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Chapman H, Ntemi PS, Gisiri M, Vasudevan L, Kashaigili HJ, Schroeder K. Retrospective analysis of pediatric patients with Burkitt lymphoma treated in Tanzania following the implementation of the 2016 National Treatment Guidelines: Poor outcomes to current standard-of-care therapy. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2024; 71:e31145. [PMID: 38924656 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.31145] [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] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the excellent outcomes achieved in the treatment of pediatric Burkitt lymphoma (BL) in high-income countries (HICs), outcomes remain poor in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Efforts to improve BL outcomes in Tanzania included the creation of National Treatment Guidelines in 2016. However, disease outcomes in Tanzania following the creation of these guidelines have not been reported to date. PROCEDURE Historical records from 2016 to 2021 for patients 0-18 years of age with a diagnosis of BL and seen at Bugando Medical Centre (BMC), in Mwanza, Tanzania, were curated into an electronic database and analyzed descriptively. Patients in this cohort were treated per the Tanzanian National Treatment Guidelines, which include six cycles of cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and methotrexate (COM) chemotherapy with intrathecal methotrexate and cytarabine. RESULTS In total, 92 BL patients' records were eligible for analysis. Patients in this cohort were most commonly Murphy stage II (28%) or stage III (34%). Nearly all, 91%, met International Network for Cancer Treatment and Research (INCTR) high-risk criteria at presentation. Forty-two percent of patients did not receive a biopsy and were treated with a presumed diagnosis of BL alone. A 1-year event-free survival of 29.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 20.3%-39.5%) and a 1-year overall survival of 38.5% (95% CI: 28%-48.9%) were observed. A high rate of treatment abandonment (34%) was also observed. CONCLUSION In a historical cohort of pediatric patients with BL treated per the 2016 Tanzanian National Treatment Guidelines, we observed poor outcomes and a high rate of abandonment. These outcomes appear inferior to those achieved in the INCTR clinical trial that informed the guidelines' creation, and highlights the importance of "real-world" outcomes data in LMICs. These data reinforce the idea that continued clinical research and capacity building efforts are necessary to improve BL outcomes in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hutton Chapman
- Duke University Hospital, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | | | - Lavanya Vasudevan
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Heronima J Kashaigili
- Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania
- Catholic University of Allied and Health Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Kristin Schroeder
- Duke University Hospital, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania
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Chiwanga F, Woodford J, Masika G, Richards DA, Savi V, von Essen L. Examining the involvement of guardians of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Tanzania as public contributors to inform the design and conduct of the GuardiansCan project: A mixed-methods study protocol. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e70034. [PMID: 39041493 PMCID: PMC11264114 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.70034] [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: 05/23/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Public contribution in research can lead to the design and conduct of more feasible and relevant research. However, our understanding of the acceptability and feasibility of public contribution and the evidence base regarding its impact in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is limited. METHODS In this study protocol, we describe a mixed-method examination of public contribution activities in the GuardiansCan project. The GuardiansCan project aims to respond to Tanzanian guardians' poor adherence to children's follow-up care after treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) with the help of Mobile Health technology. We aim to: (1) involve guardians of children treated for ALL as Guardians Advisory Board (GAB) members in the managing and undertaking, analysis and interpretation, and dissemination phases of the GuardiansCan project; and (2) examine the acceptability, feasibility, and perceived impact of GAB members' contribution to the GuardiansCan project from the perspective of the GAB members and public contribution coordinators. We will recruit six to eight guardians of children treated for ALL to the GAB. We will hold workshops where GAB members contribute to all project phases. Using impact logs, we will record GAB workshop activities and the perceived impact of these activities. We will interview GAB members and public contribution coordinators 6 months after establishing the GAB, and at the end of each study within the project, to examine the acceptability, feasibility, and perceived impact of public contribution activities. DISCUSSION We expect GAB contribution to increase project quality and relevance, and inform how to best embed public contribution in research in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faraja Chiwanga
- Muhimbili National Hospital, Research and Consultancy UnitDar es SalaamUnited Republic of Tanzania
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Healthcare Sciences and e‐HealthUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| | - Joanne Woodford
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Healthcare Sciences and e‐HealthUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| | - Golden Masika
- Department of Clinical NursingUniversity of DodomaDodomaUnited Republic of Tanzania
| | - David A. Richards
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Healthcare Sciences and e‐HealthUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
- Department of Health and Caring SciencesWestern Norway University of Applied SciencesBergenNorway
| | - Victor Savi
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Healthcare Sciences and e‐HealthUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| | - Louise von Essen
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Healthcare Sciences and e‐HealthUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
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Chiwanga FS, Woodford J, Masika GM, Richards DA, Savi V, von Essen L. An mHealth Intervention to Improve Guardians' Adherence to Children's Follow-Up Care for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Tanzania (GuardiansCan Project): Protocol for a Development and Feasibility Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e48799. [PMID: 37403706 PMCID: PMC10433028 DOI: 10.2196/48799] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer is a leading cause of death during childhood and in low- and middle-income countries survival rates can be as low as 20%. A leading reason for low childhood cancer survival rates in low- and middle-income countries such as Tanzania is treatment abandonment. Contributing factors include poor communication between health care providers and children's guardians, insufficient cancer knowledge, and psychological distress. OBJECTIVE Our aim is to respond to Tanzanian guardians' poor adherence to children's follow-up care after treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia with the help of mobile health (mHealth) technology. Our goal is to increase guardians' adherence to children's medications and follow-up visits and to decrease their psychological distress. METHODS Following the Medical Research Council framework for developing and evaluating complex interventions, we will undertake the GuardiansCan project in an iterative phased approach to develop an mHealth intervention for subsequent testing. Public contribution activities will be implemented throughout via the establishment of a Guardians Advisory Board consisting of guardians of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. We will examine the acceptability, feasibility, and perceived impact of Guardians Advisory Board activities via an impact log and semistructured interviews (study I). In phase 1 (intervention development) we will explore guardians' needs and preferences for the provision of follow-up care reminders, information, and emotional support using focus group discussions and photovoice (study II). We will then co-design the mHealth intervention with guardians, health care professionals, and technology experts using participatory action research (study III). In phase 2 (feasibility), we will examine clinical, methodological, and procedural uncertainties associated with the intervention and study procedures to prepare for the design and conduct of a future definitive randomized controlled trial using a single-arm pre-post mixed methods feasibility study (study IV). RESULTS Data collection for the GuardiansCan project is anticipated to take 3 years. We plan to commence study I by recruiting Guardians Advisory Board members in the autumn of 2023. CONCLUSIONS By systematically following the intervention development and feasibility phases of the Medical Research Council Framework, and working alongside an advisory board of guardians, we intend to develop an acceptable, culturally appropriate, feasible, and relevant mHealth intervention with the potential to increase guardians' adherence to children's follow-up care after treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, leading to a positive impact on children's health and chances to survive, and reducing distress for guardians. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/48799.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faraja S Chiwanga
- Department of Women's and Children's health, Healthcare Sciences and e-Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Directorate of Medical Services, Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Joanne Woodford
- Department of Women's and Children's health, Healthcare Sciences and e-Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Golden M Masika
- Department of Women's and Children's health, Healthcare Sciences and e-Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Nursing, University of Dodoma, Dodoma, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - David A Richards
- Department of Women's and Children's health, Healthcare Sciences and e-Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
| | - Victor Savi
- Department of Women's and Children's health, Healthcare Sciences and e-Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Louise von Essen
- Department of Women's and Children's health, Healthcare Sciences and e-Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Sampagar A, Keerthana S, Dias MC, Reddy NA, Patil N. A Study of Factors Influencing Delayed Diagnosis in Pediatric Cancers: A Step Towards Better Outcomes-A Cross-sectional Study. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2023; 45:327-332. [PMID: 37027235 DOI: 10.1097/mph.0000000000002664] [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: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Annually, India contributes to one-fifth of newly diagnosed pediatric cancers worldwide. Poor outcome in India as compared with developed nations is mainly attributed to delayed diagnosis and study of factors influencing delay in diagnosis holds paramount importance in formulating strategies and counter-measures to improve survival. It was a cross-sectional study conducted on children diagnosed with malignancy at a tertiary care hospital. Diagnosis delay was defined and further divided into patient delay and physician delay. Various patient-related factors and socioeconomic factors that could affect diagnosis were studied. Statistical analysis included descriptive analysis, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and multivariate linear regression. Of 185 patients enrolled, median diagnosis delay, patient delay, and physician delays were 59, 30, and 7 days respectively. Median diagnosis delay was significantly higher in younger children, children of illiterate parents, and low income. Median diagnosis delay in children presenting to a general practitioner (9 [4 to 29] days) was higher than those presenting to a pediatrician (5.5 [2 to 18] days). Sex, occupation of parents, and distance from oncology center did not affect time for diagnosis. We concluded that augmentation of the parent's attitudes, increased awareness, and decentralization of specialized pediatric care to rural areas can significantly reduce mortality from, otherwise, curable malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarapu Keerthana
- Department of Pediatrics, KAHER Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belagavi
| | - Merle Casia Dias
- Department of Pediatrics, KAHER Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belagavi
| | | | - Neha Patil
- Department of Pediatrics, KAHER Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belagavi
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Campbell LR, Silverstein A, Peckham-Gregory E, Kamiyango W, Villiera J, McAtee CL, Bacha JM, Kovarik CL, Mehta PS, Chanroo T, Kapesa A, Malingoti B, Mzikamanda R, Ozuah NW, Allen CE, Scheurer ME, El-Mallawany NK. Divergent clinical presentations and outcomes among children and adolescents with Kaposi sarcoma in Malawi and Tanzania. HIV Med 2023; 24:664-675. [PMID: 36627111 PMCID: PMC10257738 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13455] [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: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The Kaposi sarcoma (KS) T0 versus T1 staging classification does not address the unique clinical features of paediatric KS in human gammaherpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) endemic regions of Africa. This study seeks to define patterns of childhood KS using a paediatric-specific approach. METHODS The Lilongwe paediatric KS staging classification categorizes disease based on clinical phenotype: stage 1 = mild/moderate KS limited to cutaneous/oral involvement, stage 2 = primarily lymphadenopathic disease, stage 3 = woody edema KS, stage 4 = visceral and/or severe/disseminated mucocutaneous disease. Characteristics and outcomes were evaluated from paediatric referral centres in Lilongwe, Malawi, and Mbeya, Tanzania. RESULTS Among 171 patients, the median age was 9.3 years, 37% (n = 63) were female, and 87% (n = 149) had HIV. Breakdown by stage was as follows: 18% (n = 31) stage 1, 33% (n = 56) stage 2, 19% (n = 33) stage 3, and 30% (n = 51) stage 4. Age (younger stage 2 and older stage 3), severe CD4 count suppression (lower CD4 for stages 1 and 4), and presence of severe anaemia and thrombocytopenia (worse for stages 2 and 4) differed across stages. Estimated 2-year event-free survival/progression-free survival/overall survival by stage was as follows: stage 1, 81%/81%/87%; stage 2, 50%/50%/63%; stage 3, 24%/49%/81%; and stage 4, 29%/34%/54%. Sub-analysis of stage 2 lymphadenopathic KS demonstrated superior long-term 6-year event-free survival of 70% (95% confidence interval [CI] 49-83) for younger children (aged <7 years) versus 27% (95% CI 8-51) for older children. CONCLUSIONS This paediatric-specific staging classification categorizes patients with distinct characteristics and patterns of treatment response. This platform may guide clinicians to provide risk-stratified treatment with the hope of improving survival among children with KS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liane R. Campbell
- Baylor College of Medicine International Pediatric AIDS Initiative at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation - Tanzania, Mbeya, Tanzania
| | - Allison Silverstein
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers Global HOPE (Hematology-Oncology Pediatric Excellence) Program, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Erin Peckham-Gregory
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Epidemiology and Population Health, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - William Kamiyango
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers Global HOPE (Hematology-Oncology Pediatric Excellence) Program, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Jimmy Villiera
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers Global HOPE (Hematology-Oncology Pediatric Excellence) Program, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Casey L. McAtee
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers Global HOPE (Hematology-Oncology Pediatric Excellence) Program, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Global HOPE, Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jason M. Bacha
- Baylor College of Medicine International Pediatric AIDS Initiative at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation - Tanzania, Mbeya, Tanzania
| | | | - Parth S. Mehta
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Global HOPE, Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Toni Chanroo
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers Global HOPE (Hematology-Oncology Pediatric Excellence) Program, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Asulwisye Kapesa
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation - Tanzania, Mbeya, Tanzania
| | - Beatrice Malingoti
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation - Tanzania, Mbeya, Tanzania
| | - Rizine Mzikamanda
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers Global HOPE (Hematology-Oncology Pediatric Excellence) Program, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Nmazuo W. Ozuah
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers Global HOPE (Hematology-Oncology Pediatric Excellence) Program, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Global HOPE, Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Carl E. Allen
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Global HOPE, Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael E. Scheurer
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Epidemiology and Population Health, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Nader Kim El-Mallawany
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Global HOPE, Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
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Sari NM, Devansyah S, Modjaningrat I, Suryawan N, Susanah S, Rakhmillah L, Wahyudi K, Kaspers GJL. Type of cancer and complementary and alternative medicine are determinant factors for the patient delay experienced by children with cancer: A study in West Java, Indonesia. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023; 70:e30192. [PMID: 36636790 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Most pediatric cancer patients in developing countries present at an advanced stage due to delayed diagnosis, being an important barrier to effective care. The objective of this study was to evaluate the associated factor of patient delay and explore significant parental practice-associated risk factor to patient delay. METHODS This was a sequential mixed methodology, utilizing data from the Indonesian Pediatric Cancer Registry for clinical variables and completed interviews with parents using structured questionnaires to obtain their sociodemographic data. A binary logistic regression analysis model was fitted to identify factors associated with patient delay. Additional semi-structured interviews related to parental practice of using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) were administered to 30 parents. Thematic framework analysis was performed on qualitative data to explore determinant factors of parental practice of using CAM. RESULTS We interviewed 356 parents with children with cancer. The median patient delay was 14 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 6-46.5 days). The most extended delay was in patients with malignant bone tumors (median 66, IQR: 14-126). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, solid cancer (odds ratio [OR] = 5.22, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.79-9.77, p < .001) and use of CAM (OR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.13-3.08, p = .015) were associated with patient delay. Qualitative interviews highlighted key issues relative to determinant parental factors using CAM, including vague initial childhood cancer symptoms, parental health-seeking behavior, CAM availability and accessibility, also barriers of healthcare facilities. CONCLUSION Type of cancer and use of CAM are essential factors that cause patient delay. It should be addressed in the future childhood cancer awareness and childhood cancer diagnosis pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Melani Sari
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran Dr. Hasan Sadikin Hospital Bandung, Department of Child Health, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Sultan Devansyah
- Universitas Padjadjaran, Faculty of Medicine, Bandung, Indonesia
| | | | - Nur Suryawan
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran Dr. Hasan Sadikin Hospital Bandung, Department of Child Health, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Susi Susanah
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran Dr. Hasan Sadikin Hospital Bandung, Department of Child Health, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Lulu Rakhmillah
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Kurnia Wahyudi
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Gertjan J L Kaspers
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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