Self-management program in treatment of asthma

Introduction. Recently published national and international guidelines stress the importance of self-management in asthma. They have recommended that self-management plans should be an essential part of the long-term management of asthmatic patients. These plans essentially focus on the early recognition of unstable or deteoriorating asthma, by monitoring peak flow or symptoms. Objective. The aim of our one-year study was to compare the efficacy of peak-flow based self-management of asthma with traditional treatment. Method. Sixty clinically stable adult patients with mild and moderate persistent asthma were randomly allocated to peakflow based self-management (Group A, n=30) or to conventional treatment (Group B, n=30), with no significant difference between groups in terms of age, sex distribution and initial lung function. The recorded measurements were: lung function, asthma exacerbations, unscheduled ambulatory care facilities (hospital-based emergency department, consultations with general practitioner or pulmonologist), courses of oral prednisolone, courses of antibiotics, days off work. Results. There was a significant difference between groups in number of asthma exacerbations (p<0.05), unscheduled visits to ambulatory care facilities (p<0.005), days off work (p<0.0001), courses of oral prednisolone (p<0.001) and antibiotics (p<0.05). At the final visit, there was a significant improvement in some measurements of asthma severity in group A (reduced unscheduled visits for ambulatory care, reduced treatment requirements for oral corticosteroids and antibiotics, reduced days off work), but a lack of statistical difference in lung function and the maintenance-inhaled corticosteroid dose. There was no significant change in group B. Conclusion. These results suggest that peak-flow based self management is more effective than traditonal treatment in mild and moderate persistent asthma. .

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Swimming and Persons with Mild Persistant Asthma

The Scientific World JOURNAL ◽

10.1100/tsw.2007.221 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 7 ◽

pp. 1182-1188 ◽

Cited By ~ 29

Author(s):

Mirjana Arandelovic ◽

Ivana Stankovic ◽

Maja Nikolic

Keyword(s):

Lung Function ◽

Inhaled Corticosteroids ◽

Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness ◽

Persistent Asthma ◽

Forced Expiratory Volume ◽

Control Group ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Group A ◽

Mild Persistent Asthma ◽

Group B

The aim of our study was to analyze the effect of recreational swimming on lung function and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) in patients with mild persistent asthma. This study included 65 patients with mild persistent asthma, who were divided into two groups: experimental group A (n = 45) and control group B (n = 20). Patients from both groups were treated with low doses of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and short-acting β2 agonists salbutamol as needed. Our program for patients in group A was combined asthma education with swimming (twice a week on a 1-h basis for the following 6 months). At the end of the study, in Group A, we found a statistically significant increase of lung function parameters FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) (3.55 vs. 3.65) (p < 0.01), FVC (forced vital capacity) (4.27 vs. 4.37) (p < 0.05), PEF (peak expiratory flow) (7.08 vs. 7.46) (p < 0.01), and statistically significant decrease of BHR (PD200.58 vs. 2.01) (p < 0.001). In Group B, there was a statistically significant improvement of FEV1 3.29 vs. 3.33 (p < 0.05) and although FVC, FEV1/FVC, and PEF were improved, it was not significant. When Groups A and B were compared at the end of the study, there was a statistically significant difference of FVC (4.01 vs. 4.37), FEV1 (3.33 vs. 3.55), PEF (6.79 vs.7.46), and variability (p <0.001), and statistically significantly decreased BHR in Group A (2.01 vs. 1.75) (p < 0.001). Engagement of patients with mild persistent asthma in recreational swimming in nonchlorinated pools, combined with regular medical treatment and education, leads to better improvement of their parameters of lung function and also to more significant decrease of their airway hyperresponsiveness compared to patients treated with traditional medicine

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FVC, FEV1 and FEV1 / FVC % in Hypothyroid Female and their Relationships with Thyroid Hormones

Journal of Bangladesh Society of Physiologist ◽

10.3329/jbsp.v6i1.8084 ◽

1970 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 45-51

Author(s):

Pervin Akter ◽

Shelina Begum ◽

Taskina Ali ◽

Noorzahan Begum

Keyword(s):

Lung Function ◽

Thyroid Hormones ◽

Female Patients ◽

Normal Ranges ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Microparticle Enzyme Immunoassay ◽

Group A ◽

Predicted Values ◽

Group B ◽

Serum Tsh

Background: Hypothyroidism is a common hormonal disorder affecting various organs including lungs. It may be associated with respiratory symptoms and can decrease lung function. Objective: To observe FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/ FVC % in hypothyroid female patients. Methods: This crosssectional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, BSMMU, Dhaka, from 1st July 2008 to 30th June 2009 on 60 hypothyroid female patients of 30-50 years age (Group B). For comparison, 30 age and BMI matched apparently healthy subjects (Group A) were also studied. Based on receiving treatment, hypothyroid patients were divided into B1 (untreated patients on their 1st day of diagnosis) and B2 (patients treated for at least 12-18 months). They were selected from the Out Patient Department of Endocrinology wing of department of Medicine, BSMMU, Dhaka. Serum TSH and FT4 levels were measured by Microparticle Enzyme Immunoassay (MEIA) principle in AxSYM system. The FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC%, of all the subjects were measured by a digital MicroDL spirometer. Data were analyzed by One way ANOVA test, Independent sample t- test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient test. Results: The mean percentage of predicted values of all the lung function variables in healthy female subjects and treated hypothyroids were within normal ranges. However, all of them were lower in untreated hypothyroids in comparison to those of control and treated hypothyroids.FVC and FEV1 showed statistically significant (p<0.001) difference and FEV1/FVC% showed non significant difference . In addition, all the ventilatory variables had negative correlation with serum TSH level and positive correlation with serum FT4 level and these relationships were statistically significant in control (p<0.001) and treated hypothyroids (p<0.01). Conclusion: This study reveals that lung function may be lower in untreated hypothyrod patients and correlated with thyroid hormones. Treatment of hypothyroids may reverse this changes. Key words: FVC, FEV1 , FEV1/FVC%, Hypothyroidism DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbsp.v6i1.8084 J Bangladesh Soc Physiol. 2011 June; 6(1): 45-51

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Effects on Lung Function in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Surgery on versus off Cardiopulmonary Bypass: A Randomized Trial

Innovations Technology and Techniques in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery ◽

10.1097/01243895-200500110-00005 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 35-39

Author(s):

Gunaratnam Niranjann ◽

George Asimakopoulos ◽

Brendan Madden ◽

Gillian Cockerill ◽

Matthew Thompson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cardiopulmonary Bypass ◽

Coronary Artery ◽

Lung Function ◽

Pulmonary Function ◽

Pulmonary Function Tests ◽

Coronary Artery Surgery ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Diffusion Studies ◽

Group A ◽

Group B

Background Coronary revascularization is associated with respiratory dysfunction and poor gas exchange postoperatively. Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) has been implicated as a possible explanation for this phenomenon. This study investigated respiratory function in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) on-CPB versus off-CPB to determine whether the off-CPB condition results in improved postoperative pulmonary function. Methods Forty patients were randomized into 1 of 2 groups: CABG on-CPB (group A) or off-CPB (group B). Pulmonary function tests, including spirometry and diffusion studies, were performed preoperatively and on postoperative day 5. Arterial blood gases on 100% oxygen were taken preoperatively (TP1), 15 minutes after sternal closure (TP2), and 3 hours postoperatively (TP3). Results The arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) on FiO2 1.0 decreased from 59.5 ± 11.5 kPa and 55.7 ± 12.2 kPaat TP1 to 39.5 ± 16 kPa and 39.7 ± 13 kPa at TP2 in groups A and B, respectively (P < 0.001), with no significant difference between groups. At TP3, the PaO2 partially recovered toward preoperative levels (P < 0.05). Spirometry revealed a significant reduction in FEV1 and FVC on the fifth postoperative day (P < 0.001), with no significant difference between groups. The corrected transfer factor for carbon monoxide reduced significantly in group A from 7.9 ± 2.5 mmolmin–1 · kPa–1 preoperatively to 5.1 ± 1.6 mmolmin–1 · kPa–1 postoperatively (P < 0.05). This reduction was not seen in group B. Conclusions Coronary artery surgery is associated with a marked reduction in lung function as measured by pulmonary function tests and PaO2. Diffusion studies revealed that on-CPB patients had significantly reduced diffusion capacities postoperatively compared with patients in the off-CPB group.

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Is There Any Point in a Corticosteroid Treatment of Intermittent Asthma?

The Scientific World JOURNAL ◽

10.1100/tsw.2007.134 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 7 ◽

pp. 1082-1089 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Ivana Stankovic ◽

Tatjana Pejcic ◽

Branislava Milenkovic ◽

Dragana Jovanovic ◽

Milan Rancic

Keyword(s):

Lung Function ◽

Rescue Medication ◽

Persistent Asthma ◽

Short Acting ◽

Early Introduction ◽

Symptom Scores ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

Intermittent Asthma ◽

Β2 Agonists

International guidelines advocate the early introduction of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in all types of persistent asthma. Our study was undertaken to assess the effects of ICS on bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) as a hallmark of inflammation, and to assess the symptoms, the use of rescue medications, and the parameters of lung function in patients with mild intermittent asthma. The patients with intermittent asthma (n = 85) were randomly allocated to a treatment with ICS, beclomethasone dipropionate 250 μg/day and short-acting β2 agonists salbutamol as needed (Group A, n = 45) or to a treatment with only short-acting β2 agonists as needed (Group B, n = 40) during the 6-month treatment period. At the end of the study, in Group A, we found a statistically significant decrease of BHR (PD200.98 vs. 2.07) (p < 0.001), diurnal peak expiratory flow (PEF) variability (17.9 vs. 13.8) (p < 0.001), symptom scores (0.63 vs. 0.30) (p < 0.001), and used rescue medication (p < 0.001), while the parameters of lung function remained unchanged except for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1), which had a statistically significant increase (3.58 vs. 3.66) (p < 0.001). In Group B, there was a statistically significant decrease of lung function parameters FEV1 (3.80 vs. 3.71) (p < 0.001), forced vital capacity (FVC) (4.43 vs. 4.37) (p < 0.001), FEV1/FVC (88.2 vs. 85.3) (p < 0.05), PEF (8.05 vs. 7.51) (p < 0.01), PEF variability (17.85 vs. 18.33) (p < 0.001), increased BHR (PD201.04 vs. 0.62) (p < 0.05), and symptom scores (0.46 vs. 0.62) (p < 0.01), as well as the use of rescue medication during the day (p < 0.001). Early introduction of low doses of ICS may be more beneficial than β2 agonists alone in patients with intermittent asthma.

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DeVega versus ring annuloplasty in severe functional tricuspid insufficiency and their impact on the right ventricle

The Egyptian Cardiothoracic Surgeon ◽

10.35810/ects.v1i4.89 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 1 (4) ◽

pp. 133-139

Author(s):

Yasser Hamdy ◽

Mohammed Mahmoud Mostafa ◽

Ahmed Elminshawy

Keyword(s):

Right Ventricular ◽

Tricuspid Valve ◽

Tricuspid Regurgitation ◽

Early Postoperative Period ◽

Tricuspid Valve Repair ◽

Ring Annuloplasty ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

The Right

Background: Functional tricuspid valve regurgitation secondary to left-sided valve disease is common. DeVega repair is simple, but residual regurgitation with subsequent impairment of the right ventricular function is a concern. This study aims to compare tricuspid valve repair using DeVega vs. ring annuloplasty and their impact on the right ventricle in the early postoperative period and after six months. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study of 51 patients with rheumatic heart disease who underwent tricuspid valve repair for secondary severe tricuspid regurgitation. Patients were divided into two groups: group A; DeVega repair (n=34) and group B; ring annuloplasty repair (n=17). Patients were assessed clinically and by echocardiography before discharge and after six months for the degree of tricuspid regurgitation, right ventricular diameter and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE). Results: Preoperative echocardiographic assessment showed no difference in left ventricular end-systolic diameter, end-diastolic diameter, ejection fraction and right ventricular diameter, however; group A had significantly better preoperative right ventricular function measured by TAPSE (1.96 ± 0.27 vs1.75 ± 0.31 cm; p=0.02). Group B had significantly longer cardiopulmonary bypass time (127.65 ± 13.56 vs. 111.74 ± 18.74 minutes; p= 0.003) and ischemic time (99.06 ± 11.80 vs. 87.15 ± 16.01 minutes; p= 0.009). Pre-discharge, there was no statistically significant difference in the degree of tricuspid regurgitation, but the right ventricular diameter was significantly lower in group B (2.66 ± 0.41 and 2.40 ± 0.48 cm; p=0.049). After six months of follow up, the degree of tricuspid regurgitation (p= 0.029) and the right ventricular diameter were significantly lower in the ring annuloplasty group (2.56 ± 0.39 and 2.29 ± 0.44 cm; p=0.029). Although there was a statistically significant difference in preoperative TAPSE, this difference disappeared after six months. Conclusion: Both DeVega and ring annuloplasty techniques were effective in the early postoperative period, ring annuloplasty was associated with lesser residual regurgitation and better right ventricular remodeling in severe functional tricuspid regurgitation than DeVega procedure after 6-months of follow up.

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Effect of short-term use of oral contraceptive pills on intraocular pressure

Pakistan Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.36351/pjo.v35i3.871 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 35 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Tayyaba Gul Malik ◽

Hina Nadeem ◽

Eiman Ayesha ◽

Rabail Alam

Keyword(s):

Oral Contraceptive ◽

Childbearing Age ◽

Short Term ◽

Oral Contraceptive Pills ◽

Contraceptive Pills ◽

Time Period ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

Short Time

Objective: To study the effect of short-term use of oral contraceptive pills on intra-ocular pressures of women of childbearing age. Methods: It was a comparative observational study, conducted at Arif memorial teaching hospital and Allied hospital Faisalabad for a period of six months. Hundred female subjects were divided into two groups of 50 each. Group A, included females, who had been taking oral contraceptive pills (OCP) for more than 6 months and less than 36 months. Group B, included 50 age-matched controls, who had never used OCP. Ophthalmic and systemic history was taken. Careful Slit lamp examination was performed and intraocular pressures (IOP) were measured using Goldman Applanation tonometer. Fundus examination was done to rule out any posterior segment disease. After collection of data, we analyzed and compared the intra ocular pressures between the two groups by using ANOVA in SPSS version 21. Results: Average duration of using OCP was 14.9 months. There was no significant difference of Cup to Disc ratios between the two groups (p= 0.109). However, significant difference was noted between the IOP of OCP group and controls. (p=0.000). Conclusion: OCP significantly increase IOP even when used for short time period.

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Comparative Clinical study of Jatyadi Taila and Jatyadi Ghrita in the management of Dushta Vrana

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences (JAIMS) ◽

10.21760/jaims.v3i3.12875 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 3 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Rajendra Joshi ◽

N. B. Mashetti ◽

Rakesh Kumar Gujar

Keyword(s):

Clinical Study ◽

Burning Sensation ◽

Normal Process ◽

Surgical Practice ◽

Local Factors ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Comparative Clinical Study ◽

Group A ◽

Contaminated Wound ◽

Group B

Dushta Vrana is a common and frequently encountered problem faced in surgical practice. The presence of Dushta Vrana worsens the condition of the patient with different complications and may become fatal. Local factors on wound like slough, infection and foreign body, affect the normal process of healing. A healthy wound in a normal body heals earlier with a minimum scar as compared to a contaminated wound. Therefore in this study all the efforts are made to make a Dushta Vrana into a Shuddha Vrana. Once the Vrana becomes Shuddha, Ropana of the Vrana will start. The objective of the study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Jatyadi Taila and Jatyadi Ghrita in Dushta Vrana. Clinically diagnosed 60 Patients of Dushta Vrana were randomly divided into two groups, each consisting of 30 Patients. Group A were treated with the Jatyadi Taila and Group B was treated by Jatyadi Ghrita. The results observed was based on the relief obtained on the subjective and objective parameters taken for consideration for this study viz, size of ulcer, discharge, smell, pain, burning sensation, itching and granulation were found significant (P Lass Than 0.05). On the basis of assessment criteria and overall result of treatment, the patients of Jatyadi Taila group showed better results when compared to Jatyadi Ghrita group. Even though statistically there is no much significant difference between the two groups, but by seeing the effect on individual parameters (subjective and objective) and over all response, Jatyadi Taila seems to be effective when compared to Jatyadi Ghrita. It is having more Ropana qualities when compared to Shodhana.

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Clinical effect of Suvarna Bindu Prashan

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences (JAIMS) ◽

10.21760/jaims.v2i3.8203 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2 (3) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Patil Aniket ◽

Dindore Pallavi ◽

Arbar Aziz ◽

Kadam Avinash ◽

Saroch Vikas

Keyword(s):

Physical Health ◽

Eating Habits ◽

Control Group ◽

Inform Consent ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

Immune Booster ◽

Mental And Physical Health ◽

Apparently Healthy

The quest for excellence in mental and physical health is not new. We find various references and formulations in Ayurvedic classics meant for promoting mental and physical health of a child. Suvarna Prashan is one of the formulations explained in age old Ayurvedic classic Kashyap Samhita. This formulation is very widely used now days as a memory and immune booster for children. But there is very little systematic documented study which can be used to evaluate the efficacy of the formulation. Suvarna Bhasma was prepared in Ayurved Rasayani Pharmacy, Pune. Madhu and Ghrita were collected from KLE Ayurveda Pharmacy, Belgaum. Suvarna Bindu Prashan was prepared in KLE Ayurved pharmacy, Belgaum. It contains Suvarna Bhasma, Ghrita and Madhu. Twenty apparently healthy male and female children with age group of three to four years were ready to sign inform consent form were selected into two groups each. Subjects in Group A received Suvarna Bindu Prashan where as Group B (Control group) did not receive any treatment. Both the groups were observed for six months. Children in Suvarna Bindu Prashan group showed significant reduction in the scores of eating habits, behavior, mood, temperament and scores of event of illness. However there was no significant difference in the score of sleeping habit. There was significant increase in IQ percentage.

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Microsurgical unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression of degenerative lumbar canal stenosis: a comparative study

The Egyptian Journal of Neurology Psychiatry and Neurosurgery ◽

10.1186/s41983-019-0125-4 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 55 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Mohamed I. Refaat ◽

Amr K. Elsamman ◽

Adham Rabea ◽

Mohamed I. A. Hewaidy

Keyword(s):

Patient Satisfaction ◽

Blood Loss ◽

Minimally Invasive ◽

Invasive Technique ◽

Decompression Surgery ◽

Microsurgical Decompression ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Duration Of Surgery ◽

Group A ◽

Group B

Abstract Background The quest for better patient outcomes is driving to the development of minimally invasive spine surgical techniques. There are several evidences on the use of microsurgical decompression surgery for degenerative lumbar spine stenosis; however, few of these studies compared their outcomes with the traditional laminectomy technique. Objectives The aim of our study was to compare outcomes following microsurgical decompression via unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression (ULBD) of the spinal canal to the standard open laminectomy for cases with lumbar spinal stenosis. Subjects and methods Cases were divided in two groups. Group (A) cases were operated by conventional full laminectomy; Group (B) cases were operated by (ULBD) technique. Results from both groups were compared regarding duration of surgery, blood loss, perioperative complication, and postoperative outcome and patient satisfaction. Results There was no statistically significant difference between both groups regarding the improvement of visual pain analogue, while improvement of neurogenic claudication outcome score was significant in group (B) than group (A). Seventy-three percent of group (A) cases and 80% of group (B) stated that surgery met their expectations and were satisfied from the outcome. Conclusion Comparing ULBD with traditional laminectomy showed the efficacy of the minimally invasive technique in obtaining good surgical outcome and patient satisfaction. There was no statistically significant difference between both groups regarding the occurrence of complications The ULBD technique was found to respect the posterior spinal integrity and musculature, accompanied with less blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and shorter recovery periods than the open laminectomy technique.

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The Role of Obesity in Predicting the Clinical Outcomes of COVID-19

Obesity Facts ◽

10.1159/000517180 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Serdar Sahin ◽

Havva Sezer ◽

Ebru Cicek ◽

Yeliz Yagız Ozogul ◽

Murat Yildirim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Health Care Providers ◽

Study Groups ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Care Providers ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

Group D

Introduction: The aim of this was to describe the predictors of mortality related to COVID-19 infection and to evaluate the association between overweight, obesity, and clinical outcomes of COVID-19. Methods: We included the patients >18 years of age, with at least one positive SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Patients were grouped according to body mass index values as normal weight <25 kg/m2 (Group A), overweight from 25 to <30 kg/m2 (Group B), Class I obesity 30 to <35 kg/m2 (Group C), and ≥35 kg/m2 (Group D). Mortality, clinical outcomes, laboratory parameters, and comorbidities were compared among 4 groups. Results: There was no significant difference among study groups in terms of mortality. Noninvasive mechanical ventilation requirement was higher in group B and D than group A, while it was higher in Group D than Group C (Group B vs. Group A [p = 0.017], Group D vs. Group A [p = 0.001], and Group D vs. Group C [p = 0.016]). Lung involvement was less common in Group A, and presence of hypoxia was more common in Group D (Group B vs. Group A [p = 0.025], Group D vs. Group A [p < 0.001], Group D vs. Group B [p = 0.006], and Group D vs. Group C [p = 0.014]). The hospitalization rate was lower in Group A than in the other groups; in addition, patients in Group D have the highest rate of hospitalization (Group B vs. Group A [p < 0.001], Group C vs. Group A [p < 0.001], Group D vs. Group A [p < 0.001], Group D vs. Group B [p < 0.001], and Group D vs. Group C [p = 0.010]). Conclusion: COVID-19 patients with overweight and obesity presented with more severe clinical findings. Health-care providers should take into account that people living with overweight and obesity are at higher risk for COVID-19 and its complications.

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