Displaying publications 401 - 417 of 417 in total

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  1. Lee ZY, Hasan MS, Day AG, Ng CC, Ong SP, Yap CSL, et al.
    PMID: 34021917 DOI: 10.1002/jpen.2194
    BACKGROUND: Nutrition risk, sarcopenia, and frailty are distinct yet inter-related. They may be due to suboptimal or prevented by optimal nutrition intake. The combination of nutrition risk (modified nutrition risk in the critically ill [mNUTRIC]), sarcopenia (SARC-CALF) and frailty (clinical frailty scale [CFS]) in a single score may better predict adverse outcomes and prioritizing resources for optimal nutrition (and exercise) in the intensive care unit (ICU).

    METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of a single-center prospective observational study that enrolled mechanically ventilated adults with expected ≥96 hours ICU stay. SARC-F and CFS questionnaires were administered to patient's next-of-kin and mNUTRIC were calculated. Calf-circumference was measured at the right calf. Nutrition data was collected from nursing record. The high-risk scores (mNUTRIC ≥5, SARC-CALF >10 or CFS ≥4) of these variables were combined to become the NUTRIC-SF score (range: 0-3).

    RESULTS: Eighty-eight patients were analyzed. Multiple logistic model demonstrated increasing mNUTRIC score was independently associated with 60-day mortality while increasing SARC-CALF and CFS showed a strong trend towards higher 60-day mortality. Discriminative ability of NUTRIC-SF for 60-day mortality is better than it's component (AUROC 0.722, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.677-0.868). Every increment of 300 kcal/day and 30 g/day is associated with a trend towards higher rate of discharge alive for high [≥2; Adjusted Hazard Ratio 1.453 (95% CI 0.991-2.130) for energy, 1.503 (95% CI 0.936-2.413) for protein] but not low (<2) NUTRIC-SF score.

    CONCLUSION: NUTRIC-SF score may be a clinically relevant risk stratification tool in the ICU. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

  2. Lim KJ, Cheng TTJ, Jeffree MS, Hayati F, Cheah PK, Nee KO, et al.
    Transplant Proc, 2020 Apr;52(3):680-686.
    PMID: 32146022 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2020.01.007
    INTRODUCTION: Worldwide, the gap between organ supply and demand has widened over the years. Malaysia has one of the lowest deceased organ donation rates. Success rate of organ or tissue procurement depends on not only the approach rate by health care providers but also the awareness among the public, whereby it can be a platform for family initiation of organ donation. The purpose of this study is to assess the knowledge of and determine the factors influencing attitude toward organ and tissue donation among patients in a primary clinic.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out. Self-administered questionnaires were given to 400 patients who registered at an outpatient clinic in April 2018. Convenience sampling was applied.

    RESULTS: Monthly income, education level, occupation, and knowledge level are significantly associated with attitude of the respondents toward organ and tissue donation. Occupation influenced attitude toward organ donation. Knowledge of organ donation and brain death both significantly affected attitude toward organ donation.

    CONCLUSION: The greater the knowledge of organ donation and brain death, the more positive impression or attitude toward organ donation. Education level and income are the main predictors that influence attitude toward organ donation. Hence, it is important for public health units to promote and deliver public education on organ donation, change public misconceptions, and work parallel with hospitals to increase organ donation rates in Sabah.

  3. Zaw MT, Emran NA, Ibrahim MY, Suleiman M, Awang Mohd TA, Yusuff AS, et al.
    J Microbiol Immunol Infect, 2019 Aug;52(4):563-570.
    PMID: 29428381 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2018.01.003
    BACKGROUND: Cholera is an important health problem in Sabah, a Malaysian state in northern Borneo; however, Vibrio cholerae in Sabah have never been characterized. Since 2002, serogroup O1 strains having the traits of both classical and El Tor biotype, designated as atypical El Tor biotype, have been increasingly reported as the cause of cholera worldwide. These variants are believed to produce clinically more severe disease like classical strains.

    PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the genetic diversity of V.cholerae in Sabah and whether V.cholerae in Sabah belong to atypical El Tor biotype.

    METHODS: ERIC-PCR, a DNA fingerprinting method for bacterial pathogens based on the enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus sequence, was used to study the genetic diversity of 65 clinical V.cholerae O1 isolates from 3 districts (Kudat, Beluran, Sandakan) in Sabah and one environmental isolate from coastal sea water in Kudat district. In addition, we studied the biotype-specific genetic traits in these isolates to establish their biotype.

    RESULTS: Different fingerprint patterns were seen in isolates from these three districts but one of the patterns was seen in more than one district. Clinical isolates and environmental isolate have different patterns. In addition, Sabah isolates harbor genetic traits specific to both classical biotype (ctxB-1, rstRCla) and El Tor biotype (rstRET, rstC, tcpAET, rtxC, VC2346).

    CONCLUSION: This study revealed that V.cholerae in Sabah were genetically diverse and were atypical El Tor strains. Fingerprint patterns of these isolates will be useful in tracing the origin of this pathogen in the future.

  4. Khoo EM, Lee WK, Sararaks S, Abdul Samad A, Liew SM, Cheong AT, et al.
    BMC Fam Pract, 2012 Dec 26;13:127.
    PMID: 23267547 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2296-13-127
    BACKGROUND: Patient safety is vital in patient care. There is a lack of studies on medical errors in primary care settings. The aim of the study is to determine the extent of diagnostic inaccuracies and management errors in public funded primary care clinics.

    METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in twelve public funded primary care clinics in Malaysia. A total of 1753 medical records were randomly selected in 12 primary care clinics in 2007 and were reviewed by trained family physicians for diagnostic, management and documentation errors, potential errors causing serious harm and likelihood of preventability of such errors.

    RESULTS: The majority of patient encounters (81%) were with medical assistants. Diagnostic errors were present in 3.6% (95% CI: 2.2, 5.0) of medical records and management errors in 53.2% (95% CI: 46.3, 60.2). For management errors, medication errors were present in 41.1% (95% CI: 35.8, 46.4) of records, investigation errors in 21.7% (95% CI: 16.5, 26.8) and decision making errors in 14.5% (95% CI: 10.8, 18.2). A total of 39.9% (95% CI: 33.1, 46.7) of these errors had the potential to cause serious harm. Problems of documentation including illegible handwriting were found in 98.0% (95% CI: 97.0, 99.1) of records. Nearly all errors (93.5%) detected were considered preventable.

    CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of medical errors was high in primary care clinics particularly with documentation and medication errors. Nearly all were preventable. Remedial intervention addressing completeness of documentation and prescriptions are likely to yield reduction of errors.

  5. Dualis H, Zefong AC, Joo LK, Dadar Singh NK, Syed Abdul Rahim SS, Avoi R, et al.
    Ann Med Surg (Lond), 2021 Jul;67:102501.
    PMID: 34188913 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2021.102501
    BACKGROUND: An emerging infectious zoonosis known as Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) is discovered mainly in Japan, South Korea and China. SFTS virus (SFTSV) which is recently recognised as bunyavirus is borne by ticks such as Haemaphysalis longicornis. It has the capabilities to spread as develop clusters and become a considerable public health threat as this virus could experience rapid evolution via gene mutation. Case fatality rate has been reported up to higher than 30%. The aim of this review is to determine the associated risk factors of SFTS and its outcome.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Literature search was conducted using online databases PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus. A total of 517 records were identified from searches in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus. From the final exclusions, a total of 26 studies were included for final analysis.

    RESULTS: Associated risk factors to getting SFTS infection include occupation, history of bite from a tick, biological susceptibility, and owning of domestic animal. Fatality rates apart from single case reports range from 15.1% to 50% and are contributed by various factors including delay in hospital admission, high viral load, older age group and presence of comorbid and complication.

    CONCLUSION: A seroprevalence study can be conducted amongst the high-risk occupation group such as farmers and agricultural workers, as well as testing cases where viral fever is suspected but available tests for other diseases turns out negative.

  6. Rajasegaran S, Ahmad NA, Tan SK, Lechmiannandan A, Mohamed OM, Cheng JQ, et al.
    Arch Dis Child, 2024 Apr 22.
    PMID: 38649254 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2023-326724
    PURPOSE: Children with anorectal malformation (ARM) and Hirschsprung's disease (HD) often experience bowel symptoms into adulthood, despite definitive surgery. This study evaluates the quality of life (QOL) and bowel functional outcome of children treated for ARM and HD in comparison to healthy controls.

    METHODS: Between December 2020 and February 2023, we recruited patients with ARM and HD aged 3-17 years at four tertiary referral centres, who had primary corrective surgery done >12 months prior. Healthy controls were age-matched and sex-matched. All participants completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Generic Core Scales 4.0, General Well-Being (GWB) Scale 3.0 and Family Impact (FI) Module 2.0 Questionnaires. Bowel Function Score (BFS) Questionnaires were also administered. We also performed subgroup analysis according to age categories. Appropriate statistical analysis was performed with p<0.05 significance. Ethical approval was obtained.

    RESULTS: There were 306 participants: 101 ARM, 87 HD, 118 controls. Patients with ARM and HD had significantly worse Core and FI Scores compared with controls overall and in all age categories. In the GWB Scale, only ARM and HD adolescents (13-17 years) had worse scores than controls. ARM and HD had significantly worse BFSs compared with controls overall and in all age categories. There was significant positive correlation between BFS and Core Scores, GWB Scores and FI Scores.

    CONCLUSION: Patients with ARM and HD had worse QOL than controls. Lower GWB Scores in adolescents suggests targeted interventions are necessary. Bowel function influences QOL, indicating the need for continuous support into adulthood.

  7. Sangeetha-Shyam, Fatimah A, Rohana AG, Norasyikin AW, Karuthan C, Nik SS, et al.
    Malays J Nutr, 2013 Apr;19(1):9-23.
    PMID: 24800381 MyJurnal
    Introduction: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) increases risks for type 2
    diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Low glycaemic index (GI) diets improve
    cardio-metabolic outcomes in insulin-resistant individuals. We examined the
    feasibility of lowering GI through GI-based-education among Asian post-GDM
    women. Methods: A 3-month investigation was carried out on 60 Malaysian
    women with a mean age of 31.0±4.5 years and a history of GDM. Subjects were
    randomised into two groups: LGIE and CHDR. The CHDR group received
    conventional healthy dietary recommendations only. The LGIE group received
    GI based-education in addition to conventional healthy dietary recommendations.
    At baseline and after 3-months, dietary intake of energy and macronutrient
    intakes including GI diet and glycaemic load was assessed using 3-day food
    records. Diabetes-Diet and GI-concept scores and physical activity levels were
    assessed using a questionnaire. Adherence to dietary instructions was measured
    at the end of 3 months. Results: At the end of 3 months, the LGIE group had
    significant reductions in energy intake (241.7±522.4Kcal, P=0.037, ES=0.463), total
    carbohydrate (48.7±83.5g, P=0.010, ES=0.583), GI (3.9±7.1, P=0.017, ES=0.549) and
    GL (39.0±55.3, P=0.003, ES=0.705) and significant increases in protein (3.7±5.4g,
    0.003, ES=0.685) and diet fibre (4.6±7.3g, P=0.06). The CHDR group had a significant
    reduction in fat only (5.7±9.4g, P=0.006, ES=0.606). There was a 30% increase in
    GI-concept scores in the LGIE group (p< 0.001). Changes in GI-concept scores
    correlated significantly to the reduction in dietary GI (r = -0.642, P=0.045). Dietary
    adherence was comparable in both groups. Conclusion: GI-education improves
    GI-concept knowledge and helps lower dietary glycaemic index among women
    with a history of GDM.
    Keywords: Diet, gestational diabetes mellitus, glycaemic index, glycaemic load,
    prevention, type 2 diabetes
  8. Ismail NF, Nik Abdul Malik NM, Mohseni J, Rani AM, Hayati F, Salmi AR, et al.
    Jpn J Clin Oncol, 2014 May;44(5):506-11.
    PMID: 24683199 DOI: 10.1093/jjco/hyu024
    Tuberous sclerosis complex is an autosomal dominant neurocutaneous disorder affecting multiple organs. Tuberous sclerosis complex is caused by mutation in either one of the two disease-causing genes, TSC1 or TSC2, encoding for hamartin and tuberin, respectively. TSC2/PKD1 contiguous gene deletion syndrome is a very rare condition due to deletion involving both TSC2 and PKD1 genes. Tuberous sclerosis complex cannot be easily diagnosed since there is no pathognomonic feature, although there are consensus diagnostic criteria for that. Mutation analysis is useful and plays important roles. We report here two novel gross deletions of TSC2 gene in Malay patients with tuberous sclerosis complex and TSC2/PKD1 contiguous gene deletion syndrome, respectively.
  9. Mukhsam MH, Jeffree MS, Pang NTP, Syed Abdul Rahim SS, Omar A, Abdullah MS, et al.
    Am J Trop Med Hyg, 2020 Sep;103(3):1201-1203.
    PMID: 32705977 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-0458
    The COVID-19 pandemic caught the world by surprise, causing millions of confirmed cases and hundreds of thousands of deaths. Hence, the Malaysian government announced a Movement Control Order at the start of the containment phase to flatten the epidemiological curve. Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), a public university in Borneo, was accelerated into alert phase because of high risk of case importation from more than 400 China incoming undergraduates. Measures to mitigate the potential COVID-19 outbreaks in its population were taken by using conventional public health measures with special attention to task-shifting and widespread community mental health interventions. A Preparedness and Response Centre was established to overseer the mitigating measures happening inside the university. Measures taken included empowerment of frontline staff, strengthening of restrictions, strengthening university health center, vigorous contact tracing, widespread health education, maintaining cultural sensitivity, and establishment of early standard operating procedures and university continuity plans. Hence, UMS was able to ensure no importation of cases into its campus during both acute and containment phases at the nationwide level.
  10. Chia YC, Ching SM, Chew BN, Devaraj NK, Siti Suhaila MY, Tay CL, et al.
    Eur Heart J Suppl, 2019 Apr;21(Suppl D):D77-D79.
    PMID: 31043885 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/suz061
    Elevated blood pressure (BP) is a growing burden worldwide, leading to over 10 million deaths each year. However there are still many individuals, particularly in many countries in Asia, who have poor BP control. In Malaysia, less than two-fifths have achieved BP control. We participated in BP screening in Malaysia in conjunction with the May Measurement Month 2017 (MMM17), a global initiative by the International Society of Hypertension (ISH) aimed at screening more individuals for earlier detection of hypertension. A nationwide screening of adults aged ≥18 was carried out through health campaigns at clinics, hospitals, during family day events, and charity runs from 1 April 2017 to 31 May 2017 in 42 centres. We used the detailed protocol provided by ISH for data collection. A total of 4116 individuals were screened during MMM17. After multiple imputation, 32.4% (n = 1317/4059) had hypertension. Out of this, 63.9% (842/1317) of those with hypertension were on treatment. Of individuals receiving antihypertensive medication with an imputed BP, 59.5% (n = 496/834) of them had controlled BP. MMM17 was the largest organized BP screening campaign undertaken by health professionals in Malaysia. This study identified that 32.4% of screened individuals had hypertension and 59.5% individuals with treated hypertension had achieved BP control.
  11. Sazali MF, Rahim SSSA, Mohammad AH, Kadir F, Payus AO, Avoi R, et al.
    Tuberc Respir Dis (Seoul), 2023 Apr;86(2):82-93.
    PMID: 36597583 DOI: 10.4046/trd.2022.0148
    Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant public health concern. Globally, TB is among the top 10 and the leading cause of death due to a single infectious agent. Providing standard anti-TB therapy for at least 6 months is recommended as one of the crucial strategies to control the TB epidemic. However, the long duration of TB treatment raised the issue of non-adherence. Non-adherence to TB therapy could negatively affect clinical and public health outcomes. Thus, directly observed therapy (DOT) has been introduced as a standard strategy to improve anti-TB medication adherence. Nonetheless, the DOT approach has been criticized due to inconvenience, stigma, reduced economic productivity, and reduced quality of life, which ultimately could complicate adherence issues. Apart from that, its effectiveness in improving anti-TB adherence is debatable. Therefore, digital technology could be an essential tool to enhance the implementation of DOT. Incorporating the health belief model (HBM) into digital technology can further increase its effectiveness in changing behavior and improving medication adherence. This article aimed to review the latest evidence regarding TB medication non-adherence, its associated factors, DOT's efficacy and its alternatives, and the use of digital technology and HBM in improving medication adherence. This paper used the narrative review methodology to analyze related articles to address the study objectives. Conventional DOT has several disadvantages in TB management. Integrating HBM in digital technology development is potentially effective in improving medication adherence. Digital technology provides an opportunity to improve medication adherence to overcome various issues related to DOT implementation.
  12. Kunasagran PD, Mokti K, Ibrahim MY, Rahim SSSA, Robinson F, Muyou AJ, et al.
    Korean J Fam Med, 2024 Jan;45(1):3-11.
    PMID: 37848369 DOI: 10.4082/kjfm.23.0084
    The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has led to an alarming increase in domestic violence against women owing to lockdown measures and limited access to support services. This article provides insights into the global prevalence of domestic violence, barriers to seeking help, its impact on women and children, and the best practices implemented worldwide. Domestic violence encompasses various forms of abuse; many young women experience partner violence. Barriers to seeking help include fear, financial constraints, lack of awareness of available services, and distrust among stakeholders. The consequences of domestic violence affect the mental health of both mothers and children. Countries have increased shelter funding and developed innovative protocols to reach survivors and address this issue. However, the healthcare sector's involvement in addressing domestic violence has been limited. This review advocates collaboration among healthcare institutions and government bodies. Key recommendations include utilizing telehealth services, implementing comprehensive training programs, establishing effective referral systems, enhancing health education, developing a domestic violence registry, improving the responses of law enforcement and justice systems through healthcare integration, promoting data sharing, and conducting further research. Healthcare systems should recognize domestic violence as a public health concern and detect, prevent, and intervene in cases to support survivors.
  13. Angelakopoulos N, Galić I, Balla SB, Kiş HC, Gómez Jiménez L, Zolotenkova G, et al.
    Int J Legal Med, 2021 Nov;135(6):2423-2436.
    PMID: 34228192 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-021-02656-2
    The diagnostic accuracy of the I3M to assess the legal age of 18 years has already been tested in several specific-population samples. The left lower third molar has been extensively used for discriminating between minors and adults. This research aimed to compare the usefulness of lower third molar maturity indexes, from both left and right side (I3ML and I3MR), in samples originating from four distinct continents in order to examine possible differences in their accuracy values. For this purpose, a sample of 10,181 orthopantomograms (OPGs), from Europe, Africa, Asia and America, was analysed and previously scored in other studies. The samples included healthy subjects with no systemic disorders with both third molars and clear depicted root apices. Wilcoxon Signed Rank test for left and right asymmetry did not show any significant differences. Data about sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, likelihood ratio and accuracy were pooled together and showed similar results for I3ML and I3MR, respectively. In addition, all these quantities were high when only the I3MR was considered to discriminate between adults and minors. The present referable database was the first to pool third molar measurements using panoramic radiographs of subjects coming from different continents. The results highlighted that both I3ML and I3MR are reliable indicators for assessing the legal age of 18 years old in those jurisdictions where this legal threshold has been set as the age of majority.
  14. Abd Rahman M, Ahmad Zaki R, Sarimin R, Ariff MI, Suli Z, Mahmud M, et al.
    PLoS One, 2017;12(11):e0184559.
    PMID: 29095822 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0184559
    The Malaysian Dengue Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) have been developed to provide evidence-based guidance in the management of dengue infections. The use of these guidelines is essential to ensure its recommendations are being practiced. However, the adherence to the guidelines for management of dengue (revised 2nd edition) by healthcare providers still remains unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the proportion among healthcare providers that adhere to this Dengue CPG. A retrospective cohort study of dengue cases registered from 1 January 2014 to 1 June 2015 was conducted in public hospitals and health clinics in Selangor, Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur. Adherence to the CPG recommendations were recorded by reviewing patients' case notes. Overall proportion of adherence in clinical components of the recommendation were (7.1 to 100.0% versus 7.7 to 73.8%) in history taking, (6.7 to 100.0% versus 12.3 to 60.0%) in physical examinations, (18.4 to 100.0% versus 23.1 to 83.2%) in assessment of warning signs, (0.6 to 100.0% versus 12.3 to 87.7%) in assessment of haemodynamic status, (60.0 to 100.0% versus 27.7 to 40.0%) in diagnosis, (46.6 to 80.0% versus 52.3%) in case notifications, (73.2 to 100.0% versus 89.2 to 96.9%) in performing specific laboratory investigations and (7.9 to 100.0% versus 21.5%) in monitoring, for outpatient versus inpatient, respectively. Adherence trends were demonstrated to be higher in hospital settings compared to outpatient settings. Adherence to this Dengue CPG varies widely with overall good clinical outcomes observed.

    Study site: public hospitals and health clinics in Selangor, Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur
  15. Sazali MF, Rahim SSSA, Mohamed MH, Omar A, Pang NTP, Jeffree MS, et al.
    J Public Health Res, 2021 Mar 24;10(3).
    PMID: 33759447 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2021.2122
    BACKGROUND: COVID-19 related knowledge, attitude and practice plays a major role in determining the readiness of the community to adopt the behavioural change towards recommended preventive measures outlined by public health officials. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding COVID-19 among university students as well as its associated factors.

    METHOD: This is a cross sectional study that was conducted among students in a public university during the early phase of COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia. An online validated self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal Wallis test was used to determine the association between independent variables with knowledge, attitude, and practice score.

    RESULTS: Overall response rate of this study was 92.9 (n=524). Median score of knowledge domain was 78.0 (IQR= ±12.0), median attitude score of 49.0 (IQR= ±5.0), and median practice score of 80.0 (IQR= ±11.0). The mean knowledge, attitude and practice score were significantly higher among diploma holder (vs degree holder, p<0.05), residing in main Kota Kinabalu campus (vs non-KK campus, p<0.001), studying in medical faculty (vs non-medical faculty, p<0.001), and attended COVID-19 education (vs non-attendance; p<0.05).

    CONCLUSION: COVID-19 related knowledge and attitude were below satisfactory level during earlier phase of the pandemic. However, majority of respondents have positive behaviour towards COVID-19 prevention. This highlights the importance of accurate and tailored health education to improve the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of recommended measures to prevent COVID-19 spread.

  16. Hassanein M, Afandi B, Yakoob Ahmedani M, Mohammad Alamoudi R, Alawadi F, Bajaj HS, et al.
    PMID: 35016991 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2021.109185
    Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory for all healthy Muslims from the age of puberty. Though individuals with some illness and serious medical conditions, including some people with diabetes, can be exempted from fasting, many will fast anyway. It is of paramount importance that people with diabetes that fast are given the appropriate guidance and receive proper care. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and Diabetes and Ramadan (DaR) International Alliance have come together to provide a substantial update to the previous guidelines. This update includes key information on fasting during Ramadan with type 1 diabetes, the management of diabetes in people of elderly ages and pregnant women, the effects of Ramadan on one's mental wellbeing, changes to the risk of macrovascular and microvascular complications, and areas of future research. The IDF-DAR Diabetes and Ramadan Practical Guidelines 2021 seek to improve upon the awareness, knowledge and management of diabetes during Ramadan, and to provide real-world recommendations to health professionals and the people with diabetes who choose to fast.
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