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Baird P, Drinkwater K, Forrest J, Stewart AJ. The Royal College of Radiologists National Vulvar Cancer Audit. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2024; 36:e224-e234. [PMID: 38658266 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2024.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
AIMS This audit examined UK vulvar cancer practice from March 2018 to January 2019 and compared it to standards from national and international recommendations. Follow-up data collection in 2020 examined patient outcomes and toxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS Audit standards were based on Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) guidance and published literature. A web-based questionnaire was sent to the audit leads at all cancer centres in the UK. Prospective data collection included patient demographics, tumour characteristics, radiotherapy indications, dosimetry, timelines, and follow-up data. The audit targets were 95% compliance with the RCR dose/fractionation schemes in definitive and adjuvant patients, 40% use of intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), 100% of radical patients treated as category 1, and 95% use of gap compensation for category 1 patients. RESULTS 34/54 UK radiotherapy centres (63%) completed data entry for 152 patients. 23 out of 34 (68%) centres submitted follow-up data for 94 patients. One indicator exceeded the audit target: 98% of radical patients received IMRT. The indicators of RCR dose/fractionation compliance for adjuvant/definitive radiotherapy were achieved by 80%/43% for the primary, 80%/86% for elective lymph nodes, and 21%/21% for pathological lymph nodes. The use of concomitant chemotherapy with radical radiotherapy in suitable patients was achieved by 71%. Other indicators demonstrated that 78% were treated as category 1 and 27% used gap compensation. Acute toxicity was mostly related to skin, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary sites. Grade 3 and Grade 4 toxicities were seen at acceptable rates within the radical and adjuvant groups. Late toxicity was mostly grade 0. CONCLUSION This audit provides a comprehensive picture of UK practice. IMRT is widely used in the UK, and treatment-related toxicity is moderate. The dose fractionation was very heterogeneous. The designation of vulvar cancer as category 1 was not regularly followed for radical/adjuvant patients, and there was minimal gap compensation during treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Baird
- Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, UK
| | | | - J Forrest
- Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK
| | - A J Stewart
- St Luke's Cancer Centre, Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford, UK; University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.
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Gojsevic M, Shariati S, Chan AW, Bonomo P, Zhang E, Kennedy SKF, Rajeswaran T, Rades D, Vassiliou V, Soliman H, Lee SF, Wong HCY, Rembielak A, Oldenburger E, Akkila S, Azevedo L, Chow E. Quality of life in patients with malignant spinal cord compression: a systematic review. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:736. [PMID: 38055061 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-08186-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Malignant spinal cord compression (MSCC) is an oncological emergency that may result in a devastating combination of malignancy and disability. Existing quality of life (QoL) questionnaires commonly used in MSCC literature (EORTC QLQ-C30, BM-22, Brief Pain Inventory, and Spine Oncology Study Group Outcomes) may not capture all the commonly reported symptoms and lack specificity to MSCC. The primary objective of this systematic review is to determine unmet patient needs and underreported QoL issues and compile a comprehensive list of QoL issues. The secondary objective of this review is to compile all existing QoL tools and questionnaires and determine whether any QoL issues are not addressed in the existing tools currently used in the literature. METHODS A literature search was conducted on Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases between 1946 and February 6, 2023, to compile all QoL issues and existing questionnaires used to assess QoL in patients with MSCC. All study designs were included given that they discussed QoL issues specific to patients with MSCC. RESULTS The results of this systematic review identified the most frequently discussed QoL issues in the literature studying MSCC. This included direct symptoms of MSCC such as back pain, paralysis, limb weakness/numbness, and urinary/bowel incontinence. Indirect symptoms coming from radiotherapy treatment such as dysphagia, painful swallowing, mouth pain, dry mouth, diarrhea, fatigue, and nausea/vomiting were also noted. Other symptoms resulting from corticosteroid treatment included difficulty sleeping, blurring of vision, weight gain, and mood disturbance. Patients also experienced psychosocial issues such as anxiety, depression, emotional distress, low self-esteem, concerns about dependence on others, concerns about getting home, and fear about their prognosis and future. CONCLUSION This review highlights the QoL issues specific to patients with MSCC and QoL tools capturing these issues. Relevance of QoL issues identified in this systematic review must be prospectively validated by patients and healthcare professionals with experience in treating MSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Gojsevic
- Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Saba Shariati
- Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Adrian Wai Chan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Pierluigi Bonomo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Elwyn Zhang
- Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Samantha K F Kennedy
- Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Thenugaa Rajeswaran
- Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Dirk Rades
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Vassilios Vassiliou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Bank of Cyprus Oncology Centre, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Hany Soliman
- Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Shing-Fung Lee
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Henry C Y Wong
- Department of Oncology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Agata Rembielak
- The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Eva Oldenburger
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, Louvain, Belgium
| | - Shereen Akkila
- Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Edward Chow
- Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Jentzsch T, Cadotte DW, Wilson JR, Jiang F, Badhiwala JH, Akbar MA, Rocos B, Grossman RG, Aarabi B, Harrop JS, Fehlings MG. Spinal Cord Signal Change on Magnetic Resonance Imaging May Predict Worse Clinical In- and Outpatient Outcomes in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury: A Prospective Multicenter Study in 459 Patients. J Clin Med 2021; 10:4778. [PMID: 34682902 PMCID: PMC8537526 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10204778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Prognostic factors for clinical outcome after spinal cord (SC) injury (SCI) are limited but important in patient management and education. There is a lack of evidence regarding magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical outcomes in SCI patients. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether baseline MRI features predicted the clinical course of the disease. This study is an ancillary to the prospective North American Clinical Trials Network (NACTN) registry. Patients were enrolled from 2005-2017. MRI within 72 h of injury and a minimum follow-up of one year were available for 459 patients. Patients with American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale (AIS) E were excluded. Patients were grouped into those with (n = 354) versus without (n = 105) SC signal change on MRI T2-weighted images. Logistic regression analysis adjusted for commonly known a priori confounders (age and baseline AIS). Main outcomes and measures: The primary outcome was any adverse event. Secondary outcomes were AIS at the baseline and final follow-up, length of hospital stay (LOS), and mortality. A regression model adjusted for age and baseline AIS. Patients with intrinsic SC signal change were younger (46.0 (interquartile range (IQR) 29.0 vs. 50.0 (IQR 20.5) years, p = 0.039). There were no significant differences in the other baseline variables, gender, body mass index, comorbidities, and injury location. There were more adverse events in patients with SC signal change (230 (65.0%) vs. 47 (44.8%), p < 0.001; odds ratio (OR) = 2.09 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.31-3.35), p = 0.002). The most common adverse event was cardiopulmonary (186 (40.5%)). Patients were less likely to be in the AIS D category with SC signal change at baseline (OR = 0.45 (95% CI 0.28-0.72), p = 0.001) and in the AIS D or E category at the final follow-up (OR = 0.36 (95% CI 0.16-0.82), p = 0.015). The length of stay was longer in patients with SC signal change (13.0 (IQR 17.0) vs. 11.0 (IQR 14.0), p = 0.049). There was no difference between the groups in mortality (11 (3.2%) vs. 4 (3.9%)). MRI SC signal change may predict adverse events and overall LOS in the SCI population. If present, patients are more likely to have a worse baseline clinical presentation (i.e., AIS) and in- or outpatient clinical outcome after one year. Patients with SC signal change may benefit from earlier, more aggressive treatment strategies and need to be educated about an unfavorable prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thorsten Jentzsch
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada; (T.J.); (J.R.W.); (F.J.); (J.H.B.); (M.A.A.); (B.R.)
- Division of Neurosurgery, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
- Department of Orthopedics, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - David W. Cadotte
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary Combined Spine Program, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada;
| | - Jefferson R. Wilson
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada; (T.J.); (J.R.W.); (F.J.); (J.H.B.); (M.A.A.); (B.R.)
- Division of Neurosurgery, St. Michael’s Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Fan Jiang
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada; (T.J.); (J.R.W.); (F.J.); (J.H.B.); (M.A.A.); (B.R.)
- Division of Neurosurgery, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Jetan H. Badhiwala
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada; (T.J.); (J.R.W.); (F.J.); (J.H.B.); (M.A.A.); (B.R.)
- Division of Neurosurgery, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Muhammad A. Akbar
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada; (T.J.); (J.R.W.); (F.J.); (J.H.B.); (M.A.A.); (B.R.)
- Division of Neurosurgery, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Brett Rocos
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada; (T.J.); (J.R.W.); (F.J.); (J.H.B.); (M.A.A.); (B.R.)
- Division of Neurosurgery, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Robert G. Grossman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Bizhan Aarabi
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland Medical Center and R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
| | - James S. Harrop
- Departments of Neurological Surgery and Orthopedic Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA;
| | - Michael G. Fehlings
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada; (T.J.); (J.R.W.); (F.J.); (J.H.B.); (M.A.A.); (B.R.)
- Division of Neurosurgery, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
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Kerstens P, Yi M, James M. Radiotherapy for metastatic spinal cord compression; can the Rades score predict survival? Asia Pac J Clin Oncol 2019; 15:331-336. [PMID: 31436904 DOI: 10.1111/ajco.13232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) can be debilitating and painful and carries a poor prognosis. There is increasing evidence that MSCC can be treated with single-fraction radiotherapy. The Rades score is designed to assist in identifying better prognosis patients who may benefit from longer radiotherapy courses. This study aims to study patterns of care for MSCC at a single center in New Zealand, and assess the Rades score and other variables as predictors of survival. METHODS An audit of patients receiving palliative radiotherapy for MSCC at a single center over a 5- year period (2010-2014) was performed. Independent variables and the Rades score were gathered for each patient for statistical analysis to investigate associations between potential prognostic factors, treatments and survival. RESULTS A total of 83 patients underwent analysis. Median overall survival was 14 weeks. Twenty Gray in five fractions (20 Gy/5) was the most frequently delivered radiotherapy course (89%). The simplified Rades score effectively stratified patients with Group 3 patients having significantly better survival with 40% surviving to 6 months compared to Group 1 and 2. Cancer type, receiving chemotherapy and receiving surgery were also significantly associated with survival. CONCLUSION Overall survival at our centre is consistent with other published series. The Rades score is valid for predicting more prolonged survival in our population and could be used in selecting patients for longer radiotherapy courses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Kerstens
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Ma Yi
- Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Melissa James
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch, New Zealand
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Muirhead R, Drinkwater K, O'Cathail SM, Adams R, Glynne-Jones R, Harrison M, Hawkins MA, Sebag-Montefiore D, Gilbert DC. Initial Results from the Royal College of Radiologists' UK National Audit of Anal Cancer Radiotherapy 2015. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2017; 29:188-197. [PMID: 27810119 PMCID: PMC5304408 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2016.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Revised: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
AIMS UK guidance was recently developed for the treatment of anal cancer using intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). We audited the current use of radiotherapy in UK cancer centres for the treatment of anal cancer against such guidance. We describe the acute toxicity of IMRT in comparison with patient population in the audit treated with two-phase conformal radiotherapy and the previous published data from two-phase conformal radiotherapy, in the UK ACT2 trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS A Royal College of Radiologists' prospective national audit of patients treated with radiotherapy in UK cancer centres was carried out over a 6 month period between February and July 2015. RESULTS Two hundred and forty-two cases were received from 40/56 cancer centres (71%). In total, 231 (95%) underwent full dose radiotherapy with prophylactic nodal irradiation. Of these, 180 (78%) received IMRT or equivalent, 52 (22%) two-phase conformal (ACT2) technique. The number of interruptions in radiotherapy treatment in the ACT2 trial was 15%. Interruptions were noted in 7% (95% confidence interval 0-14%) of courses receiving two-phase conformal and 4% (95% confidence interval 1-7%) of those receiving IMRT. The percentage of patients completing the planned radiotherapy dose, irrelevant of gaps, was 90% (95% confidence interval 82-98%) and 96% (95% confidence interval 93-99%), in two-phase conformal and IMRT respectively. The toxicity reported in the ACT2 trial, in patients receiving two-phase conformal in the audit and in patients receiving IMRT in the audit was: any toxic effect 71%, 54%, 48%, non-haematological 62%, 49%, 40% and haematological 26%, 13%, 18%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS IMRT implementation for anal cancer is well underway in the UK with most patients receiving IMRT delivery, although its usage is not yet universal. This audit confirms that IMRT results in reduced acute toxicity and minimised treatment interruptions in comparison with previous two-phase conformal techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Muirhead
- CRUK MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | | | - S M O'Cathail
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Department of Oncology, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - R Adams
- Cardiff University Department of Cancer and Genetics and Velindre Hospital, Cardiff, UK
| | - R Glynne-Jones
- Mount Vernon Centre for Cancer Treatment, Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood, UK
| | - M Harrison
- Mount Vernon Centre for Cancer Treatment, Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood, UK
| | - M A Hawkins
- CRUK MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - D Sebag-Montefiore
- University of Leeds, Cancer Research UK Leeds Centre, St. James's University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - D C Gilbert
- Sussex Cancer Centre, Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, UK
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Pugh A, Rogerson H, Cosh H, Hart J, Williams H, Jenkins C. Acute oncology: a developing sub-specialty. BRITISH JOURNAL OF NURSING (MARK ALLEN PUBLISHING) 2015; 24:S18-S25. [PMID: 26355448 DOI: 10.12968/bjon.2015.24.sup16.s18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Patients with cancer frequently present to hospital as an emergency admission acutely unwell. Patients can suffer from complications of the cancer itself, or significant adverse effects/toxicities related to their cancer therapy. Alternatively, the initial presentation of the malignancy may be through a hospital admission, and the cancer can frequently be widespread and with a poorer prognosis. Patients are often admitted under general physicians, away from their comprehensive cancer care centre or oncologists. Without specialist input or staff adhering to most appropriate pathways, the management of these complicated conditions may be difficult, with patients sometimes having unnecessary and painful investigations and prolonged hospital stays. To address these issues the concept of an acute oncology service has recently evolved. This is a developing sub-specialty that aims to improve the care of cancer patients presenting acutely to hospital at a devastating time in their lives. This article will explore the literature to describe the recent development of the acute oncology model, and consider different methods for the delivery of this service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Pugh
- Clinical Nurse Manager for Haematology, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Newport, Gwent
| | - Helen Rogerson
- Acute Oncology Nurse, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Newport, Gwent
| | - Helen Cosh
- Acute Oncology Nurse, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Newport, Gwent
| | - Jane Hart
- Macmillan Lead Cancer Nurse; Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Newport, Gwent
| | - Hilary Williams
- Consultant Medical Oncologist, Velindre Cancer Centre, Cardiff, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Newport, Gwent
| | - Christopher Jenkins
- Consultant Haematologist and Acute Oncologist, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Newport, Gwent
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McAleese J, Baluch S, Drinkwater K. The Quality of Curative-intent Radiotherapy for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer in the UK. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2015; 27:498-504. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2015.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Revised: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Switlyk M, Kongsgaard U, Skjeldal S, Hald J, Hole K, Knutstad K, Zaikova O. Prognostic Factors in Patients with Symptomatic Spinal Metastases and Normal Neurological Function. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2015; 27:213-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2015.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2014] [Revised: 12/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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