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Lee YZ, Kow ASF, Jacquet A, Lee MT, Tham CL. House dust mite allergy in Malaysia: review of research gaps in the current scenario and the way forward. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2023; 91:509-539. [PMID: 37995026 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00857-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of house dust mite (HDM) allergy, especially in Asian countries with rapid urbanization, has been increasing. House dust mites thrive in places with relatively high humidity. With the combination of climate change, naturally high humidity, and urbanization, tropical countries like Malaysia are becoming a hotspot for HDM allergy fast. With a previously reported sensitization rate of between 60 and 80%, it is a worrying trend for Malaysia. However, due to incomplete and out-of-date data, as seen by the limited study coverage in the past, these numbers do not paint a complete picture of the true HDM allergy scene in Malaysia. This review briefly discusses the HDM fauna, the HDM sensitization rate, the common diagnosis and therapeutic tools for HDM allergy in Malaysia, and makes suggestions for possible improvements in the future. This review also highlights the need of more comprehensive population-based prevalence studies to be done in Malaysia, encompassing the three main HDMs-Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, and Blomia tropicalis-as the lack of up-to-date studies failed to give a clearer picture on the current scenario of HDM allergy in Malaysia. Future studies will be beneficial to the nation in preparing a better blueprint for the management and treatment of HDM allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhao Lee
- Office of Postgraduate Studies, UCSI University, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Alain Jacquet
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Ming Tatt Lee
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan
- Centre of Research for Mental Health and Wellbeing, UCSI University, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chau Ling Tham
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Malaysia.
- Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Ciprandi G. Self-Management in Allergic Rhinitis: Strategies, Outcomes and Integration into Clinical Care. J Asthma Allergy 2023; 16:1087-1095. [PMID: 37818035 PMCID: PMC10561621 DOI: 10.2147/jaa.s273478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common disease, characterized by typical symptoms and type 2 inflammation. Standard treatment is usually effective and safe, and most medications are available as over-the-counter (OTC). Therefore, AR patients, mostly at the AR onset or if symptoms are mild, prefer to manage symptoms themselves. However, self-management could be associated with problems, including inadequate control or medication abuse. Therefore, this paper aimed at presenting and discussing this issue. Ideally, self-management should be conducted under medical supervision. In this regard, telemedicine could represent a valuable tool for implementing self-management. Visual analog scale (VAS) is a perfect parameter to measure symptom severity, medications use, and AR control. In addition, VAS is easily monitored over time. Presently, a mobile application allows to AR patients of self-managing themselves. Therefore, mobile healthcare may supply fundamental support in communication and decision-making. In this regard, VAS represents the best tool to monitor symptoms' severity and control over time. Finally, pharmacological and non-pharmacological remedies are numerous and effective but should be used wisely.
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Prasad V, Abdullah M, Nordin F, Subha ST. Prevalence, causes and treatments of allergic rhinitis in Malaysia: a literature review. THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF OTOLARYNGOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s43163-022-00361-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
AbstractRecently, allergic rhinitis (AR) cases have been surging rapidly in many developing countries. However, the prevalence, risk factors and treatment modalities for AR within the Malaysian population have not been thoroughly evaluated. The present study aimed to provide a complete review of literature on allergic rhinitis in Malaysia. Available data indicated that the prevalence of AR varied across different age groups and regions in Malaysia, but there is an increasing trend among the younger population. The key contributing factor is exposure and sensitization towards several airborne allergens, mainly house dust mites, cat fur and fungi, with possible genetic predispositions. In addition, variations in the symptom severity may be associated with racial orientations. For management of the disease, standard prescriptions of conventional drugs (antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids and nasal decongestants) remain as the treatment of choice. A small proportion of the native residents tend to resort to alternative approaches of self-healing through aromatherapy and natural food consumption such as tiger’s milk mushroom and Tualang honey. In conclusion, the increase in the cases of AR in Malaysia is due to environmental and genetic factors which requires proper medical intervention as treatment strategies. The utilization of holistic approaches requires further studies and clear understanding prior to their integration into the standard of care. There are still many gaps in the knowledge and management of allergic rhinitis which demands further attention from the research community.
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Abdullah B, Snidvongs K, Poerbonegoro NL, Sutikno B. Reshaping the Management of Allergic Rhinitis in Primary Care: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph192013632. [PMID: 36294211 PMCID: PMC9603682 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic presented unique challenges to the delivery of healthcare for patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) following its disruption and impact on the healthcare system with profound implications. Reliance on self-care for AR symptom management was substantial during the pandemic with many patients encouraged to only seek in-person medical care when necessary. The advantage of digital technology becomes apparent when patients and healthcare providers had to change and adapt their method of interaction from the regular physical face-to-face consultation to telehealth and mobile health in the provision of care. Despite the pandemic and the ever-evolving post pandemic situation, optimal management of AR remains paramount for both patients and healthcare professionals. A reshaping of the delivery of care is essential to accomplish this goal. In this paper, we present what we have learned about AR management during the COVID-19 pandemic, the role of digital technology in revolutionizing AR healthcare, screening assessment in the identification and differentiation of common upper respiratory conditions, and a framework to facilitate the management of AR in primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baharudin Abdullah
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia
- Correspondence: or
| | - Kornkiat Snidvongs
- Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | | | - Budi Sutikno
- Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Jl. Mayjen. Prof. Dr. Moestopo No. 6-8, Surabaya 60286, Indonesia
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Efficacy of Montelukast in Allergic Rhinitis Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Drugs 2021; 80:1831-1851. [PMID: 32915441 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-020-01406-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In treating allergic rhinitis, montelukast has the potential to be used as an alternative or addition to an oral antihistamine or intranasal corticosteroid. OBJECTIVE The objective of this systematic review was to assess the effectiveness of montelukast in treating allergic rhinitis. METHODS An electronic literature search was performed using the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, and MEDLINE from 1966 to 21 January 2019. The eligibility criteria were randomized controlled trials comparing montelukast with placebo or other standard treatments. The primary outcomes assessed were daytime nasal symptom score (DNS) and night-time nasal symptom score (NNS). The secondary outcomes assessed were composite nasal symptom score (CSS), daytime eyes symptom score (DES), and rhinoconjunctivitis quality-of-life questionnaires (RQLQ). The meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.3 software based on the random-effects model. RESULTS Fifteen studies of 10387 participants met the inclusion criteria. Montelukast was more effective than placebo in improving DNS (mean difference [MD] - 0.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] - 0.15 to - 0.08; p < 0.001), NNS (MD - 0.09, 95% CI - 0.13 to - 0.05; p < 0.001), CSS (MD - 0.08, 95% CI - 0.11 to - 0.06; p < 0.001), DES (MD - 0.17, 95% CI - 0.33 to - 0.02; p < 0.030), and RQLQ (MD - 0.34, 95% CI - 0.49 to - 0.20; p < 0.001). Oral antihistamine was superior to montelukast in improving DNS (MD 0.08, 95% CI 0.03-0.13; p = 0.002), CSS (MD 0.03, 95% CI - 0.02 to 0.07; p = 0.27), DES (MD 0.06, 95% CI 0-0.12; p = 0.040), and RQLQ (MD 0.03, 95% CI - 0.05 to 0.12; p = 0.430). Montelukast was superior to oral antihistamine in improving NNS (MD -0.03, 95% CI - 0.08 to 0.03; p = 0.330). Intranasal fluticasone spray was superior to montelukast in improving DNS (MD 0.71, 95% CI 0.44-0.99; p < 0.001) and NNS (MD 0.63, 95% CI 0.29-0.97; p < 0.001). Combined montelukast and oral antihistamine was superior to oral antihistamine in improving DNS (MD - 0.15, 95% CI - 0.27 to - 0.03; p = 0.010), NNS (MD - 0.16, 95% CI - 0.28 to - 0.05; p = 0.006), CSS (MD - 0.12, 95% CI - 0.25 to - 0.01; p = 0.070), DES (MD - 0.12, 95% CI - 0.30 to 0.06; p = 0.180), and RQLQ (MD - 0.10, 95% CI - 0.28 to 0.08; p = 0.290). Combined montelukast and OAH was superior to montelukast in improving DNS (MD 0.15, 95% CI 0.08-0.21; p < 0.001), NNS (MD 0.05, 95% CI - 0.09 to 0.19; p = 0.510), CSS (MD 0.1, 95% CI 0.03-0.17; p = 0.007), DES (MD 0.18, 95% CI 0-0.36; p = 0.050), and RQLQ (MD 0.07 95% CI - 0.15 to 0.29; p = 0.530). CONCLUSIONS Montelukast is more effective than placebo in treating the overall symptoms of allergic rhinitis while the combined therapy of montelukast and an oral antihistamine is superior to either montelukast or an oral antihistamine alone.
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Abdullah B, Ramli RR, Shukri NM, Mohamad S. Closing the knowledge gap in Malaysian pharmacists: a virtual Allergic Rhinitis Boot Camp initiative. Multidiscip Respir Med 2021; 16:775. [PMID: 34584690 PMCID: PMC8441537 DOI: 10.4081/mrm.2021.775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In primary care, general practitioners (GPs) and pharmacists are at the frontline to identify, classify and manage patients suffering from allergic rhinitis (AR). The Allergic Rhinitis and its impact on Asthma (ARIA) guidelines aid clinicians in disease management by providing evidence-based recommendations. A recently published ASEAN primary care survey demonstrated that the awareness of ARIA guidelines was high among GPs but notably lower in pharmacists. Hence, this study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of a Boot Camp education initiative in bridging the unmet needs in pharmacist awareness and education. Methods The boot camp was organised as a virtual event. The participants answered the same questionnaire before (pre-assessment) and immediately after (post-assessment) the boot camp session. Statistical analysis was performed on the data paired between the pre- and post- assessments using SPSS v. 25.0 software. Results The boot camp survey results showed that second-generation oral antihistamines and allergen avoidance are the most preferred options for AR treatment in pharmacy practice, irrespective of the disease severity. In both pre- and post-assessments, efficacy was ranked as the most important factor considered for choosing an antihistamine and which affects patient adherence. With the boot camp initiative, there was a statistically significant increase in awareness about the patient profiling tool (from 31.6% to 88.2%) and ARIA guidelines (from 40.4% to 91.2%) among the pharmacists (p<0.05). The proportion of pharmacists who were able to identify, classify and refer AR patients was significantly increased in post-assessment (p<0.05). Post the boot camp, among the proportion of pharmacists (91.2%) who were already aware of ARIA, a high percentage of them further agreed that ARIA guidelines were useful in identifying and treating patients with AR, as well as classifying AR, respectively (97.6%, 95.2%, and 93.5%). Conclusions Based on improvements in knowledge and understanding of disease management post assessment, the Allergic Rhinitis Boot Camp initiative is effective and relevant to pharmacy practice. Outreach programs like this reiterate the emphasis on patient compliance and importance of utilizing ARIA guidelines in pharmacy practice that facilitates better management of AR in primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baharudin Abdullah
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Ramiza Ramza Ramli
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Norasnieda Md Shukri
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Sakinah Mohamad
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
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Abdullah B, Snidvongs K, Recto M, Poerbonegoro NL, Wang DY. Primary care management of allergic rhinitis: a cross-sectional study in four ASEAN countries. Multidiscip Respir Med 2020; 15:726. [PMID: 33376593 PMCID: PMC7750812 DOI: 10.4081/mrm.2020.726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In primary care, general practitioners (GPs) and pharmacists are tasked with the frontline responsibility of identifying and managing allergic rhinitis (AR) patients. There are currently no consolidated data on current treatment practices, patient compliance, and usage of guidelines within Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Objective: To assess the attitudes and practices on AR of GPs and pharmacists in 4 ASEAN countries (Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia). Methods A cross-sectional survey of 329 GPs and 548 pharmacists was conducted from May to November 2019. Participants answered a questionnaire focused on their i) current practice in the management of AR, ii) views on patient compliance, iii) understanding and usage of guidelines. Results Clinical history was the most preferred method to diagnose AR by 95.4% of GPs and 58.8% of pharmacists. Second-generation antihistamines were the most widely available treatment option in GP clinics and pharmacies (94.8% and 97.2%) and correspondingly the most preferred treatment for both mild (90.3%, 76.8%) to moderatesevere rhinitis (90.3%, 78.6%) by GPs and pharmacists, respectively. Loratadine was ranked as the most preferred 2nd generation antihistamines (GP vs pharmacists: 55.3% vs 58.9%). More than 90% of GPs and pharmacists ranked length and efficacy of treatment as important factors that increase patient compliance. Awareness of the ARIA guidelines was high among GPs (80%) and lower among pharmacists (48.4%). However, only 63.3% of GPs and 48.2% of pharmacists knew how to identify AR patients. Conclusions The survey in the 4 ASEAN countries has identified a need to strengthen the awareness and use of ARIA guidelines among the primary care practitioners. Adherence to ARIA guidelines, choosing the appropriate treatment option and prioritizing factors that increases patient compliance may contribute to better management outcomes of AR at the primary care practice
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Affiliation(s)
- Baharudin Abdullah
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Kornkiat Snidvongs
- Endoscopic Nasal and Sinus Surgery Excellence Center Chulalongkorn Hospital, Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
| | - Marysia Recto
- Adult and Pediatric Division of Allergy and Immunology, University of the Philippines - Philippine General Hospital, Manila, Philippenes
| | - Niken Lestari Poerbonegoro
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia/Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta
| | - De Yun Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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Hamdan NKA, Lean QY, Neoh CF, Abdullah AH, Lim SM, Ramasamy K, Al-Worafi YM, Goh KW, Goh HP, Ming LC, Lua PL. Knowledge and Perception of Facial Candling for Allergic Rhinitis among University Staff and Students. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2020; 2020:5713134. [PMID: 32831870 PMCID: PMC7422475 DOI: 10.1155/2020/5713134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Facial candling is a traditional method used for relieving symptoms of allergic rhinitis (AR). This study aims to investigate the knowledge and perception of facial candling in a sample of staff and students in a public university in Malaysia. METHODS An online questionnaire survey method was used. Based on sample size calculation, a total of 1,508 UiTM staff and students from ten selected campuses of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) were invited to participate in this survey. An up-to-date e-mail list of staff in the selected campuses was used as the sampling frame for the study, whereas the students were recruited from the official university student Facebook portal. RESULTS A total of 788 respondents participated in this survey, 72.2% of them knew about facial candling, though only 35.4% had tried the treatment. Approximately one-fifth of respondents agreed that facial candling might treat AR. It was found that a higher number of users than nonusers agreed that facial candling was a traditional medicine (78.9% vs 55.0%); could be used on the face and ears (83.5% vs 45.4%); and could be self-administered at home (83.5 vs 45.4%). Interestingly, more than half of them were uncertain about its long-term effects and adverse reactions. CONCLUSION This study confirms the facial candling use among patients with AR although the percentage is low. The patients and general public need to be better informed about the use of facial candling in AR and its associated risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurul Khaleeda Athiraah Hamdan
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Selangor, Kampus Puncak Alam, Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Qi Ying Lean
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Pulau Pinang, Bertam Campus, Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
- Vector-borne Diseases Research Group (VERDI), Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences CoRe, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chin Fen Neoh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Selangor, Kampus Puncak Alam, Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
- Collaborative Drug Discovery Research (CDDR) Group, Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences Community of Research, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Amir Heberd Abdullah
- Vector-borne Diseases Research Group (VERDI), Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences CoRe, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Bertam Campus, Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Siong Meng Lim
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Selangor, Kampus Puncak Alam, Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
- Collaborative Drug Discovery Research (CDDR) Group, Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences Community of Research, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Kalavathy Ramasamy
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Selangor, Kampus Puncak Alam, Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
- Collaborative Drug Discovery Research (CDDR) Group, Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences Community of Research, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Yaser Mohammed Al-Worafi
- College of Pharmacy, University of Science and Technology, Sana'a, Yemen
- College of Pharmacy, University of Science and Technology Faujairah, Fujairah, UAE
| | - Khang Wen Goh
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Quest International University Perak, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
| | - Hui Poh Goh
- PAP Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong, Brunei Darussalam
| | - Long Chiau Ming
- PAP Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong, Brunei Darussalam
| | - Pei Lin Lua
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Besut, Terengganu, Malaysia
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