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Franchitto N, Bloch J, Solal C, Pélissier F. Self-poisoning by E-cigarette and E-liquids: National Reports to French Poison Control Centers from July 2019 to December 2020: VIGIlance and VAPE: The VIGIVAPE Study. Nicotine Tob Res 2024; 26:281-288. [PMID: 37422917 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntad116] [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: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Exposure to e-cigarette liquids, whether intentional or accidental, might lead to adverse events. This study aimed to describe the prevalence and characteristics of exposures to e-liquids reported to French Poison Control Centers. METHODS All e-liquids exposure cases reported to French Poison Control Centers from July 1, 2019, to December 31, 2020, were reviewed. Information was collected about the patient's characteristics, exposure circumstances, management and outcome. RESULTS About 919 cases of exposure to e-liquids were reported. Ages ranged from one month to 89 years, with a mean age of 16.6 ± 18.6 years and a median age of 4 years. The highest number of exposures-50.7%-concerned infants (0-4 years), 3.1% children (5-11 years), 5.9% adolescents (12-17 years), and 40.1% of cases concerned adults. The majority of cases were accidental (95.0%). Intentional exposures (4.9%) were mainly observed in patients older than 12 years of age (P < 0.001). The route of exposure was ingestion in 73.7% of the cases. A total of 455 exposures showed no symptoms or signs related to poisoning. High nicotine concentration in e-liquids was associated with an increase in hospital management (Odds-ratio from 1.77 to 2.60). CONCLUSION Involuntary exposures to e-liquids occurred more often in children under the age of five, mainly by ingestion. Unlike intentional ingestions, unintentional ingestions rarely resulted in severe adverse events. These findings highlight the importance of ongoing surveillance to prevent such exposures and associated injuries, emphasizing the need for effective regulation of these products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Franchitto
- Service d'Addictologie Universitaire, Centre Hospitalier de Toulouse-Purpan, Toulouse, France
- CERPOP, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | | | | | - Fanny Pélissier
- Centre Antipoison et Toxicovigilance Occitanie, Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire de Toulouse-Purpan, Toulouse, France
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Dorotheo EU, Arora M, Banerjee A, Bianco E, Cheah NP, Dalmau R, Eissenberg T, Hasegawa K, Naidoo P, Nazir NT, Newby LK, Obeidat N, Skipalskyi A, Stępińska J, Willett J, Wang Y. Nicotine and Cardiovascular Health: When Poison is Addictive - a WHF Policy Brief. Glob Heart 2024; 19:14. [PMID: 38312998 PMCID: PMC10836189 DOI: 10.5334/gh.1292] [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: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Nicotine is universally recognized as the primary addictive substance fuelling the continued use of tobacco products, which are responsible for over 8 million deaths annually. In recent years, the popularity of newer recreational nicotine products has surged drastically in many countries, raising health and safety concerns. For decades, the tobacco industry has promoted the myth that nicotine is as harmless as caffeine. Nonetheless, evidence shows that nicotine is far from innocuous, even on its own. In fact, numerous studies have demonstrated that nicotine can harm multiple organs, including the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Tobacco and recreational nicotine products are commercialized in various types and forms, delivering varying levels of nicotine along with other toxic compounds. These products deliver nicotine in profiles that can initiate and perpetuate addiction, especially in young populations. Notably, some electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and heated tobacco products (HTP) can deliver concentrations of nicotine that are comparable to those of traditional cigarettes. Despite being regularly advertised as such, ENDS and HTP have demonstrated limited effectiveness as tobacco cessation aids in real-world settings. Furthermore, ENDS have also been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. In contrast, nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) are proven to be safe and effective medications for tobacco cessation. NRTs are designed to release nicotine in a slow and controlled manner, thereby minimizing the potential for abuse. Moreover, the long-term safety of NRTs has been extensively studied and documented. The vast majority of tobacco and nicotine products available in the market currently contain nicotine derived from tobacco leaves. However, advancements in the chemical synthesis of nicotine have introduced an economically viable alternative source. The tobacco industry has been exploiting synthetic nicotine to circumvent existing tobacco control laws and regulations. The emergence of newer tobacco and recreational nicotine products, along with synthetic nicotine, pose a tangible threat to established tobacco control policies. Nicotine regulations need to be responsive to address these evolving challenges. As such, governments should regulate all tobacco and non-medical nicotine products through a global, comprehensive, and consistent approach in order to safeguard tobacco control progress in past decades.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Amitava Banerjee
- University College London, United Kingdom
- Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, India
| | | | | | | | | | - Koji Hasegawa
- National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Japan
| | - Pamela Naidoo
- Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa, South Africa
- University of the Western Cape, South Africa
| | | | | | | | | | - Janina Stępińska
- Department of Medical Communication, School of Public Health, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
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3
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Haworth-Duff A, Parkes GMB, Reed NJ. Profiling flavourings in strawberry-flavoured e-liquid using headspace-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Drug Test Anal 2023; 15:1077-1083. [PMID: 36735626 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3451] [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: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
E-liquids typically contain nicotine and flavourings in a matrix of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG). Some nicotine-free e-liquids are flavouring only in the aerosol carrier with the option for users to add their own nicotine. It is only the nicotine that is monitored in terms of level, as specified by the manufacturers. Little is known of the toxicological effect for some of the flavourings in the context of vaping as these are only regulated for ingestion and not inhalation. A method was developed to analyse volatile organic compounds (VOCs) evolved when e-liquids are vaporised based on headspace-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-GC-MS) for e-liquids. An in-house standard was prepared with sample matrix and purchased strawberry flavouring to simulate a simple e-liquid but with known levels. This standard was then used to optimise the analysis for use with e-liquid samples but not for full quantification purposes. These were purchased from a range of retailers and with different batches but mainly focussed on strawberry flavour. The results identified three key components indicative of strawberry flavour (ethyl-3-methyl butanoate, ethyl 2-methyl butanoate and ethyl butanoate) and showed considerable variation between both manufacturers and batches. Flavouring VOCs are regulated for ingestion but are not regulated for e-liquid inhalation, so these could have toxicological implications. In addition, the inconsistency between samples suggests further issues when users add their own nicotine to the e-liquids as the viscous sample matrix makes homogeneous mixing difficult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Haworth-Duff
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Electronics, School of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Gareth M B Parkes
- Department of Chemical and Forensic Sciences, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Natasha J Reed
- Department of Chemical and Forensic Sciences, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
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Sellner J, Hauer L, Rinaldi F, Covi M, Brigo F, Pikija S, Nardone R. Embolic Stroke Following Ingestion of Liquid Nicotine Refill Solution. Neurohospitalist 2022; 12:693-696. [PMID: 36147756 PMCID: PMC9485683 DOI: 10.1177/19418744221115523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of e-cigarettes is gaining popularity despite knowing about cardiovascular health risks. Cases of intentional or accidental intoxication following ingestion of the refill solution are also a growing concern. Most of these cases were fatal and related to cardiac arrest and hypoxic brain injury. We report the case of a 54-year-old woman who developed bilateral acute ischemic stroke in the anterior and posterior cerebral circulation following intentional oral intake of e-liquid nicotine refill solution. The diagnostic work-up concluded an etiology of embolic stroke of undetermined source, most likely of cardiac origin. We assume that sympathetic overactivation lead to temporary cardiac arrhythmia and subsequent thrombi formation. Moreover, we discuss several additional pathogenic aspects of oral intake of e-liquid refill solution for the development of central nervous system pathology. This case expands the clinical spectrum of health hazards associated with the introduction of e-cigarettes and raises awareness of the need for preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johann Sellner
- Department of Neurology, Landesklinikum Mistelbach-Gänserndorf, Mistelbach, Austria
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Medical Center, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Larissa Hauer
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Christian Doppler Medical Center, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Fabrizio Rinaldi
- Department of Neurology, Hospital of Merano (SABES-ASDAA), Merano-Meran, Italy
| | - Markus Covi
- Department of Neurology, Hospital of Merano (SABES-ASDAA), Merano-Meran, Italy
| | - Francesco Brigo
- Department of Neurology, Hospital of Merano (SABES-ASDAA), Merano-Meran, Italy
| | - Slaven Pikija
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Medical Center, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Raffaele Nardone
- Department of Neurology, Hospital of Merano (SABES-ASDAA), Merano-Meran, Italy
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Asfar T, Jebai R, Li W, Oluwole OJ, Ferdous T, Gautam P, Schmidt M, Noar SM, Lindblom EN, Eissenberg T, Bursac Z, Vallone D, Maziak W. Risk and safety profile of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS): an umbrella review to inform ENDS health communication strategies. Tob Control 2022:tobaccocontrol-2022-057495. [PMID: 36252567 PMCID: PMC10043882 DOI: 10.1136/tc-2022-057495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This umbrella review aims to summarise the evidence about electronic nicotine delivery systems' (ENDS) risk and safety health profile to inform ENDS health communication strategies. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION Six databases were searched for systematic reviews presenting evidence on ENDS-related health effects. Ninety reviews divided into five categories were included: toxicity=20, health effects=40, role in smoking cessation=24, role in transition to combustible cigarettes (CCs)=13 and industry marketing claims=4. DATA EXTRACTION Findings were synthesised in narrative summaries. Meta-analyses were conducted by study type when appropriate. Quality assessment was conducted using the Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews. The Institute of Medicine's Levels of Evidence Framework was used to classify the evidence into high-level, moderate, limited-suggestive and limited-not-conclusive. DATA SYNTHESIS We found high-level evidence that ENDS exposes users to toxic substances; increases the risk of respiratory disease; leads to nicotine dependence; causes serious injuries due to explosion or poisoning; increases smoking cessation in clinical trials but not in observational studies; increases CC initiation; and exposure to ENDS marketing increases its use/intention to use. Evidence was moderate for ENDS association with mental health and substance use, limited-suggestive for cardiovascular, and limited-not-conclusive for cancer, ear, ocular and oral diseases, and pregnancy outcomes. CONCLUSIONS As evidence is accumulating, ENDS communication can focus on high-level evidence on ENDS association with toxicity, nicotine addiction, respiratory disease, ENDS-specific harm (explosion, poisoning) and anti-ENDS industry sentiment. Direct comparison between the harm of CCs and ENDS should be avoided. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42021241630.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taghrid Asfar
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Rime Jebai
- Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Department of Epidemiology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Olusanya Joshua Oluwole
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Tarana Ferdous
- Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Department of Epidemiology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Prem Gautam
- Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Department of Epidemiology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Michael Schmidt
- Department of Art, The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Seth M Noar
- Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina System, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Eric N Lindblom
- O'Neill Institute for National & Global Health Law, Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Thomas Eissenberg
- Psychology and Institute for Drug/Alcohol Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Zoran Bursac
- Biostatistics, Florida International University, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Donna Vallone
- Schroeder Institute, Truth Initiative, Washington, DC, USA
- Truth Initiative Schroeder Institute, New York University College of Global Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wasim Maziak
- Epidemiology, Florida International University, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Miami, FL, USA
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Bonner E, Chang Y, Christie E, Colvin V, Cunningham B, Elson D, Ghetu C, Huizenga J, Hutton SJ, Kolluri SK, Maggio S, Moran I, Parker B, Rericha Y, Rivera BN, Samon S, Schwichtenberg T, Shankar P, Simonich MT, Wilson LB, Tanguay RL. The chemistry and toxicology of vaping. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 225:107837. [PMID: 33753133 PMCID: PMC8263470 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Vaping is the process of inhaling and exhaling an aerosol produced by an e-cigarette, vape pen, or personal aerosolizer. When the device contains nicotine, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists the product as an electronic nicotine delivery system or ENDS device. Similar electronic devices can be used to vape cannabis extracts. Over the past decade, the vaping market has increased exponentially, raising health concerns over the number of people exposed and a nationwide outbreak of cases of severe, sometimes fatal, lung dysfunction that arose suddenly in otherwise healthy individuals. In this review, we discuss the various vaping technologies, which are remarkably diverse, and summarize the use prevalence in the U.S. over time by youths and adults. We examine the complex chemistry of vape carrier solvents, flavoring chemicals, and transformation products. We review the health effects from epidemiological and laboratory studies and, finally, discuss the proposed mechanisms underlying some of these health effects. We conclude that since much of the research in this area is recent and vaping technologies are dynamic, our understanding of the health effects is insufficient. With the rapid growth of ENDS use, consumers and regulatory bodies need a better understanding of constituent-dependent toxicity to guide product use and regulatory decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Bonner
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Yvonne Chang
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Emerson Christie
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Victoria Colvin
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Brittany Cunningham
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Daniel Elson
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Christine Ghetu
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Juliana Huizenga
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Sara J Hutton
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Siva K Kolluri
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Stephanie Maggio
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Ian Moran
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Bethany Parker
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Yvonne Rericha
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Brianna N Rivera
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Samantha Samon
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Trever Schwichtenberg
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Prarthana Shankar
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Michael T Simonich
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Lindsay B Wilson
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Robyn L Tanguay
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA.
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Morgan J, Jones A, Kelso C. Nicotine in electronic cigarette fluid: importation pathways to unequal harm. Intern Med J 2021; 51:1156-1159. [PMID: 34278688 DOI: 10.1111/imj.15412] [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: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The Australian Government recently walked away from changes to the importation of nicotine-containing electronic cigarette fluids, originally due to come into force on 1 January 2021. Additionally, the Therapeutic Goods Administration is in the process of rescheduling nicotine for use in e-fluids. We are concerned that the 270 000 daily vapers in Australia will purchase high concentrations of nicotine (≥100 mg/mL) for mixing with nicotine-free locally purchased e-fluids, which is a pathway of increased relative harm. We would like to see regulation of these products to limit the maximum concentration of nicotine, ensure appropriate child-resistant containers and compulsory labelling for all nicotine-containing e-fluid bottles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jody Morgan
- Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alison Jones
- Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Celine Kelso
- Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.,Molecular Horizons Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
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