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Cavalcante JGT, Ribeiro VHDS, Marqueti RDC, Paz IDA, Bastos JAI, Vaz MA, Babault N, Durigan JLQ. Effect of muscle length on maximum evoked torque, discomfort, contraction fatigue, and strength adaptations during electrical stimulation in adult populations: A systematic review. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304205. [PMID: 38857245 PMCID: PMC11164398 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) can improve physical function in different populations. NMES-related outcomes may be influenced by muscle length (i.e., joint angle), a modulator of the force generation capacity of muscle fibers. Nevertheless, to date, there is no comprehensive synthesis of the available scientific evidence regarding the optimal joint angle for maximizing the effectiveness of NMES. We performed a systematic review to investigate the effect of muscle length on NMES-induced torque, discomfort, contraction fatigue, and strength training adaptations in healthy and clinical adult populations (PROSPERO: CRD42022332965). We conducted searches across seven electronic databases: PUBMED, Web of Science, EMBASE, PEDro, BIREME, SCIELO, and Cochrane, over the period from June 2022 to October 2023, without restricting the publication year. We included cross-sectional and longitudinal studies that used NMES as an intervention or assessment tool for comparing muscle lengths in adult populations. We excluded studies on vocalization, respiratory, or pelvic floor muscles. Data extraction was performed via a standardized form to gather information on participants, interventions, and outcomes. Risk of bias was assessed using the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for cross-over trials and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. Out of the 1185 articles retrieved through our search strategy, we included 36 studies in our analysis, that included 448 healthy young participants (age: 19-40 years) in order to investigate maximum evoked torque (n = 268), contraction fatigability (n = 87), discomfort (n = 82), and muscle strengthening (n = 22), as well as six participants with spinal cord injuries, and 15 healthy older participants. Meta-analyses were possible for comparing maximal evoked torque according to quadriceps muscle length through knee joint angle. At optimal muscle length 50° - 70° of knee flexion, where 0° is full extension), there was greater evoked torque during nerve stimulation compared to very short (0 - 30°) (p<0.001, CI 95%: -2.03, -1.15 for muscle belly stimulation, and -3.54, -1.16 for femoral nerve stimulation), short (31° - 49°) (p = 0.007, CI 95%: -1.58, -0.25), and long (71° - 90°) (p<0.001, CI 95%: 0.29, 1.02) muscle lengths. At long muscle lengths, NMES evoked greater torque than very short (p<0.001, CI 95%: -2.50, -0.67) and short (p = 0.04, CI 95%: -2.22, -0.06) lengths. The shortest quadriceps length generated the highest perceived discomfort for a given current amplitude. The amount of contraction fatigability was greater when muscle length allowed greater torque generation in the pre-fatigue condition. Strength gains were greater for a protocol at the optimal muscle length than for short muscle length. The quality of evidence was very high for most comparisons for evoked torque. However, further studies are necessary to achieve certainty for the other outcomes. Optimal muscle length should be considered the primary choice during NMES interventions, as it promotes higher levels of force production and may facilitate the preservation/gain in muscle force and mass, with reduced discomfort. However, a longer than optimal muscle length may also be used, due to possible muscle lengthening at high evoked tension. Thorough understanding of these physiological principles is imperative for the appropriate prescription of NMES for healthy and clinical populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Galvão Tenório Cavalcante
- Laboratory of Muscle and Tendon Plasticity, Graduate Program of Physical Education, University of Brasília, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Victor Hugo de Souza Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Muscle and Tendon Plasticity, Graduate Program of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Rita de Cássia Marqueti
- Molecular Analysis Laboratory, Graduate Program of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Isabel de Almeida Paz
- Exercise Research Laboratory, School of Physical Education, Physical Therapy and Dance, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Júlia Aguillar Ivo Bastos
- Laboratory of Muscle and Tendon Plasticity, Graduate Program of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Marco Aurélio Vaz
- Exercise Research Laboratory, School of Physical Education, Physical Therapy and Dance, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Nicolas Babault
- Centre d’Expertise de la Performance, INSERM UMR1093-CAPS, UFR des Sciences du Sport, University of Burgundy Franche-Comté, Besançon, Dijon, France
| | - João Luiz Quagliotti Durigan
- Laboratory of Muscle and Tendon Plasticity, Graduate Program of Physical Education, University of Brasília, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
- Laboratory of Muscle and Tendon Plasticity, Graduate Program of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
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Flodin J, Reitzner SM, Emanuelsson EB, Sundberg CJ, Ackermann P. The effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on the human skeletal muscle transcriptome. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2024; 240:e14129. [PMID: 38459757 DOI: 10.1111/apha.14129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
AIM The influence on acute skeletal muscle transcriptomics of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), as compared to established exercises, is poorly understood. We aimed to investigate the effects on global mRNA-expression in the quadriceps muscle early after a single NMES-session, compared to the effects of voluntary knee extension exercise (EX), and to explore the discomfort level. METHODS Global vastus lateralis muscle gene expression was assessed (RNA-sequencing) in 30 healthy participants, before and 3 h after a 30-min session of NMES and/or EX. The NMES-treatment was applied using textile electrodes integrated in pants and set to 20% of each participant's pre-tested MVC mean (±SD) 200 (±80) Nm. Discomfort was assessed using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS, 0-10). The EX-protocol was performed at 80% of 1-repetition-maximum. RESULTS NMES at 20% of MVC resulted in VAS below 4 and induced 4448 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with 80%-overlap of the 2571 DEGs of EX. Genes well-known to be up-regulated following exercise, for example, PPARGC1A, ABRA, VEGFA, and GDNF, were also up-regulated by NMES. Gene set enrichment analysis demonstrated many common pathways after EX and NMES. Also, some pathways were exclusive to either EX, for example, muscle tissue proliferation, or to NMES, for example, neurite outgrowth and connective tissue proliferation. CONCLUSION A 30-min NMES-session at 20% of MVC with NMES-pants, which can be applied with an acceptable level of discomfort, induces over 4000 DEGs, of which 80%-overlap with DEGs of EX. NMES can induce exercise-like molecular effects, that potentially can lead to health and performance benefits in individuals who are unable to perform resistance exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Flodin
- Integrative Orthopedic Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Trauma, Acute Surgery and Orthopedics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Stefan M Reitzner
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eric B Emanuelsson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carl Johan Sundberg
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Physiology, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Paul Ackermann
- Integrative Orthopedic Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Trauma, Acute Surgery and Orthopedics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Torque and Discomfort During Electrically Evoked Muscle Contractions in Healthy Young Adults: Influence of Stimulation Current and Pulse Frequency. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2023; 104:444-450. [PMID: 36167118 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate (1) how current and pulse frequency of electrical stimulation (ES) as well as contraction mode (isometric, concentric, and eccentric) influence torque output and discomfort and (2) how familiarization by repeated ES sessions influences ratings of perceived discomfort. DESIGN An experimental study, 3 sessions. SETTING A university laboratory. PARTICIPANTS Eight healthy participants (5 men, 3 women; mean age 25.2 years; N=8). INTERVENTIONS Participants completed 3 trial days, each including 17 electrically evoked thigh muscle contractions. On each trial day, the first 6 contractions consisted of 2 isometric, 2 concentric, and 2 eccentric muscle contractions randomly ordered with a fixed stimulation current and pulse frequency (200 mA, 20 Hz), while the remaining 11 muscle contractions were all isometric with randomly ordered combinations of current (100-250 mA) and pulse frequency (20-100 Hz). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Torque and perceived discomfort were measured for each ES-evoked contraction. RESULTS Overall, the findings revealed that a higher stimulation frequency was associated with an increased torque without increased discomfort, while higher currents were associated with increases of both torque and discomfort. Contraction type did not influence level of discomfort, despite eccentric contractions eliciting higher torque compared with concentric and isometric contractions (P<.001). Finally, a significant familiarization to ES (P<.001) was observed after just 1 of 3 identical stimulation sessions. CONCLUSIONS The outlined data suggest that to elicit high torque levels while minimizing levels of discomfort in young subjects, eccentric muscle contractions evoked with a low stimulation current, and a high pulse frequency are preferable. Furthermore, a single familiarization session significantly lowers rating of perceived discomfort during ES.
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Knee extensor force production and discomfort during neuromuscular electrical stimulation of quadriceps with and without gluteal muscle co-stimulation. Eur J Appl Physiol 2022; 122:1521-1530. [PMID: 35426510 PMCID: PMC9132842 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-022-04949-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To investigate whether Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) simultaneously applied on the quadriceps (Q) and gluteal (G) muscles, as compared to single Q-stimulation alters the knee extensor force production and discomfort. Methods A total of 11 healthy participants (6 females), with normal weight and age between 19 and 54 years were included. The unilateral, isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) was assessed for each participant in an isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex, system 3). NMES was, in a randomized order, applied only on the Q-muscle and on the Q- and G-muscles (QG) simultaneously. NMES-intensity was increased stepwise until the maximal tolerable level was reached regarding discomfort, graded according to the visual analogue scale (VAS). VAS and the % of MVC produced by NMES, were registered for each level, expressed as median (inter-quartile range). Results The maximum tolerated NMES-intensity applied on Q compared to QG resulted in equally high discomfort, 8.0 (6.0–9.0) vs 8.0 (6.3–9.0), and in equivalent knee extensor force production, 36.7 (29.9–47.5) and 36.2 (28.9–49.3), respectively, in % of MVC. At 20% of MVC, NMES applied on Q compared to QG resulted in equal acceptable discomfort, 3.0 (2.0–4.5) vs 3.0 (3–5.5), and comparable intensity levels, 41.5 (38.0–45.8) vs 43.5 (37.0–48.8), respectively. Conclusions Simultaneous QG-NMES, as compared to single Q-NMES, does not seem to affect the knee extensor force production or discomfort. Q-NMES, without voluntary muscle contraction, can with an acceptable level of discomfort result in at least 20% of MVC.
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Coelho-Magalhães T, Fachin-Martins E, Silva A, Azevedo Coste C, Resende-Martins H. Development of a High-Power Capacity Open Source Electrical Stimulation System to Enhance Research into FES-Assisted Devices: Validation of FES Cycling. SENSORS 2022; 22:s22020531. [PMID: 35062492 PMCID: PMC8778229 DOI: 10.3390/s22020531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Since the first Cybathlon 2016, when twelve teams competed in the FES bike race, we have witnessed a global effort towards the development of stimulation and control strategies to improve FES-assisted devices, particularly for cycling, as a means to practice a recreational physical activity. As a result, a set of technical notes and research paved the way for many other studies and the potential behind FES-assisted cycling has been consolidated. However, engineering research needs instrumented devices to support novel developments and enable precise assessment. Therefore, some researchers struggle to develop their own FES-assisted devices or find it challenging to implement their instrumentation using commercial devices, which often limits the implementation of advanced control strategies and the possibility to connect different types of sensor. In this regard, we hypothesize that it would be advantageous for some researchers in our community to enjoy access to an entire open-source FES platform that allows different control strategies to be implemented, offers greater adaptability and power capacity than commercial devices, and can be used to assist different functional activities in addition to cycling. Hence, it appears to be of interest to make our proprietary electrical stimulation system an open-source device and to prove its capabilities by addressing all the aspects necessary to implement a FES cycling system. The high-power capacity stimulation device is based on a constant current topology that allows the creation of biphasic electrical pulses with amplitude, width, and frequency up to 150 mA, 1000 µs, and 100 Hz, respectively. A mobile application (Android) was developed to set and modify the stimulation parameters of up to eight stimulation channels. A proportional-integral controller was implemented for cadence tracking with the aim to improve the overall cycling performance. A volunteer with complete paraplegia participated in the functional testing of the system. He was able to cycle indoors for 45 min, accomplish distances of more than 5 km using a passive cycling trainer, and pedal 2400 m overground in 32 min. The results evidenced the capacity of our FES cycling system to be employed as a cycling tool for individuals with spinal cord injury. The methodological strategies used to improve FES efficiency suggest the possibility of maximizing pedaling duration through more advanced control techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Coelho-Magalhães
- Graduate Program in Electrical Engineering, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil;
- Correspondence:
| | - Emerson Fachin-Martins
- Plataforma de Serviços Tecnológicos BEMTEVI, Parque Científico e Tecnológico, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil;
| | - Andressa Silva
- Centro de Treinamento Esportivo da Escola de Educação Física, Fisioterapia e Terapia Ocupacional, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31310-000, Brazil;
| | - Christine Azevedo Coste
- National Institute for Research in Computer Science and Automation (Inria), Camin Team, 34090 Montpellier, France;
| | - Henrique Resende-Martins
- Graduate Program in Electrical Engineering, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil;
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Paz IDA, Rigo GT, Sgarioni A, Baroni BM, Frasson VB, Vaz MA. Alternating Current Is More Fatigable Than Pulsed Current in People Who Are Healthy: A Double-Blind, Randomized Crossover Trial. Phys Ther 2021; 101:6131761. [PMID: 33561279 DOI: 10.1093/ptj/pzab056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Tolerance level and rapid fatigue onset are limitations in the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) as an electrotherapeutic resource in rehabilitation and training protocols; however, it is unclear if pulsed current (PC) and alternating current (AC) produce different fatigue levels when applied at submaximal contraction level. The purpose of this study was to compare fatigue and discomfort levels between PC and AC during a submaximal contraction protocol in people who are healthy. METHODS In this double-blind, randomized crossover trial conducted in a laboratory setting, 30 male volunteers [23.23 years of age (SD = 4.59)] performed 2 submaximal fatigue protocols (with a 7-day interval) in a randomized order: PC (pulse duration = 2 milliseconds, pulse frequency = 100 Hz) and AC (2.5 kHz, pulse duration = 0.4 milliseconds, burst frequency = 100 Hz). NMES currents were applied to the knee extensor motor point of the dominant limb. The NMES protocol consisted of 80 evoked contractions (time on:off = 5:10 seconds) and lasted 20 minutes. The current was maintained at a constant intensity throughout the NMES protocol. The primary outcome measures were maximal voluntary isometric contraction, fatigue index (evoked torque decline), fatigability (number of contractions for a 50% drop in evoked-torque from the protocol start), total evoked torque-time integral (TTI), decline in TTI, and discomfort level. RESULTS AC at 2.5 kHz demonstrated higher maximal voluntary isometric contraction decline post-fatigue, higher fatigue index, higher fatigability (ie, fewer contractions to reach the 50% evoked torque decline from the protocol start), smaller total TTI, and higher TTI decline compared with PC. No between-currents difference was observed in discomfort level. CONCLUSION PC is less fatigable than AC at 2.5 kHz. IMPACT Based on this study, PC is the preferred current choice when the NMES goal is to generate higher muscle work, higher mechanical load, and smaller fatigability during training both for athletes who are healthy and for rehabilitation programs for people with disease or injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel de Almeida Paz
- Exercise Research Laboratory, School of Physical Education, Physical Therapy and Dance, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Graciane Taglian Rigo
- Exercise Research Laboratory, School of Physical Education, Physical Therapy and Dance, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Amanda Sgarioni
- Exercise Research Laboratory, School of Physical Education, Physical Therapy and Dance, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Bruno Manfredini Baroni
- Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Viviane Bortoluzzi Frasson
- Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Physique Centro de Fisioterapia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Marco Aurélio Vaz
- Exercise Research Laboratory, School of Physical Education, Physical Therapy and Dance, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Physique Centro de Fisioterapia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Du B, Li Y, Zhang B, Zhao W, Zhou L. Effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation associated with swallowing-related muscle training for post-stroke dysphagia: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e25108. [PMID: 33725989 PMCID: PMC7982218 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000025108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Swallowing dysfunction is a common dysfunction after stroke, and its incidence exceeds 50%. Aspiration pneumonia and malnutrition induced by dysphagia not only cause psychological shock to patients after stroke, but also burden the medical payment. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation, which stimulates the cortex and cortical bulb pathways to improve swallowing function, has been one of the emerging treatments for the post-stroke deglutition disorder. These therapy operators require the proficiency in professional knowledge, limiting clinical large sample studies, so there is an absence of evidence-based medicine. The research is to evaluate the effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulations combined with swallowing-related muscle training to treat swallowing dysfunction after stroke. METHODS Computer retrieval performed in the 9 databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of science, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials, China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), China Knowledge Network Database (CNKI), Wanfang Database (WanFang), and China VIP Database (VIP). Taking the published literature from the establishment of the database until December 20, 2020. Literature searching is related to neuromuscular electrical stimulation randomized controlled trials on the effect of swallowing in stroke. In addition, we will do the manual search in Baidu Academic and Google Academic database as a supplementary search. The correlative randomized controlled clinical studies retrieval time range from the establishment of the database to December 20, 2020. Two investigators will screen the literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria independently, during that period they will evaluate the quality of the included studies and extract data from studies. The extracted data are dichotomous data will be represented by relative risk, continuous data will be represented by mean difference or standard mean deviation. If there exists heterogeneity and the final data summary analysis select random effect model. On the contrary, the fixed effect model is selected. Then, RevMan5.3 software was used when analyzing included literature. Meanwhile, the analysis results were illustrated by drawing. RESULTS This review will summarize available trials aimed at providing a comprehensive estimation of effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation associated with swallowing muscle training for post-stroke dysphagia. CONCLUSION This review based on a comprehensive analysis of currently published randomized controlled trials on post-stroke dysphagia, that provide reliable evidence-based medicine evidence for the efficacy of neuromuscular electrical stimulation associated with swallowing rehabilitation training. REGISTRATION NUMBER INPLASY202110009.
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