Browse publications by year: 2024

  1. Othman S, Hee VWH, Ng CJW, Suhaimi J
    PMID: 39654871 DOI: 10.51866/oa.586
    INTRODUCTION: There is limited understanding of the association of grandparenting with the wellbeing of older adults with chronic diseases. This study aimed to examine grandparenting practices and their association with physical and mental well-being among older adults.

    METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted at an outpatient clinic in a tertiary hospital in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. A total of 421 older patients with grandparenting experience were interviewed. The SF-12 Version 2.0 Health Survey was utilised to assess mental and physical wellbeing. Sociodemographic information, chronic disease care and grandparenting practices were evaluated to investigate any potential relationship with physical and mental well-being.

    RESULTS: Of the participants, 80% were aged 60-74 years; 62.5% were women; and 81.4% completed secondary education. More than half of the participants voluntarily took on the role of grandparenting. The participants showed an impaired physical function but a preserved mental wellbeing. Never missing regular medication due to grandparenting and taking up grandparenting based on the circumstances were related to mental health. However, no factor was significantly associated with physical well-being.

    CONCLUSION: Two factors are linked to improved mental well-being. In contrast, there is no significant relationship found between a decline in physical health and grandparenting practices. Further research is needed to determine the causal relationship between physical health challenges and grandparenting practices.

  2. Jianping G, Roslan S, Soh KG, Zaremohzzabieh Z
    Front Psychol, 2024;15:1446260.
    PMID: 39654937 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1446260
    INTRODUCTION: The impact of a growth mindset and resilience on boarding middle school adolescents has received increasing attention from scholars. Nevertheless, research on how to intervene in the growth mindset, and resilience of boarding school adolescents needs further verification. The purpose of this study is to explore whether positive education intervention based on the PERMA (positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and achievement) model will help Chinese boarding middle school adolescents improve their growth mindset and resilience.

    METHODS: This study is a randomized controlled trial with both a control group and an experimental group, including pre-tests and post-tests. The study subjects were 167 adolescents, including 84 (n 1 = 84) adolescents in the experimental group and 83 (n 2 = 83) adolescents in the control group.

    RESULTS: The results showed that adolescents under the intervention condition reported significantly improved growth mindset and resilience.

    DISCUSSION: Compared with the control group, resilience significantly increased. These findings indicate that positive educational intervention is a promising approach to improve boarding adolescents 'growth mindset and resilience.

  3. Soo CI, Leong WL, Ong DB, Looi LM, Sia LC, Munusamy V, et al.
    Respirol Case Rep, 2024 Dec;12(12):e70082.
    PMID: 39654987 DOI: 10.1002/rcr2.70082
    Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is an established technique for lung cancer staging and the diagnosis of mediastinal diseases. Recently, the paradigm of EBUS guided mediastinal sampling with conventional cytology has shifted over to histology specimens through the use of cryobiopsy. This case series explores the novel technique, key enablers, and potential advantages of endoscopic ultrasound with bronchoscope-guided transesophageal cryobiopsy (EUS-B-TEC). The findings of this case series suggest that EUS-B-TEC is a safe and valuable addition to the bronchoscopic procedural armamentarium. Further studies are warranted to validate the potential of EUS-B-TEC.
  4. Goh EV, Sobratee-Fajurally N, Allegretti A, Sardeshpande M, Mustafa M, Azam-Ali SH, et al.
    Front Sustain Food Syst, 2024 Jun 28;8:1366878.
    PMID: 39655043 DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2024.1366878
    Food environments are rapidly changing globally, both in developed and developing contexts, contributing to poor dietary habits and environmental concerns. As a result, more than 80% of countries in the world face different forms of malnutrition, while the environment faces further degradation due to unsustainable production and consumption patterns. Understanding food environments in diverse settings via a global lens is critical for facilitating the global transition to sustainable and healthy food environments. A virtual workshop was held with stakeholders from five nations (Germany, Ghana, Malaysia, South Africa, and Tanzania) representing varying levels of development to interrogate global food environment concerns and propose cross cutting thematic areas that may be explored and addressed through policy change and intervention. The workshop initiated a transdisciplinary project to shape food environments for sustainable and healthy diets. The Reference Manual for Convenors of Food Systems Summit Dialogues for United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) (United Nations, 2020) was used as guidance to ensure that an inclusive mix of stakeholders were invited. The stakeholders included key players from public and private sectors in disciplines of agriculture, agro-forestry, environment and ecology, education, food retail and market, trade and commerce, health care and nutrition. Following the workshop discussion, the findings were analyzed using a general inductive approach. Through triangulation of findings, we identified the common challenges and opportunities for achieving collective nutritional, social and environmental sustainability in the modern food environments, which have become more universal globally. It is evident that research and data are essential for sustainable development of food systems, while Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17 - Partnership for the Goals - should be placed at the core of the transformative process. We proposed several research-driven transdisciplinary interventions to facilitate a paradigm shift from the profit logic model over everything else, and to counter the existing policy fragmentation and systemic challenges to making food environments nutrition-sensitive and socially and environmentally sustainable.
  5. Abdul Malik TF, Beh HC, Selvaraj CS, Mallen CD, Ng CJ, Lee YK
    Prev Med, 2024 Dec;189:108137.
    PMID: 39277034 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2024.108137
    BACKGROUND: The global incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) is rising, with people having a family history of CRC (PFH-CRC) facing double the risk compared to the average-risk population. Despite this, CRC screening uptake among PFH-CRC remains low. There is a lack of systematic mapping of interventions promoting CRC screening in this high-risk population.

    OBJECTIVE: We conducted a scoping review to identify the types of interventions targeting PFH-CRC, their effectiveness in increasing CRC screening uptake, and the elements associated with the outcomes.

    METHODS: The Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping review was followed. The search for eligible articles was conducted from the inception of each database until 17 July 2024 in PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane, PsycINFO and Web of Science with no restrictions on language.

    RESULTS: Thirty studies from 1995 to 2023 across 13 countries were included; mostly from high-income countries. There was considerable variability in study design, intervention characteristics, and screening outcomes. Eleven studies used theoretical frameworks in intervention development. Fourteen studies reported statistically significant increases in screening uptake among PFH-CRC, most using complex, multiple-component interventions. Tailored print materials and patient navigation more consistently demonstrated increased screening uptake, while counselling yielded mixed results.

    CONCLUSION: Interventions for promoting CRC screening uptake in PFH-CRC commonly incorporate print material, patient navigation and counselling, often combined into complex interventions. Future research should include more implementation studies to translate these interventions into real-world settings. Additionally, there are gaps in research from low- and middle-income countries, highlighting the need for further research in these resource-limited settings.

    MeSH terms: Health Promotion/methods; Humans; Mass Screening; Early Detection of Cancer*
  6. QingNing S, Mohd Ismail ZI, Ab Patar MNA, Mat Lazim N, Hadie SNH, Mohd Noor NF
    Tissue Cell, 2024 Dec;91:102556.
    PMID: 39293138 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2024.102556
    Challenges in treating peripheral nerve injury include prolonged repair time and insufficient functional recovery. Stem cell therapy coupled with neural tissue engineering has been shown to induce nerve regeneration following peripheral nerve injury. Among these stem cells, adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are preferred due to their accessibility, expansion, multidirectional differentiation, and production of essential nutrient factors for nerve growth. In recent years, ADSC-laden nerve guide conduit has been utilized to enhance the therapeutic effects of tissue-engineered nerve grafts. This review explores existing research that recognizes the roles played by ADSCs in inducing peripheral nerve regeneration following injury and summarizes the different methods of application of ADSC-laden nerve conduit in neural tissue engineering.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Cell Differentiation; Humans; Nerve Regeneration*; Stem Cell Transplantation/methods
  7. Ali A, Shahbaz M, Ölmez F, Fatima N, Umar UUD, Ali MA, et al.
    World J Microbiol Biotechnol, 2024 Oct 03;40(11):339.
    PMID: 39358476 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-024-04143-3
    Plant pathogens and other biological pests represent significant obstacles to crop Protection worldwide. Even though there are many effective conventional methods for controlling plant diseases, new methods that are also effective, environmentally safe, and cost-effective are required. While plant breeding has traditionally been used to manipulate the plant genome to develop resistant cultivars for controlling plant diseases, the emergence of genetic engineering has introduced a completely new approach to render plants resistant to bacteria, nematodes, fungi, and viruses. The RNA interference (RNAi) approach has recently emerged as a potentially useful tool for mitigating the inherent risks associated with the development of conventional transgenics. These risks include the use of specific transgenes, gene control sequences, or marker genes. Utilizing RNAi to silence certain genes is a promising solution to this dilemma as disease-resistant transgenic plants can be generated within a legislative structure. Recent investigations have shown that using target double stranded RNAs via an effective vector system can produce significant silencing effects. Both dsRNA-containing crop sprays and transgenic plants carrying RNAi vectors have proven effective in controlling plant diseases that threaten commercially significant crop species. This article discusses the methods and applications of the most recent RNAi technology for reducing plant diseases to ensure sustainable agricultural yields.
    MeSH terms: Plant Breeding/methods; Animals; Genetic Engineering/methods; Genetic Vectors/genetics; Plants/genetics; Plants/microbiology; RNA, Double-Stranded/genetics; Crops, Agricultural/genetics; Crops, Agricultural/microbiology; RNA Interference*
  8. Choon SE, Foley PA, Asawanonda P, Fujita H, Jo SJ, Shi YL, et al.
    J Dermatol, 2024 Dec;51(12):1579-1595.
    PMID: 39390737 DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.17471
    Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare, chronic, heterogeneous, and potentially life-threatening disease characterized by primary, sterile, and macroscopically visible pustules with or without systemic symptoms. There are ethnic differences in the genetic mutations associated with GPP that might affect the clinical manifestations and treatment responses. Currently, there is limited evidence from the patient population in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, resulting in a general paucity of information on the effective management of patients with GPP in this region. This modified Delphi panel study aimed to identify current evidence and gain advanced insights to facilitate the development of a regionally tailored APAC consensus on the management of GPP. A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to identify published literature and develop consensus statements on (i) definition and clinical course, (ii) diagnosis of GPP, (iii) treatment outcomes, goals, and monitoring measures, and (iv) optimal management strategies and clinical practices. Statements were rated by a panel of dermatologists in two rounds, with the threshold for consensus at ≥80% agreement. Twenty experts from the APAC region reached consensus on 106 statements that were developed based on the SLR and experts' collective expertise. The experts agreed that GPP is a rare, severe, and potentially life-threatening condition that is distinct from plaque psoriasis. This consensus emphasized the importance of a tailored treatment strategy taking into account the GPP flare severity and each patient's unique clinical circumstances. The experts reached consensus on the severity classification of GPP flares and recommended first-line and maintenance treatment options for adult GPP, childhood GPP, and GPP in pregnancy. These consensus outcomes have been synthesized into treatment algorithms to guide dermatologists in the APAC region in their clinical decision-making processes.
    MeSH terms: Asia; Delphi Technique*; Dermatologic Agents/therapeutic use; Female; Humans; Severity of Illness Index; Consensus*
  9. Hall JMM, Nguyen TV, Dinsmore AW, Perugini D, Perugini M, Fukunaga N, et al.
    Reprod Biomed Online, 2024 Dec;49(6):104403.
    PMID: 39433005 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2024.104403
    RESEARCH QUESTION: Can federated learning be used to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) model for evaluating oocyte competence using two-dimensional images of denuded oocytes in metaphase II prior to intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)?

    RESULTS: The oocyte AI model demonstrated area under the curve (AUC) up to 0.65 on two blind test datasets. High sensitivity for predicting competent oocytes (83-88%) was offset by lower specificity (26-36%). Exclusion of confounding biological variables (male factor infertility and maternal age ≥35 years) improved AUC up to 14%, primarily due to increased specificity. AI score correlated with size of the zona pellucida and perivitelline space, and ooplasm appearance. AI score also correlated with blastocyst expansion grade and morphological quality. The sum of AI scores from oocytes in group culture images predicted the formation of two or more usable blastocysts (AUC 0.77).

    CONCLUSION: An AI model to evaluate oocyte competence was developed using federated learning, representing an essential step in protecting patient data. The AI model was significantly predictive of oocyte competence, as defined by usable blastocyst formation, which is a critical factor for IVF success. Potential clinical utility ranges from selective oocyte fertilization to guiding treatment decisions regarding additional rounds of oocyte retrieval.

    DESIGN: In total, 10,677 oocyte images with associated metadata were collected prospectively by eight IVF clinics across six countries. AI training used federated learning, where data were retained on regional servers to comply with data privacy laws. The final AI model required a single image as input to evaluate oocyte competence, which was defined by the formation of a usable blastocyst (≥expansion grade 3 by day 5 or 6 post ICSI).

    MeSH terms: Adult; Artificial Intelligence*; Blastocyst*; Female; Humans; Embryonic Development/physiology; Oocyte Retrieval
  10. Hata H, Wibowo K, Lavoué S, Pogonoski JJ, Appleyard SA, Motomura H
    Zootaxa, 2024 Nov 13;5538(1):1-22.
    PMID: 39645725 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5538.1.1
    Eighteen and 23 specimens of two species of the poorly known anchovies Stolephorus grandis Hata & Motomura, 2021b and Stolephorus waitei Jordan & Seale, 1926 (Clupeiformes: Engraulidae), respectively, are examined. This study presents their detailed morphological characters including fresh colorations along with their precise distributional ranges within the Sahul Shelf coastal region. The "barcode" regions of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene were examined in four specimens of S. waitei and one specimen of S. grandis. Both species diverged by 10.6% and > 10.3% mean (uncorrected) genetic distances from each other and from any other species of Stolephorus, respectively. Stolephorus waitei, S. grandis, and Stolephorus nelsoni Wongratana, 1987 form a monophyletic group of species endemic to the Sahul Shelf region. Additionally, the role and evolution of double lines on the dorsum observed in several species of Stolephorus, including S. grandis, are discussed.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Animal Structures/anatomy & histology; Animal Structures/growth & development; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics; Female; Male; Organ Size; Pacific Ocean; Phylogeny; Ecosystem; Body Size; Animal Distribution*
  11. Quah ESH, Imbun PY, Yek SH
    Zootaxa, 2024 May 06;5447(2):253-262.
    PMID: 39645834 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5447.2.6
    The Mesilau Stream Toad (Ansonia guibei) is a species of bufonid endemic to Sabah, Borneo, and restricted to a single mountainous location above 1600m in elevation. The species is only known from the type locality, the Mesilau watershed on Mount Kinabalu. An earthquake in 2015 resulted in massive landslides, causing extensive damage to the species' habitat at Mesilau. This event was expected to have caused significant population declines of at least 80% or even the potential extinction of the species. A survey in 2017 at Mesilau failed to locate any individuals, which resulted in it being listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. Surveys in late 2023 to reassess the status of the species and its habitat resulted in the rediscovery of a single subadult specimen of A. guibei. Tadpoles of the species were recorded in the main Mesilau River and one additional tributary, which indicates the species survives and is breeding. Studies are ongoing to collect more ecological data on the species and determine its current distribution. The data gathered will be used to construct a robust conservation plan for the species. Nevertheless, these preliminary observations bode well for the future of the species as it demonstrates that it is resilient and capable of recovering from the damages caused by the earthquake.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Animal Structures/anatomy & histology; Animal Structures/growth & development; Conservation of Natural Resources*; Female; Larva/anatomy & histology; Larva/classification; Larva/growth & development; Male; Organ Size; Ecosystem*; Rivers; Body Size; Earthquakes*; Endangered Species*; Animal Distribution*
  12. Sittichaya W, Beaver RA, Smith SM
    Zootaxa, 2024 Apr 29;5446(1):65-76.
    PMID: 39645890 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5446.1.3
    Four new species, Arixyleborus halabala Sittichaya, Beaver & Smith sp. nov., Arixyleborus longicauda Sittichaya, Beaver & Smith sp. nov., Arixyleborus vellus Sittichaya, Beaver & Smith sp. nov. are described from Thailand, and Arixyleborus liratus Sittichaya, Beaver & Smith sp. nov. from Thailand and East Malaysia (Sabah). With the inclusion of the species described here, the diversity of Arixyleborus is increased to 46 species, of which 20 occur in Thailand. A synoptic list with distributions and habitat types is provided.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Animal Structures/anatomy & histology; Animal Structures/growth & development; Female; Male; Organ Size; Thailand; Ecosystem*; Body Size; Animal Distribution*
  13. Tan MK, Liu C, Ingrisch S, Japir R, Chung AYC
    Zootaxa, 2024 Apr 24;5443(4):451-494.
    PMID: 39645901 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5443.4.1
    Based on an orthopteran survey in different parts of western Sabah, a total of 24 species from 16 genera are reported here, i.e., three species from one genus of Elimaeini, 14 species from nine genera of Holochlorini and three species from two genera of Mirolliini. Among them, four species of Holochlora new to science are described from Mount Trus Madi: Holochlora bulbosa Tan, Liu & Ingrisch, sp. nov., Holochlora falcata Tan, Liu & Ingrisch, sp. nov., Holochlora bispinosa Tan, Liu & Ingrisch, sp. nov. and Holochlora cratera Tan, Liu & Ingrisch, sp. nov. One new genus of Holochlorini is described from Mount Trus Madi: Pulchrapsyra cyanea Tan, Liu & Ingrisch, gen. et sp. nov. One species of Deflorita (Separita) new to science from Mount Trus Madi is described: Deflorita (Separita) extensa Tan, Liu & Ingrisch, sp. nov.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Animal Structures/anatomy & histology; Animal Structures/growth & development; Female; Malaysia; Male; Organ Size; Orthoptera/anatomy & histology; Orthoptera/classification; Ecosystem; Body Size; Animal Distribution*
  14. Rayhan MJ, Jahan S
    Zootaxa, 2024 Oct 14;5523(1):128-138.
    PMID: 39645948 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5523.1.8
    Paraxenoacria gen. nov., a new genus belonging to the family Peleopodidae is described to accommodate a new species Paraxenoacria spinosa sp. nov. from Bangladesh. This genus is peculiar and clearly distinct from the other genera of this family and others of the related families on the basis of external morphology as well as genitalia features of males such as having downwardly curved digitiform projections in the tegumen and distinct shape of the valva. Additionally, analysis of observations from different citizen science platforms reveals that this newly described genus is distributed throughout South-East Asia up to Malaysia. The biological aspects of this new species are also provided. The genus is tentatively being placed within the subfamily Acriinae due to its close resemblance to the genus Acria Stephens, 1834 pending further comprehensive taxonomic study.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Animal Structures/anatomy & histology; Animal Structures/growth & development; Asia, Southeastern; Female; Male; Moths/anatomy & histology; Moths/classification; Organ Size; Body Size; Animal Distribution*
  15. Jelínek J, Hájek J
    Zootaxa, 2024 Oct 10;5519(4):590-600.
    PMID: 39645959 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5519.4.7
    Three new species of the genus Viettherchnus Kirejtshuk, 1985 are described and illustrated: Viettherchnus apriculus sp. nov. (Malaysia), V. helferi sp. nov. (Indonesia: Kalimantan, Malaysia, Myanmar) and V. orszuliki sp. nov. (Nepal); the latter represents the first species of the genus known from the Himalayas. An identification key to all Viettherchnus species is provided.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Animal Structures/anatomy & histology; Animal Structures/growth & development; Female; Malaysia; Male; Organ Size; Body Size; Animal Distribution*
  16. Korai SK, Jäger P
    Zootaxa, 2024 Jul 16;5481(2):241-259.
    PMID: 39646043 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5481.2.4
    Five new species of Heteropoda (Araneae: Sparassidae, Heteropodinae) from Southeast Asia are described: H. acris spec. nov. (male, female; Vietnam), H. cuspidata spec. nov. (male; Malaysia), H. papilionacea spec. nov. (female; Malaysia), H. pilata spec. nov. (female; Thailand), and H. verticalis spec. nov. (male; Malaysia). The female of H. jasminae Jäger, 2008 is described for the first time (locality: Vietnam). All these new species are diagnosed, described, and illustrated. Additionally, a distribution map for all species is given.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Animal Structures/anatomy & histology; Animal Structures/growth & development; Asia, Southeastern; Female; Male; Organ Size; Body Size; Animal Distribution*
  17. Hájek J, Sheth SD
    Zootaxa, 2024 Jul 15;5481(1):119-130.
    PMID: 39646050 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5481.1.7
    The Copelatus latipes species complex is introduced for Oriental species of Copelatus Erichson, 1832 belonging to the C. irinus group and characterised by the presence of processes on the ventral side of the median lobe of the aedeagus, forming a "beak-shaped" structure. The complex comprises six species, including two newly described taxa: Copelatus bezdeki Sheth, Ghate & Hájek, 2018 (India), C. brivioi Rocchi, 1976 (Bangladesh, India, Nepal), C. kopetzi sp. nov. (Nepal), C. lanxangensis sp. nov. (Laos), C. latipes Sharp, 1882 (Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia) and C. schereri Wewalka, 1981 (India, Sri Lanka). All species are diagnosed, and their habitus and male genitalia are illustrated.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Animal Structures/anatomy & histology; Animal Structures/growth & development; Female; Male; Organ Size; Body Size*; Animal Distribution*
  18. Borah PK, Grismer LL, DAS A, Purkayastha J, Deuti K, Lalremsanga HT, et al.
    Zootaxa, 2024 Dec 05;5543(4):579-590.
    PMID: 39646089 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5543.4.5
    The Spotted Litter Skink, Sphenomorphus maculatus, initially described by Edward Blyth in 1854, lacks a taxonomic reference point, as the holotype was reported lost by 1868. A preliminary molecular phylogenetic analysis revealed indications of cryptic diversity within S. maculatus across its range in Northeast India. We aimed to pinpoint the precise type locality, concluding that it corresponds to the peripheral forested regions surrounding Guwahati, India. To establish a robust taxonomic foundation for future investigations, we designate a neotype under the provisions of the ICZN Code (Article 75). We also provide a comprehensive redescription of the neotype. This analysis and redescription were based on recently collected specimens from the identified type locality, and approximate areas based on the movements of Col. Jenkins, who was the original collector of the holotype. Genetic data from six loci of the neotype and from the other specimens were deposited in GenBank, contributing valuable information for future reference.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Animal Structures/anatomy & histology; Animal Structures/growth & development; Female; India; Male; Organ Size; Phylogeny*; Ecosystem; Body Size; Animal Distribution*
  19. Omelko MM, Fomichev AA
    Zootaxa, 2024 Dec 04;5543(3):383-403.
    PMID: 39646099 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5543.3.5
    Three new species, B. catopuma sp. nov. (♀) (Borneo, Malaysia), B. musang sp. nov. (♂♀) and B. tangalunga sp. nov. (♂) (both from Mindanao, Philippines), are described. Species of shakeit group are recorded outside of Borneo for the first time (Philippines). The females of Bowie neukoeln Jäger, 2022 and Bowie shakeit Jäger, 2022, and the male of B. hosei (F.O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1897) are redescribed. Detailed descriptions, digital photographs and a distributional map are provided.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Animal Structures/anatomy & histology; Animal Structures/growth & development; Asia, Southeastern; Female; Male; Organ Size; Body Size*; Animal Distribution*
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