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DOM MONTHLY NEWSLETTER | SEPTEMBER 3, 2021
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The SHORT Report
DoM 2021 Review: Survey for Department Members
Member Updates
- Welcome
- Sad News
- Recruitment
Name Change
Feature - Did You Know?
- Dr. Amanda Vinson's "Perry at a Parrot Party"
Kudos
- Dr. Ashley Miller wins CMA Award
- Dr. Tommy Brothers wins CMA Award
- Dr. Gina Lacuesta collaborates on National Study
- Dr. Karthik Tennankore wins RIM Award
- Dr. Leah Cahill wins RIM Award
Thank You
- Rapid Testing Site Volunteers and PRAXES Medical Group
Events
- September 7 ~ Changes for VG Parking Lot
- September 10 ~ RIM Research Day
- September 15 ~ Webinar - Mohs program for skin cancer
- September 30 ~ National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Survey: Research Evening 2021-2022 Survey
Reminder: Clinical Fellowship Award Competition 2021
Reminder: UIMRF Funding Opportunities
Reminder: Resident Research Resource Page
COVID-19
- Nova Scotia Cases
- Monthly timeline
Quick Reference / Recurring Content
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Hi everyone,
It is hard to believe the summer months have flown by and we are settling into our fall work flow. I hope everyone found some time away from work to recharge and enjoy family and friends. With most of us fully vaccinated we enjoyed a little bit more freedom of movement this year. Let’s continue to model all the practices that have kept our numbers low in Nova Scotia, so we can help avoid a large 4th wave.
I want to again welcome all of our new learners and hope you find the Department a warm and welcoming place to learn.
We have experienced great change this week with the swearing in of our new Government and significant changes at the highest levels of our health care leadership. Change can be stressful, however, if we approach this change together with open dialogue, we will successfully navigate it while harnessing the opportunities to be active in advancing our goals in optimizing patient care and achieving our academic mandates.
Amidst this change, I want to extend a huge thank you to Dr. Brendan Carr for his support of the Department in our clinical and academic work during his time as CEO, as well as his leadership throughout the COVID Pandemic.
Once again, we have lots to celebrate and we have noted some recent departmental awards below. A particular shout out to Dr. Tommy Brothers and Dr. Ashley Miller on their CMA awards. Both of these awards were initiated through our new awards and recognition group and are the first CMA awards our Department since 2015 when Dr. Paul Charlebois won the John McCrae Memorial Medal. This shows the value of being intentional to ensure our members get recognized for the great work they are doing.
In celebrating our department members and building our culture of belonging it is important for us to get to know who we are beyond the workplace. We are introducing a new feature in our newsletter titled “Did You Know?”. The purpose of this feature is to celebrate what our members do when they are not at work. It takes many unique individuals to make up a great Department and we really want to share those special stories with everyone. In addition to being an excellent physician, our first featured department member is also a writer and has recently published a children’s book. Read her story below. If you have a story you would like us to feature in Did You Know?, please contact Anne Veinotte ( anne.veinotte@nshealth.ca).
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On September 30, 2021, we will celebrate the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We are not yet sure if our province will recognize this as a work holiday or a day of recognition on which we continue to work. Either way, this will be an important day for all Department Members to reflect on our past so we can make a better and more inclusive future for all Canadians. We can be leaders in this and other aspects of equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-oppression and anti-colonialism if we take the opportunity to recognize and commemorate our history. The official symbol of September 30 is to wear orange to raise awareness of the tragic legacy of residential schools, and to honour the thousands of survivors. To encourage Department members to wear orange, we are having an orange t-shirt giveaway. We have 170 t-shirts in a variety of sizes (men’s small to extra-large) to give to department members. If you would like to put your name in for a shirt, follow the link to submit your name, email and shirt size. We will complete the draw on September 22nd and get in touch with winners as to how they can get their shirts.
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I hope you enjoy all the content of this newsletter. Don’t forget to send your story ideas to us at anne.veinotte@nshealth.ca.
Keep well,
Christine
Christine Short, MD, FRCP(C), FACP
Associate Professor & Head/Chief, Department of Medicine
Dalhousie University / Central Zone, Nova Scotia Health
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DoM 2021 Review: Survey for Department Members
This fall, the DoM is undergoing our 5 year Departmental Review with the Faculty of Medicine and Nova Scotia Health.
As part of the process, the Department will submit a package of pre-survey documents and complete a pre-survey self study.
The Review will make recommendations that will help support the work of the department over the next 5 years and your participation is critical and I really want as many voices of the department represented in the self-study as possible. I hope you will take a few minutes to answer this short survey.
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We welcome the following members to their new positions:
- August 16 - Heather LeBlanc, Administrative Assistant, Division of Digestive Care & Endoscopy
- August 30 - Gillian Haire, Administrative Assistant, Division of Cardiology
- September 1 - Dr. Elizabeth "Liz" Amos, Assistant Professor, Division of Palliative Medicine
- September 7 - Dr. Alison Dixon, Assistant Professor, Division of Geriatric Medicine
- September 7 - Dr. Erica Kelly, 3 month locum, Division of Hematology
- September 27 - Dr. Daniel Belliveau, 6 month locum, Division of Cardiology
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Dr. Scott Murray
1955-2021
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Dr. Scott James Murray, 66, was a valued member of the Department of Medicine and the Division of Clinical Dermatology & Cutaneous Science.
Dr. Murray joined the Department on November 1, 1988 and practiced in the primarily in the community. He passed away on August 28, 2021.
He was predeceased by his brother Dr. Alexander Murray, Dermatologist. Our sincere condolences go out to his colleagues, Dr. TJ "Jock" Murray (brother and professor emeritus) and his family.
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Closes: September 17, 2021
Closes: September 23, 2021
Closes: September 30, 2021
Closes: September 30, 2021
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The Division of Hematology is now the Division of Hematology and Hematologic Oncology!
We have made this change to better reflect our clinical services and to help decrease confusion for patients and health care professionals. We will continue to provide exceptional care for those with disorders of the blood, including malignancies such as leukemias, lymphomas, and myeloma, and other diseases such as anemias, thrombotic disorders and bleeding disorders.
Dr. Sudeep Shivakumar
Head, Division of Hematology and Hematologic Oncology
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Division of Hematology
has changed its name to
Division of Hematology and Hematologic Oncology
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Did You Know?
Starting September 2021, we are launching a feature called "Did You Know?"
The purpose of this feature is to celebrate what our members do when they are not at work. It takes many unique individuals to make up a great Department and we really want to share those special stories with everyone.
We welcome all members to share their great news and talents.
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To: All DoM Members
Do you have a talent or accomplishment to share?
Email it to:
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Dr. Amanda Vinson, Transplant Nephrologist, Researcher, Mother, Author and Illustrator, published her first book, "Perry at a Parrot Party" on November 27, 2020.
Amanda wrote and illustrated this 32-page children's book for her son while on mat leave.
Creating the illustrations was a new endeavour for her. This labour of love was designed to encourage infant and child development. What a wonderful role model!
Check it out:
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Dr. Ashley Miller wins CMA award
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Dr. Ashley Miller won the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) Award for Young Leaders (Early Career) at the Annual General Meeting in August 2021.
This award is intended to celebrate the efforts of young physician leaders of tomorrow for their efforts today.
The CMA presents the Award for Young Leaders to two students, two residents and two early career physician members who have demonstrated exemplary dedication, commitment and leadership in one of the following domains: political; clinical; education; research; or, community service.
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Dr. Thomas Brothers wins CMA award
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Dr. Thomas "Tommy" Brothers won the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) Award for Young Leaders (Resident), at the Annual General Meeting in August 2021.
This award is intended to celebrate the efforts of young physician leaders of tomorrow for their efforts today.
The CMA presents the Award for Young Leaders to two students, two residents and two early career physician members who have demonstrated exemplary dedication, commitment and leadership in one of the following domains: political; clinical; education; research; or, community service.
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Dr. Gina Lacuesta collaborates on national study
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Dr. Gina Lacuesta is part a study that is recruiting patients in Halifax to look at COVID-19 vaccine efficacy in people with inherited and medication-related immune deficiencies.
Full story:
July 16, 2021
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Dr. Karthik Tennankore wins RIM Award
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Dr. Karthik Tennankore will receive the 2019 RIM Excellence in Mentoring Award at the RIM Research Day on Friday, September 10, 2021.
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Dr. Leah Cahill wins RIM Award
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Dr. Leah Cahill will receive the 2021 RIM Excellence in Mentoring Award at the RIM Research Day on Friday, September 10, 2021.
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Rapid Testing Site Volunteers and PRAXES Medical Group
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Rapid testing began in Nova Scotia in November 2020 under the leadership of Dr. Lisa Barrett and Todd Hatchette at the beginning of our 'second-wave' and helped keep that wave small and short-lived.
PRAXES Medical Group provides asymptomatic COVID testing, both PCR and Rapid Antigen, for travel or work purposes. PRAXES also developed the software being used at the rapid testing sites.
Almost 3,000 volunteers of all ages and working backgrounds, including high school students, retired, and currently working health care workers, university students, IT specialists, political figures, administrators, police officers, hairdressers, engineers, bakers, financial field, brewers, and many others from across the province stepped up in our time of need.
A heartfelt thank you goes to everyone involved!
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As of August 9, 2021:
- 403 confirmed positive cases since November 2020
- Includes all sites in Nova Scotia
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Changes for VG Parking Lot
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Partners for Care and its parking partner Indigo Park will launch an assisted parking program at the Victoria General campus of the QEII Health Sciences Centre on Tuesday, Sept. 7.
Purpose: To add up to 45 parking spaces
How:
- Cars will be deliberately double-parked in the two designated areas (see image)
- Areas will be staffed with specially trained Indigo customer service representatives from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday
- Indigo staff will:
- guide drivers into the designated lot
- complete a short vehicle inspection, and
- then take custody of the owner’s keys while they are inside the hospital.
- As required, vehicles will be moved by Indigo Park staff to allow the safe exiting of other vehicles.
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Dalhousie University's 7th annual Research in Medicine (RIM) Research Day will be held on September 10, 2021 featuring a keynote speaker and RIM student presentations.
Keynote speaker:
Lisa Richardson, MD, FRCPC
Assistant Professor and Associate Dean of Inclusion and Diversity, University of Toronto Temerty Faculty of Medicine
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Link includes:
- agenda [PDF]
- meeting links
Date: Friday, Sept. 10, 2021
Time: 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Location: MS Teams
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Webinar - Mohs program for skin cancer
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Dalhousie University CPD and Division of Medical Education and DNS present an accredited webinar on the Mohs program for skin cancer, featuring Dr. Michael Stevens, Assistant Professor, Division of Clinical Dermatology and Cutaneous Science.\
Learn about the program and how to access the service. Sept. 15, 8-9 p.m.
More information:
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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
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The Canadian Federal Government unanimously passed legislation on June 3, 2021 (Bill C-5) to designate September 30 each year as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This new federal statutory holiday will commemorate the tragic legacy of residential schools in Canada. Federal employees will be granted this new holiday. Provinces are individually announcing their participation in this day of recognition.
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This date coincides with Orange Shirt Day, which began in 2013 and involved wearing orange shirts to honour Indigenous children forced to leave their families to attend residential schools.
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Ministers Vandal, Miller, Bennett and Guilbeault mark Orange Shirt Day 2020
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Kwe, bonjour, hello. September 30th, is Orange Shirt Day, a time where Canadians across the country will be wearing orange to raise awareness of the tragic legacy of residential schools, and to honour the thousands of survivors.
Orange Shirt Day was inspired by the story of Phyllis (Jack) Webstad, a residential school survivor. At the age of 6, Phyllis went to the St. Joseph Mission Indian Residential School wearing the bright-orange shirt bought by her grandmother. She said she felt "bright and exciting", just like her shirt. But on the first day of school, her new shirt was forcibly taken from her, along with her dignity.
Video: 3 min 50 sec
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National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR)
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
Orange Shirt Day.org
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RESEARCH EVENING 2021-22 SURVEY
To: DoM Faculty and Residents
The DoM Research Committee is currently considering options for resuming the annual Research Evening event in 2021-22.
- Indicate your interest and preferences.
- Open until end of day on September 7th, 2021.
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CLINICAL FELLOWSHIP AWARD COMPETITION 2021
The Department of Medicine (DoM) has established a Clinical Fellowship Award to foster the development and training of promising individuals as clinicians in subspecialty areas of Medicine and Internal Medicine following the completion of their residency training program.
Deadline:
September 10, 2021
Send applications to
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UIMRF FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES 2021
UIMRF funding opportunities are available.
Deadlines for submissions are as follows:
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October 1st
- Research Fellowships (Internal/External, and CIP sponsorship)
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October 15th
- Junior Department Member
- Bridge/Pilot funding
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4 weeks prior to external application deadlines – Matching Research funding
Forms:
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RESIDENT RESEARCH RESOURCE
If you have any resources (articles, templates, links, etc.) that you would like to make available on this site, please send to DoMResearch@nshealth.ca and indicate which category/categories it should be linked under (and/or if a new category may be needed).
Please note – though this website should not turn up in search engines, it is available to anyone with the link, so should be considered public. Materials with confidential information should not be included on the site.
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0 currently in non-ICU;
224 total patient admissions
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0 currently in ICU;
73 total patient admissions
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1,126,559
total completed tests
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291,722
Rapid tests at pop-up locations
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1,451,801
Total vaccine doses administered
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693,714
People who have received second doses
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78%
overall population partially vaccinated
(one or more doses)
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71.4%
overall population fully vaccinated
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Protocols at Nova Scotia Health
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Protocols at Nova Scotia Health
Nova Scotia Health is taking a phased approach to COVID-19 health and safety measures based on risk level in each zone.
* Subject to change; refer to online version for latest updates.
Tier 1 – Low Risk (Blue)
Tier 2 – Moderate Risk (Yellow) - all zones starting July 26, 2021
Tier 3 – High Risk (Orange)
Tier 4 – Extreme Risk (Red)
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Plans for a Safe School Year
Students return to public school on Sept. 7 with core public health measures in place and a return to a more familiar routine.
As the school year begins, masks are required at all times for anyone inside a school building or bus. They can be removed when the person is eating and drinking, participating in physical activity, and for breaks where people are physically distanced. As the province enters Phase 5 of its reopening plan, schools will transition to masks being optional.
Read full news release:
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Border Policy Remains, Other Restrictions to be Lifted in Phase 5
Phase 5 Target date: September 15, 2021
Phase 5 Requirement: good epidemiology and 75% fully vaccinated
Border policy:
International travellers follow federal requirements.
Nova Scotia’s current border policy of isolation is based on vaccination status and testing will remain in place for travellers coming from provinces and territories outside of Atlantic Canada. As of 8 a.m. on Aug. 25, the border policy will also apply to people coming from New Brunswick due to a rise of COVID-19 activity in that province.
Workers and students who frequently cross the border with New Brunswick and people who need to make quick trips will not have to self-isolate as long as they follow the Nova Scotia-New Brunswick travel protocol. People moving to Nova Scotia or coming for vacation or an extended stay will have to complete the Nova Scotia Safe Check-in and self-isolate based on vaccination status and testing.
Testing of symptomatic individuals and close contacts
As of Sept. 15, the only restrictions that will remain in place for the general population within Nova Scotia are those related to management of COVID-19 cases. For example, anyone with symptoms must still get tested, isolate while they wait for results and continue to isolate if they test positive.
Masks
Masks will still be required for staff in long-term care facilities. Healthcare facilities will continue to set their own policies for masks and visitation. Businesses and other organizations are also free to set their own mask policies. Masks will be required in schools as the school year begins but will not be required once Phase 5 starts.
Regular Asymptomatic Testing
With a highly vaccinated population, regular asymptomatic testing will no longer be recommended. It will still be available for incoming travellers who require it, as well as close contacts of confirmed cases and anyone else who is directed by public health to get tested.
Workplace Rapid Testing Programs
More than 200 employers offering rapid testing programs with approval from the Department of Health and Wellness can continue as part of COVID-19 surveillance and general workplace safety.
Read full news release:
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QUICK REFERENCE /
RECURRING CONTENT
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Nova Scotia Health / Dr. Lynn Johnston
Uploaded: March 13, 2020
Video: 10 min
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Nova Scotia Health / Dr. Glenn Patriquin
Uploaded: April 3, 2020
Video: 3 min
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Canada.ca
Uploaded: June 15, 2020
Video: 1 min 25 seconds
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All press briefings are listed
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Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia
Complete online then download or email document. Once signed and witnessed, it is valid.
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Spectrum MD
(Antimicrobial Stewardship)
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Nova Scotia Health logo needs to be visible in the upper left corner of the home screen to ensure you are accessing local content.
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Nova Scotia Health staff and physicians experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, contact Occupational Health:
1-833-750-0632
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Potential COVID Exposures
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Nova Scotia Health - COVID-19 Hub
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Nova Scotia Health - Library Services
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COVID-19 resources for health care providers
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Canada (as of Sept 2, 2021)
1.5 million cases
27 K deaths
40.6 million tests performed
27.5 million vaccine doses administered
74.8% of total population fully vaccinated
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World Health Organization (WHO)
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Globally (as of Sept 2, 2021)
218 million cases
4.5 million deaths
5.3 billion vaccine doses administered
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When you take care of yourself, you take care of others.
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