses.1,2 Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is further divided into CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP). As for the use in epidemiologic studies, CRS is defined as the presence of two or more symptoms, one of which should be either nasal blockage/obstruction/congestion or nasal discharge (anterior/posterior nasal drip) and/or facial pain/pressure and/or reduction or loss of smell for more than 12 weeks with validation by telephone or interview.1,3

The pathogenesis of CRS remains controversial. Multifactorial factors altering the host-environment interaction such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, allergens, or environmental toxins may trigger the inflammatory process.

Epidemiology of chronic rhinosinusitis and associated complications

CRS is a common health problem which significantly affects quality of life. CRS has a significant impact on patients in seven of eight domains of the 36-item short form health survey (SF-36).4 Patients have significantly higher bodily pain and decreased social function compared to other chronic diseases (congestive heart failure, angina, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and back pain) (P < 0.05).5 According to a US national health interview survey of the prevalence of chronic conditions, CRS has been estimated to affect 12.5% to 15.5% of the total population, making it the second most common chronic condition in the United States.6,7 However, the prevalence of doctor-diagnosed CRS is much lower; a prevalence of 2% was found using International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD)-10 codes as an identifier.8 The prevalence rate is substantially higher in females with a female:male ratio of 6:47 and increases with age, with a mean of 2.7% and 6.6% in the age groups of 20 to 29 years and 50 to 59 years, respectively, and leveling off at 4.7% after 60 years.9

An epidemiology study in Europe was conducted by The Global Allergy and Asthma Network of Excellence (GA2LEN) by sending questionnaires on The European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps (EPOS) criteria to a random sample of adults aged 15–75 years.10 They found the overall prevalence of CRS was 10.9%, which confirmed the burden as a common chronic disease and pointed out the underestimation of this disease.

Pathogenesis

The etiology and pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis are not clearly understood. Traditionally, it was believed that the chronic inflammatory process is the end stage of untreated or partially treated acute rhinosinusitis or severe atopy from nasal polyps. This hypothesis leads to the use of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, eg, corticosteroids for treating CRS patients. Alternative hypotheses include excessive host response to fungi,11,12 aspirin intolerance due to defects in the eicosanoid pathway,13,14 staphylococcal superantigen resulting in exotoxin effects including tissue damage,15,16 coordinated mechanical barrier and the innate immune response of the sinonasal mucosa,17 defects in the immune barrier and biofilms formation.18

There is a growing body of evidence supporting an emerging hypothesis that a dysfunctional host–environment interaction involving various exogenous agents results in the sinonasal inflammation. In concert with the definition of CRS as an inflammatory disorder, there has been movement away from pathogen-driven hypotheses. This overall concept is in agreement with the current understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of chronic mucosal inflammatory disorders in general, which describes a balance of interactions between the host, commensal flora, potential pathogens, and exogenous stresses.

Diagnosis

CRS, with or without nasal polyps in adults is defined as:

  • inflammation of the nose and the paranasal sinuses characterized by two or more symptoms, one of which should be either nasal blockage/obstruction/congestion or nasal discharge (anterior/posterior nasal drip) ± facial pain/pressure ± reduction or loss of smell for ≥ 12 weeks.

This should be supported by demonstrable disease with endoscopic signs of:

and/or

Current and emerging treatment options

The aims of treatment in CRS include elimination of the infection, reduced sinonasal inflammation, and maintained patent sinonasal passage drainage. In addition, CRS may be associated with precipitating factors including allergies, cystic fibrosis, gastroesophageal reflux, sinonasal anatomic obstruction in the ostiomeatal unit, and immunologic disorders. Therefore, the management of these risk factors should also be optimized.

Treatment of CRS includes medical and surgical therapy. Medical therapy often requires combining multiple medications including antibiotics, nasal decongestants, topical nasal steroids and/or oral steroids, and saline irrigation. The rationale of this regimen is to control precipitating factors, treat the infection, reduce mucosal edema, and facilitate drainage. However, some patients do not respond with full medical treatment alone; in these cases treatment with endoscopic sinus surgery should be considered as an alternative. Management schemes for CRSsNP and CRSwNP are displayed in and , respectively.

Management scheme for chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps.

Management scheme for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

Corticosteroid

The aim of corticosteroid therapy in CRS is to reduce inflammation via directly reducing eosinophil viability and activation.19,20 In addition, an indirect effect can be to reduce the secretion of chemotactic cytokines from the nasal mucosa and polyp’s epithelial cells.21–24

Systemic corticosteroid

Oral steroids have been introduced as a systemic form to control inflammation. They are administrated as part of a multidrug regimen. To date, no evidence advocates for their use alone.25

CRSsNP

There is limited evidence to support the use of oral steroids in CRSsNP. Tosca et al26 investigated the efficacy of oral steroids as part of a multidrug regimen in children with CRS and asthma. They demonstrated better outcomes and cytokine profiles after treatment including improved nasal endoscopic condition in allergic children (87.5%) and nonallergic children (85.7%), statistically significant reduction of inflammatory infiltration in all children (P < 0.05), significant decrease of interleukin (IL)-4 in allergic children (P = 0.0002) and nonallergic children (P = 0.0007), significant increase of interferon-gamma in allergic children (P = 0.03), and nonsignificant increase in nonallergic children. Additionally, two retrospective studies investigated the benefit of using oral steroids in a multidrug regimen. Subramanian et al27 reported that 90% of patients had improved symptoms and/or CT at 6–8 weeks after treatment. Another study by Lal et al28 reported the complete resolution in patients with CRSwNP or CRSsNP at 2 months after treatment (51.03%). According to this result, a subgroup of CRSsNP was analyzed with a success rate of 54.88%.

Although these results showed beneficial effects of oral steroids, randomized placebo-controlled trials are required to support the use of oral steroids in CRSsNP.

CRSwNP

According to a recent Cochrane review,29 when data of 166 patients were pooled from three randomized controlled trials, the effects favored systemic corticosteroids. Prednisolone30–33 and methylprednisolone34 are most commonly used. Due to the side-effects of corticosteroids, we do not recommend systemic form usage for long-term treatment.

Safety and tolerability

Adverse systemic effects of treatment with systemic steroids include Cushing’s syndrome, steroid induced diabetes, gastric ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, and avascular necrosis of the femoral head.35 These side-effects are increased with dose and duration of treatment.

Topical corticosteroids

Topical corticosteroids are used as part of a multidrug regimen. There are numerous preparations that can be classified by systemic bioavailability as first generation intranasal corticosteroids including beclomethasone dipropionate, triamcinolone acetonide, flunisolide, and budesonide; and the newer generation includes fluticasone propionate, mometasone furoate, ciclesonide, and fluticasone furoate.36

The delivery method of topical steroids is an imperative factor. Classification of delivery methods can be divided by site (nose or paranasal sinus), volume, and pressure. The delivery methods to the nasal site include drops, sprays, and nebulizers. Paranasal sinus delivery requires devices cannulated through the nose. Volume of delivery method can be divided into low volume, which is defined as a simple spray volume less than 1 mL, or large volume, which is defined as any significant volume more than 60 mL (eg, simple irrigation syringe, irrigation devices). Delivery method may also be classified as low pressure (eg, spray, nebulizers, instilled solution through a tube, and nonpressure irrigation) and high pressure methods (eg, positive pressure irrigation).

CRSsNP

Numerous clinical controlled trials have investigated the efficacy of inhaled intranasal corticosteroids. Several studies compared the first generation of inhaled intranasal corticosteroids with placebo. Lund et al37 reported that the use of budesonide 128 μg twice a day significantly improved symptom scores (P < 0.05). Similarly, Qvarnberg et al38 reported the beneficial effects of budesonide 400 μg daily. It reduced nasal symptoms to a greater extent than placebo together with a significantly greater reduction in facial pain. In addition, Lavigne et al39 found a decrease in CD-3 (P = 0.02) and eosinophils (P = 0.002), and a decrease in the density of cells expressing IL-4 (P = 0.0001) and IL-5 messenger RNA (P = 0.006) after treatment.

Hansen et al40 studied the efficacy of fluticasone 400 μg twice a day via an OptiNose device (Optinose US Inc; Yardley, PA, USA). When compared with placebo, it improved mucosal edema (P = 0.015), increased peak nasal inspiratory airflow at 4 and 8 weeks (P = 0.006 and P = 0.03, respectively), improved magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scores after 12 weeks (P = 0.039), and improved nasal rhinosinusitis outcome measure-31 (RSOM-31) subscale scores at 4 and 8 weeks (P < 0.009 and P < 0.016, respectively). In addition, it significantly improved symptoms including sense of smell and nasal discomfort (P < 0.05). Conversely, Dijkstra et al41 compared the efficacy of two regimes of fluticasone nasal spray (400 μg versus 800 μg twice a day) and placebo. The results showed no significant difference in total symptom score on the 0–100 scale. Similarly, Jorissen et al42 reported no significant difference in endoscopic score when mometasone nasal spray was compared with placebo (P = 0.905).

Regarding the method of delivery, a meta-analysis showed significantly greater effects in sinus delivery methods (direct cannulation or irrigation post-surgery) than nasal delivery methods (drops, sprays, or nebulizer) (P = 0.04).36

Although, the significant benefit of using intranasal corticosteroids is not shown by several studies,41,42 the evidence from a meta-analysis36 showed benefits in symptom improvement.

CRSwNP

Thirty-eight randomized controlled trials were included for a meta-analysis.3 The steroid agents used were fluticasone propionate,43–56 beclomethasone dipropionate,46,51,57–59 betamethasone sodium phosphate,60 mometasone furoate,64 flunisolide,65,66 and budesonide.67–75 When compared to placebo, the steroid group could decrease symptom scores by 0.46 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.27–0.65) and decrease polyp size score by 0.48 (95% CI 0.21–0.75).

Nasal aerosols and turbuhalers were more effective than nasal sprays in symptom control but there was no difference in polyp size reduction.

Safety and tolerability

Adverse effects reported were mostly mild or moderate, consisting of local effects at the site of application. Giger et al76 presented side effects including epistaxis, dry nose, nasal burning, nasal itching, sinusitis, pharyngitis, otitis, change of taste, eczema, nausea/diarrheas, nasal irritation, and common cold. Using intranasal corticosteroid is generally safe. It does not provide increased incidence of infection76 or candidiasis,37 or produce a change in morning serum cortisol level.37

Antibiotics

The role of microbes in CRS as causative agents or for colonization is unclear. Pandak et al77 attempted to prove this controversial issue. The presence of an insignificant number of leukocytes in each sinus and nasopharyngeal swab shown by this study indicated bacterial colonization of sinonasal mucosa, not infection. Although there is substantial evidence of bacterial colonization in CRS, antibiotics still play a major role for occurrences of acute exacerbation of CRS.3,78

Bacterial organisms of CRS differ from acute rhinosinusitis. The main organisms include Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacteriaceae spp., and Pseudomonas spp., and less commonly Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenza, and beta hemolytic streptococci. In addition, anaerobes (eg, Peptostreptococcus, Prevotella, Porphyromonas, Bacteroides, Fusobacterium species) are possible organisms in CRS.

Systemic antibiotics

Systemic antibiotic treatment of CRSsNP can be administrated as either short- or long-term treatment. Short-term treatment is defined as the duration of usage less than 4 weeks in order to eradicate the organisms; conversely, long-term treatment is used for anti-inflammatory effects rather than antibacterial effects. Although, infection is not well established to be causative, the expert committee recommended using antibiotics as short-term treatment in CRSsNP with exacerbation with a positive culture.3

CRSsNP

The appropriate antibiotic for short-term treatment is usually broad spectrum to control both aerobic and anaerobic organisms. In addition, beta-lactamase-producing organisms and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) are possible pathogens, thus empiric antibiotics are frequently prescribed for coverage of these organisms.

Extended spectrum antibiotics (eg, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, fluoroquinolone) are commonly used. Legent et al79 compared amoxicillin/clavulanic acid with ciprofloxacin. The results showed no significant differences in clinical cure (51.2% versus 58.6%) and bacteriological eradication rate (90.5% versus 88.9%) for amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and ciprofloxacin. This result was similar to the result of Namyslowski et al80 which showed no significant difference between amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and cefuroxime axetil in clinical response (95% versus 88%) and bacterial eradication (65% versus 68%). Ciprofloxacin and cefuroxime axetil may be a useful alternative choice of therapeutic treatment.

Regarding long-term antibiotic treatment, the anti-inflammatory effects of macrolides have been investigated. Numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of macrolides in reducing inflammatory markers and an increasing ciliary beat frequency, indicating less sticky secretions.81–85 Furthermore, Wallwork et al86 showed a significant anti-inflammatory effect of roxithromycin on the sinonasal outcome test (SNOT)-20 score, nasal endoscopy, saccharin transit time, and IL-8 levels (P < 0.05) in a randomized placebo-controlled trial for CRSsNP. Conversely, the result of Videler et al87 showed no significant anti-inflammatory effects on SNOT-22, patient response rating scale, visual analog score, and SF-36. These different outcomes between the two studies may be explained by using different inclusion criteria. Wallwork et al86 included only patients with CRSsNP, whereas Videler et al87 included both CRSwNP and CRSsNP. Subgroup analysis in the study of Wallwork et al86 demonstrated that the subpopulation of patients with normal immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels had a higher response rate to the macrolide treatment than patients with elevated IgE. Therefore, serum IgE is a helpful indicator to identify responders to long-term macrolide treatment.

The recent Cochrane review78 found that there was limited good quality evidence to compare using antibiotics versus placebo in CRS; thus, future well-designed studies should be conducted.

CRSwNP

There were two randomized placebo controlled trials for short-term antibiotics.34,88 Doxycycline 100 mg for 20 days could significantly reduce polyp size and post-nasal drip score,34 while other antibiotics (quinolone, amoxicillin/clavulanate, or co-trimoxazole) had no significant effect but had a trend towards benefit.88

There was some evidence of long-term antibiotics use for CRSwNP using macrolides which showed a decrease in polyp size and patient symptoms, but all were nonrandomized trials.81,83,89

Safety and tolerability

Common adverse effects of antibiotics include gastrointestinal symptoms, skin rash, and reversible elevation of liver enzymes. Adverse events from antibiotic use in CRS were observed in an amoxicillin/clavulanic acid group (4.4%) and cefuroxime group (4.3%).80 These events were minor complications; diarrhea was the most common event. However, one serious urticaria occurred in the cefuroxime group.80

Resistant bacterial strains from long-term antibiotic treatment are of concern due to using the low dose form which does not reach the minimal inhibitory concentration. A controlled trial found that three of 50 cultures had positive macrolide resistant strains before treatment, and four of 43 cultures had resistant strains after treatment.87 Although, there seems to be no significant difference of resistant strains between before and after treatment, increased macrolide-resistant bacterial strains have been reported.90,91 Therefore, development of resistant bacterial strains should be monitored by nasal swab culture every 3 months.3

Topical antibiotics CRSsNP

Topical antibiotics have been administrated to treat CRS with the aim of providing higher concentrations of drug and acting directly on the site of infection; however, placebo controlled trials showed only minimal benefit.94,95 Desrosiers et al92 reported significant improvements in quality of life, symptoms, and sinonasal endoscopic appearance in both the saline and tobramycin group (P < 0.05). Similarly, Videler et al93 compared bacitracin/colimycin topical spray with placebo and reported improvements in both groups without significant differences in SF-36 or sinonasal endoscopic appearance. These studies showed no significant additive effects of topical antibiotics; therefore, topical antibiotics should not be used as first-line management but may be prescribed in patients refractory to traditional topical steroids and oral antibiotics.94

CRSwNP

There was no evidence regarding the use of topical antibiotics in CRSwNP.

Safety and tolerability

The most common adverse effects included intranasal stinging or burning sensation, moderate pain, throat irritation, cough, and dry skin.3 However, Desrosiers et al92 reported no statistically significant difference of adverse events between topical tobramycin and placebo. No tobramycin resistant bacterial strains were reported from this study.

Other emerging options

Many adjunctive agents have been utilized to control CRS including antimycotics,95–98 anti-IgE,99 anti-IL5,100,101 antihistamine,102,103 aspirin desensitization,104 bacterial lysates,105–108 capsaicin,109 complementary and alternative medicine,3,110–114 decongestants,115 furosemide,116 immunosuppressants,117,118 leukotriene antagonists,119,120 nasal irrigation,121–127 mucolytic agents,128 phototherapy,129 probiotics,130 and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).131 There was limited evidence on the effect of these options. We will focus this topic only on medications with positive effects.

Anti-IgE

Several investigators found that CRSwNP patients have higher IgE in polyps and serum than controls.132–134 One randomized controlled trial used omalizumab for 6 months compared with placebo in CRS patients.99 They found improvement of sinus opacification in CT-scans and the SNOT-20, but there was not a significant difference.

Anti-IL-5

IL-5 is the key mediator in eosinophil activation. Sejima et al found that patients with CRSwNP had higher levels of IL-5 compared with patients with CRSsNP.138 There were some small Phase II randomized controlled trials that found a positive effect of reslizumab and mepolizumab in decreasing polyp size.100,101 These drugs may have a possible role in treatment of CRSwNP in the future.

Bacterial lysates

The mechanisms of bacterial lysates are hypothesized to enhance the process of postnatal maturation of T helper (Th)1 function and dendritic cells.105,106 The efficacy of bacterial lysates (Broncho-Vaxom, OM Pharma, Geneva, Switzerland) was investigated compared with placebo.107 They found a significant improvement in symptoms including headache, purulent discharge, cough, and expectoration in the bacterial lysates group.107

Capsaicin

The calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a vasodilator agent present in sensory nerves and may play a major role in the vascular component of neurogenic inflammation. Repeated intranasal applications of capsaicin induced a reduction in both concentration of CGRP-like immunoreactivity and rhinitis symptoms.139 One randomized controlled trial found that patients treated with capsaicin showed a significant smaller staging of their nasal polyposis compared with the control group.109

Complementary and alternative medicine

The complementary and alternative medicines used to treat CRS include herbal medicine, vitamins, homeopathy, acupuncture, massage, reflexology, yoga, and chiropractics.110 Richstein and Mann111 compared the herbal preparation (European elder, common sorrel, cowslip, European vervain and gentian) with placebo, and found improvement of the overall clinical status and possible improvement on the radiological findings in the herbal preparation group (12/16 patients) and placebo group (6/15 patients). Another study reported a significant effect on nasal mucosa inflammation reduction and overall rating in the herbal preparation group, but no significant difference in other symptoms including nasal mucosa edema, nasal discharge, and breathing difficulties.112

Furosemide

Furosemide could induce cell shrinkage by mediating the net influx of osmotically active ions140 and hypothetically have immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects in hyperactive airway disease.141,142 One randomized controlled trial compared topical furosemide versus oral methylprednisolone for 7 days preoperatively.116 Furosemide could significantly reduce the subjective and endoscopic score when compared to baseline but was not significant when compared to oral methylprednisolone.116

Nasal irrigation

Nasal irrigation has been introduced as an adjunctive treatment. It facilitates mechanical removal of mucus, infective pathogens, and inflammatory mediators and promotes ciliary beat frequency. Freeman et al121 studied the efficacy of saline irrigation post-endoscopic sinus surgery. At 3 weeks postoperatively, the outcomes showed a significant improvement of discharge in the saline douching group compared with no treatment (P = 0.046). However, at 3 months postoperatively, there was only a minimal difference with crusting (P = 0.18) and edema (P = 0.32), and no difference with adhesions, discharge, and polyps.121 Khianey et al also found a small clinical benefit of the nasal saline irrigation with minimal side effects.127

Mucolytic agents

Some studies used mucolytic agents as an adjunctive drug for treating patients with tenacious mucus. Majima et al128 assessed the efficacy of S-carboxymethylcysteine in CRS patients without nasal polyps or with small nasal polyps. After 12 weeks of treatment, the nasal discharge and post-nasal discharge were significantly improved in the S-carboxymethylcysteine group (P = 0.008 and P = 0.002, respectively). However, the SNOT-20 and CT scores were not significantly different between groups.128

PPIs

Esophageal reflux was considered a potential cause of CRS. Using PPIs to decrease acid reflux may reduce sinonasal mucosal damage. An uncontrolled trial evaluating PPIs in CRS patients reported improvement in sinus symptoms (nasal congestion, nasal drainage, sinus pressure, facial headache, malaise) and global satisfaction (25%–89% and 91%, respectively).131

Phototherapy

Near-infrared laser illumination (NILI), with or without photo-activated (PA) agents, has bactericidal and wound healing promoting effects which may have a potential role in managing CRS. Krespi et al129 conducted a prospective randomized study with 23 symptomatic post-surgical CRS patients comparing NILI versus NILI with PA. Both therapy arms demonstrated clinical efficacy. The SNOT-20 score change was 0.9 for the NILI group and 0.8 for the NILI with PA group (P < 0.05).129

Surgery

CRSsNP

The aim of surgery includes clearing diseased mucosa, eliminating infection, relieving drainage obstruction, and restoring ventilation. Two randomized controlled trials compared the efficacy between surgery and medication in CRS. Hartog et al140 showed no significant difference in overall cure rates between the medication group (sinus irrigation plus loracarbef) and surgical group (sinus irrigation plus loracarbef plus endoscopic sinus surgery). This result was similar to the result of Ragab et al,141 which showed no difference in total symptom scores in the medication group (erythromycin plus nasal steroid plus nasal douche) and surgical group (endoscopic sinus surgery plus nasal steroid plus nasal douche). The Cochrane review suggested that functional endoscopic sinus surgery has not been demonstrated to confer additional benefits to those obtained by medical treatment.142 We recommend surgical intervention only when there is no response to maximal medical treatment.

CRSwNP

Surgical intervention involves clearance of polyps and abnormal mucosa and opening of the sinus openings. There was limited evidence based on nonrandomized controlled trials which found that endoscopic sinus surgery was safe and effective.143

Conclusion

Several therapies have been proven by studies with a high level of evidence to improve clinical symptoms and objective outcomes. Some therapies still need validation through well-conducted studies, in which randomized controlled trials may be a difficult task due to confounding factors and trial participation. Even though it remains a challenge to cure the root cause of CRS, an algorithm of multidrug regimen and endoscopic sinus surgery after fully implemented medication can help to decrease the disease burden and improve the quality of life of this group of patients.

Acknowledgment

We would like to thank Associate Professor Kornkiat Snidvongs for his advice and English language editing.

Footnotes

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

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