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Last Updated: Nov 19, 2008 - 3:39:42 PM |
Latest Research
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Surgery
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Transplantation
Spanish surgeons achieve tracheal transplant breakthrough
London, Nov 19 - In a surgical first, Spanish surgeons have achieved the world's first whole organ transplant using a windpipe made with the patient's own stem cells.
Nov 20, 2008 - 5:37:23 PM
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Latest Research
First trial of gene therapy for advanced heart failure shows promising results
NEW YORK (Nov. 10, 2008) -- Phase I results of the first clinical trial of gene therapy for patients with advanced heart failure show the approach to be promising, with improvements in several measures of the condition's severity.
Nov 10, 2008 - 5:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
Experts discuss effects of chronic kidney disease on women's sexual health
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) exacts a significant toll on a woman's sexuality and gynecologic health. The various effects of kidney failure and its treatments on women's sexual health from adolescence through menopause will be the topic of an in-depth series of presentations at the American Society of Nephrology's 41st Annual Meeting and Scientific Exposition in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Nov 7, 2008 - 5:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
ERSD, heart disease and African-Americans with hypertensive nephrosclerosis
For most patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), the risk of experiencing a cardiovascular related death is greater than the risk of progressing to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). According to research being presented at the American Society of Nephrology's 41st Annual Meeting and Scientific Exposition in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, African Americans with CKD caused by high blood pressure (hypertensive nephrosclerosis) demonstrated a higher risk of progressing to ESRD than dying from heart disease related events.
Nov 6, 2008 - 5:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
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Surgery
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Transplantation
Breakthrough to nip transplant rejection in the bud
London, Oct 31 - A chance discovery by biologists will help trick the immune system into believing that a transplanted organ is the body's own, not a foreign element, nipping its rejection in the bud.
Oct 31, 2008 - 12:25:11 PM
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Latest Research
Anti-seizure drug could be fatal
Patients treated for their prolonged seizures with the sedative propofol may be at high risk for complications and even death. New research presented at CHEST 2008, the 74th annual international scientific assembly of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), shows that the use of propofol as an antiepileptic agent in patients with refractory status epilepticus (RSE), prolonged seizures that do not respond to initial treatment, was associated with significant mortality and morbidity.
Oct 28, 2008 - 4:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
Study points to 1 cause of higher rates of transplanted kidney rejection in blacks
A Johns Hopkins research team reports it may have an explanation for at least some of the higher organ rejection rates seen among black - as compared to white - kidney transplant recipients.
Aug 29, 2008 - 4:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
Cartilage regeneration '20,000 Leagues Under the Sea'
HOUSTON, June 4, 2008 -- Bioengineers at Rice University have discovered that intense pressure -- similar to what someone would experience more than a half-mile beneath the ocean's surface -- stimulates cartilage cells to grow new tissue with nearly all of the properties of natural cartilage. The new method, which requires no stem cells, may eventually provide relief for thousands of arthritis sufferers.
Jun 4, 2008 - 4:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
U of M sets course for cure of fatal childhood skin disease
Physicians at the University of Minnesota and University of Minnesota Children's Hospital, Fairview have set the path to a cure for a young boy's fatal genetic skin disease, recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), by using a cord blood and bone marrow transplant. Nate Liao, a 25-month-old from Clarksburg, N.J., underwent the experimental therapy in October 2007.
Jun 3, 2008 - 4:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
Study finds good outcomes for older lung transplant patients
In the world of organ donation, it has been common practice to exclude older patients from receiving transplants because of limited donor supply and lower survival rates.
Feb 5, 2008 - 6:40:00 AM
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Latest Research
Stanford study finds transplant patient thrives 2 years after stopping immunosuppressive drugs
STANFORD, Calif. - Luck smiled on Larry Kowalski when his brother agreed to donate a kidney Kowalski needed to live. He was even luckier that his brother's kidney was such a good match.
Jan 23, 2008 - 5:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
Researcher transplants stem cells to try to save patients' legs
CHICAGO -- A Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine researcher has launched the first U.S. trial in which a purified form of subjects' own adult stem cells was transplanted into their leg muscles with severely blocked arteries to try to grow new small blood vessels and restore circulation in their legs.
Jan 21, 2008 - 5:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
Implanting embryonic cardiac cells prevents arrhythmias
When researchers at Cornell, the University of Bonn and the University of Pittsburgh transplanted living embryonic heart cells into cardiac tissue of mice that had suffered heart attacks, the mice became resistant to cardiac arrhythmias, thereby avoiding one of the most dangerous and fatal consequences of heart attacks.
Dec 5, 2007 - 5:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
Cross-species transplant in rhesus macaques is step toward diabetes cure for humans
St. Louis, Oct. 18, 2007 — With an eye on curing diabetes, scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have successfully transplanted embryonic pig pancreatic cells destined to produce insulin into diabetic macaque monkeys – all without the need for risky immune suppression drugs that prevent rejection.
Oct 18, 2007 - 4:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
Reunion with patient inspires follow-up study on treatment for DiGeorge syndrome
More than 20 years ago, doctors at Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA performed a successful bone marrow transplant on a baby girl who was born without a thymus gland and was suffering from severe immune deficiency. It marked the first time a bone marrow transplant, rather than a thymic transplant, had been used to treat the genetic condition known as DiGeorge Syndrome (DGS).
Oct 16, 2007 - 4:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
Kidney research points to ways to more effectively use organs
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Several new studies suggest how transplant surgeons can make more effective use of kidneys from deceased donors – even those that are at the outer limits of acceptance criteria – according to researchers from Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.
Oct 1, 2007 - 4:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
Immune system modulation can halt liver failure in animals
Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) researchers have a developed a totally new approach to treating liver failure – manipulating the immune response. If the results of the animal study can be applied in human patients, the approach may be able to keep patients alive until donor organs become available or to support liver function until the organ can regenerate itself, eliminating the need for a transplant. The findings are being reported in the journal PLOS One.
Sep 25, 2007 - 4:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
Brown scientists take the petri dish to new dimensions
PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] — A team of Brown University biomedical engineers has invented a 3-D Petri dish that can grow cells in three dimensions, a method that promises to quickly and cheaply produce more realistic cells for drug development and tissue transplantation.
Sep 19, 2007 - 4:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
Sexual function affected by stem cell transplant according to long-term study
WASHINGTON, Sept. 18, 2007 -- A long-term study found that a type of stem cell transplant used for patients with life-threatening diseases, such as leukemia and lymphoma, results in decreased sexual function and activity for recipients. Further, males are likely to recover from these changes over time, while the sexuality of female patients remains compromised. In addition, neither male nor female long-term cancer survivors regained levels of sexual activity and function equal to those of their peers who have not had cancer, according to a Blood First Edition Paper prepublished online today. Blood is the official journal of the American Society of Hematology.
Sep 18, 2007 - 4:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
Embryonic stem cells used to grow cartilage
HOUSTON, Sept. 6, 2007 – Rice University biomedical engineers have developed a new technique for growing cartilage from human embryonic stem cells, a method that could be used to grow replacement cartilage for the surgical repair of knee, jaw, hip, and other joints.
Sep 6, 2007 - 4:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
U of M begins nation's first clinical trial using T-reg cells from cord blood in leukemia treatment
University of Minnesota researchers have initiated a ground breaking clinical trial to determine the optimal dose and safety of T regulatory cells (T-regs) to decrease the risk of immune reactions common in patients undergoing blood and marrow transplantation.
Sep 5, 2007 - 4:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
Inhaling nitric oxide helps transplant success
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Administering inhaled nitric oxide (NO) during surgery helps protect liver transplant patients from organ failure, according to a new study from researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).
Aug 29, 2007 - 4:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
Facial transplantation may be a safer option, study shows
CINCINNATI/LOUISVILLE—Researchers in Cincinnati and Louisville report that immunosuppressive risks associated with facial transplantation may be lower than thought, possibly making the procedure a safer option for people who have suffered severe facial injuries.
Aug 28, 2007 - 4:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
Better life support for artificial liver cells
COLUMBUS , Ohio -- Researchers at Ohio State University are developing technology for keeping liver cells alive and functioning normally inside bioartificial liver-assist devices (BLADs).
Aug 23, 2007 - 4:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
New treatment for glaucoma shows promise in laboratory, say Iowa State researchers
AMES, Iowa — Iowa State University researchers have developed a new technique that successfully treated rats for blindness caused by glaucoma. Their experimental treatment will be used on canine patients in the next year. If successful, it is expected to move to human trials.
Aug 1, 2007 - 4:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
First case of successful ovarian tissue transplantation between two, nonidentical sisters
A woman, whose ovaries had failed due to damage caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy, has received a successful ovarian transplant from her genetically non-identical sister. The transplant restored her ovarian function, she started to menstruate and, after a year, doctors were able to recover two mature oocytes from her ovaries and fertilise them to produce two embryos.
Aug 1, 2007 - 4:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
UF to lead research on life-threatening fungus
GAINESVILLE, Fla. - Hear the word fungus, and mushrooms and mold might leap to mind. But the University of Florida is about to house the nation's first research repository for one species that has nothing to do with pizza toppings or marbling blue cheese: Aspergillus, which increasingly poses a major health threat to cancer patients andtransplant recipients.
Jul 31, 2007 - 4:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
New technique to 'see' and protect transplants successful in diabetic animal model
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have found a way to overcome a major stumbling block to developing successful insulin-cell transplants for people with type I diabetes.
Jul 29, 2007 - 4:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
First mouse lung transplants lay groundwork for new ways to prevent transplant rejection in humans
St. Louis, July 11, 2006 — Lung transplants have been performed successfully for more than 20 years in humans but never before in mice – until now. Surgeons at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have developed the first mouse model of lung transplantation, and they’re hoping it will help explain why the success of the procedure in humans lags far behind other solid organ transplants.
Jul 11, 2007 - 4:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
Neuroscientist comments on stem cell study's success in helping primates with Parkinson's
Tampa, FL (July 10, 2007) -- A University of South Florida neuroscientist reports that the cutting-edge research study of human stem cells in primates with Parkinson’s disease is compelling on several fronts – particularly how the transplanted cells did their job of easing disease symptoms.
Jul 10, 2007 - 4:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
A gene that protects from kidney disease
Researchers from the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and the University of Michigan have discovered a gene that protects us against a serious kidney disease. In the current online issue of Nature Genetics they report that mutations in the gene cause nephronopthisis (NPHP) in humans and mice. NPHP is a disease marked by kidney degeneration during childhood that leads to kidney failure requiring organ transplantation. The insights might help develop effective, noninvasive therapies.
Jul 8, 2007 - 4:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
Tough tubes -- Carbon nanotubes endure heavy wear and tear
Troy, N.Y. -- The ability of carbon nanotubes to withstand repeated stress yet retain their structural and mechanical integrity is similar to the behavior of soft tissue, according to a new study from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Jul 2, 2007 - 4:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
Scientists identify a mouse embryonic stem cell more like our own
Scientists have discovered a new type of mouse embryonic stem cell that is the closest counterpart yet to human embryonic stem (ES) cells, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced today. The cells are expected to serve as an improved model for human ES cells in studies of regeneration, disease pathology and basic stem cell biology.
Jun 27, 2007 - 4:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
First study transplanting angina patients' purified stem cells shows safety and symptom relief
CHICAGO --- The first U.S. study to transplant a potent form of purified adult stem cells into the heart muscle of patients with severe angina provided evidence that the procedure is safe and produced a reduction in angina pain as well as improved functioning in patients' daily lives, reports the lead researcher at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine.
Jun 26, 2007 - 4:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
New vaccine prevents CMV infection and disease in mice
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences have patented a strategy for developing a human vaccine to prevent against Human Cytomegalovirus (hCMV) infection and disease.
Jun 22, 2007 - 4:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
A faster way to recover from chemotherapy and marrow transplant
Researchers at ChildrenÂ’s Hospital Boston report finding a new way to increase stem cells in blood, suggesting a possible treatment to help patients who undergo chemotherapy or bone marrow transplant for leukemia and other cancers recover their immune function more quickly. In the June 21 issue of Nature, they demonstrate that a stable analog of prostaglandin can enhance the blood-forming system, both during embryonic development and after itÂ’s been damaged.
Jun 20, 2007 - 4:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
Elevated pepsin levels may lead to rejection of lung transplants
Researchers in the United Kingdom have demonstrated that high levels of pepsin, a digestive enzyme that is a marker for gastric aspiration, are associated with acute rejection of a lung transplant. This research provides further evidence that lung rejection may be caused by factors other than alloimmunity, the attack the body mounts to protect itself against “foreign” cells.
Jun 15, 2007 - 4:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
Newspaper articles on organ transplantation mostly positive, study shows
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- A content analysis of newspaper stories about organ and tissue donation, conducted by researchers at the University at Buffalo, found an almost 4:1 ratio of positive-to-negative articles on the subject.
Jun 15, 2007 - 4:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine researchers develop 'off-the-shelf' vascular grafts
TORONTO, June 15 – University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine investigators have engineered artificial blood vessels from muscle-derived stem cells (MDSCs) and a biodegradable polymer that exhibit extensive remodeling and remain free of blockages when grafted into rats. The results of their study, which is being presented at the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS) North America Chapter meeting being held June 13 to 16 at the Westin Harbor Castle conference center in Toronto, has potentially significant implications for the treatment of heart and kidney diseases, where there is a critical need for new sources of blood vessels for vascular grafts.
Jun 15, 2007 - 4:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
University of Pittsburgh researchers culture blood-forming stem cells from human fat tissue
TORONTO, June 14 – Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have successfully isolated and cultured human hematopoietic stem cells from fat, or adipose, tissue, suggesting that they have found another important source of cells for reconstituting the bone marrow of patients undergoing intensive radiation therapy for blood cancers. They are presenting this ground-breaking research at the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS) North American Chapter meeting being held June 13 to 16 at the Westin Harbor Castle conference center in Toronto.
Jun 14, 2007 - 4:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
Carnegie Mellon scientists devise method to increase kidney transplants
PITTSBURGH—Computer scientists at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a new computerized method for matching living kidney donors with kidney disease patients that can increase the number of kidney transplants — and save lives.
Jun 11, 2007 - 4:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
Research shows cord blood comparable to matched bone marrow
University of Minnesota researchers report that umbilical cord blood transplants may offer blood cancer patients better outcomes than bone marrow transplants, according to an analysis of outcome data performed at the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.
Jun 7, 2007 - 4:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
Studies to find better ways to preserve human eggs, ovarian tissue under way
The goal is to make human eggs, ovarian tissue, blood vessels, even whole organs available when needed.
Jun 6, 2007 - 4:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
Gene expression patterns predict rapid decline in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients
PITTSBURGH, May 30 -- Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic lung disease typically characterized by the slow but progressive onset of shortness of breath or cough. Most patients live about five years after diagnosis. However, according to a new study being published today in the online journal PLoS ONE, a subset of patients with a specific genetic profile has a much more rapid progression to complete pulmonary failure and death without a lung transplant.
May 30, 2007 - 4:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
Adult stem cells from human cord umbilical cord blood successfully engineered to make insulin
GALVESTON, Texas -- In a fundamental discovery that someday may help cure type 1 diabetes by allowing people to grow their own insulin-producing cells for a damaged or defective pancreas, medical researchers here have reported that they have engineered adult stem cells derived from human umbilical cord blood to produce insulin.
May 25, 2007 - 4:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
UPMC begins study of heart support device as a bridge to transplantation
PITTSBURGH, May 21 – Doctors at UPMC have begun a study using an investigational cardiac device, the VentrAssist™ Left Ventricular Assist System (LVAD) to see whether it can be used safely and effectively in patients with end-stage heart failure.
May 21, 2007 - 4:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
Quality versus quantity -- transforming kidney transplant policy
Boston – May 17, 2007 -- A new article published in American Journal of Transplantation examines the dilemmas faced in trying to change kidney transplant policy; addressing the need to balance the benefits of immediate transplants with those to be had from waiting for a more suitable match. The article highlights some of the important points to be considered in any new policy-making, and suggests a new method for allocation, whereby the patients are involved in the decision process.
May 17, 2007 - 4:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
UPMC performs first beating heart transplant procedure in the US
PITTSBURGH, May 17 – Protected by its own nutrients and blood supply, a beating heart supported by an investigational organ preservation device was successfully transplanted into a 47-year-old man with congestive heart failure and pulmonary hypertension on Sunday, April 8. The surgery was performed at UPMC by Kenneth R. McCurry, M.D., assistant professor of surgery, division of cardiothoracic surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and director of cardiopulmonary transplantation at UPMC's Heart, Lung and Esophageal Surgery Institute.
May 17, 2007 - 4:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
'Nondanger' signal lowers immune reactions
Rheumatology researchers have discovered that a well-known cell receptor sends a signal to dampen the immune system.
May 15, 2007 - 4:00:00 AM
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Latest Research
Nerves controlling muscles are best repaired with similar nerves
When repairing severed or damaged motor nerves with a donor nerve graft, surgeons have traditionally used a sensory nerve from another area of the patient's body. However, these patients often do not fully regain function in the injured area.
May 11, 2007 - 4:00:00 AM
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