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Smith SM, Teer A, Tolamatl Ariceaga E, Billman E, Benedict C, Goyal A, Pang EM, Pecos-Duarte C, Lewinsohn R, Smith M, Boynton H, Montes S, Rivera E, Ramirez D, Schapira L. A qualitative study of childhood cancer families' post-treatment needs and the impact of a community-based organization in a rural, socioeconomically disadvantaged, majority Hispanic/Latino region. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2024; 71:e30798. [PMID: 38053230 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30798] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individual- and population-level socioeconomic disadvantages contribute to unequal outcomes among childhood cancer survivors. Reducing health disparities requires understanding experiences of survivors from historically marginalized communities, including those with non-English language preference. PROCEDURE We partnered with a community-based organization (CBO) serving families of children with cancer in a rural region in California with low socioeconomic status and majority Hispanic/Latino (H/L) residents. We interviewed English- and Spanish-speaking adolescent/young adult (AYA) childhood cancer survivors (≥15 years old, ≥5 years from diagnosis), parents, and CBO staff to evaluate post-treatment needs and impact of CBO support. Data were analyzed qualitatively using applied thematic analysis. Themes were refined through team discussions with our community partners. RESULTS Twelve AYAs (11 H/L, 11 bilingual), 11 parents (eight H/L, seven non-English preferred), and seven CBO staff (five H/L, five bilingual) participated. AYAs (five female, seven male) were of median (min-max) age 20 (16-32) and 9 (5-19) years post diagnosis; parents (nine female, two male) were age 48 (40-60) and 14 (6-23) years post child's diagnosis. Themes included challenges navigating healthcare, communication barriers among the parent-AYA-clinician triad, and lasting effects of childhood cancer on family dynamics and mental health. Subthemes illustrated that language and rurality may contribute to health disparities. CBO support impacted families by serving as a safety-net, fostering community, and facilitating H/L families' communication. CONCLUSIONS Childhood cancer has long-lasting effects on families, and those with non-English language preference face additional burdens. Community-based support buffers some of the negative effects of childhood cancer and may reduce disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M Smith
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation & Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Anmol Teer
- UC Berkeley School of Public Health, Berkeley, California, USA
| | | | - Elle Billman
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Catherine Benedict
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Anju Goyal
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation & Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Emily M Pang
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Caroline Pecos-Duarte
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Rebecca Lewinsohn
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Mary Smith
- Jacob's Heart Children's Cancer Support Services, Watsonville, California, USA
| | - Heidi Boynton
- Jacob's Heart Children's Cancer Support Services, Watsonville, California, USA
| | - Sandy Montes
- Jacob's Heart Children's Cancer Support Services, Watsonville, California, USA
| | - Esmeralda Rivera
- Jacob's Heart Children's Cancer Support Services, Watsonville, California, USA
| | - Daniela Ramirez
- Jacob's Heart Children's Cancer Support Services, Watsonville, California, USA
| | - Lidia Schapira
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
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Arizpe A, Navarro S, Ochoa-Dominguez CY, Rodriguez C, Kim SE, Farias AJ. Nativity differences in socioeconomic barriers and healthcare delays among cancer survivors in the All of Us cohort. Cancer Causes Control 2024; 35:203-214. [PMID: 37679534 PMCID: PMC10787892 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-023-01782-z] [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: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to assess whether nativity differences in socioeconomic (SES) barriers and health literacy were associated with healthcare delays among US cancer survivors. METHODS "All of Us" survey data were analyzed among adult participants ever diagnosed with cancer. A binary measure of healthcare delay (1+ delays versus no delays) was created. Health literacy was assessed using the Brief Health Literacy Screen. A composite measure of SES barriers (education, employment, housing, income, and insurance statuses) was created as 0, 1, 2, or 3+. Multivariable logistic regression model tested the associations of (1) SES barriers and health literacy with healthcare delays, and (2) whether nativity modified this relationship. RESULTS Median participant age was 64 years (n = 10,020), with 8% foreign-born and 18% ethnic minorities. Compared to survivors with no SES barriers, those with 3+ had higher likelihood of experiencing healthcare delays (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.84, 2.58). For every additional barrier, the odds of healthcare delays were greater among foreign-born (1.72, 1.43, 2.08) than US-born (1.27, 1.21, 1.34). For every 1-unit increase in health literacy among US-born, the odds of healthcare delay decreased by 9% (0.91, 0.89, 0.94). CONCLUSION We found that SES barriers to healthcare delays have a greater impact among foreign-born than US-born cancer survivors. Higher health literacy may mitigate healthcare delays among US cancer survivors. Healthcare providers, systems and policymakers should assess and address social determinants of health and promote health literacy as a way to minimize healthcare delays among both foreign- and US-born cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Arizpe
- Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, 2001 N. Soto St., Suite 318B, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA
| | - Stephanie Navarro
- Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, 2001 N. Soto St., Suite 318B, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA
| | | | | | - Sue E Kim
- Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, 2001 N. Soto St., Suite 318B, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA
| | - Albert J Farias
- Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, 2001 N. Soto St., Suite 318B, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA.
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Panjwani AA, Applebaum AJ, Revenson TA, Erblich J, Rosenfeld B. Intolerance of uncertainty, experiential avoidance, and trust in physician: a moderated mediation analysis of emotional distress in advanced cancer. J Behav Med 2024; 47:71-81. [PMID: 37285106 PMCID: PMC10942744 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-023-00419-5] [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: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
We tested whether patients' trust in physician moderated the hypothesized indirect association between intolerance of uncertainty (IU; inability to tolerate the unknown) and emotional distress through the mediator, experiential avoidance (EA; efforts to avoid negative emotions, thoughts, or memories), in patients with advanced cancer. The sample included 108 adults with Stage III or IV cancer (53% female; Mage = 63 years) recruited from a metropolitan cancer center. All constructs were measured by standardized self-report instruments. The PROCESS macro for SPSS tested the moderated mediation model. IU evidenced significant direct and indirect relationships with anxiety and depressive symptoms. Trust in physician moderated the indirect relationship between IU and anxiety (not depressive symptoms), albeit in an unexpected direction. Specifically, the indirect relationship between IU and anxiety symptoms through EA was significant for those with moderate to high physician trust but not low trust. Controlling for gender or income did not change the pattern of findings. IU and EA may be key intervention targets, particularly in acceptance-or meaning-based interventions for patients with advanced cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliza A Panjwani
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 12th Fl, 620 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C1, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Allison J Applebaum
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, US
| | - Tracey A Revenson
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College & The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, US
| | - Joel Erblich
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College & The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, US
| | - Barry Rosenfeld
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, US
- Department of Psychology, Fordham University, Bronx, US
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Maxwell CM, Bhat A, Falls SJ, Yin Y, Wagner PL, Bartlett DL, Allen CJ. Socioeconomic Factors Predict Long-Term Quality of Life of Cancer Survivors: An International Survey. J Surg Res 2024; 293:389-395. [PMID: 37806226 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2023.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite advances in cancer treatment, the quality of life (QOL) of survivors varies significantly. We assessed the correlation between socioeconomic factors and long-term QOL in a global cohort of cancer survivors. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients were offered surveys via online support groups. Using the Short Form-12 validated questionnaire, physical QOL (PQOL) and mental QOL (MQOL) well-being were compared to the general population. Socioeconomic factors were assessed with regression analysis for impact on QOL. RESULTS Seven hundred eighty two survivors from six continents responded. They were 57 ± 13 y and 68% female, 90.8% White, with 43 distinct cancer diagnoses. All survivors had PQOL and MQOL scores lower than the general population. Lower education level, household income, and non-White race all correlated with reduced PQOL and/or MQOL. Age was negatively correlated with PQOL (r = -0.08, P = 0.03) and positively correlated with MQOL (r = 0.142, P < 0.001). Care at large regional/academic centers was associated with higher MQOL (42 ± 14 versus 38 ± 11, P = 0.005). Age (β = -0.1, P = 0.04), education (β = 1.1, P = 0.005), and income (β = 2.0, P < 0.001) were predictors of PQOL, while age (β = 0.2, P < 0.001), income (β = 1.7, P = 0.002), and community hospital care (β = -3.6, P = 0.013) were predictors of MQOL. CONCLUSIONS In a large international survey of cancer survivors, we identified socioeconomic factors and their associations with QOL. Further work should be directed to provide durable support across all socioeconomic classes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor M Maxwell
- Allegheny Health Network Singer Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Akash Bhat
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Samantha J Falls
- Allegheny Health Network Singer Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Yue Yin
- Allegheny Health Network Singer Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Patrick L Wagner
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - David L Bartlett
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Casey J Allen
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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Baye AA, Bogale SK, Delie AT, Melak Fekadie M, Wondyifraw HG, Tigabu ME, Kebede M. Psychosocial distress and associated factors among adult cancer patients at oncology: a case of Ethiopia. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1238002. [PMID: 38192622 PMCID: PMC10772143 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1238002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Psychosocial distress is a chronic burden for cancer survivors, which impacts both their quality of life and their oncologic prognosis. Although the national cancer prevention and control program in Ethiopia has made efforts in cancer prevention, control, and management by implementing the national cancer control plan 2016-2020, there was no enough evidence about psychosocial distress among adult cancer patients. So, it is critical to understand the magnitude of psychosocial distress and the factors that contribute to it. Objective The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of psychosocial distress and associated factors among adult cancer patients at oncology units in the Amhara regional state, Ethiopia. 2022. Methods A multicenter institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample of 605 adult cancer patients from 30 April to 22 June 2022. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to select the study units. In addition, data were collected through interviewers administered questionnaires by using the validated and pretested tools. Distress was assessed using the Questionnaire on Stress in Cancer Patients Revised 10. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to describe the association between dependent and independent variables. Independent variable with p < 0.25 in the bivariable logistic regression analyses were entered into multivariable logistic regression model. Variables with p < 0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression analyses were considered as statistically significant associated factors of psychosocial distress. Result A total of 593 adult cancer patients took part in this study with mean age of 46.86 ± 14.5 years. The overall prevalence of psychosocial distress was 63.74%. Variables such as being female [AOR = 1.98, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.24-3.17], patients who lives in rural areas (AOR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.49-3.54), community-based health insurance utilization (AOR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.23-0.51), patients on chemotherapy treatment (AOR = 2.72, 95% CI: 1.38-5.39), patients with comorbidity (AOR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.67-6.10), and symptom burdens such as severe fatigue (AOR = 1.65, 95% CI:1.09-2.39) and severe nausea (AOR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.43-3.00) were statistically associated with psychosocial distress. Conclusion and recommendation In general, the findings of this study showed a relatively high magnitude in which around two-thirds of patients experienced psychosocial distress. It is better to establish and enforce the integration and coordination of psychosocial oncology service programs at national level with parallel guidelines and policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astewle Andargie Baye
- Department of Adult Health Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Sitotaw Kerie Bogale
- Department of Adult Health Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Abebu Tegenaw Delie
- Department of Adult Health Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Mengistu Melak Fekadie
- Department of Pediatric and Child Health Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | | | - Mengistu Ewunetu Tigabu
- Department of Adult Health Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Mulu Kebede
- Department of Adult Health Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
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Smith SM, Schapira L. Racism and health among cancer survivors. Cancer 2023; 129:2941-2943. [PMID: 37489767 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Dedicated efforts are needed to measure the impact of racism and discrimination on the health of cancer survivors and simultaneously to develop tools and resources to mitigate adverse health effects. Interventions to improve mental health outcomes for cancer survivors, with special emphasis on those at increased risk because of social and structural factors, should begin now.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M Smith
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Lidia Schapira
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford, California, USA
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Pang L, Yao S, Li W, Jing Y, Yin X, Cheng H. Impact of the CALM intervention on breast cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:121. [PMID: 36648574 PMCID: PMC9843115 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07582-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The COVID-19 outbreak has adversely affected breast cancer patients both physically and mentally. Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM) is a psychological intervention that is easy to implement. It also decreases the possibility of virus transmission because it can be administered online. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of CALM on the sleep quality, memory, psychological distress, and quality of life (QoL) of breast cancer patients during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Sixty breast cancer patients were recruited and randomly assigned to a CALM group and a Care as Usual (CAU) group. They filled in questionnaires before and after the CALM intervention and CAU. These included the Sleep Quality Scale (SQS), Prospective Memory Scale (PM), Retrospective Memory Scale (RM), Psychological Distress Thermometer (DT), and Quality of life (QoL) Scale. RESULTS The scores of all the aforementioned scales after the CALM intervention (ACM) were significantly lower compared to the said scores before the CALM intervention (BCM) and after Care as Usual (ACU) (t = 12.369/8.013, t = 8.632/4.583, t = 7.500/6.900, t = 12.479/9.780, t = 12.224/6.729 respectively, P < 0.05) There was a linear correlation between the QoL, DT, and SQS scores. CONCLUSION CALM is an effective psychotherapy for breast cancer patients, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, for improving the QoL because it relieves psychological distress and enhances sleep quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulian Pang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601 Anhui China
| | - Senbang Yao
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601 Anhui China
| | - Wen Li
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601 Anhui China
| | - Yanyan Jing
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601 Anhui China
| | - Xiangxiang Yin
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601 Anhui China
| | - Huaidong Cheng
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China. .,The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510500, China. .,Department of Oncology, Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong, China.
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Tay MRJ, Wong CJ, Aw HZ. Assessment of Health-Related Quality of Life and Distress in an Asian Community-Based Cancer Rehabilitation Program. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:7012-7020. [PMID: 36290828 PMCID: PMC9600369 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29100551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer survivors have reduced health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and high levels of distress during and after active treatment, due to physical, psychological, and social problems. Understanding the prevalence and associations of HRQOL and distress in a patient population in the community is important when designing rehabilitation programs. This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted at a community-based cancer rehabilitation center, with the aim of investigating the prevalence and associations of HRQOL and distress in cancer patients. There were 304 patients who were recruited. We found low levels of HRQOL and high levels of distress in patients, with a mean FACT-G7 total score of 11.68, and a mean distress thermometer score of 3.51. In the multivariate regression model, significant factors for low HRQOL were metastatic disease (p = 0.025) and Malay ethnicity (p < 0.001). Regression analyses also found that significant distress was associated with family health issues (p = 0.003), depression (p = 0.001), worry (p = 0.005), breathing (p = 0.007), getting around (p = 0.012) and indigestion (p = 0.039). A high prevalence of impaired HRQOL and distress was reported in cancer survivors even in a community rehabilitation setting. The physical and psychosocial well-being of cancer survivors should be monitored and managed as part of community-based cancer rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Rong Jie Tay
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore 308433, Singapore
- Singapore Cancer Society Rehabilitation Center, 52 Jurong Gateway Rd, Singapore 608550, Singapore
- Correspondence:
| | - Chin Jung Wong
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore 308433, Singapore
- Singapore Cancer Society Rehabilitation Center, 52 Jurong Gateway Rd, Singapore 608550, Singapore
| | - Hui Zhen Aw
- Singapore Cancer Society Rehabilitation Center, 52 Jurong Gateway Rd, Singapore 608550, Singapore
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