Browsing by Author "Godderis, Lode"
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- Assessment of occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium – recommendations from HBM4EU chromate studyPublication . Santonen, Tiina; Bocca, Beatrice; Bousoumah, Radia; Duca, Radu Corneliu; Galea, Karen S.; Godderis, Lode; Göen, Thomas; Hardy, Emilie; Iavicoli, Ivo; Janasik, Beata; Jones, Kate; Leese, Elizabeth; Leso, Veruscka; Louro, Henriqueta; Majery, Nicole; Ndaw, Sophie; Pinhal, Hermínia; Porras, Simo P.; Scheepers, Paul T.J.; Sepai, Ovnair; Silva, Maria João; van Nieuwenhuyse, An; Verdonck, Jelle; Viegas, Susana; Wasowicz, WojciechIntroduction: Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is an important occupational carcinogen. In addition to air monitoring biomonitoring is commonly applied to monitor exposure to Cr(VI). Within the EU biomonitoring initiative, HBM4EU, we explored the applicability of different biomonitoring methods in the assessment of occupational exposure to Cr(VI) in welding and surface treatment activities. Materials and Methods: A multi-center cross-sectional study was performed in Belgium, Finland, France, Italy, Poland, Portugal, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and United Kingdom. Harmonized procedures were used to collect biological and industrial hygiene samples. Contextual information was collected using questionnaires. Altogether 602 exposed workers and controls were included in the study. Exposure biomarkers studied included urinary, red blood cell (RBC) and plasma Cr, and exhaled breath condensate (EBC) Cr(VI)/Cr(III). In addition, number of effect biomarkers were studied. Results: All exposure markers showed highest exposure levels among chrome plating workers. U-Cr showed a good correlation with air Cr(VI) in bath platers and welders. Observed low correlations between different exposure biomarkers suggest that these approaches are not interchangeable but rather complementary. Conclusions: U-Cr showed its value as the first approach for the assessment of internal exposure to Cr(VI). We recommend pre- and post-shift samples for low exposure levels. RBC/P-Cr and EBC-Cr(VI)/Cr(III) provide additional information when more specific information on exposure is needed. The current exposure levels require analytical methods with high sensitivity.
- Caracterização de biomarcadores de genotoxicidade em trabalhadores expostos a crómio hexavalente: um estudo no âmbito da Iniciativa Europeia em Biomonitorização HumanaPublication . Tavares, Ana; Aimonen, Kukka; Ndaw, Sophie; Fučić, Aleksandra; Catalán, Julia; Duca, Radu Corneliu; Godderis, Lode; Gomes, Bruno C.; Janasik, Beata; Ladeira, Carina; Louro, Henriqueta; Namorado, Sónia; Van Nieuwenhuyse, An; Norppa, Hannu; Scheepers, Paul T.J.; Ventura, Célia; Verdonck, Jelle; Viegas, Susana; Wasowicz, Wojciech; Santonen, Tiina; Silva, Maria JoãoNo âmbito da Iniciativa Europeia em Biomonitorização Humana (HBM4EU) realizou-se um estudo ocupacional, envolvendo trabalhadores com potencial exposição a crómio hexavalente [Cr( VI)], um reconhecido agente carcinogénico. No presente estudo são apresentados os resultados de biomarcadores de genotoxicidade, incluindo a análise de lesão no DNA e de alterações cromossómicas em células sanguíneas. O estudo foi realizado em vários Países Europeus e abrangeu trabalhadores de diversos setores industriais e atividades, bem como um grupo de controlo constituído por trabalhadores administrativos das mesmas empresas (controlo interno) e de outras não relacionadas com produção/aplicação de Cr( VI) (controlo externo). Os resultados mostraram níveis de alterações cromossómicas (ensaio do micronúcleo) e de lesão no DNA (ensaio do cometa) significativamente aumentados nos trabalhadores expostos comparativamente aos controlos externos ( p=0,03; p<0,001, respetivamente). Estes resultados sugerem que mesmo um baixo nível de exposição ao Cr( VI) representa um risco acrescido para a saúde dos trabalhadores e, principalmente, para os que realizam cromagem em banho. O grupo controlo interno apresentou níveis médios de lesões no DNA e nos cromossomas comparáveis aos do grupo exposto, salientando a relevância de se considerarem também em risco. O uso de biomarcadores de efeito demonstrou ser crucial para a deteção precoce de efeitos biológicos decorrentes de baixos níveis de exposição ao Cr( VI), contribuindo para a identificação de subgrupos em maior risco. O presente estudo vem apoiar a necessidade de uma reavaliação do limite de exposição ocupacional a Cr( VI), bem como da implementação de medidas de gestão de risco conducentes a uma melhor proteção da saúde dos trabalhadores.
- From inequitable to sustainable e-waste processing for reduction of impact on human health and the environmentPublication . Ádám, Balázs; Göen, Thomas; Scheepers, Paul T.J.; Adliene, Diana; Batinic, Bojan; Budnik, Lygia T.; Duca, Radu-Corneliu; Ghosh, Manosij; Giurgiu, Doina I.; Godderis, Lode; Goksel, Ozlem; Hansen, Karoline K.; Kassomenos, Pavlos; Milic, Natasa; Orru, Hans; Paschalidou, Anastasia; Petrovic, Maja; Puiso, Judita; Radonic, Jelena; Sekulic, Maja T.; Teixeira, Joao Paulo; Zaid, Hilal; Au, William W.Recycling of electric and electronic waste products (e-waste) which amounted to more than 50 million metric tonnes per year worldwide is a massive and global operation. Unfortunately, an estimated 70-80% of this waste has not been properly managed because the waste went from developed to low-income countries to be dumped into landfills or informally recycled. Such recycling has been carried out either directly on landfill sites or in small, often family-run recycling shops without much regulations or oversights. The process traditionally involved manual dismantling, cleaning with hazardous solvents, burning and melting on open fires, etc., which would generate a variety of toxic substances and exposure/hazards to applicators, family members, proximate residents and the environment. The situation clearly calls for global responsibility to reduce the impact on human health and the environment, especially in developing countries where poor residents have been shouldering the hazardous burden. On the other hand, formal e-waste recycling has been mainly conducted in small scales in industrialised countries. Whether the latter process would impose less risk to populations and environment has not been determined yet. Therefore, the main objectives of this review are: 1. to address current trends and emerging threats of not only informal but also formal e-waste management practices, and 2. to propose adequate measures and interventions. A major recommendation is to conduct independent surveillance of compliance with e-waste trading and processing according to the Basel Ban Amendment. The recycling industry needs to be carefully evaluated by joint effort from international agencies, producing industries and other stakeholders to develop better processes. Subsequent transition to more sustainable and equitable e-waste management solutions should result in more effective use of natural resources, and in prevention of adverse effects on health and the environment.
- Guidance on minimum information requirements (MIR) from designing to reporting human biomonitoring (HBM)Publication . Jeddi, Maryam Zare; Galea, Karen S.; Ashley-Martin, Jillian; Nassif, Julianne; Pollock, Tyler; Poddalgoda, Devika; Kasiotis, Konstantinos M.; Esteban-López, Marta; Chung, Ming Kei; Kil, Jihyon; Jones, Kate; Covaci, Adrian; Ait Bamai, Yu; Fernandez, Mariana F.; Pasanen Kase, Robert; Louro, Henriqueta; Silva, Maria J.; Santonen, Tiina; Katsonouri, Andromachi; Castaño, Argelia; Quirós-Alcalá, Lesliam; Argelia Castaño; Lesliam Quirós-Alcalá; Lin, Elizabeth Ziying; Pollitt, Krystal; Ana Virgolino; Virgolino, Ana; Scheepers, Paul T.J; Mustieles, Vicente; Cañas-Portilla, Ana Isabel; Viegas, Susana; von Goetz, Natalie; Sepai, Ovnair; Bird, Emily; Gӧen, Thomas; Fustinoni, Silvia; Ghosh, Manosij; Dirven, Hubert; Kwon, Jung-Hwan; Carignan, Courtney; Mizuno, Yuki; Ito, Yuki; Xia, Yankai; Shoji F. Nakayama; Nakayama, Shoji F.; Makris, Konstantinos C.; Parsons, Patrick J.; Gonzales, Melissa; Bader, Michael; Dusinska, Maria; Menouni, Aziza; Duca, Radu Corneliu; Chbihi, Kaoutar; El Jaafari, Samir; Godderis, Lode; van Nieuwenhuyse, An; Qureshi, Asif; Ali, Imran; Costa Trindade, Carla; Teixeira, Joao Paulo; Bartonova, Alena; Tranfo, Giovanna; Audouze, Karine; Verpaele, Steven; LaKind, Judy; Mol, Hans; Bessems, Jos; Magagna, Barbara; Nasution Waras, Maisarah; Connolly, Alison; Nascarella, Marc; Yang, Wonho; Huang, Po-Chin; Heussen, Henri; Goksel, Ozlem; Yunesian, Masud; Yeung, Leo W.Y.; Souza, Gustavo; Vekic, Ana Maria; Haynes, Erin N.; Hopf, Nancy B.Human biomonitoring (HBM) provides an integrated chemical exposures assessment considering all routes and sources of exposure. The accurate interpretation and comparability of biomarkers of exposure and effect depend on harmonized, quality-assured sampling, processing, and analysis. Currently, the lack of broadly accepted guidance on minimum information required for collecting and reporting HBM data, hinders comparability between studies. Furthermore, it prevents HBM from reaching its full potential as a reliable approach for assessing and managing the risks of human exposure to chemicals. The European Chapter of the International Society of Exposure Science HBM Working Group (ISES Europe HBM working group) has established a global human biomonitoring community network (HBM Global Network) to develop a guidance to define the minimum information to be collected and reported in HBM, called the “Minimum Information Requirements for Human Biomonitoring (MIR-HBM)”. This work builds on previous efforts to harmonize HBM worldwide. The MIR-HBM guidance covers all phases of HBM from the design phase to the effective communication of results. By carefully defining MIR for all phases, researchers and health professionals can make their HBM studies and programs are robust, reproducible, and meaningful. Acceptance and implementation of MIR-HBM Guidelines in both the general population and occupational fields would improve the interpretability and regulatory utility of HBM data. While implementation challenges remain—such as varying local capacities, and ethical and legal differences at the national levels, this initiative represents an important step toward harmonizing HBM practice and supports an ongoing dialogue among policymakers, legal experts, and scientists to effectively address these challenges. Leveraging the data and insights from HBM, policymakers can develop more effective strategies to protect public health and ensure safer working environments.
- Harmonized definition of occupational burnout: a systematic review, semantic analysis, and Delphi consensus in 29 countriesPublication . Guseva Canu, Irina; Marca, Sandy Carla; Dell'Oro, Francesca; Balázs, Ádám; Bergamaschi, Enrico; Besse, Christine; Bianchi, Renzo; Bislimovska, Jovanka; Koscec Bjelajac, Adrijana; Bugge, Merete; Busneag, Carmen Iliana; Çağlayan, Çiğdem; Cernițanu, Mariana; Costa Pereira, Cristiana; Dernovšček Hafner, Nataša; Droz, Nadia; Eglite, Maija; Godderis, Lode; Gündel, Harald; Hakanen, Jari J; Iordache, Raluca Maria; Khireddine-Medouni, Imane; Kiran, Sibel; Larese-Filon, Francesca; Lazor-Blanchet, Catherine; Légeron, Patrick; Loney, Tom; Majery, Nicole; Merisalu, Eda; Mehlum, Ingrid Sivesind; Michaud, Laurent; Mijakoski, Dragan; Minov, Jordan; Modenese, Alberto; Molan, Marija; van der Molen, Henk; Nena, Evangelia; Nolimal, Dusan; Otelea, Marina; Pletea, Elisabeta; Pranjic, Nurka; Rebergen, David; Reste, Jelena; Schernhammer, Eva; Wahlen, AnnyObjective: A consensual definition of occupational burnout is currently lacking. We aimed to harmonize the definition of occupational burnout as a health outcome in medical research and reach a consensus on this definition within the Network on the Coordination and Harmonisation of European Occupational Cohorts (OMEGA-NET). Methods: First, we performed a systematic review in MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Embase (January 1990 to August 2018) and a semantic analysis of the available definitions. We used the definitions of burnout and burnout-related concepts from the Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine Clinical Terms (SNOMED-CT) to formulate a consistent harmonized definition of the concept. Second, we sought to obtain the Delphi consensus on the proposed definition. Results: We identified 88 unique definitions of burnout and assigned each of them to 1 of the 11 original definitions. The semantic analysis yielded a first proposal, further reformulated according to SNOMED-CT and the panelists` comments as follows: "In a worker, occupational burnout or occupational physical AND emotional exhaustion state is an exhaustion due to prolonged exposure to work-related problems". A panel of 50 experts (researchers and healthcare professionals with an interest for occupational burnout) reached consensus on this proposal at the second round of the Delphi, with 82% of experts agreeing on it. Conclusion: This study resulted in a harmonized definition of occupational burnout approved by experts from 29 countries within OMEGA-NET. Future research should address the reproducibility of the Delphi consensus in a larger panel of experts, representing more countries, and examine the practicability of the definition.
- HBM4EU Chromates Study - Genotoxicity and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Workers Exposed to Hexavalent ChromiumPublication . Tavares, Ana; Aimonen, Kukka; Ndaw, Sophie; Fučić, Aleksandra; Catalán, Julia; Duca, Radu Corneliu; Godderis, Lode; Gomes, Bruno C.; Janasik, Beata; Ladeira, Carina; Louro, Henriqueta; Namorado, Sónia; Nieuwenhuyse, An Van; Norppa, Hannu; Scheepers, Paul; Ventura, Célia; Verdonck, Jelle; Viegas, Susana; Wasowicz, Wojciech; Santonen, Tiina; Silva, M.J.; on behalf of the HBM4EU Chromates Study TeamA study was conducted within the European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU) to characterize occupational exposure to Cr(VI). Herein we present the results of biomarkers of genotoxicity and oxidative stress, including micronucleus analysis in lymphocytes and reticulocytes, the comet assay in whole blood, and malondialdehyde and 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine in urine. Workers from several Cr(VI)-related industrial activities and controls from industrial (within company) and non-industrial (outwith company) environments were included. The significantly increased genotoxicity (p = 0.03 for MN in lymphocytes and reticulocytes; p < 0.001 for comet assay data) and oxidative stress levels (p = 0.007 and p < 0.001 for MDA and 8-OHdG levels in pre-shift urine samples, respectively) that were detected in the exposed workers over the outwith company controls suggest that Cr(VI) exposure might still represent a health risk, particularly, for chrome painters and electrolytic bath platers, despite the low Cr exposure. The within-company controls displayed DNA and chromosomal damage levels that were comparable to those of the exposed group, highlighting the relevance of considering all industry workers as potentially exposed. The use of effect biomarkers proved their capacity to detect the early biological effects from low Cr(VI) exposure, and to contribute to identifying subgroups that are at higher risk. Overall, this study reinforces the need for further re-evaluation of the occupational exposure limit and better application of protection measures. However, it also raised some additional questions and unexplained inconsistencies that need follow-up studies to be clarified.
- HBM4EU chromates study - Overall results and recommendations for the biomonitoring of occupational exposure to hexavalent chromiumPublication . Santonen, Tiina; Porras, Simo P.; Bocca, Beatrice; Bousoumah, Radia; Duca, Radu Corneliu; Galea, Karen S.; Godderis, Lode; Göen, Thomas; Hardy, Emilie; Iavicoli, Ivo; Janasik, Beata; Jones, Kate; Leese, Elizabeth; Leso, Veruscka; Louro, Henriqueta; Majery, Nicole; Ndaw, Sophie; Pinhal, Hermínia; Ruggieri, Flavia; Silva, Maria João; van Nieuwenhuyse, An; Verdonck, Jelle; Viegas, Susana; Wasowicz, Wojciech; Sepai, Ovnair; Scheepers, Paul T.J.; Aimonen, Kukka; Antoine, Guillaume; Anzion, Rob; Burgart, Manuella; Castaño, Argelia; Cattaneo, Andrea; Cavallo, Domenico Maria; De Palma, Giuseppe; Denis, Flavien; Gambelunghe, Angela; Gomes, Bruno; Hanser, Ogier; Helenius, Riikka; Ladeira, Carina; López, Marta Esteban; Lovreglio, Piero; Marsan, Philippe; Melczer, Mathieu; Nogueira, Ana; Pletea, Elisabeta; Poels, Katrien; Remes, Jouko; Ribeiro, Edna; Santos, Sílvia Reis; Schaefers, Françoise; Spankie, Sally; Spoek, Robert; Rizki, Mohamed; Rousset, Davy; van Dael, Maurice; Veijalainen, Henna; HBM4EU chromates study teamExposure to hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] may occur in several occupational activities, e.g., welding, Cr(VI) electroplating and other surface treatment processes. The aim of this study was to provide EU relevant data on occupational Cr(VI) exposure to support the regulatory risk assessment and decision-making. In addition, the capability and validity of different biomarkers for the assessment of Cr(VI) exposure were evaluated. The study involved nine European countries and involved 399 workers in different industry sectors with exposures to Cr(VI) such as welding, bath plating, applying or removing paint and other tasks. We also studied 203 controls to establish a background in workers with no direct exposure to Cr(VI). We applied a cross-sectional study design and used chromium in urine as the primary biomonitoring method for Cr(VI) exposure. Additionally, we studied the use of red blood cells (RBC) and exhaled breath condensate (EBC) for biomonitoring of exposure to Cr(VI). Personal measurements were used to study exposure to inhalable and respirable Cr(VI) by personal air sampling. Dermal exposure was studied by taking hand wipe samples. The highest internal exposures were observed in the use of Cr(VI) in electrolytic bath plating. In stainless steel welding the internal Cr exposure was clearly lower when compared to plating activities. We observed a high correlation between chromium urinary levels and air Cr(VI) or dermal total Cr exposure. Urinary chromium showed its value as a first approach for the assessment of total, internal exposure. Correlations between urinary chromium and Cr(VI) in EBC and Cr in RBC were low, probably due to differences in kinetics and indicating that these biomonitoring approaches may not be interchangeable but rather complementary. This study showed that occupational biomonitoring studies can be conducted successfully by multi-national collaboration and provide relevant information to support policy actions aiming to reduce occupational exposure to chemicals.
- HBM4EU chromates study - Reflection and lessons learnt from designing and undertaking a collaborative European biomonitoring study on occupational exposure to hexavalent chromiumPublication . Galea, Karen S.; Porras, Simo P.; Viegas, Susana; Bocca, Beatrice; Bousoumah, Radia; Duca, Radu Corneliu; Godderis, Lode; Iavicoli, Ivo; Janasik, Beata; Jones, Kate; Knudsen, Lisbeth E.; Leese, Elizabeth; Leso, Veruscka; Louro, Henriqueta; Ndaw, Sophie; Ruggieri, Flavia; Sepai, Ovnair; Scheepers, Paul T.J.; Silva, Maria J.; Wasowicz, Wojciech; Santonen, TiinaThe EU human biomonitoring initiative, HBM4EU, aims to co-ordinate and advance human biomonitoring (HBM) across Europe. As part of HBM4EU, we presented a protocol for a multicentre study to characterize occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in nine European countries (HBM4EU chromates study). This study intended to collect data on current occupational exposure and to test new indicators for chromium (Cr) biomonitoring (Cr(VI) in exhaled breath condensate and Cr in red blood cells), in addition to traditional urinary total Cr analyses. Also, data from occupational hygiene samples and biomarkers of early biological effects, including genetic and epigenetic effects, was obtained, complementing the biomonitoring information. Data collection and analysis was completed, with the project findings being made separately available. As HBM4EU prepares to embark on further European wide biomonitoring studies, we considered it important to reflect on the experiences gained through our harmonised approach. Several practical aspects are highlighted for improvement in future studies, e.g., more thorough/earlier training on the implementation of standard operating procedures for field researchers, training on the use of the data entry template, as well as improved company communications. The HBM4EU chromates study team considered that the study had successfully demonstrated the feasibility of conducting a harmonised multicentre investigation able to achieve the research aims and objectives. This was largely attributable to the engaged multidisciplinary network, committed to deliver clearly understood goals. Such networks take time and investment to develop, but are priceless in terms of their ability to deliver and facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration.
- HBM4EU chromates study - Usefulness of measurement of blood chromium levels in the assessment of occupational Cr(VI) exposurePublication . Ndaw, Sophie; Leso, Veruscka; Bousoumah, Radia; Rémy, Aurélie; Bocca, Beatrice; Duca, Radu Corneliu; Godderis, Lode; Hardy, Emilie; Janasik, Beata; van Nieuwenhuyse, An; Pinhal, Hermínia; Poels, Katrien; Porras, Simo P.; Ruggieri, Flavia; Santonen, Tiina; Santos, Sílvia Reis; Scheepers, Paul T.J.; Silva, Maria João; Verdonck, Jelle; Viegas, Susana; Wasowicz, Wojciech; Iavicoli, Ivo; HBM4EU Chromates Study TeamOccupational exposures to hexavalent Chromium (Cr(VI)) can occur in welding, hot working stainless steel processing, chrome plating, spray painting and coating activities. Recently, within the human biomonitoring for Europe initiative (HBM4EU), a study was performed to assess the suitability of different biomarkers to assess the exposure to Cr(VI) in various job tasks. Blood-based biomarkers may prove useful when more specific infor-mation on systemic and intracellular bioavailability is necessary. To this aim, concentrations of Cr in red blood cells (RBC-Cr) and in plasma (P–Cr) were analyzed in 345 Cr(VI) exposed workers and 175 controls to understand how these biomarkers may be affected by variable levels of exposure and job procedures. Compared to controls, significantly higher RBC-Cr levels were observed in bath plating and paint application workers, but not in welders, while all the 3 groups had significantly greater P–Cr concentrations. RBC-Cr and P–Cr in chrome platers showed a high correlation with Cr(VI) in inhalable dust, outside respiratory protective equipment (RPE), while such correlation could not be determined in welders. In platers, the use of RPE had a significant impact on the relationship between blood biomarkers and Cr(VI) in inhalable and respirable dust. Low correlations between P–Cr and RBC-Cr may reflect a difference in kinetics. This study showed that Cr-blood-based biomarkers can provide information on how workplace exposure translates into systemic availability of Cr(III) (extracellular, P–Cr) and Cr(VI) (intracellular, RBC-Cr). Further studies are needed to fully appreciate their use in an occupational health and safety context.
- HBM4EU Chromates Study: Determinants of Exposure to Hexavalent Chromium in Plating, Welding and Other Occupational SettingsPublication . Viegas, Susana; Martins, Carla; Bocca, Beatrice; Bousoumah, Radia; Duca, Radu Corneliu; Galea, Karen S.; Godderis, Lode; Iavicoli, Ivo; Janasik, Beata; Jones, Kate; Leese, Elizabeth; Leso, Veruscka; Ndaw, Sophie; van Nieuwenhuyse, An; Poels, Katrien; Porras, Simo P.; Ruggieri, Flavia; Silva, Maria João; Verdonck, Jelle; Wasowicz, Wojciech; Scheepers, Paul T.J.; Santonen, Tiina; HBM4EU Chromates Study TeamWork-related exposures in industrial processing of chromate (chrome plating, surface treatment and welding) raise concern regarding the health risk of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). In this study, performed under the HBM4EU project, we focused on better understanding the determinants of exposure and recognising how risk management measures (RMMs) contribute to a reduction in exposure. HBM and occupational hygiene data were collected from 399 workers and 203 controls recruited in nine European countries. Urinary total chromium (U-Cr), personal inhalable and respirable dust of Cr and Cr(VI) and Cr from hand wipes were collected. Data on the RMMs were collected by questionnaires. We studied the association between different exposure parameters and the use of RMMs. The relationship between exposure by inhalation and U-Cr in different worker groups was analysed using regression analysis and found a strong association. Automatisation of Cr electroplating dipping explained lower exposure levels in platers. The use of personal protective equipment resulted in lower U-Cr levels in welding, bath plating and painting. An effect of wearing gloves was observed in machining. An effect of local exhaust ventilation and training was observed in welding. Regression analyses showed that in platers, exposure to air level of 5 µg/m3 corresponds to U-Cr level of 7 µg/g creatinine. In welders, the same inhalation exposure resulted in lower U-Cr levels reflecting toxicokinetic differences of different chromium species.
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