However, patients must then wear an elasticated compression bandage more or less permanently to stop the lymphoedema coming back.

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The eventual Republican nominee, even if it is the elasticated Mr Romney, will not find it easy to regroup his party.

ECONOMIST: Lexington

The problem has been addressed by, for instance, the Russian "Pingvin" suit, a simple system comprising a waistband and sets of elasticated cords from the waist over the shoulders and down to the feet.

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