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Symptoms of Vitamin B Deficiency

Comments: 0December 29th, 2011 by admin



Vitamin B Family

Vitamin B is a large group of water-soluble vitamins that are all part of the Vitamin group complex. Each vitamin in the Vitamin B family has a purpose or role in our bodies. To fully understand the family, it’s important to know what Vitamins all belong in this group in addition to any other names that are used to refer to them.

Vitamin B1 is also called Thiamine. Vitamin B2 is called Riboflavin. Vitamin B3 is called Niacin, which includes nicotinic acid and nicotinamide. Vitamin B5 is called Pantothenic acid. Vitamin B6 is Pyridoxine. Vitamin B7 is called Vitamin H or Biotin. Vitamin B9 is also called Vitamin M, Vitamin B-c or Folic Acid. Vitamin B12 is called cobalamin. Each of these different vitamins is important in their own right. Without the adequate amount of these on a daily basis, you can develop a Vitamin B deficiency.

Vitamin B Deficiencies

Vitamin B1 deficiency will cause beriberi, which is a disease affecting the nervous system. Symptoms of beriberi are weight loss, weakness and pain in the limbs, emotional disturbances, impaired sensory perception, and edema. Hearth failure or death may occur in the later stages of beriberi. Chronic thiamine deficiency can cause Korsakoff’s syndrome, a incurable psychosis with symptoms of amnesia and false memory. Deficiencies of Vitamin B2 can cause ariboflavinosis, which will have symptoms of cracked lips, inflammation of the tongue, sensitivity to sunlight, seborrheic dermatitis, pseudo-syphilis affecting the mouth and scrotum.

Vitamin B3 deficiency, when combined with a tryptophan deficiency, can cause pellagra. Symptoms of pellagra are dermatitis, aggression, insomnia, mental confusion, weakness and diarrhea. In severe cases, dementia and death may occur. Deficiency of Vitamin B5 can result in acne and paresthesia. Vitamin B6 deficiency can cause anemia, dermatitis, depression, high blood pressure and water retention. Vitamin B7 deficiency doesn’t have any specific symptoms but can cause impaired growth in infants as well as neurological disorders. Deficiencies in Vitamin B9 can cause macrocytic anemia. In pregnant women, it may cause birth defects. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause macrocytic anemia, memory loss, elevated homocysteine and other cognitive deficits.

It’s important to realize that any of these symptoms can be caused by numerous other factors. If you have concerns, see your doctor before you make any assumptions that may be harmful to your health.

Vitamin B Sources

In addition to dietary supplements of Vitamin B, many food sources are rich in this vitamin. Some of the natural sources are potatoes, lentils, bananas, liver oil, chili peppers, turkey, liver, molasses, tuna and brewer’s yeast. You may also find many energy drinks that are fortified with Vitamin B.

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Posted in anemia

The Hidden Issues Of Ovarian Cancer

Comments: 0December 29th, 2011 by admin



Dr Christiane Northrup has some interesting insights into the emotional and energetic issues associated with ovarian cancer. Whilst it is impossible to generalize emotional and energetic responses, she highlights the issue of rage in ovarian cancers. She describes the ovaries as being ‘female balls’ which means they relate to an active participation in the world in a way that expresses our unique creative potential, as women, on an individual basis.

She says: “…we as women must be open to the uniqueness of our creations and their own energies and impulses, without trying to force them into predetermined forms. Our ability to yield to our creativity, to acknowledge that we cannot control it with our intellects, is the key to understanding ovarian power.” (p187, Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom)

She relates the issue of rage as deriving from being in an abusive relationship – not necessarily physically abusive, though of course this could be the case. And it may not necessarily be a personal or intimate relationship. It could be with work, societal, or even spiritual. But it embodies a way of relating and dealing with something or someone, where the woman involved feels controlled by the situation and does not believe in her ability to change it, or herself. It is a denial of her innate power and self-sovereignty. A denial of a woman’s innate dignity, creativity, spirituality, and complexity.

Interestingly, Dr Northrup notes that ovarian cancer is linked to a diet high in fat and dairy food. Dairy products in Oriental medicine, are associated with the liver meridian. Meridians are energy conduits, and though they have a specific anatomy, they are not equated necessarily with the organs of the same name, as understood in conventional western medicine. The emotion associated with a liver meridian that is out of balance, is rage and anger.

Oriental medicine believes that diseases start in our energetic body first, and then progress to the physical body. And certainly not all women who have a high fat and high dairy diet develop ovarian cancer. Dr Northrup suggests that women take care of their ovaries and uterus by reclaiming and expressing whatever this deep creative energy is for them. She suggests taking the time to do this daily.

A recent scientific study has also found that drinking two cups or more of tea a day can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer by 46%. This study was done in Sweden over a 15 year period. Sweden is a country where there is a higher risk of ovarian cancer, as are other countries with a high dairy consumption (Denmark and Switzerland).

References:

[http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/news/ng.asp?id=64537]

Dr Christiane Northrup, Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom (Piatkus, 1995)

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Posted in cancer

Accutane vs antibiotic acne solutions

Comments: 0December 28th, 2011 by admin

Acne can be a mild problem that gets easily eliminated by topical solutions you can buy at any pharmacy. But it can also be a problem that will require you to address a dermatologist and undergo a serious treatment. In most cases moderate and severe forms of acne will make the doctor prescribe you with an antibiotic treatment either in the form of pills or topical cremes. In some cases such a treatment will actually help, while in other circumstances the problem can get even worse. So what’s the catch with antibiotic acne treatment, what are its main drawbacks and is there any effective alternative to it? Let’s answer these questions.

First of all, we’ll have to look into the actual causes behind acne breakouts in order to understand why antibiotics are used for treating this condition. The usual mechanism of acne formation involves several factors. There’s a lot of different bacteria dwelling in skin pores, usually beneficial and helping fight alien bacteria that can cause irritation or infections. The amount of these bacteria is usually stable. However, when there’s an abundance of oil in the skin, which is very favorable for bacterial development, the amount of beneficial bacteria increases and that causes inflammation. This is what we see as acne and that’s why it is usually associated with bacterial infections. So the obvious solution would be to use a drug that cuts down the amount of bacteria and prevents inflammation. That’s exactly what doctors do when prescribing antibiotics to their patients.

There’s one problem with antibiotics though. Because they target nearly all bacteria in the skin this means that most beneficial bacteria are also eliminated. This creates the risk of alien bacterial infection because the usual bacteria protecting your skin from outside agents are eliminated by the treatment. And you may end up having more serious problems. Besides, after some time the amount of own bacteria can exceed again the normal amount if there are favorable conditions for bacterial development (increased oil production) and you will have to take antibiotics again. Which is not very good for your health in general because antibiotics seriously affect the liver and can also cause dysbiosis in many parts of the body, which can also be a serious health problem.

A really effective alternative to antibiotic acne treatment is using Accutane. This drug is regarded as the most effective solution for acne but since it is very potent it is only meant to be used under strict doctor supervision. Accutane has a different approach to treating acne and addresses the actual problem behind acne formation – excessive oil production in the skin. If the amount of oil is normalized there will be less bacteria and no irritation in the skin, which will stop acne breakouts. That’s exactly why Accutane is so effective for treating acne and doesn’t seriously affect any other aspects of skin health. Speak to your doctor about using Accutane in order to make sure that this drug will work for you.

Posted in Guest Post

Important points relating to your ED medication

Comments: 0December 28th, 2011 by admin

For the many men who suffer from the condition known as erectile dysfunction, life can be very difficult. Having this condition can make men feel very self conscious and embarrassed even though it is actually a common condition that many men have suffered from. Of course, it is important for men with this condition to take action to try and do something about it and one very effective treatment that has already helped many men that suffer from ED is called Cialis. When you take Cialis you can start getting back on track with your sex life and your love life, which can take a lot of pressure and stress off you, leading to a positive effect on your quality of life.

If you are considering taking Cialis you should always make sure that you find out as much as possible about the treatment before you start taking it – a good rule of thumb for any drug based treatments that you are considering taking. This way you will know exactly how the treatment works, what to expect, what the possible complications and side effects are, whether it is suited to your needs and safe for you to take, etc. Below are a few important considerations to take into account if you are thinking of taking Cialis to deal with your erectile dysfunction.

You should bear in mind that Cialis is not a cure for erectile dysfunction, so do not expect to take the medication for a while and then be cured. It is a treatment that helps you to achieve and maintain an erection through taking specified doses of the treatment. You can choose from a daily dosage pack or a 36 hour dosage pack depending on your preferences

Whilst the side effects that come with this treatment are generally mild and short lived, there are a number of side effects that you may experience, although some users may experience few or even no side effects. Some of these include: flushing, back pains, stomach upset, headaches, runny nose and indigestion. If you experience these side effects but they persist rather than subsiding in a short space of time it is advisable to speak to your doctor

This treatment has helped many men who suffer from erectile dysfunction but it is not suitable for everyone. For example, men who are taking certain medications for heart related problems may not be able to take this medication. It is therefore important that you discuss your full medical history and any medications that you are taking with your doctor prior to taking Cialis

Cialis will not sexually stimulate the user. In order for the treatment to be effective you need to be sexually stimulated, as Cialis simply helps to increase the blood flow to the penis in order to help a sexually stimulated man to achieve and maintain an erection in order to engage in sexual activity

Posted in Guest Post

Genital Herpes Virus and the Symptoms of Genital Herpes

Comments: 0December 26th, 2011 by admin



Genital herpes is spread by direct contact with an infected person. Sexual intercourse or oral sex are usually the most common ways of the virus spreading. Genital herpes usually entails the sufferer getting breakouts or episodes, in-between they experience symptom-free periods. The first episode is always the most severe, it usually starts with a tingling, itching, or a burning sensation or pain around the genitals followed by the appearance of painful red spots which, within a day or two, evolve through a phase of clear, fluid-filled blisters which rapidly turn whitish-yellow. The blisters burst, leaving painful ulcers that dry, scab over and heal in approximately 10 days.

Symptoms of recurrent outbreaks are usually limited to genital blisters, sores, and swollen glands. The blisters are most painful during the first 24 hours after they appear, sometimes flu-like symptoms, or aches, pains – especially are felt down the back, and the back of the legs.

Outbreaks can be treated or partly prevented with medicine from your doctor but there’s no prescription for the feeling of being stigmatized by having herpes. When Outbreaks occur they generally last a few days they often occur during times when you are feeling stressed.

Often Genital Herpes can be mistaken for a variety of other diseases, including syphilis. Some women with the genital herpes Virus don’t even know they have it because the outbreaks usually occur on the cervix.

Genital herpes is more commonly found in females, African-Americans, and users of cocaine (90% in one study) most of these people who had the positive blood tests for HSV virus had no history of symptoms or outbreaks it was silent. Genital herpes outbreaks can occur with such mild symptoms that it goes completely unnoticed by the person. You or your partner may have contracted the virus from a sexual partner such a long time ago or your partner may have had genital herpes without even knowing it.

Genital herpes is classed as an STD (sexually transmitted disease) which is caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2). Genital herpes is usually caused by HSV-2.

Condoms will offer some protection against the disease, by covering or protecting the mucous membranes which are the likely place of infection. However, be warned condoms do not provide 100 % protection because a lesion may be found which the condom did not cover and such the virus is passed.

Most people think that kissing is a safe activity. Unfortunately, syphilis, herpes, and other infections can be contracted through this relatively simple and apparently harmless act so you need to be careful.

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Posted in anemia

Nexium affects calcium absorption

Comments: 0December 24th, 2011 by admin

The design of the human body shows remarkable adaptation to our immediate environment. Whenever a foreign element is detected, the autoimmune system is there for our defense. Whatever the problem, the white cells rally round and fight the invasion. Because our body learns about new strains of bacteria and viruses all the time, it’s constantly modifying the way the autoimmune system works to give us the best possible protection. If it cannot beat the invader, the body tries to adjust its chemistry to reduce the adverse effect. Overall, we do well in our increasingly complicated environment.

To the body, the chemicals we take as medication are also invaders in the bloodstream. Sadly, we can’t send a message to the white cells telling them these chemicals are new friends. Everything is an enemy to be destroyed. This is really bad news. When the drugs first arrive in our bloodstream, the effect is exactly as predicted by the research team that designed the drug. An unprepared body always reacts with the most beneficial results in the first few hours. But as time passes, the autoimmune system gets to work and it adapts the body to reduce the effect of the chemicals. Doctors call the result tolerance. Our body grows used to have the drug in the bloodstream and the beneficial effect slowly disappears. The only ways of dealing with this are either to increase the dose or to switch to a new drug. Unfortunately, all this does is buy time. Sooner or later, tolerance builds up again and we are back to the same decision.

The proton pump inhibitors are not addictive in the same sense as, say, the opiate painkillers, but they are subject to the same problem of tolerance. If you take any of these drugs over time, you will slowly have to increase the dose to get the same effect. Until recently, this was not thought a problem but recent studies now suggest a problem for menopausal women. Any woman over the age of 50 who begins to go through the menopause will lose calcium. Osteoporosis is a well-recognized problem and doctors usually advise women to take calcium supplements to retain bone density. It’s now clear the use of drugs like Nexium may be accelerating the calcium loss. When the proton pump is slowed and the amount of acid is reduced, the body also reacts by changing the volume and type of enzymes produced. This is intended to improve the digestion system but it can also affect the way in which the dissolved food is processed. The recent studies suggest the increase in some enzymes slows the rate at which calcium is absorbed. Even if you are taking a calcium supplement, you may be losing bone density.

The moral of this most recent study could not be more clear. Men do not seem to be at risk in the same way but, for women, the best possible chance of retaining bone density seems to be stopping the use of Nexium as you go through the menopause. To avoid the return of heartburn, this will involve changing your diet to reduce the amount of high-fat. But, if you retain strength and lose weight, you get a double benefit.

Posted in Guest Post

Leukemia 101

Comments: 0December 23rd, 2011 by admin



Luekemia is a cancer (malignant disease) of the blood or ‘bone marrow’, (soft tissue found in the hollow interior of the bone.) It is characterized by the uncontrolled accretion of blood cells, usually white blood cells. The word Luekemia means “white blood”, which was derived by luekemia patients’ high white blood count. An excessive amount of cells can interfere with other cells which causes a very harmful imbalance of blood count. There are four different categories of luekemia:

* Acute Lymphocytic Luekemia (ALL): This type of Luekemia is a rapidly progressing disease that is the most common type of Luekemia for children. However it does occur in adults, especially those over 65 years of age.

* Chronic Lymphocytic Luekemia (CLL): This type of luekemia (chronic) progresses more slowly than acute and most commonly affect those over 55 years of age. Once in a while will occur in a young adult but very rarely occurs in a child.

* Acute Myelogenous Luekemia (AML): More common to occur in an adult than a child.

* Chronic Myelogenous Luekemia (CML): Occurs mainly in adults and sometimes in children.

Some Statistics to Think About:

* To this day 218,659 people are living with luekemia in the United States.

* Luekemia affects about nine in 100,000 people each year.

* It is expected that 21,790 deaths in the United States are caused by Luekemia.

* Once diagnosed with luekemia, the five year survival rate is 42 percent.

* The estimated numbers of deaths caused by Luekemia in the US are about 30 percent higher for males than females.

* Adults are 10 times more likely to be diagnosed with luekemia than children, especially the elderly.

* About 515 children under the age of 14 are expected to die from Luekemia.

* Children under the age of 4 have a greater chance of developing luekemia than older children.

Symptoms:

Damage to the bone marrow will lead to a deficiency level of blood platelets which is important for blood clotting. This means people with luekemia may have problems with bruising, bleeding excessively, and petechiae. Petechiae is a small red or purple spot on the body caused by a minor hemorrhage. Other common symptoms for those who have Luekemia are:

* Weak immune system

* Anemia

* Fever, chills, and night sweats (flu like).

* Easily fatigued and weak.

* Swollen and bleeding gums.

* Frequent infection

* Bone and joint pain

* Dizziness

* Swollen tonsils

To find out more about the treatment process for leukemia, check out my informative site.

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Posted in leukimia

Learn About the Stages of Ovarian Cancer Part I

Comments: 0December 22nd, 2011 by admin



In previous articles, we touched on various aspects of ovarian cancer such as symptoms, treatments (both alternative and conventional), and risks. But what are the stages of ovarian cancer?

The stages for ovarian cancer number 5, with stages I, II and III subdivided. Any discussion on stages must start with stage 0.

Stage 0 quite simply is the earliest stage that the cancerous cells have been detected at. The cancer is just forming and has not spread.

In stage I, the cancer is confined to either one or both ovaries and has not yet spread to other organs. This stage is divided into IA, IB, and IC.

In stage IA, the cancer is present inside one ovary. No cancer cells are present on the outside surface of the ovary or in the abdomen or pelvis. This is considered to be the earliest form of stage I cancer.

In stage IB, the cancer is present in both ovaries but there are still no cancer cells on the outer surfaces of the ovaries and none in the abdomen or pelvis.

Stage IC, is the most advanced form of stage I ovarian cancer. Cancer is present in either one or both of the ovaries. In addition, cancer cells may also be present on the outer surfaces of one or both ovaries. Cancer cells may have also been found in tissue samples from the abdomen.

In stage II, the cancer is present in either one or both ovaries but has also spread to other organs in the pelvis. These organs may include the bladder, rectum, uterus, Fallopian tubes or the sigmoid colon. This stage is again divided into IIA, IIB and IIC.

In stage IIA, the cancer has spread to the uterus or Fallopian tubes but cancerous cells are not yet present in the abdomen. Cancer is also in either one or both ovaries at this stage.

In the next division, stage IIB, the cancer has now spread to other pelvic organs such as the rectum or colon as well as uterus and is in the ovaries.

In stage IIC, the cancer has spread to the organs as noted above in IIB but may also be present in the outer surfaces of one or both ovaries

Stage IIA: With this stage, cancer is present in one or both of the ovaries and has spread into the uterus and/or Fallopian tubes. However, cancer cells are not present in the abdomen.

Stage IIB: With this stage, cancer is present in one or both of the ovaries and has spread to other pelvic organs, as the bladder, colon, rectum, or uterus.

Stage IIC: With this stage, cancer is present in one or both of the ovaries and has spread to either the uterus, Fallopian tubes, bladder, sigmoid colon, or rectum. In addition, cancer cells may also be present on the outer surfaces of one or both ovaries; the outer wall of a cystic ovarian tumor may have ruptured; or cancer cells may have been found in tissue samples from the abdomen.

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Posted in cancer

Bad Oral Habits Can Damage Your Teeth

Comments: 0December 21st, 2011 by admin



Teeth are for biting and chewing food, not for tearing packages open, pulling tags off new clothes, undoing knots or cracking nuts! We have all probably been guilty of using our teeth as a multi-purpose tool, but we should give our teeth much more respect. Although your teeth are strong, they will crack or chip with misuse. Here are some habits we would love you to try to give up once and for all:

Chewing ice Many people habitually chew on ice, which can cause gum injuries or even broken teeth. Sometimes the damage is severe enough to require a crown. If ice chewing is a part of your routine, try sugarless gum instead. If you need to crunch something, try baby carrots or apple chunks. The urge to chew ice can also be symptomatic of iron-deficiency anemia. This is common form of anemia affects approximately 20 percent of women, 50 percent of pregnant women, and three percent of men. Iron-deficiency anemia is usually caused by inadequate iron intake, blood loss (from menstruation or surgery), or an increased need for iron (common with pregnancy or lactation). Iron is essential to the oxygen-carrying function of the blood. Without enough iron in your blood, your red blood cells (hemoglobin) cannot provide adequate oxygen supplies to your body tissues. You end up feeling tired and listless, and your skin may look pale. As anemia worsens, it can produce an irregular heart rate because your heart pumps additional blood to make up for the low level of oxygen. Anemia should not be left untreated. Whatever the cause, the bottom line is, do not chew ice! If you find it difficult to stop the habit, contact your physician. Using your teeth as a scissors Many people use their teeth to cut through string, open packages or remove tags from clothing. Of course, this is very bad for your teeth. In particular, if you use your teeth to remove the plastic “strings” that affix price tags to clothing, you might find yourself with a small divot in one of your teeth. This can lead to cracking and fracturing of the tooth later on. Always use scissors! Using toothpicks improperly Used properly, a toothpick can be a great tool to remove food from between your teeth when you do not have floss handy. But if you are aggressive with the toothpick, it can injure your gums or break off between your teeth. Use toothpicks gently, do not chew on them, and be sure to use the rounded ones, as they are less likely to damage your gums. Chewing pencils, pens and other hard objects Your teeth were meant to chew food, not writing utensils. Pencils, pens and other things that do not belong in your mouth can fracture teeth, leading to otherwise unnecessary dental repairs. Besides, you do not know where these items have been, so why would you put them in your mouth? If you feel the need to chew, stick to sugarless gum.

As you can see, misuse of your teeth could cause chips and fractures, resulting in unnecessary dental work. It is not that we do not want to see you in the dental office. Your dentists just do not want to have to treat you in preventable situations! Please try to avoid using your teeth, unless it is for biting or chewing food, of course!

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Posted in anemia

Essential Oils – Fighting Hay Fever With the Oils From Down Under

Comments: 0December 17th, 2011 by admin



It’s spring time which means many hay fever sufferers are turning to lots of over-the-counter antihistamines and other harmful drugs. It is a well known fact that drugs whether they are prescribed or over-the-counter cause side effects which may actually be worse than the presenting symptoms. Hay fever is a seasonal illness marked by sneezing, sniffling, runny nose and itchy watery eyes. It is a result of a hypersensitivity reaction involving the mucous membranes of the nose and upper air passages. Often, sinusitis develops. The body sets up an antigen-antibody reaction to the offending pollen which results in the release of histamine.

The traditional treatment of allergies and hay fever consists of antihistamines and other drugs to provide temporary relief of symptoms. Some even opt for regular inoculation or exposure to the trigger-allergy shots. These methods are by no means a cure and over the long term, may even weaken the body. A more holistic approach involves:
Avoidance or reducing exposure to the various triggers Rebuilding the mucosa and reducing the inflammatory response Strengthening the immune system’s susceptibility to allergic reactions and symptomatic treatment
How Can Essential oils Help with the Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis (Allergy Nose)?

Let’s look specifically at a few oils from down-under-Australia. There are other anti-inflammatory oils which may be helpful like German Chamomile but that is for another article.

Eucalyptus globulus commonly called Blue Gum is the strongest and the most common form of medicinal eucalyptus available. The oil is in the leaves-not the bark. The aborigines used to roll the leaves and smoke them to treat respiratory ailments. This oil is a good expectorant, helps to break up mucus, is antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal antiviral and anti-aging.

Eucalyptus radiata commonly called Black Peppermint. It is traditionally used like globulus and is extensively used for respiratory infections and particularly sinus infections and viral infections. Its main effect is expectorant and antiviral.

Melaleuca cajuputi-Cajuput. It may also go by the Latin name Melaleuca leucadendra. It is used for many purposes including respiratory congestion, asthma, coughs, hay fever, toothaches, bursitis, psoriasis, insect bites and sore muscles. Its main action is in fighting viral, bacterial and fungal infections.

Melaleuca quinquenervia-Niaouli. This is a very safe and gently oil that can be applied liberally and undiluted to the whole body. It possesses hormonal properties and is noted for its hormonal balancing properties. The pollen of niaouli trees is actually a powerful allergen and is considered responsible for the great increase in allergic conditions in Florida since many of these trees were transplanted in the everglades area. However niaouli is one of the most powerful anti-allergenics in aromatherapy acting in a homeopathic fashion-like cures like. It’s main effect is expectorant.

Melaleuca ericifolia-Rosalina. This oil is high in linalool content making it very relaxing and therefore should be used in the evening before going to bed. It is an excellent choice for children’s infections especially infections of the ear, nose and throat.

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Posted in Allergy And Sinus

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