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Meiling JB, Boon AJ, Niu Z, Howe BM, Hoskote SS, Spinner RJ, Klein CJ. Parsonage-Turner Syndrome and Hereditary Brachial Plexus Neuropathy. Mayo Clin Proc 2024; 99:124-140. [PMID: 38176820 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2023.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Parsonage-Turner syndrome and hereditary brachial plexus neuropathy (HBPN) present with indistinguishable attacks of rapid-onset severe shoulder and arm pain, disabling weakness, and early muscle atrophy. Their combined incidence ranges from 3 to 100 in 100,000 persons per year. Dominant mutations of SEPT9 are the only known mutations responsible for HBPN. Parsonage and Turner termed the disorder "brachial neuralgic amyotrophy," highlighting neuropathic pain and muscle atrophy. Modern electrodiagnostic and imaging testing assists the diagnosis in distinction from mimicking disorders. Shoulder and upper limb nerves outside the brachial plexus are commonly affected including the phrenic nerve where diaphragm ultrasound improves diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging can show multifocal T2 nerve and muscle hyperintensities with nerve hourglass swellings and constrictions identifiable also by ultrasound. An inflammatory immune component is suggested by nerve biopsies and associated infectious, immunization, trauma, surgery, and childbirth triggers. High-dose pulsed steroids assist initial pain control; however, weakness and subsequent pain are not clearly responsive to steroids and instead benefit from time, physical therapy, and non-narcotic pain medications. Recurrent attacks in HBPN are common and prophylactic steroids or intravenous immunoglobulin may reduce surgical- or childbirth-induced attacks. Rehabilitation focusing on restoring functional scapular mechanics, energy conservation, contracture prevention, and pain management are critical. Lifetime residual pain and weakness are rare with most making dramatic functional recovery. Tendon transfers can be used when recovery does not occur after 18 months. Early neurolysis and nerve grafts are controversial. This review provides an update including new diagnostic tools, new associations, and new interventions crossing multiple medical disciplines.
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Affiliation(s)
- James B Meiling
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Andrea J Boon
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Zhiyv Niu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Sumedh S Hoskote
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Christopher J Klein
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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Kesserwani H, Faulkner A. Magnetic Resonance Neurography (MRN) of the Brachial Plexus: A Case of Parsonage Turner Syndrome and a Basic Review of Imaging of the Brachial Plexus. Cureus 2021; 13:e15228. [PMID: 34188979 PMCID: PMC8232922 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.15228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The Parsonage-Turner syndrome (PTS) or immune-mediated brachial plexopathy is a monophasic illness with well-described semiology and reasonable insights into pathogenesis. With the advent of spectacular advancements in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology directed at shortening the T2 echo times and annihilating the "magic angle" and with short tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequences, we now have a new window into the evolution of inflammatory changes involving the nerve roots, brachial plexus and the peripheral nerves in inflammatory diseases of the nerves. Not only can these imaging modalities exclude other structural pathologies but they can also localise disease of the brachial plexus and outline the extent of disease and so allow the clinician to explore the natural history of immune-mediated brachial plexopathies. Indeed, these imaging sequences can antedate electromyographic findings and they can determine the effects of chronic denervation of muscle and fatty replacement. We present one such case of the PTS in order to demonstrate the power of these imaging modalities. In so doing, we outline some of the very basic correlations between the physics of MRI and pathology of the brachial plexus. An unexpected finding in this case report is the dramatic resolution of power loss following immunotherapy in our patient who had positive image findings on T2-weighted sequences and STIR imaging and who otherwise has had a static course. The implications of these findings are explored and adumbrated on.
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Farrell M, Mathew E, Weiss M, Dickerman R. Right hemidiaphragmatic paralysis after cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injection: illustrative case. JOURNAL OF NEUROSURGERY: CASE LESSONS 2021; 1:CASE20113. [PMID: 35854830 PMCID: PMC9245767 DOI: 10.3171/case20113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical radiculopathy is a common cause of neck pain, with radiation into the upper extremity in a dermatomal pattern. Corticosteroid injection is a conservative management option with a low risk of major adverse events. No reviewed literature or case reports have implicated phrenic nerve injury secondary to cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injection (CTFESI). OBSERVATIONS A 45-year-old man with severe right C6 radiculopathy secondary to a large right-sided C5–6 herniated intervertebral disc presented to the pain management clinic, where he received a right-sided C6 CTFESI. An hour after injection, the patient experienced shortness of breath, which was found to be caused by right diaphragmatic paralysis. The patient underwent a C5–6 anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, which provided complete relief of his radicular symptoms. However, the right hemidiaphragmatic paralysis remained at the 1-year postoperative visit. LESSONS Thorough literature review showed no established explanations for phrenic nerve injury after CTFESI. In this study, the authors explored the suspected mechanisms of possible injury to the phrenic nerve. Epidural corticosteroid injection is considered to be a safe option for conservative management of cervical radiculopathy. This study unveiled a unique and important adverse event that should be considered before a patient receives CTFESI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Farrell
- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Ezek Mathew
- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Martin Weiss
- Cardiology Department, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, McKinney, Texas; and
| | - Rob Dickerman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Presbyterian Hospital, Plano, Texas
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Farr E, D'Andrea D, Franz CK. Phrenic Nerve Involvement in Neuralgic Amyotrophy (Parsonage-Turner Syndrome). Sleep Med Clin 2020; 15:539-543. [PMID: 33131663 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsmc.2020.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Neuralgic amyotrophy is a poorly understood neuromuscular disorder affecting peripheral nerves mostly within the brachial plexus distribution but can also involve other sites including the phrenic nerve. In the classic form of the syndrome it causes proximal upper limb and neck pain on the affected side with subsequent muscle weakness that can be highly heterogeneous. Nocturnal noninvasive ventilation support is a first-line treatment after phrenic mononeuropathy. The regular monitoring of diaphragm function with spirometry and diaphragm ultrasound can help determine prognosis and inform decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Farr
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, McGaw Medical Center, Northwestern University, 355 East Erie Street, 26N (Biologics), Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Dom D'Andrea
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, 355 East Erie Street, 26N (Biologics), Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Colin K Franz
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 355 East Erie Street, 26N (Biologics), Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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Kesserwani H. Isolated Musculocutaneous Neuropathy Secondary to an Immune-Mediated Brachial Plexopathy: A Case Report of a Rare Phenotype With a Side Note on Patterns of Weakness and an Update on Nerve Pathology. Cureus 2020; 12:e10267. [PMID: 33042705 PMCID: PMC7538028 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.10267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe a 50-year-old man who developed a low-frequency pattern of weakness, musculocutaneous neuropathy, with weakness of the biceps, coracobrachialis and brachialis in an immune-mediated brachial plexopathy. The aim of this article is to highlight both the low- and high-frequency patterns of weakness of the immune-mediated brachial plexopathies, and we focus on the patterns of recognition. We then segue into the pathology of the immune-mediated plexopathies and highlight the recent spectacular magnetic resonance imaging studies that demonstrate hourglass constrictions of peripheral nerves outside of the brachial plexus in afflicted patients. This opens up a window for the exciting possibility of neurolysis of constricted nerves in patients who have not responded adequately to immunotherapy.
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Dai Y, Patel A, Bierner SM. Phrenic nerve palsy in patients with neuralgic amyotrophy: case series study. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med 2019; 55:519-521. [PMID: 31058474 DOI: 10.23736/s1973-9087.19.05294-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuralgic amyotrophy (NA) is a relatively uncommon syndrome causing brachial nerves dysfunction. However, it can also affect other nerves including phrenic nerve, which is often misdiagnosed. CASE REPORT To determine the incidence and characteristics of phrenic nerve palsy in patients with NA in our population, we analyzed the records of all patients with phrenic nerve palsy and/or NA at the University Hospital and the county hospital within the last 10 years. We found that totally, seven patients were confirmed to have NA and phrenic nerve palsy. All of them are male of average age 51.9 years old (51.9±7.4) and had shortness of breath following shoulder and/or neck pain. All of them had elevated diaphragm found in SNIFF test and/or on chest X-ray. Pulmonary function test done in 6 patients demonstrated restrictive lung disease. Six patients needed long-term bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) treatment but mechanic ventilation was not needed. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT Our cohort represents one of the largest case series yet reported for phrenic nerve involvement in NA. Most of these patients have had significant pulmonary compromise in the early stage of onset of shoulder/neck pain requiring ongoing BiPAP and specialist monitoring. Recognition of this subset of patients may further require nerve conduction studies/electromyography and respiratory testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuemeng Dai
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Ankit Patel
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA -
| | - Samuel M Bierner
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
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Abstract
AIM To develop examination algorithm and to determine the indications for various options for surgical treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS It is presented analysis of surgical treatment of 25 patients with unilateral diaphragm relaxation for the period from 1963 to 2016. There were 15 men and 10 women aged from 39 to 65 years. Diagnosis included predominantly radiological methods. All patients were operated openly through thoracotomy. Procedure consisted of creation of new diaphragmatic cupola at the usual level with two flaps of diaphragm and prosthesis between them. In 12 (48%) patients who were operated before 1990 xenopericardial patch was used. Further, synthetic materials (Teflon, polypropylene) were preferred. RESULTS Postoperative morbidity and mortality was 20% (n=6) and 4% (n=1) respectively. Long-term results were followed-up within terms from 8 months to 12 years. Recurrent relaxation was absent. Most of patients had improved dyspnea, increased vital capacity and FEV1 in long-term period. Certain and general values of SF-36 life quality questionnaire were high in long-term postoperative period and similar to those in general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- V D Parshin
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of Healthcare Ministry of the Russian Federation, Burdenko Clinic of Faculty Surgery, Moscow, Russia
| | - M A Khetagurov
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of Healthcare Ministry of the Russian Federation, Burdenko Clinic of Faculty Surgery, Moscow, Russia
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O'brien MD. An unusual case of orthopnea. Clin Med (Lond) 2017; 17:480. [PMID: 28974610 PMCID: PMC6301934 DOI: 10.7861/clinmedicine.17-5-480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Garcia-Santibanez R, Zaidman CM, Russell T, Bucelli RC. Serial diaphragm ultrasound studies in neuralgic amyotrophy with bilateral phrenic neuropathies. Muscle Nerve 2017; 56:E168-E170. [PMID: 28722779 DOI: 10.1002/mus.25750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2017] [Revised: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rocio Garcia-Santibanez
- Department of Neurology, Neuromuscular Division, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Craig M Zaidman
- Department of Neurology, Neuromuscular Division, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Tonya Russell
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Division, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Robert C Bucelli
- Department of Neurology, Neuromuscular Division, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Phrenic Nerve Palsy Secondary to Parsonage–Turner Syndrome: A Diagnosis Commonly Overlooked. Lung 2017; 195:173-177. [DOI: 10.1007/s00408-016-9972-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Vannucci J, Scarnecchia E, Del Sordo R, Cagini L, Puma F. Inflammatory nodule mimicking a phrenic neoplasm. CLINICAL RESPIRATORY JOURNAL 2014; 10:400-3. [PMID: 25103093 DOI: 10.1111/crj.12195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2014] [Revised: 06/27/2014] [Accepted: 08/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Isolated phrenic nerve nodule is usually a primitive tumour. Surgery is diagnostic and therapeutic at the same time. We report the case of a completely serum-negative Caucasian male with a right diaphragmatic relaxation associated to an isolated small nodule of the phrenic nerve. METHODS The patient was referred to our unit complaining shortness of breath and progressive fatigue. A standard chest X-ray showed right diaphragmatic palsy; chest scanning revealed a nodular lesion belonging to the right phrenic nerve. Positron emission tomography was negative for glucose uptake. The preoperative diagnosis of primitive neurogenic tumour was thus supposed, and the patient treated by the lesion's surgical resection along with diaphragmatic plication. RESULT Histopathological examination revealed an idiopathic inflammatory nodule of the phrenic nerve. CONCLUSION Such condition has not previously been reported in the literature among the possible aetiology of a diaphragmatic relaxation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Vannucci
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, University of Perugia Medical School, Perugia, Italy
| | - Elisa Scarnecchia
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, University of Perugia Medical School, Perugia, Italy
| | - Rachele Del Sordo
- Institute of Pathological Anatomy and Histology, University of Perugia Medical School, Perugia, Italy
| | - Lucio Cagini
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, University of Perugia Medical School, Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesco Puma
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, University of Perugia Medical School, Perugia, Italy
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Subash M, Patel G, Welker J, Nugent K. Brachial Neuritis With Phrenic Nerve Involvement in a Patient With a Possible Connective Tissue Disease. J Investig Med High Impact Case Rep 2014; 2:2324709614535203. [PMID: 26425609 PMCID: PMC4528891 DOI: 10.1177/2324709614535203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Brachial neuritis (BN) is a rare inflammatory condition of peripheral nerves, usually involving the cervicobrachial plexus. These patients present with sudden onset of shoulder and arm pain that evolves into muscle weakness and atrophy.. Case Report. A 33-year-old woman presented with a 1-month history of diffuse pain in her thorax. She had no trauma or inciting incident prior to the onset of this pain and was initially treated for muscle spasms. The patient was seen in the emergency room multiple times and was treated with several courses of antibiotics for pneumonia on the basis of clinical symptoms and abnormal x-rays. The pleuritic chest pain persisted for at least 4 months, and the patient was eventually admitted for worsening pain and dyspnea. On physical examination, crackles were heard at both lung bases, and chest inspection revealed increased expansion in the upper thorax but poor expansion of the lower thorax and mild paradoxical respiration. “Sniff” test revealed no motion of the left hemidiaphragm and reduced motion on the right hemidiaphragm. Her computed tomography scan revealed bilateral atelectasis, more severe at the left base. She reported no symptoms involving her joints or skin or abdomen. Her presentation and clinical course are best explained by BN with a bilateral diaphragmatic weakness. However, she had a positive ANA, RF, anti-RNP antibody, and anti SS-A. Conclusion. Patients with BN can present with diffuse thoracic pain, pleuritic chest pain, and diaphragmatic weakness. Our patient may represent a case of connective tissue disease presenting with brachial plexus neuritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meera Subash
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Gaurav Patel
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - John Welker
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Kenneth Nugent
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
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Rombolá CA, Genovés Crespo M, Tárraga López PJ, García Jiménez MD, Honguero Martínez AF, León Atance P, Rodríguez Ortega CR, Triviño Ramírez A, Rodríguez Montes JA. Is video-assisted thoracoscopic diaphragmatic plication a widespread technique for diaphragmatic hernia in adults? Review of the literature and results of a national survey. Cir Esp 2014; 92:453-62. [PMID: 24602484 DOI: 10.1016/j.ciresp.2013.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2013] [Revised: 12/04/2013] [Accepted: 12/05/2013] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Diaphragmatic plication is the most accepted treatment for symptomatic diaphragmatic hernia in adults. The fact that this pathology is infrequent and this procedure not been widespread means that this is an exceptional technique in our field. To estimate its use in the literature, we carried out a review in English and Spanish, to which we added our series. We found only six series that contribute 59 video-assisted mini-thoractomy for diaphragmatic plications in adults, and none in Spanish. Our series will be the second largest with 18 cases. Finally, we conducted a survey in all the Spanish Thoracic Surgery units in Spain: none reported more than 10 cases operated by thoracoscopy in the last 8 years (except our series) and most continue employing thoracotomy as the main approach. We believe that many patients with symptomatic diaphragmatic hernia could benefit from the use of such techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A Rombolá
- Servicio de Cirugía Torácica, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete, Albacete, España.
| | - Marta Genovés Crespo
- Servicio de Cirugía Torácica, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete, Albacete, España
| | | | | | | | - Pablo León Atance
- Servicio de Cirugía Torácica, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete, Albacete, España
| | | | - Ana Triviño Ramírez
- Servicio de Cirugía Torácica, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete, Albacete, España
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Diaphragm paralysis caused by transverse cervical artery compression of the phrenic nerve: The Red Cross syndrome. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2012; 114:502-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2012.01.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2011] [Revised: 01/17/2012] [Accepted: 01/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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