Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 81 in total

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  1. Rayes IK, Hassali MA, Abduelkarem AR
    Pharm Pract (Granada), 2015 06 15;13(2):506.
    PMID: 26131039
    BACKGROUND: In many developing countries, pharmacists are facing many challenges while they try to enhance the quality of services provided to patients approaching community pharmacies.

    OBJECTIVE: To explore perception of community pharmacists in Dubai regarding the obstacles to enhanced pharmacy services using a part of the results from a nation-wide quantitative survey.

    METHODS: A questionnaire was distributed to 281 full-time licensed community pharmacists in Dubai. The questionnaire had 5 inter-linked sections: demographic information, information about the pharmacy, interaction with physicians, pharmacists' current professional role, and barriers to enhanced pharmacy services.

    RESULTS: About half of the respondents (45.4%, n=90) agreed that pharmacy clients under-estimate them and 52.5% (n=104) felt the same by physicians. About 47.5% (n=94) of the respondents felt that they are legally unprotected against profession's malpractice. Moreover, 64.7% (n=128) stated that pharmacy practice in Dubai turned to be business-focused. In addition, 76.8% (n=252) found that one of the major barriers to enhanced pharmacy services is the high business running cost. Pharmacists screened tried to prove that they are not one of the barriers to optimized pharmacy services as 62.7% (n=124) disagreed that they lack appropriate knowledge needed to serve community and 67.7% (n=134) gave the same response when asked whether pharmacy staff lack confidence when treating consumers or not.

    CONCLUSIONS: Although being well established within the community, pharmacists in Dubai negatively perceived their own professional role. They stated that there are number of barriers which hinder optimized delivery of pharmacy services like under-estimation by pharmacy clients and other healthcare professionals, pressure to make sales, and high running cost.

    Matched MeSH terms: Professional Role
  2. Rayes IK, Hassali MA, Abduelkarem AR
    Saudi Pharm J, 2015 Jul;23(3):235-40.
    PMID: 26106271 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2014.11.016
    The new paradigm to pharmacy profession has changed the focus of pharmacists from product-centered to patient-oriented. This change has brought new set of beliefs and assumptions on the way services should be delivered to pharmacy clients. The main aim of this study was to explore the perception of community pharmacists on their current professional role in Dubai. Key findings show that community pharmacists are more directed toward business than patients. They almost dispense all categories of medicines over-the-counter without the need of prescriptions. However, a new trend of pharmacists in Dubai is to provide enhanced pharmacy services such as consultation to patients upon request.
    Matched MeSH terms: Professional Role
  3. Hassali MA, Shafie AA, Al-Haddad MS, Abduelkarem AR, Ibrahim MI, Palaian S, et al.
    Res Social Adm Pharm, 2011 Dec;7(4):415-20.
    PMID: 21272536 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2010.10.003
    The practice of pharmacy and, consequently, pharmacy curricula have undergone significant changes over the past years in response to a rapidly changing economic, political, and social environment. Within this context, the pharmacist's role had expanded to include more direct interaction with the public in terms of the provision of health information and advice on the safe and rational use of medications. To carry out these roles effectively, pharmacists need to be well prepared on how to deal with patients' behavior and psychology. The understanding of patient sociobehavioral aspects in the medication use process is paramount to achieving optimal clinical and humanistic outcomes from therapy. The concept of behavioral sciences and health psychology are embedded as the fundamental concepts in the field of social pharmacy, and thus it is imperative that this should be taught and nurtured to future pharmacy practitioners. Based on the growing needs for future pharmacists to be exposed to issues in social pharmacy, many pharmacy schools around the world have adopted this subject to be part of their standard curriculum. In this commentary, a discussion of the needs of social pharmacy courses in pharmacy curriculum will be addressed in the context of both developed and developing countries.
    Matched MeSH terms: Professional Role
  4. Ismail FF, Md Redzuan A, Chong WW, Ahmad Nizaruddin M
    PLoS One, 2023;18(9):e0290883.
    PMID: 37768930 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290883
    BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, imposing a significant burden on patients and healthcare systems. The role of pharmacists in reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) is pivotal as they play an essential part in the healthcare team, particularly in medication management and patient education. Pharmacists are well-positioned to contribute to the prevention and control of CVD through various roles, including medication management and patient education. This study aims to investigate the current involvement of community pharmacists in Malaysia, specifically in cardiovascular diseases-related health promotion activities and dyslipidemia management, including their perceived barriers.

    METHOD: This cross-sectional survey was conducted among community pharmacists in all 14 states of Malaysia between November 2021 and July 2022. The self-administered survey was shared to relevant groups through various social media platforms.

    RESULTS: A total of 312 community pharmacists were involved in the survey. Majority of the respondents were females (66%), with a mean age (SD) of 32.9 (8.4) years. Most of the respondents showed satisfactory practice for patient counselling, but improvements are needed particularly in risk assessment and collaborative care aspect. Most of them expressed their interest for dyslipidemia management training (89.4%). Lack of access to medical records (71.2%) and lack of CVD-related educational materials (70.8%) were the two main perceived barriers identified.

    CONCLUSION: Community pharmacists in Malaysia provide a satisfactory role in the provision of cardiovascular disease-related health promotion activities, especially in providing patient counselling. Strengthening collaborative care is essential for providing comprehensive and patient-centered intervention in dyslipidemia management. This requires ongoing efforts to address and overcome existing barriers for effective teamwork and coordination among healthcare professionals.

    Matched MeSH terms: Professional Role
  5. Hashem AAR, Ahmed HMA
    Eur Endod J, 2017;2(1):1-4.
    PMID: 33403327 DOI: 10.5152/eej.2017.17042
    A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of root canal anatomical variations are essential for successful root canal treatment. Mandibular molar teeth show considerable variations in their external and internal radicular morphology that require special attention from dental practitioners to provide the best clinical outcomes to the patients. This report aims to present root canal treatment of a mandibular first molar that has six separate root canals (three root canals in the mesial roots and three in the distal roots [236 M3 D3]). This report points out the importance of proper exploration for identifying additional canals in mandibular molars.
    Matched MeSH terms: Professional Role
  6. Qamar Z, Alhaid ASM, Altami RM, Bachat AMW, Aldosseri DMS
    Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci, 2022 Dec;26(24):9480-9488.
    PMID: 36591857 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202212_30700
    OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to evaluate the awareness, comportment and attitude/perception of dentists regarding the use of photodynamic (PD) therapy before and during COVID-19 pandemic around the globe.

    SUBJECTS AND METHODS: An online survey was performed by sending out an online questionnaire comprising 21 questions among dental practitioners working in four different countries: Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Malaysia and United Kingdom. The survey evaluated dental practitioners' level of awareness about the PD therapy, comportment and attitude for its implication and prevalence in daily clinical practice. For statistical significance the Chi-square analysis with Spearman Correlation coefficient was conducted to assess the sub-groups and correlating the factors with the level of awareness of the dental practitioners.

    RESULTS: A total of 1,219 dental practitioners from four different countries (Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Malaysia and United Kingdom) responded to the questionnaire. The median age of the respondents was 37, 34, 36 and 39 respectively. The majority of dental practitioners demonstrated to have an acceptable level of awareness regarding PD therapy. Nearly 76%, 74%, 79% and 80% of the individuals from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Malaysia and United Kingdom respectively were aware of the role/mechanism of action of the PD therapy. Moreover, in preponderance, practitioners were confident that the effect of PD therapy will not be reduced in patients infected with COVID-19. The majority of dental practitioners were convinced that successful dental treatment due to PD therapy is linked majorly with therapies done in relation to four major dental specialties: prosthodontics, endodontic, restorative dentistry and periodontology. Approximately more than 90% of the dentists were sure that the rate of COVID-19 transmission can be reduced by using PD therapy in oral treatments. The dental practitioners from Saudi Arabia (91%), Pakistan (82%), Malaysia (83%) and United Kingdom (82%) were contented to learn about PD therapy for its use in clinical practice. Nearly more than 95% of the practitioners from the four countries were keen to attend the lectures/hands-on workshops regarding PD therapy to enhance their skills and knowledge. More than 80% of dentists do not refuse the peripheral role of PD therapy with their patients.

    CONCLUSIONS: The respondents from the four countries displayed passable level of awareness regarding basic information of PD therapy and its clinical implication in dental specialty. Nevertheless, there is a need to develop awareness regarding the use of PD therapy among dental practitioners during their undergraduate program. Furthermore, lectures and hands-on workshops should be arranged to train dental practitioners in order to enhance their skills for its solicitation in clinical practice. It is perceived by the dentists in the four countries that the use of PD therapy can effectively reduce COVID-19 rate of transmission.

    Matched MeSH terms: Professional Role
  7. Gnanasan S, Ting KN, Wong KT, Mohd Ali S, Muttalif AR, Anderson C
    Int J Clin Pharm, 2011 Feb;33(1):44-52.
    PMID: 21365392 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-010-9452-3
    OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of providing a pharmacist-led pharmaceutical care service to patients with tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus.

    SETTING: The study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia. Methods Action research methodology was used.

    MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Pharmaceutical care issues.

    RESULTS: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus among newly diagnosed tuberculosis patients was 15% (53/352). Out of 53 patients identified, 35 participated in the study. Patients' ages ranged between 29 and 73 years (mean of 52 ± 10 years). The male: female ratio was 1.7:1. Pharmaceutical care issues identified by pharmacists were nonadherence, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, adverse drug reactions and individual patient's medication related problems. Pharmacists were able to intervene and resolve some of the pharmaceutical care issues.

    CONCLUSION: Pharmacists played an important role in integrating the provision of care for tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus by providing individualised pharmaceutical care management. There still remains a need to address logistic barriers that impinged on the ability to conduct the pharmaceutical care service to its full potential.

    Matched MeSH terms: Professional Role
  8. Ting KN, Stratton-Powell DM, Anderson C
    Pharm World Sci, 2010 Jun;32(3):339-42.
    PMID: 20336371 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-010-9382-0
    OBJECTIVES: To investigate community pharmacists' knowledge, attitudes and views on adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting. Setting Seven community pharmacies in Malaysia.

    METHOD: Structured interviews with community pharmacists. Informed consent was obtained and interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim.

    MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Content analysis of themes on awareness of ADR reporting, reporting activities, attitudes and views on patient reporting.

    RESULTS: All pharmacists claimed to have some knowledge of a reporting system but only one had submitted a report directly to the regulatory authority. Despite the low level of reporting activities, all participants agreed that it was part of their professional obligation to report an ADR. Most participants were not aware of the direct patient reporting scheme and were skeptical about its success. Lack of awareness and patients' limited knowledge about their medications were viewed as barriers to patient reporting. Local attitudinal issues including pharmacists' attitude towards ADR reporting were described as possible contributing factors.

    CONCLUSION: Community pharmacists have an important role in reporting ADRs. Many Malaysian patients are still perceived to be ill-informed of their medications, an important determinant to the success of patient reporting. There is a need for further training about ADRs and ADR reporting for health professionals and further education for patients.

    Matched MeSH terms: Professional Role*
  9. Toh LS, Lai PSM, Othman S, Wong KT, Low BY, Anderson C
    Res Social Adm Pharm, 2017 11;13(6):1142-1150.
    PMID: 27780658 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2016.10.004
    OBJECTIVES: This study describes the perspective of patients, nurses, pharmacists, doctors and policy makers to identify the level of collaboration and the areas for improvement to achieve inter-professional collaboration between doctors, nurses, pharmacists and policy makers in a primary care clinic.

    METHODS: Patients (n = 20), Nurses (n = 10), pharmacists (n = 11), doctors (n = 10) and policy makers (n = 5) from a primary care were individually interviewed using a semi-structured topic guide. Purposive sampling was used. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis informed by constant comparison.

    RESULTS: Patients, doctors, nurses, pharmacists and policy makers were eager for pharmacists to be more proactive in creating health awareness and conducting osteoporosis screening at the primary care clinic via inter-professional collaboration. These findings were further examined using the D'Amour's structural model of collaboration which encompasses four main themes: shared goals and visions, internalization, formalization and governance. This model supports our data which highlights a lack of understanding of the pharmacists' role among the doctors, nurses, policy makers and pharmacists themselves. There is also a lack of governance and formalization, that fosters consensus, leadership, protocol and information exchange. Nonetheless, the stakeholders trust that pharmacists have sufficient knowledge to contribute to the screening of osteoporosis. Our primary care clinic can be described as developing towards an inter-professional collaboration in managing osteoporosis but is still in its early stages.

    CONCLUSIONS: Inter-professional collaboration in osteoporosis management at the primary care level is beginning to be practised. Efforts extending to awareness and acceptance towards the pharmacists' role will be crucial for a successful change.
    Matched MeSH terms: Professional Role
  10. Toh LS, Lai PSM, Othman S, Shah A, Dang CPL, Low BY, et al.
    Int J Clin Pharm, 2018 Apr;40(2):450-457.
    PMID: 29380234 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-018-0597-9
    Background: Several studies have found that pharmacists can assist in screening and prevention of osteoporosis by referring patients for bone mineral density scans and counselling on lifestyle changes. In Malaysia, screening osteoporosis in all elderly women is not mandatory due to its cost. One approach to address this gap is to develop a pharmacist-led osteoporosis screening and prevention program. However, there is a paucity of data on the perspectives of Malaysian pharmacists in this area.
    Objective: To explore the perspective of stakeholders (policy makers, doctors, pharmacists, nurses and patients) towards the role of pharmacists in osteoporosis screening and management.
    Setting: A primary care clinic located within a teaching hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
    Method: Patients (n = 20), nurses (n = 10), pharmacists (n = 11), doctors (n = 10) and policy makers (n = 5) were individually interviewed using a semi-structured topic guide. Purposive sampling was used. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Main outcome measure Perspective of stakeholders on the current and future role of pharmacists.
    Results: All participants perceived pharmacists to be suppliers of medication, although there was some recognition of roles in providing medication advice. Nonetheless, these stakeholders were eager for pharmacists to expand their non-dispensing roles towards counselling, creating awareness and screening of osteoporosis. Interviewed pharmacists referred to their current role as 'robotic dispensers' and unanimously agreed to spread out to osteoporosis management role.
    Conclusion: Under stakeholders there is a willingness to expand the role of pharmacists in Malaysia to non-dispensing roles, particularly in osteoporosis screening and management.
    Study site: Primary care clinic, teaching hospital, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Professional Role*
  11. Jawi ZM, Deros BM, Rashid AAA, Isa MHM, Awang A
    Sultan Qaboos Univ Med J, 2017 Aug;17(3):e277-e285.
    PMID: 29062549 DOI: 10.18295/squmj.2017.17.03.004
    This review article aimed to analyse existing literature regarding the roles and performance of professional driving instructors (PDIs) in novice driver education (DE). A systematic classification scheme was adopted to analyse identified articles to determine the study context of PDIs in novice DE, the competency level of PDIs in relation to experienced and learner drivers and the contributions of PDIs to the novice driver learning process. A total of 14 original research articles were identified, with no systematic reviews or meta-analyses available. Overall, all of the articles were found to be inadequate in providing an in-depth understanding of the roles and performance of PDIs in novice DE. There is an urgent need to improve current understanding of the roles of PDIs in novice DE and to work towards an internationally recognised PDI management approach.
    Matched MeSH terms: Professional Role
  12. Hussain R, Dawoud DM, Babar ZU
    Res Social Adm Pharm, 2021 01;17(1):1920-1924.
    PMID: 32792322 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2020.07.015
    Countries around the globe have responded to pandemic preparedness and developed strategies to cope with the COVID-19 crisis. In this context, the role of healthcare professionals is of paramount importance. Pharmacists are playing a vital role in dealing, preparedness, prevention, protection, promoting access to medicines and to improve health outcomes during this crisis. In this context, "Drive-thru" pharmacy services improve access to medicines while ensuring the preventive measures suggested by the World Health Organization. This commentary provides an overview of opportunities and challenges related to the implementation of "drive-thru pharmacy services" and their role in improving public health during this crisis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Professional Role
  13. Hasan SS, Thiruchelvam K, Kow CS, Ghori MU, Babar ZU
    Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res, 2017 Oct;17(5):431-439.
    PMID: 28825502 DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2017.1370376
    INTRODUCTION: Medication reviews is a widely accepted approach known to have a substantial impact on patients' pharmacotherapy and safety. Numerous options to optimise pharmacotherapy in older people have been reported in literature and they include medication reviews, computerised decision support systems, management teams, and educational approaches. Pharmacist-led medication reviews are increasingly being conducted, aimed at attaining patient safety and medication optimisation. Cost effectiveness is an essential aspect of a medication review evaluation. Areas covered: A systematic searching of articles that examined the cost-effectiveness of medication reviews conducted in aged care facilities was performed using the relevant databases. Pharmacist-led medication reviews confer many benefits such as attainment of biomarker targets for improved clinical outcomes, and other clinical parameters, as well as depict concrete financial advantages in terms of decrement in total medication costs and associated cost savings. Expert commentary: The cost-effectiveness of medication reviews are more consequential than ever before. A critical evaluation of pharmacist-led medication reviews in residential aged care facilities from an economical aspect is crucial in determining if the time, effort, and direct and indirect costs involved in the review rationalise the significance of conducting medication reviews for older people in aged care facilities.
    Matched MeSH terms: Professional Role
  14. Chong CP, March G, Clark A, Gilbert A, Hassali MA, Bahari MB
    Health Policy, 2011 Feb;99(2):139-48.
    PMID: 20732723 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2010.08.002
    This study evaluated Australian community pharmacists' rate of generic medicine substitution, patient acceptance of generic substitution and cost-savings achieved for patients from substitution.
    Matched MeSH terms: Professional Role
  15. Hashmi FK, Hassali MA, Khalid A, Saleem F, Aljadhey H, Babar ZUD, et al.
    BMC Health Serv Res, 2017 07 19;17(1):500.
    PMID: 28724411 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-017-2442-6
    BACKGROUND: In recent decades, community pharmacies reported a change of business model, whereby a shift from traditional services to the provision of extended roles was observed. However, such delivery of extended pharmacy services (EPS) is reported from the developed world, and there is scarcity of information from the developing nations. Within this context, the present study was aimed to explore knowledge, perception and attitude of community pharmacists (CPs) about EPS and their readiness and acceptance for practice change in the city of Lahore, Pakistan.

    METHODS: A qualitative approach was used to gain an in-depth knowledge of the issues. By using a semi-structured interview guide, 12 CPs practicing in the city of Lahore, Pakistan were conveniently selected. All interviews were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim, and were then analyzed for thematic contents by the standard content analysis framework.

    RESULTS: Thematic content analysis yielded five major themes. (1) Familiarity with EPS, (2) current practice of EPS, (3) training needed to provide EPS, (4) acceptance of EPS and (5) barriers toward EPS. Majority of the CPs were unaware of EPS and only a handful had the concept of extended services. Although majority of our study respondents were unaware of pharmaceutical care, they were ready to accept practice change if provided with the required skills and training. Lack of personal knowledge, poor public awareness, inadequate physician-pharmacist collaboration and deprived salary structures were reported as barriers towards the provision of EPS at the practice settings.

    CONCLUSION: Although the study reported poor awareness towards EPS, the findings indicated a number of key themes that can be used in establishing the concept of EPS in Pakistan. Over all, CPs reported a positive attitude toward practice change provided to the support and facilitation of health and community based agencies in Pakistan.

    Matched MeSH terms: Professional Role
  16. Hatah E, Tordoff J, Duffull SB, Braund R
    Res Social Adm Pharm, 2014 Jan-Feb;10(1):185-94.
    PMID: 23688540 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2013.04.008
    In New Zealand, pharmacists are funded to provide adherence support to their patients via a service called "Medicines Use Review" (MUR). The service is based on the assumption that the medication regimen is clinically appropriate and therefore does not include a clinical review. However, whether or not pharmacists make clinical recommendations to patients during MUR is unclear.
    Matched MeSH terms: Professional Role
  17. Lai PS, Chua SS, Chan SP
    Int J Clin Pharm, 2013 Aug;35(4):629-37.
    PMID: 23677816 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-013-9784-x
    BACKGROUND: This study describes the analysis of secondary outcomes from a previously published randomised controlled trial, which assessed the effects of pharmaceutical care on medication adherence, persistence and bone turnover markers. The main focus of this manuscript is the effect of the provision of pharmaceutical care on these secondary outcomes, and details on the design of the intervention provided, the osteoporosis care plan and materials used to deliver the intervention.
    OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of pharmaceutical care on knowledge, quality of life (QOL) and satisfaction of postmenopausal osteoporotic women prescribed bisphosphonates, and their associating factors.
    SETTING: Randomised controlled trial, performed at an osteoporosis clinic of a tertiary hospital in Malaysia.
    METHODS: Postmenopausal women diagnosed with osteoporosis (T-score ≤-2.5/lowtrauma fracture), just been prescribed weekly alendronate/risedronate were randomly allocated to receive intervention or standard care (controls). Intervention participants received a medication review, education on osteoporosis, risk factors, lifestyle modifications, goals of therapy, side effects and the importance of medication adherence at months 0, 3, 6 and 12.
    MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURE: Knowledge, QOL and satisfaction.
    RESULTS: A total of 198 postmenopausal osteoporotic women were recruited: intervention = 100 and control = 98. Intervention participants reported significantly higher knowledge scores at months 3 (72.50 vs. 62.50 %), 6 (75.00 vs. 65.00 %) and 12 (78.75 vs. 68.75 %) compared to control participants. QOL scores were also lower (which indicates better QOL) at months 3 (29.33 vs. 38.41), 6 (27.50 vs. 36.56) and 12 (27.53 vs. 37.56) compared to control participants. Similarly, satisfaction score was higher in intervention participants (93.67 vs. 84.83 %). More educated women, with back pain, who were provided pharmaceutical care had better knowledge levels. Similarly, older, more educated women, with previous falls and back pain tend to have poorer QOL, whilst women who exercised more frequently and were provided pharmaceutical care had better QOL. Satisfaction also increased as QOL increases and when provided pharmaceutical care.
    CONCLUSION: The provision of pharmaceutical care improved knowledge, QOL and satisfaction in Malaysian postmenopausal osteoporotic women, showing that pharmacists have the potential to improve patients' overall bone health. Policymakers should consider placing a clinical pharmacist in the osteoporosis clinic to provide counselling to improve these outcomes.
    Study site: Osteoporosis clinics, University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Professional Role
  18. Elnaem MH, Cheema E
    Res Social Adm Pharm, 2021 01;17(1):1938-1941.
    PMID: 32507575 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2020.05.030
    The current pandemic of the COVID-19 infection, coupled with the increased global burden of diabetes, has imposed significant challenges to the healthcare providers in providing effective and sustained care to patients with diabetes during the ongoing pandemic. It is, therefore, important for healthcare providers to understand and follow the recommended changes in the delivery of care, lifestyle modifications, and pharmacotherapy to ensure optimal care to the patients during and post-pandemic era. This commentary aims to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on diabetes care and the important considerations for pharmacists during this pandemic.
    Matched MeSH terms: Professional Role
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