Effect of Fixed Orthodontic Treatment on Salivary Nickel and Chromium Levels: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

Nickel and chromium ions released from fixed orthodontic appliances may act as allergens. This study aimed to systematically review the effect of fixed orthodontic treatment on salivary levels of these ions by doing a meta-analysis on cross-sectional and cohort studies. The Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and PubMed databases were searched for articles on salivary profile of nickel or chromium in patients under fixed orthodontic treatment published from January 1983 to October 2017. A random-effect meta-analysis was done using Review Manager 5.3 to calculate mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI), and the quality of questionnaire was evaluated by the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. Fourteen studies were included and analyzed in this meta-analysis. Salivary nickel level was higher in periods of 10 min or less (MD = −11.5 µg/L, 95% CI = −16.92 to −6.07; P < 0.0001) and one day (MD = −1.38 µg/L, 95% CI = −1.97 to −0.80; P < 0.00001) after initiation of treatment compared to baseline (before the insertion of appliance). Salivary chromium level was higher in periods of one day (MD = −6.25 µg/L, 95% CI = −12.00 to −0.49; P = 0.03) and one week (MD = −2.07 µg/L, 95% CI = −3.88 to −0.26; P = 0.03) after the initiation of treatment compared to baseline. Corrosion of fixed orthodontic appliances leads to elevated salivary nickel and chromium concentrations early after initiation of orthodontic treatment. Randomized clinical trials controlling for factors affecting the saliva composition are recommended on a higher number of patients and among different ethnicities.

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Novel oral anticoagulats for the treatment of left ventricle thrombosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

EP Europace ◽

10.1093/europace/euab116.532 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 23 (Supplement_3) ◽

Author(s):

M Serenelli ◽

F Vitali ◽

R Pavasini ◽

E Tonet ◽

G Pompei ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Primary Outcome ◽

Randomized Clinical Trials ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Random Effect Model ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Left Ventricular Thrombus ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Ventricular Thrombus

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are not guideline-recommanded treatment for left ventricular thrombus. Purpose: the aim of this meta-analysis is to compare NOACs versus vitamin-K atagonsits (VKAs) efficacy in treating left ventricular thrombus (LVT). Methods: we systematically searched MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Biomed Central, and Web of Science for trials comparing NOACs versus VKAs in the setting of LVT. Five studies, out of the 74 initially selected after first screening, were included in the meta-analysis. For the development of this meta-analysis, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. The shortlisted studies were retrieved as full articles and appraised independently by two unblinded reviewers. The Mantel-Haensel method with a random effect model was used for the pooled analysis. The primary outcome was the occurrence of stroke and systemic embolism. Secondary outcome was occurrence of left ventricular thrombosis resolution during treatment. Results: 707 patients were included in the analysis for the primary outcome. Of these, 230 were treated with NOACs and 477 with VKAs. The pooled OR for the primary outcome was 0.71 (95% CI 0.18-2.86, I2 67%), thus showing similar effect in term of ischaemic protection. A total of 698 patients, 228 on NOACs and 470 on VKAs were included in the analysis of the secondary outcome. The pooled OR for the secondary outcome pooled OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.56-1.68, I2 46%. Conclusions and Relevance: NOACs seem to have a similar efficacy profile compare to VKAs and so they should be considered as an alternative treatment for left ventricular thrombosis. Large prospective randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm this exploratory finding. Abstract Figure 1

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Clinical and Molecular Characteristics Associated with Survival in Advanced Melanoma Treated with Checkpoint Inhibitors

Journal of Oncology ◽

10.1155/2018/6279871 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-13 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Sunil Badami ◽

Sunil Upadhaya ◽

Ravi Kanth Velagapudi ◽

Pushyami Mikkilineni ◽

Ranju Kunwor ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trials ◽

Randomized Clinical Trials ◽

Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group ◽

Advanced Melanoma ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Molecular Characteristics ◽

Significant Heterogeneity

Background. We performed meta-analysis to gather more evidence regarding clinical-molecular subgroups associated with better overall survival (OS) in advanced melanoma treated with checkpoint inhibitors. Materials and Methods. We performed a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and clinical trial.gov. Randomized clinical trials that compared a checkpoint inhibitor (nivolumab or pembrolizumab) with investigator choice chemotherapy or ipilimumab were included in our study. Hazard ratios (HR) and confidence interval (CI) were calculated for progression-free survival (PFS) and OS for each subgroup using generic inverse model along with the random effect method. Results. A total of 6 clinical trials were eligible for the meta-analysis. OS was prolonged in wild BRAF subgroup (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.49-0.85, p 0.002), Programmed cell death subgroup (PD-1+) (HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.41-0.80, p 0.001), and high lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level subgroup (HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.38-0.95, p 0.03). Similarly, we found increased OS in eastern cooperative oncology group (ECOG) 1, males and age >65 years subgroups. Conclusions. Checkpoint inhibitors significantly increased OS in patients with wild BRAF, positive PD-1, and high LDH. However, results should be interpreted keeping in mind associated significant heterogeneity. The results of this study should help in designing future clinical trials.

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Breast Cancer Risk in Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Update Meta-Analysis

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2014/453012 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Guo Tian ◽

Jia-Ning Liang ◽

Zhuo-Yun Wang ◽

Dian Zhou

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Breast Cancer Risk ◽

Cancer Risk ◽

Subgroup Analysis ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Random Effect Model ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

The Impact

Background. The incidence of breast cancer in RA patients remains controversial. Thus we performed a meta-analysis to investigate the impact of RA on breast cancer.Methods. Published literature was available from PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Pooled standardized incidence rate (SIR) was computed by random-effect model analysis.Results. We identified 16 separate studies in the present study, in which the number of patients ranged from 458 to 84,475. We did not find the increased cancer risk in RA patients (SIR=0.86, 95%CI=0.72–1.02). However, subgroup analysis showed that breast cancer risk in RA patients was positively different in Caucasians (SIR=0.82, 95%CI=0.73–0.93) and non-Caucasians (SIR=1.21, 95%CI=1.19–1.23), respectively. In subgroup analysis by style, a reduced incidence was found in hospital-based case subjects (SIR=0.82, 95%CI=0.69–0.97). Similarly, subgroup analysis for adjusted factors indicated that in A3 (age and sex) and A4 (age, sex, and race/ethnicity) the risk was decreased (SIR=0.87, 95%CI=0.76–0.99;SIR=0.63, 95%CI=0.59–0.67).Conclusions. The meta-analysis revealed no increased breast cancer risk in RA patients. However, in the subgroup analysis, the risk of breast cancer is increased in non-Caucasians patients with RA while it decreased in Caucasian population, hospital-based case subjects, and A3 group. Such relationship may provide preference for risk of breast cancer in different population.

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A Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy of Panax Ginseng on Menopausal Women’s Sexual Function

International Journal of Women s Health and Reproduction Sciences ◽

10.15296/ijwhr.2019.20 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 124-133 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Zahra Ghorbani ◽

Mojgan Mirghafourvand

Keyword(s):

Sexual Dysfunction ◽

Adverse Events ◽

Sexual Function ◽

Randomized Clinical Trials ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Control Group ◽

Placebo Control ◽

Significant Difference

Objectives: An increase in life expectancy results in the aging population growth. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and adverse events of ginseng that could be used as a herbal medicine in women with sexual dysfunction. Materials and Methods: The authors of this study searched Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, ProQuest, Google Scholar, and Persian databases without a time limitation until May 2018 and examined all the randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that compared the effect of different types of ginseng on sexual function of menopausal women as compared to the placebo controls. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. The heterogeneity was determined using the I2 index. In addition, standardized mean difference (SMD) was used instead of mean differences (MD) and a random effect was reported instead of fixed effect in meta-analysis. Results: The eligibility criteria were found in five RCTs. All the included studies were placebo-controlled. Two trials had a parallel design while three studies used a crossover design. Although four trials indicated that ginseng significantly improved sexual function, they didn’t report any treatment effect compared to the placebo group. Based on the results of meta-analysis obtained from five studies including 531 women, there was no statistically significant effect of ginseng on female sexual dysfunction (FSD) compared to the placebo control group (SMD: 0.26; 95% CI: -0.26 to 0.76). Nonetheless, there was a considerable heterogeneity among the studies (I2 = 81%; P < 0.0001). Moreover, all the included studies assessed adverse events, but in three of the RCTs, there was no significant difference between the placebo and ginseng groups. Conclusions: The evidence regarding ginseng as a therapeutic agent for sexual dysfunction is unjustifiable. Rigorous studies seem warranted in this respect.

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Association of parenting with suicidal ideation and attempts in children and youth: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

Systematic Reviews ◽

10.1186/s13643-021-01727-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Florence Perquier ◽

Sarah Hetrick ◽

Terri Rodak ◽

Xin Jing ◽

Wei Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Observational Studies ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Children And Youth ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Significant Heterogeneity ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Wide Range

Abstract Background Suicide is a leading cause of death in children and youth, with suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts (referred to as non-fatal suicidal behaviors (NFSB)) being among its strongest predictors. Positive parenting (e.g., warmth, responsiveness), negative parenting (e.g., control, hostility), and parent-child relationship quality (e.g., trust, communication) have been reported to be associated with differences in NFSB in this population. To date, no comprehensive systematic review has considered together the wide range of parenting factors studied in relation to NFSB, and no meta-analysis of existing findings has been conducted. The present study will critically appraise and synthesize the existing evidence from observational studies that examine the relationships between parenting factors and (i) suicidal ideation and (ii) suicide attempt in children and youth. Methods Studies will be retrieved from APA PsycInfo, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library databases. Retrospective, cross-sectional, and longitudinal studies, conducted in clinical and population settings, among youth aged less than 25 years and published as articles and dissertations in English or French will be eligible. Two reviewers will select articles using the Covidence Software after title and abstract screening and full-text assessment, will extract information using double data entry, and will appraise studies’ quality using the Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies. Any disagreements will be discussed with a third reviewer. Publication bias will be evaluated using funnel plots and Egger’s test. In addition to a narrative summary of results, meta-analyses will be conducted using results from at least three studies. Three-level random effect models will allow to derive pooled estimates from dependent effect sizes (from the same sample or study). In case of significant heterogeneity, moderation analyses will be performed considering participants’ characteristics and methodological aspects of studies. The results will be reported according to the PRISMA guidelines, and the certainty of evidence will be assessed using the GRADE approach. Discussion In highlighting parenting factors associated with NFSB and in estimating the overall strength of these associations in children and youth, our results will inform further intervention and prevention strategies designed for young people experiencing NFSB and their families. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42020165345

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Prevalence of dry eye in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047081 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (9) ◽

pp. e047081

Author(s):

Lixiang Wang ◽

Yan Xie ◽

Yingping Deng

Keyword(s):

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽

Dry Eye ◽

Lupus Erythematosus ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Random Effect Model ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Systemic Lupus ◽

Effect Model ◽

Number Of Patients

ObjectivesTo investigate dry eye disease (DED) in patients affected by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsWe conducted a systematic search of the literature on PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library databases from conception to 30 April 2020 for studies related to dry eye, secondary Sjögren’s syndrome (sSS) and SLE. Original full-text articles with the number of patients diagnosed with SLE of over 15 were included. The risk of bias was evaluated with a validated critical appraisal tool which assessed study quality based on confounding factors, selection bias, bias related to measurement and bias related to data analysis. Data were extracted and pooled to evaluate the overall prevalence of DED with the random-effect model and sSS with the fixed effect model.ResultsA total of 29 studies were included and 18 273 participants were involved. The pooled data showed that the overall prevalence of DED was 16% (95% CI 10% to 21%, p<0.001) in patients of SLE. Dry eye symptoms and abnormal Schirmer’s test were found in 26% (95% CI 20% to 32%, p<0.001) and 24% (95% CI 14% to 34%, p<0.001) of patients with SLE, respectively. 12% (95% CI 9% to 15%, p<0.001) of patients also met the criteria of sSS. The OR of DED in patients with SLE was 4.26 (95% CI 3.47 to 5.05, p<0.001) compared with healthy controls. The meta-regression analysis showed that the sample size (p=0.004) and study location (p=0.022) could be the source of heterogeneity.ConclusionsDED and sSS are both common in patients with SLE.

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Influence of reminder therapy for controlling bacterial plaque in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The Angle Orthodontist ◽

10.2319/111117-770.1 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 88 (4) ◽

pp. 483-493 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Igor Felipe Pereira Lima ◽

Walbert de Andrade Vieira ◽

Ítalo de Macedo Bernardino ◽

Pedro Augusto Costa ◽

Anderson Paulo Barbosa Lima ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Confidence Interval ◽

Orthodontic Treatment ◽

Randomized Clinical Trials ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Plaque Index ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Gingival Index ◽

White Spots ◽

Standardized Mean Difference

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the scientific evidence regarding the influence of reminder therapy on plaque index, gingival index, and white spots in patients subjected to orthodontic treatment. Materials and Methods: Randomized clinical trials were searched in the electronic databases LILACS, PubMed, SciELO, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, LIVIVO, and Cochrane Library. The databases OpenThesis and OpenGrey were used to capture the “gray literature,” preventing selection and publication biases. The risk of bias was assessed by the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Randomized Controlled Trials tool. The software Review Manager was used for the meta-analysis. The heterogeneity among studies was assessed through the I2 statistic. A summary of the overall strength of evidence available was assessed using the Grades of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation tool. Results: A total of 332 records were found, from which only 7 articles met the inclusion criteria and were subjected to analysis. Reminder therapy showed improved scores for the plaque index (standardized mean difference = −1.22; 95% confidence interval = −2.03 to −0.42; P = .003) and the gingival index (standardized mean difference = 1.49; 95% confidence interval = −2.61 to 0.37; P = .009). Moreover, there was lower occurrence of white spots (relative risk = 0.53; 95% confidence interval = 0.38 to 0.74; P < .001) when reminder therapy was implemented. Conclusions: According to the existing high-quality evidence, reminder therapy is a valuable strategy and may contribute to the reduction of plaque and gingival indices as well as to the lower occurrence of white spots in patients subjected to orthodontic treatment.

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Prevalence of depression among school going adolescents in India: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies

International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health ◽

10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20210248 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 833

Author(s):

Prashanthi Kamath ◽

Sushma Marita Dsouza ◽

Subhransu Mahapatra ◽

Sruthi Jayakumar

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

High School ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

School Based ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

Prevalence Of Depression

The objective of this systematic review was to estimate the pooled prevalence of depression among schoolgoing adolescents in India by using Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI 1 or BDI 2). A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO and Google Scholar to identify cross-sectional school-based studies published during 1990-2020. Studies with pre-identified mental illness were excluded. Heterogeneity between studies were examined and estimates were pooled using a random-effects model. Subgroup and sensitivity analysis were performed. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plot and Egger’s test. We included 13 studies in the meta-analysis. The random effect meta-analysis revealed that the pooled prevalence of depression among school going adolescents was 53% (95% CI: 41% - 65%). By gender, the prevalence was 50% (95 % CI: 38%–62%) in males and 57% (95% CI: 46% - 69%) in females. The subgroup analysis revealed that the pooled prevalence increased with the education levels (High school: 42%; High school and pre-university: 55%; and Pre-university: 67%). In this review we found that more than half of the school going adolescents in India suffered from depression that ranged from mild to severe. These results draw attention to re-look at the mental health policy and newer public health approaches to address depression. Further, strengthening school-based mental health services, along with the community and center-based care is crucial to prevent and effective management of depression among adolescents.

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Serial interval and incubation period of COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMC Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1186/s12879-021-05950-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Muluneh Alene ◽

Leltework Yismaw ◽

Moges Agazhe Assemie ◽

Daniel Bekele Ketema ◽

Wodaje Gietaneh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Incubation Period ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Public Health Intervention ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Serial Interval ◽

The Mean

Abstract Background Understanding the epidemiological parameters that determine the transmission dynamics of COVID-19 is essential for public health intervention. Globally, a number of studies were conducted to estimate the average serial interval and incubation period of COVID-19. Combining findings of existing studies that estimate the average serial interval and incubation period of COVID-19 significantly improves the quality of evidence. Hence, this study aimed to determine the overall average serial interval and incubation period of COVID-19. Methods We followed the PRISMA checklist to present this study. A comprehensive search strategy was carried out from international electronic databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library) by two experienced reviewers (MAA and DBK) authors between the 1st of June and the 31st of July 2020. All observational studies either reporting the serial interval or incubation period in persons diagnosed with COVID-19 were included in this study. Heterogeneity across studies was assessed using the I2 and Higgins test. The NOS adapted for cross-sectional studies was used to evaluate the quality of studies. A random effect Meta-analysis was employed to determine the pooled estimate with 95% (CI). Microsoft Excel was used for data extraction and R software was used for analysis. Results We combined a total of 23 studies to estimate the overall mean serial interval of COVID-19. The mean serial interval of COVID-19 ranged from 4. 2 to 7.5 days. Our meta-analysis showed that the weighted pooled mean serial interval of COVID-19 was 5.2 (95%CI: 4.9–5.5) days. Additionally, to pool the mean incubation period of COVID-19, we included 14 articles. The mean incubation period of COVID-19 also ranged from 4.8 to 9 days. Accordingly, the weighted pooled mean incubation period of COVID-19 was 6.5 (95%CI: 5.9–7.1) days. Conclusions This systematic review and meta-analysis showed that the weighted pooled mean serial interval and incubation period of COVID-19 were 5.2, and 6.5 days, respectively. In this study, the average serial interval of COVID-19 is shorter than the average incubation period, which suggests that substantial numbers of COVID-19 cases will be attributed to presymptomatic transmission.

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Efficacy of sealants and bonding materials during fixed orthodontic treatment to prevent enamel demineralization: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-95888-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

R. Kamber ◽

H. Meyer-Lueckel ◽

D. Kloukos ◽

C. Tennert ◽

R. J. Wierichs

Keyword(s):

Orthodontic Treatment ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Laser Fluorescence ◽

Orthodontic Appliances ◽

Fluoride Release ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Low Level ◽

Fluorescence Measurements ◽

Fixed Orthodontic Appliances

AbstractTo analyse clinical studies investigating coating agents such as sealants and other bonding materials to prevent the initiation or inhibit the progress of white spot lesions (WSL) during orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances. Electronic databases (Pubmed, CENTRAL, EMBASE) were screened for studies. No language restrictions were applied. Study selection, data extraction and quality assessment were done in duplicate. Primary outcome included assessment of WSL with visual-tactile assessment and/or laser fluorescence measurements. Twenty-four studies with 1117 patients (age: 11–40 years) and 12,809 teeth were included. Overall, 34 different sealants or bonding materials were analysed. Fourteen studies analysed fluoride and 14 studies non-fluoride releasing materials. Meta-analysis for visual tactile assessment revealed that sealants significantly decreased the initiation of WSL compared to untreated control (RR [95%CI] = 0.70 [0.53; 0.93]; very low level of evidence). Materials releasing fluoride did not decrease initiation of WSL compared to those with no fluoride release (RR [95%CI] = 0.84 [0.70; 1.01]; very low level of evidence). For laser fluorescence measurements no meta-analysis could be performed. The use of sealants seems to be effective in preventing the initiation of post-orthodontic WSL. Furthermore, there is no evidence supporting that fluoride-releasing sealants or bonding materials are more effective than those without fluoride release. No gold standard prevention strategy to prevent WSL during treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances has been established yet. However, based on only a limited number of studies the use of sealants seems to be effective in preventing the initiation of post-orthodontic WSL.

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