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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This work was supported by grants from the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research to G. Candore, D. L., G. C-R., and C. C. Funds from Italian Ministry of Health (genetic and nongenetic factors of health in elderly) to C. F. and G. C-R. are also acknowledged. M. P. G. and S. V. are Ph.D. students of the Pathobiology Ph.D. course (directed by C. C.) of Palermo University, and this work is in partial fulfillment of the require- ment for the Ph.D. Statistical advise of Prof. C. Camma` is acknowledged.

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