Displaying publications 21 - 40 of 110 in total

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  1. Devi J, Chan TT, Lui R, Ali RAR, Women in GI Focus Group, Emerging Leaders Committee, Asian Pacific Association of Gastroenterology
    J Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2023 Dec;38(12):2047-2049.
    PMID: 37743674 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.16353
  2. Gao F, Huang JF, Zheng KI, Pan XY, Ma HL, Liu WY, et al.
    J Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2020 Oct;35(10):1804-1812.
    PMID: 32246876 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.15055
    BACKGROUND AND AIM: There is an immediate need for non-invasive accurate tests for diagnosing liver fibrosis in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Previously, it has been suggested that MACK-3 (a formula that combines homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance with serum serum aspartate aminotransferase and cytokeratin [CK]18-M30 levels) accurately identifies patients with fibrotic NASH. Our aim was to assess the performance of MACK-3 and develop a novel, non-invasive algorithm for diagnosing fibrotic NASH.

    METHODS: Six hundred and thirty-six adults with biopsy-proven non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) from two independent Asian cohorts were enrolled in our study. Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) was assessed by vibration-controlled transient elastography (Fibroscan). Fibrotic NASH was defined as NASH with a NAFLD activity score (NAS) ≥ 4 and F ≥ 2 fibrosis.

    RESULTS: Metabolic syndrome (MetS), platelet count and MACK-3 were independent predictors of fibrotic NASH. On the basis of their regression coefficients, we developed a novel nomogram showing a good discriminatory ability (area under receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC]: 0.79, 95% confidence interval [CI 0.75-0.83]) and a high negative predictive value (NPV: 94.7%) to rule out fibrotic NASH. In the validation set, this nomogram had a higher AUROC (0.81, 95%CI 0.74-0.87) than that of MACK-3 (AUROC: 0.75, 95%CI 0.68-0.82; P 

  3. Goh K, Parasakthi N, Cheah P, Ranjeev C, Rosmawati M, Tan Y, et al.
    J Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2000 Aug;15(8):910-4.
    PMID: 11022833
    BACKGROUND: The aim of the present paper was to determine the efficacy and tolerability of a 1-week treatment regimen consisting of pantoprazole and two antibiotics: clarithromycin and amoxycillin, in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori.

    METHODS: The patients selected had unequivocal evidence of H. pylori infection based on urease test, culture and histology on antral and corpus biopsies obtained at endoscopy. Patients received pantoprazole 40 mg twice a day, clarithromycin 500 mg twice a day and amoxycillin 1 g twice a day for 1 week and were assessed for successful eradication at least 4 weeks after completion of therapy by repeat gastroscopy and gastric biopsies. Eradication was defined as absence of bacteria in both antral and corpus biopsies tested by culture, histology and urease test.

    RESULTS: One hundred and six patients were recruited for the study. The mean age was 48.0 years (range: 23-74 years). Four patients defaulted follow up and five patients were not compliant (taking less than 85%) with medications. Eradication rates on per-protocol analysis were: 88/97 (90.7%; 95% CI: 83.1-95.7); and on intention-to-treat analysis they were: 88/106 (83.0%; 95% CI: 75.9-90.2). Side-effects were in general mild and tolerable: 57 of 106 (53.7%) patients complained of a bitter taste; 15 (14.1%) complained of giddiness; 10 (9.4%) complained of increased abdominal pain; 11 (11.5%) complained of lethargy and 16 (15.1%) complained of loose motions. Pre-treatment metronidazole resistance was encountered in 57/74 strains (77.0%). Clarithromycin resistance was not encountered in any of the strains.

    CONCLUSIONS: The pantoprazole 1-week triple therapy with amoxycillin and clarithromycin is effective in H. pylori eradication. The treatment was well tolerated by patients. Metronidazole resistance was reported in a high percentage of strains isolated from patients. Clarithromycin resistance was, however, not detected in any of the strains.

  4. Goh KL, Choi MG, Hsu WP, Chun HJ, Mahachai V, Kachintorn U, et al.
    J Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2014 Dec;29(12):1969-75.
    PMID: 24990817 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.12655
    Data on patient satisfaction with proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are scarce in Asia. The perspectives of Asian patients with GERD and their satisfaction with PPI therapy were investigated.
  5. Goh KL
    J Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2011 Apr;26 Suppl 3:35-8.
    PMID: 21443706 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2011.06648.x
    Dyspepsia is perhaps the most common gastrointestinal disease universally. The prevalence of dyspepsia ranges from 7-40% in population based studies worldwide. These figures vary with definition of dyspepsia used and also with the survey methodology. As with Western studies, functional dyspepsia (FD) predominates in Asia. With a decline in peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer, the proportion of FD is set to increase further. Studies have shown FD to account for 50-70% of cases of uninvestigated dyspepsia. In Malaysia dyspepsia has been reported in up to 15% of a rural and 25% of an urban population. No racial differences were seen in the rural survey. In the urban survey, Malays and Indians were found to have significantly more dyspepsia than Chinese. No clear explanation can be found for these racial differences. In clinical practice, Malays seem to complain a lot of wind and bloating in the "stomach." This is interesting to note when you compare it with the prevalence of H. pylori which is distinctly less common amongst Malays compared to the Indians and Chinese. As with many Asian populations, many Malaysians do not consult for complains of dyspepsia. Many will self medicate and others may even bear with their complains. This is probably true in the rural population. Traditional medications are often used and these are often ethnic based. Different types of lotions for example are used for massaging the putative area in the abdomen by Malay, Chinese and Indian patients. Moxibustion and acupuncture is still practiced by Chinese traditional physicians for treatment of dyspepsia. The notion that mood disorders may underlies dyspepsia is still poorly accepted by a less educated or rural population who consider a psychiatric consultation a taboo. Amongst urban dwellers where Westernized medical care is readily available and the awareness of potential serious disease like cancer is higher, consultation for dyspepsia is certainly higher. Indeed a higher education level has been identified as independent risk factors for dyspepsia in both an urban and rural population survey in Malaysia. With greater consultation for dyspepsia, there has also been a higher demand and utilization of endoscopy services for investigation of gastrointestinal diseases in the country.
  6. Goh KL
    J Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2011 Jan;26 Suppl 1:2-10.
    PMID: 21199509 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2010.06534.x
    Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), previously uncommon in Asia, has now become an important disease in the region. Although much variability exists between studies, most endoscopy-based studies show a prevalence of erosive esophagitis of more than 10%. Symptom-based studies also show a prevalence of 6-10%. Two longitudinal follow-up studies on GERD symptoms have shown an increase with time, and several endoscopy-based time trend studies have also shown a significant increase in erosive reflux esophagitis. Studies on Barrett's esophagus have been confounded by the description of short (SSBE) and long segment (LSBE) Barrett's esophagus. Great variation in prevalence rates has been reported. SSBE vary from 0.1% to more than 20% while LSBE vary from 1-2%. Of the putative causative factors, obesity has been the most important. Many studies have linked GERD-esophagitis as well as occurrence of reflux symptoms with an increase in body mass index (BMI), obesity, especially visceral or central obesity, and metabolic syndrome. A decline in Helicobacter pylori infection with growing affluence in Asia has been broadly thought to result in healthier stomachs and a higher gastric acid output resulting in reflux disease. However, variable results have been obtained from association and H. pylori eradication studies.
  7. Goh KL
    J Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2004 Sep;19 Suppl 3:S22-5.
    PMID: 15324378
    Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common disease in the West, which now appears to be also increasing in prevalence in the Asian Pacific region. The reasons for this changing epidemiology are two-fold: an increased awareness among doctors and patients, and/or a true increase in the prevalence of the disease. Prevalence rates of reflux esophagitis (RE) of up to 16% and prevalence of GERD symptoms of up to 9% have been reported in the Asian population. However, the frequency of strictures and Barrett's esophagus remain very low. Non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) appears to be the most common form of GERD among Asian patients accounting for 50-70% of cases with GERD. Among Asian patients differences can also be discerned among different ethnic groups. For example, in Malaysia where a multiracial society exists, RE is significantly more common among Indians compared to Chinese and Malays whereas NERD is more frequently seen in the Indian and Malays compared to the Chinese. The reasons for these differences are not known but may indicate both genetic factors and environmental factors peculiar to the particular racial group. GERD has also been increasing in the region demonstrating a time-lag phenomenon compared to the West. Differing predisposition to GERD among different ethnic groups would mean that such an increase would be more prominent among certain racial groups.
  8. Goh KL, Chang CS, Fock KM, Ke M, Park HJ, Lam SK
    J Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2000 Mar;15(3):230-8.
    PMID: 10764021
    Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) occurs more frequently in Europe and North America than in Asia but its prevalence is now increasing in many Asian countries. Many reasons have been given for the lower prevalence of GORD in Asia. Low dietary fat and genetically determined factors, such as body mass index and maximal acid output, may be important. Other dietary factors appear to be less relevant. Increased intake of carbonated drinks or aggravating medicines may influence the increasing rates of GORD in some Asian countries but no strong evidence links other factors, such as the age of the population, smoking or alcohol consumption, to GORD. The management of GORD in Asia is similar to that in Europe and North America but the lower incidence of severe oesophagitis in Asia may alter the approach slightly. Also, because Asians tend to develop stomach cancer at an earlier age, endoscopy is used routinely at an earlier stage of investigation. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is essentially a motility disorder, so short-term management of the disease can usually be achieved using prokinetic agents (or histamine (H2)-receptor antagonists). More severe and recurrent GORD may require proton pump inhibitors (PPI) or a combination of prokinetic agents and PPI. The choice of long-term treatment may be influenced by the relative costs of prokinetic agents and PPI.
  9. Goh KL
    J Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2002 Apr;17(4):482-7.
    PMID: 11982731
    Helicobacter pylori infection has many different clinical outcomes. Not all infected persons need to be treated. Therefore, indications for treatment have to be clear, and several consensus guidelines have been formulated to aid the medical practitioner in this decision-making process. Triple therapy with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), in combination with amoxicillin and clarithromycin is the established treatment of choice. For patients with penicillin hypersensitivity, metronidazole can be substituted for amoxicillin. Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is a major factor adversely affecting treatment success. Resistance to metronidazole has been reported in up to 80%, and resistance to clarithromycin in 2-10% of strains cultured. Resistance to either one of the antibiotics has been reported to result in a drop in efficacy of up to 50%. Emergence of resistance to both metronidazole and clarithromycin following failed therapy is a cause for concern; this underlines the need to use the best available first-line therapy. To avoid the emergence of resistance to both key antibiotics, the combination of metronidazole and clarithromycin should be avoided where possible. For failed treatment, several strategies can be employed. These include ensuring better compliance with repeat therapy, and maximizing the efficacy of repeat treatment by increasing dosage and duration of treatment, as well as altering the choice of drugs. Quadruple therapy incorporating a bismuth compound with a PPI, tetracycline and metronidazole has been a popular choice as a "rescue" therapy. Ranitidine bismuth citrate has been shown to be able to overcome metronidazole and clarithromycin resistance; it may be a useful compound drug to use in place of a PPI in "rescue" therapies. In the case of persistent treatment failures, it is useful to consider repeating gastroscopy and obtaining tissue for culture, and then prescribe antibiotics according to bacterial susceptibility patterns. It is also important in refractory cases to review the original indication for treatment and determine the importance of the indication.
  10. Goh KL
    J Gastroenterol Hepatol, 1997 Jun;12(6):S29-35.
    PMID: 9195409
    The aim of the present study was to determine the risk factors for Helicobacter pylori in a dyspeptic Malaysian population. A cross-sectional survey of 1060 consecutive patients presenting with dyspepsia at the Endoscopic Unit, University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from January 1994 to July 1995 was undertaken. All patients answered a detailed questionnaire and underwent endoscopy, with two antral biopsies taken for diagnosis of H. pylori using a rapid urease test. An overall H. pylori prevalence of 49.0% was recorded. Helicobacter pylori prevalence in relation to the major endoscopic diagnoses were as follows: non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) 31.2%; duodenal ulcer (DU) 91.4%; and gastric ulcer (GU) 74.1%. The prevalence among the races were as follows: Malay 16.4%; Chinese 48.5%; and Indians 61.8%. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified the following as independent risk factors: > 45 years old 1.5 (1.1,2.0); male gender 1.6 (1.2,2.1); ethnic group: Chinese 2.5 (1.7,3.7); Indians 4.9 (3.2,7.5); level of education: low 2.3 (1.5,3.5); middle 1.7 (1.1,2.6); and smoking 1.6 (1.2,2.3). Analysis was also performed on DU, GU and non-UD patients separately; in both DU and GU patients, H. pylori prevalence was high regardless of age, sex, race or level of education. However, in DU patients, Indian race had an independent risk factor (Odds ratio = 7.8 (1.2,48.4)). The findings in the NUD group reflected the findings in the ¿all patients' group; > 45 years old, male gender, Indian and Chinese race, and low level of education were also significant, independent risk factors. The overall differences in H. pylori prevalence between the different subgroups were mainly due to differences in the NUD group. The increased risk of H. pylori infection in Chinese and Indians points to either an inherent ethnic genetic predisposition or to socio-cultural practices peculiar to the particular race which may be responsible for transmission of the infection.
  11. Goh KL, Paramsothy M, Azian M, Parasakthi N, Peh SC, Bux S, et al.
    J Gastroenterol Hepatol, 1997 Dec;12(12):790-4.
    PMID: 9504887
    The objectives of the study were first, to determine if gastric emptying was altered in patients with functional dyspepsia with and without Helicobacter pylori infection compared with normal healthy volunteers; and second, to determine if there were further alterations in gastric emptying when the infection was eradicated. Gastric emptying was measured using a 99mtechnetium radiolabelled solid meal and gastric emptying time was measured as t1/2, viz. time taken for half the radiolabelled meal to be emptied from the stomach. The mean gastric emptying time for H. pylori-positive patients (n=20) was 56.4+/-24.8 min; H. pylori-negative patients (n=19) 67.8+/-31.8 min; and normal controls (n=20) 58.8+/-18.8min. No significant difference was obtained between the groups (ANOVA; P=0.348). Thirteen of 18 H. pylori-positive patients successfully eradicated the infection following treatment with omeprazole 40 mg o.m. and amoxycillin 500 mg t.d.s. for 2 weeks. The mean difference in the gastric emptying time before and after H. pylori eradication was 23.9+/-13.2 min (P= 0.556). There was no significant difference in the frequency of specific dyspeptic symptoms as well as the overall mean symptom score between the H. pylori-positive and -negative patients. Gastric emptying was not different between patients with functional dyspepsia and normal controls. Helicobacter pylori infection does not appear to affect gastric emptying in patients with functional dyspepsia.
  12. Goh KL, Cutler A, Chua AB, Ding RP, Kandasami P, Mazlam MZ, et al.
    J Gastroenterol Hepatol, 1999 Jan;14(1):32-8.
    PMID: 10029275
    The aim of the present study was to determine the cost-efficiency of different duodenal ulcer disease treatment practices in Malaysia. Six Malaysian gastroenterologists met to discuss the direct costs related to Helicobacter pylori (HP) eradication treatment. Five treatment strategies were compared: (i) histamine H2 receptor antagonists (H2RA), acid suppression therapy for 6 weeks followed by maintenance therapy as needed; (ii) bismuth triple + proton pump inhibitor (PPI), bismuth (120 mg, q.i.d.), metronidazole (400 mg; t.i.d.), tetracycline (500 mg, q.i.d.) for 7 days and PPI, b.i.d., for 7 days; (iii) OAC, omeprazole (20 mg, b.i.d.), amoxycillin (1000 mg, b.i.d.) and clarithromycin (500 mg, b.i.d.) for 7 days; (iv) OMC, omeprazole (20mg, b.i.d.), metronidazole (400mg, b.i.d.) and clarithromycin (500 mg, b.i.d.) for 7 days; and (v) OAM, omeprazole (20 mg, b.i.d.), amoxycillin (1000 mg, b.i.d.) and metronidazole (400 mg, b.i.d.) for 7 days. A decision tree model was created to determine which therapy would be the most cost-effective. The model considered eradication rates, resistance to anti-microbial agents, compliance and cost implications of treatment regimens, physician visits and ulcer recurrences during a 1 year time period assumption. The H2RA maintenance therapy was the most expensive treatment at Malaysian Ringgit (MR) 2335, followed by bismuth triple therapy (MR 1839), OMC (MR 1786), OAM (MR 1775) and OAC, being the most cost-effective therapy, at MR 1679. In conclusion, HP eradication therapy is superior to H2RA maintenance therapy in the treatment of duodenal ulcer disease. Of the HP eradication regimens, OAC is the most cost-effective.
  13. Goh KL, Boonyapisit S, Lai KH, Chang R, Kang JY, Lam SK
    J Gastroenterol Hepatol, 1995 1 1;10(1):92-7.
    PMID: 7620115
    We report the first double-blind, placebo-controlled study that assesses the efficacy and safety of omeprazole 20 mg daily in the maintenance treatment of duodenal ulcer. For the healing phase, 128 patients with endoscopically proven active duodenal ulcer and a history of three or more relapses during the 2 years prior to the study were treated until healing with omeprazole 40 mg daily for 2 and up to 8 weeks. One hundred and twenty-three patients whose ulcers were healed were randomized to receive omeprazole 20 mg daily (n = 60) or placebo (n = 63) for 12 months as maintenance treatment. Patients were interviewed at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months, and endoscopy was performed at 3, 6 and 12 months and whenever symptoms recurred. The healing rates of the 124 patients completing the healing phase were 84, 98 and 100% at 2, 4 and 8 weeks, respectively. During the maintenance phase, eight and four patients discontinued treatment from the omeprazole and placebo groups, respectively. The proportion of patients in remission in the omeprazole group and placebo group after 12 months were 94 and 9% respectively (life table estimates, P < 0.0001). No significant clinical or laboratory changes were observed in patients on therapy with omeprazole. Patients with a history of frequent relapses thus continued to have a very high relapse rate without prophylactic treatment. Omeprazole 20 mg daily was effective and safe in maintaining such patients in remission.
  14. Goh KL, Peh SC, Wong NW, Parasakthi N, Puthucheary SD
    J Gastroenterol Hepatol, 1990 5 1;5(3):277-80.
    PMID: 2103410
    Over a 15-month period, 399 patients with dyspepsia were investigated for the presence of Campylobacter pylori infection. Half of the patients (50.6%) had Campylobacter organisms in the antrum of the stomach. C. pylori was found in 96.1% of patients with histological changes of chronic active gastritis in the antrum. Of patients with duodenal and gastric ulcers, 87.8% and 87.5%, respectively, had Campylobacter organisms, as did 39.3% of patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia. C. pylori infection was most commonly found in Chinese and Indians. Although the prevalence of infection appeared to increase with age, there was an equal distribution amongst the sexes.
  15. Goh KL
    J Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2018 Jun;33(6):1177-1184.
    PMID: 29498759 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.14131
    The study of Helicobacter pylori in Malaysia has given several important insights into the epidemiology of the infection and pathogenesis of disease. Malaysia has a multiracial Asian population with three major Asian races living together-Malay, Chinese, and Indian. Races remain fairly distinct because of a paucity of interracial marriages. The "Racial Cohort Hypothesis" proposes that the infection occurs within racial groups rather than between. As such, the high prevalence among Indians (> 50%) and Chinese (40-50%) reflects the high prevalence in their countries of origin even though migration had taken place more than two generations before. The Malays have a comparatively low prevalence of about 10-20%. Despite the high prevalence of H. pylori, the Indians have a low gastric cancer incidence of less than 10 per 100 000 per year. This is in contrast to the Chinese who has an incidence in excess of 20 per 100 000 per year. We have called this the "Indian Enigma." The reason for this enigma is unclear and is the result of interaction between bacterial virulence factors, host susceptibility, and environmental factors. Phylogenetically, Chinese bacterial strains are distinct from Indians and Malays and are predominantly hpEastAsia/hsp EAsia. CagA EPIYA motifs among Chinese belong predominantly to the more virulent ABD motif. There is no clear distinguishing profile among host genetic factors. Environmental factors particularly diet may play an important role. Indians consume chilies and curries, which may be gastro protective, whereas Chinese consume more preserved and salted foods, which are thought to be carcinogenic.
  16. Gwee KA, Lee WW, Ling KL, Ooi CJ, Quak SH, Dan YY, et al.
    J Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2018 Oct;33(10):1707-1716.
    PMID: 29697855 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.14268
    The concept of consuming microorganisms in the treatment of a medical condition and in health maintenance has gained much attraction, giving rise to an abundance of medical claims and of health supplements. This study identified relevant clinical questions on the therapeutic use of probiotics and reviewed the literature in irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, impaired intestinal immunity, liver disease, intestinal infections, and common childhood digestive disorders. Statements were developed to address these clinical questions. A panel of experienced clinicians was tasked to critically evaluate and debate the available data. Both consensus and contentious statements are presented to provide to clinicians a perspective on the potential of probiotics and importantly their limitations.
  17. Gwee KA, Lee YY, Suzuki H, Ghoshal UC, Holtmann G, Bai T, et al.
    J Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2023 Feb;38(2):197-209.
    PMID: 36321167 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.16046
    Contemporary systems for the diagnosis and management gastrointestinal symptoms not attributable to organic diseases (Functional GI Disorders, FGID, now renamed Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction, DGBI) seek to categorize patients into narrowly defined symptom-based sub-classes to enable targeted treatment of patient cohorts with similar underlying putative pathophysiology. However, an overlap of symptom categories frequently occurs and has a negative impact on treatment outcomes. There is a lack of guidance on their management. An Asian Pacific Association of Gastroenterology (APAGE) working group was set up to develop clinical practice guidelines for management of patients with functional dyspepsia (FD) who have an overlap with another functional gastrointestinal disorder: FD with gastroesophageal reflux (FD-GERD), epigastric pain syndrome with irritable bowel syndrome (EPS-IBS), postprandial distress syndrome with IBS (PDS-IBS), and FD-Constipation. We identified putative pathophysiology to provide a basis for treatment recommendations. A management algorithm is presented to guide primary and secondary care clinicians.
  18. Ho JCL, Lui RN, Ho SH, Hock NTC, Luo X, Tang RSY, et al.
    J Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2024 Jan;39(1):133-140.
    PMID: 37967819 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.16409
    BACKGROUND AND AIM: Greenhouse gas emissions are the fundamental cause of global warming, with CO2 being the most contributive. Carbon reduction has been widely advocated to mitigate the climate crisis. The endoscopy unit is the third highest waste-generating department in a hospital. The awareness and acceptance of the practice of green endoscopy among healthcare workers is unclear.

    METHOD: An online survey was conducted over a 5-week period from July to August 2023 in the Asia-Pacific region, which targeted endoscopists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals of the endoscopy unit. The primary outcome was the agreement to adopt green endoscopy. The secondary outcomes included views on sustainable practices, factors associated with increased acceptance of green endoscopy, the acceptance of different carbon reduction measures, and the perceived barriers to implementation.

    RESULTS: A total of 259 valid responses were received. Overall, 79.5% of participants agreed to incorporate green endoscopy into their practice. Nevertheless, existing green policies were only reported by 12.7% of respondents. The level of understanding of green endoscopy is the only significant factor associated with its acceptance (odds ratio 3.10, P 

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