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Alothman D, Lewis S, Fogarty AW, Card T, Tyrrell E. Primary care consultation patterns before suicide: a nationally representative case-control study. Br J Gen Pract 2024; 74:e426-e433. [PMID: 38331442 PMCID: PMC11157587 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp.2023.0509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Consultation with primary healthcare professionals may provide an opportunity to identify patients at higher suicide risk. AIM To explore primary care consultation patterns in the 5 years before suicide to identify suicide high-risk groups and common reasons for consulting. DESIGN AND SETTING This was a case-control study using electronic health records from England, 2001 to 2019. METHOD An analysis was undertaken of 14 515 patients aged ≥15 years who died by suicide and up to 40 matched live controls per person who died by suicide (n = 580 159), (N = 594 674). RESULTS Frequent consultations (>1 per month in the final year) were associated with increased suicide risk (age- and sex -adjusted odds ratio [OR] 5.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 5.47 to 6.32). The associated rise in suicide risk was seen across all sociodemographic groups as well as in those with and without psychiatric comorbidities. However, specific groups were more influenced by the effect of high-frequency consultation (>1 per month in the final year) demonstrating higher suicide risk compared with their counterparts who consulted once: females (adjusted OR 9.50, 95% CI = 7.82 to 11.54), patients aged 15-<45 years (adjusted OR 8.08, 95% CI = 7.29 to 8.96), patients experiencing less socioeconomic deprivation (adjusted OR 6.56, 95% CI = 5.77 to 7.46), and those with psychiatric conditions (adjusted OR 4.57, 95% CI = 4.12 to 5.06). Medication review, depression, and pain were the most common reasons for which patients who died by suicide consulted in the year before death. CONCLUSION Escalating or more than monthly consultations are associated with increased suicide risk regardless of patients' sociodemographic characteristics and regardless of the presence (or absence) of known psychiatric illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danah Alothman
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham
| | - Sarah Lewis
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham
| | | | - Timothy Card
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham
| | - Edward Tyrrell
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham
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Britton PC, Bohnert KM, Denneson LM, Ganoczy D, Ilgen MA. Reasons for contacting a crisis line and the initiation of emergency dispatches. Prev Med 2024; 181:107899. [PMID: 38373477 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2024.107899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To better understand processes of mental health crisis line utilization by examining associations between reasons for contacting a crisis line with the initiation of emergency dispatches (i.e., activation of 911 or local emergency services) in a national sample. METHODS Contacts (i.e., calls, texts, email, and chats) to the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) across 2017-2020 were used to examine associations among stated reasons for the contact and the use of an emergency dispatch. Hierarchical logistic regression models were used to determine the odds of an emergency dispatch by reason for the contact. RESULTS Suicidal thoughts/crisis were present in 61.5% of contacts that ended in emergency dispatches and were associated with the largest adjusted odds of a dispatch, (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] [95% CI] = 9.34 [9.21, 9.48]), followed by homicidal thoughts/crisis (AOR [95% CI] = 3.84 [3.73, 3.95]), and third-party concerns (AOR [95% CI] = 2.42 [2.37, 2.47]). Substance use/ addiction (AOR [95% CI] = 2.14 [2.10, 2.18]), abuse and violence (AOR [95% CI] = 1.89 [1.82, 1.96]), and physical health (AOR [95% CI] = 1.87 [1.84, 1.91]) were also associated with increased odds of a dispatch. CONCLUSIONS Emergency dispatches are primarily used in response to imminent suicide risk but are also used in other potentially violent or lethal circumstances such as homicides, violence or abuse, and other crises. These findings highlight the role that crisis lines play in emergency service delivery, and the need to better understand how they are utilized under real world circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter C Britton
- VISN 2 Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, Department of Veteran Affairs, Finger Lakes Healthcare System, Canandaigua, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical School, Rochester, NY, USA.
| | - Kipling M Bohnert
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA; Department of Veteran Affairs Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lauren M Denneson
- VA HSR&D Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Healthcare System, Portland, OR, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Dara Ganoczy
- Department of Veteran Affairs Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Mark A Ilgen
- Department of Veteran Affairs Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Barnette BH, O'Loughlin CM, Park Y, Vogel K, Burke TA, Law KC, Ammerman BA. Nonsuicidal self-injury characteristics: A mixed methods analysis of differences between veterans and civilians. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 168:318-324. [PMID: 37949043 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.10.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a well-established risk factor for suicidal behavior, with certain NSSI characteristics being associated with increased risk. In the United States (U.S.), the veteran suicide rate is elevated, though lifetime prevalence rates of NSSI appear similar between veterans and civilians. There is limited research that directly compares veterans and civilians across multiple NSSI characteristics to examine between-group differences in NSSI behavior and provide important context for the application of NSSI research with the veteran population. This study examined differences between U.S. veterans and civilians with a history of suicidal ideation across several NSSI characteristics, including method, severity, age of onset, shame, distress, and reason for initial NSSI engagement. A sample of 527 veterans and civilians completed measures of direct and indirect NSSI behaviors along with supplemental questions designed to further assess endorsed NSSI behaviors. Additionally, respondents provided written responses to an open-ended question about their reasons for initial engagement in NSSI, which were coded for post-hoc analysis. Chi-square difference tests and t-tests were conducted, revealing significant group differences between veterans and civilians in NSSI method, lifetime versatility, age of onset, age at last occurrence, and reasons for initial engagement. No significant differences were found in NSSI frequency, severity, shame, or distress. These findings provide valuable information on similarities and differences in NSSI behavior characteristics between U.S. veterans and civilians with lifetime suicidal ideation to inform future research and the assessment of NSSI in these populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin H Barnette
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | | | - Yeonsoo Park
- Department of Psychology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Katrina Vogel
- Department of Psychology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Taylor A Burke
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Keyne C Law
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Brooke A Ammerman
- Department of Psychology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
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4
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Shin KE, Spears AP, Zhang R, Cha CB. Suicide-related disclosure patterns among culturally minoritized youth: Examining differences across race, ethnicity, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2023. [PMID: 38032047 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.13026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sharing one's suicidal thoughts and behaviors, or suicide-related disclosure, allows adolescents to recruit help from others. Despite elevated risk among culturally minoritized youth, their suicide-related disclosure remains understudied. METHODS 191 adolescents (M = 15.98, SD = 1.04, range = 13-17), including minoritized youth (38% racially, 19% ethnically, 40% gender, and 77% sexually), were recruited via social media ads and completed an anonymous online survey on suicide-related disclosure to informal support sources (e.g., family, friends). Disclosure rates, targets, and reasons for disclosure and nondisclosure were compared based on race, ethnicity, gender identity, and sexual orientation. RESULTS Racially minoritized adolescents less often disclosed suicidal ideation and more strongly endorsed fear of negative reactions and resistance to intervention as reasons for nondisclosure, and reciprocity as reasons for disclosure, than White adolescents. Cisgender adolescents less often disclosed suicidal ideation and more strongly endorsed dismissal of suicide risk as reasons for nondisclosure than gender minoritized adolescents. Non-Hispanic adolescents more strongly endorsed help-seeking as reasons for disclosure than Hispanic adolescents. While adolescents overall disclosed most often to friends, heterosexual adolescents disclosed more to family than sexually minoritized adolescents. CONCLUSION Racial and gender disparities in suicide-related disclosure may occur for distinct reasons among adolescents. Uncovering patterns of disclosure may facilitate detection of suicide risk among minoritized youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki Eun Shin
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, Long Island University Post, Brookville, New York, USA
| | - Angela Page Spears
- Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Renjie Zhang
- Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Christine B Cha
- Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
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Bell KA, O'Loughlin CM, Piccirillo ML, Ammerman BA. Negative Beliefs About Suicide Disclosure: Implications for US Veterans. J Nerv Ment Dis 2023; 211:866-869. [PMID: 37890025 PMCID: PMC10617650 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT This study examined the differences in negative beliefs about disclosing suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) between US Veterans and non-Veterans, and between Veterans who are and are not enrolled in Veterans Health Administration (VHA) care. Participants included 495 adults with a history of suicide ideation who completed an online self-report questionnaire inquiring about history of STBs, STB disclosure, and beliefs about STB disclosures. Group differences in STB disclosure beliefs were analyzed. Results showed that Veterans (vs. non-Veterans) more strongly believed that STB disclosure would result in firearm confiscation. VHA-enrolled (vs. non-VHA enrolled) Veterans reported stronger beliefs that STB disclosures result in involuntary hospitalization. Among VHA-enrolled Veterans, stronger beliefs regarding providers' interest regarding true STB experiences and others' comfort with STB disclosures were associated with lower STB disclosure likelihood. Findings highlight that educating Veterans on the benefits of STB disclosure and limiting misinformation regarding its consequences is paramount, specifically through improved suicide-related communication within the VHA and stigma reduction campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerri-Anne Bell
- Department of Psychology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana
| | | | | | - Brooke A Ammerman
- Department of Psychology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana
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Hoopsick RA, Yockey RA. A national examination of suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts among United States adults: Differences by military veteran status, 2008-2019. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 165:34-40. [PMID: 37459776 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
There is a widening disparity in suicide deaths between United States (U.S.) military veterans and nonveterans. However, it is unclear if there are similar differences in suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts that often precipitate these deaths. A better understanding of trends in suicidal thoughts and behaviors could illuminate opportunities for prevention. We examined pooled cross-sectional data (N = 479,801 adults) from the 2008 to 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. We examined differences in past-year suicidal ideation, suicide planning, and suicide attempts between U.S. veterans (n = 26,508) and nonveterans (n = 453,293). We conducted post hoc analyses to examine for differences in these relationships by race/ethnicity and sex. Lastly, we examined trends in these outcomes over time and tested for differences in trends by veteran status. Overall, veterans had significantly greater odds of past-year suicidal ideation (aOR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.20 to 1.47) and suicide planning (aOR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.30 to 1.78) compared to nonveterans. However, the association between veteran status and past-year suicide attempt was not statistically significant (aOR = 1.29, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.68). These relationships did not differ by race/ethnicity or sex (ps > 0.05). Among all adults, there were significant linear increases in past-year suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts (ps < 0.001). However, these trends did not differ between veterans and nonveterans (ps > 0.05). Veterans may be more likely to experience suicidal thoughts and behaviors than nonveteran adults. Upward trends in suicidal thoughts and behaviors among both veterans and nonveterans from 2008 to 2019 highlight opportunities for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A Hoopsick
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1206 S. Fourth St., 2017 Khan Annex, Huff Hall, Champaign, IL, 61820, USA.
| | - R Andrew Yockey
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of North Texas Health Science Center, School of Public Health, 709C, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA.
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Schmutte T, Krishnamurti LS, Davidson L, Klee A, Bullock J, Panas RM, Pfeiffer PN, Chinman M. Implementing Peer Specialists in Suicide Prevention Efforts in the Veterans Health Administration. Psychiatr Q 2023; 94:311-319. [PMID: 37278930 PMCID: PMC10424796 DOI: 10.1007/s11126-023-10034-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) recognizes peer support as an underused intervention in suicide prevention. PREVAIL is a peer-based suicide prevention intervention that was designed and piloted with non-veteran patients recently hospitalized for suicidal thoughts or behaviors. The purpose of this study was to elicit veteran and stakeholder feedback to inform the adaptation of PREVAIL for piloting with veterans flagged for high suicide risk. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with multiple stakeholders from a VHA medical center in the northeast. Interviews focused on the perceived benefits and concerns of peer specialists directly addressing suicide risk with veterans. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using rapid qualitative analysis. RESULTS Interviewees included clinical directors (n = 3), suicide prevention coordinators (n = 1), outpatient psychologists (n = 2), peer specialists (n = 1), and high-risk veterans (n = 2). Overall, peer specialists were viewed as possessing many distinct strengths in engaging and helping high-risk veterans as part of a team approach. Concerns included liability, adequate training, clinical supervision and support, and self-care for peer specialists. CONCLUSIONS Findings indicated support and confidence that peer support specialists would be a valuable addition and could help fill existing gap in VHA's suicide prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Schmutte
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
| | - Lauren S Krishnamurti
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Larry Davidson
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Anne Klee
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Joshua Bullock
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Raymond M Panas
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Paul N Pfeiffer
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Matthew Chinman
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- RAND Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Hallford D, Rusanov D, Winestone B, Kaplan R, Fuller-Tyszkiewicz M, Melvin G. Disclosure of suicidal ideation and behaviours: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence. Clin Psychol Rev 2023; 101:102272. [PMID: 37001469 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2023.102272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2023]
Abstract
Disclosure of suicidal ideation and behaviours, defined as thoughts, plans, or attempts, to other people provides opportunity for intervention and prevention. This study is the first to meta-analyze all available studies to estimate the prevalence of disclosure, to whom people disclose, and examine factors that influence disclosure. Databases were searched for studies reporting samples of people who had experienced suicidal ideation or behaviours (including those who had died by suicide) and whether they had disclosed this. Almost 100 studies (k = 94, N participants = 1,044,629) were included in the overall prevalance analysis. The results showed less than half of people disclosed suicidal ideation or behaviour: 45.9% (95%CI 41.9-49.9%, PI 12.3-81.8%; k = 94). High heterogeneity, common to prevalence studies, was found (Q[93] = 130,584, p < .001; I2 = 99.9%). No publication bias was detected. Removing outliers did not change the prevalence estimate, but provided tighter prediction intervals: 45.6% (95%CI 43.4-47.9%, PI 35.8-55.7%; k = 33). Disclosure was related to higher prevalence of psychiatric disorders, female gender, and a longer timeframe of suicidal ideation or behaviour. Prevalence of disclosure was lower among people who died by suicide, relative to community samples, and lower when reported verbally rather than written online. Disclosure, and proportions of disclosures, to family members, was numerically higher than to friends or professionals, but could not be directly compared. In conclusion, between 50 and 60% of people do not disclose their suicidal ideation and behaviours to other people, and therefore remain unidentified and potentially untreated.
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Patient reflections, challenges, and supports related to early liver transplant for severe alcohol-associated liver disease. Liver Transpl 2023:01445473-990000000-00056. [PMID: 36728621 DOI: 10.1097/lvt.0000000000000059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transplant centers conventionally require at least 6 months of alcohol abstinence before offering liver transplants for alcohol-associated liver disease. However, early liver transplant (ELT)-proceeding with a transplant when clinically necessary without first meeting the conventional requirement-is increasingly gaining attention. In our study, we qualitatively assessed ELT recipients' perceived challenges and supports regarding alcohol-associated liver disease, transplant, and posttransplant survivorship. PATIENTS AND METHODS To diversify perspectives based on sex, race/ethnicity, age, time since ELT, and pretransplant abstinence duration, we purposively recruited ELT recipients and conducted semistructured interviews. Recruitment continued until data saturation. We analyzed transcripts using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS We interviewed 20 ELT recipients between June and December 2020 and identified themes within 3 participant-characterized time periods. Three themes emerged in life before severe illness: (1) alcohol as a "constant" part of life, (2) alcohol use negatively affecting relationships and work life, and (3) feeling "stuck" in the cycle of drinking. Two themes emerged during the severe illness period: (4) rapidity of health decline and (5) navigating medical care and the 6-month abstinence requirement. Finally, in life after transplant, 4 themes emerged: (6) feelings of shame or stigma and new self-worth, (7) reconnecting with others and redefining boundaries, (8) transplant as a defining point for sobriety, and (9) work-related challenges. Overall, participants expressed gratitude for receiving a gift of life and acknowledged their responsibilities to the new liver. CONCLUSIONS ELT recipient experiences reveal complex psychosocial challenges related to addiction, inadequate support system, and stigma, particularly in the posttransplant period. The care of ELT recipients would be incomplete if focused solely on optimizing patient or graft survival.
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