AJLM 11(1)_2022_Contents.indd


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Table of Contents

Lessons from the Field
COVID-19 mass testing and sequencing: Experiences from a  
laboratory in Western Kenya
John N. Waitumbi, Esther Omuseni, Josphat Nyataya, 
Clement Masakhwe, Faith Sigei, Allan Lemtudo, George Awinda, 
Eric Muthanje, Brian Andika, Rachel Githii, Rehema Liyai, 
Gathii Kimita, Beth Mutai
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1737 | 22 July 2022

Lessons from the Field
Tuberculosis-loop-mediated isothermal amplification  
implementation in Cameroon: Challenges, lessons learned 
and recommendations
Valerie F. Donkeng-Donfack, Suzanne M. Ongoulal, Yvonne J.  
Djieugoue, Yannick Kamdem Simo, Henri Manga, Danielle A.D.  
Tollo, Edwige M.A. Belinga, Vincent Mbassa, Jean L. Abena,  
Sara Eyangoh
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1792 | 26 August 2022

Review Article
Beta-lactamase resistance genes in Enterobacteriaceae from Nigeria
Babafela B. Awosile, Michael Agbaje, Oluwawemimo Adebowale, 
Olugbenga Kehinde, Ezekiel Omoshaba
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1371 | 22 February 2022

Review Article
Microbiology laboratories involved in disease and antimicrobial 
resistance surveillance: Strengths and challenges of the central 
African states
Passoret Vounba, Severin Loul, Ludovic F. Tamadea, Joël F.D. Siawaya
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1570 | 31 March 2022

Review Article
Low-level viraemia: An emerging concern among people living 
with HIV in Uganda and across sub-Saharan Africa
Nicholus Nanyeenya, Noah Kiwanuka, Damalie Nakanjako, Gertrude 
Nakigozi, Simon P.S. Kibira, Susan Nabadda, Charles Kiyaga, Isaac 
Sewanyana, Esther Nasuuna, Fredrick Makumbi
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1899 | 20 October 2022

Original Research
Impact of pre-COVID-19 epidemic preparedness on the trajectory 
of the pandemic in African countries
Talkmore Maruta, Sikhulile Moyo
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1571 | 31 March 2022

Original Research
Prevalence of alpha and beta haemolysin among blood group 
O donors in Bamenda, Cameroon
Victor N. Fondoh, Nobert Ndzenjempuh, Tamunjoh Stella, Richard M. 
Fondoh, Charles N. Awasom, Rebecca Enow-Tanjong, Egbe P. Egbengu, 
Robert Leke, Njini F.N. Rose, Denis Nsame
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1432 | 19 April 2022

Original Research
Red cell distribution width as a surrogate marker of haemoglobinopathies 
in western Kenya
Benard M. Mutua, George Sowayi, Patrick Okoth
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1644 | 29 April 2022

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Editorial
COP27 Climate Change Conference: Urgent action needed for  
Africa and the world
Lukoye Atwoli, Gregory E. Erhabor, Aiah A. Gbakima, Abraham 
Haileamlak, Jean-Marie Kayembe Ntumba, James Kigera,  
Laurie Laybourn-Langton, Robert Mash, Joy Muhia, Fhumulani M. 
Mulaudzi, David Ofori-Adjei, Friday Okonofua, Arash Rashidian,  
Maha El-Adawy, Siaka Sidibé, Abdelmadjid Snouber, James Tumwine, 
Sahar Yassien Mohammad, Paul Yonga, Lilia Zakhama, Chris Zielinski
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a2080 | 04 November 2022

Editorial
Point-of-care testing: Connecting communities in Africa and ensuring 
equity in access to health and diagnostics
Rajiv T. Erasmus
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a2072 | 13 December 2022

Opinion Paper
Challenges and complexities in evaluating severe acute respiratory 
syndrome coronavirus 2 molecular diagnostics during the COVID-19 
pandemic
Lesley E. Scott, Lara D. Noble, Ashika Singh-Moodley, Trish Kahamba, 
Diana R. Hardie, Wolfgang Preiser, Wendy S. Stevens
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1429 | 26 April 2022

Opinion Paper
To break the cycle of COVID-19 lockdowns and safely open up 
economies, we must ensure equitable access to diagnosis and treatment
Nqobile Ndlovu, Yenew K. Tebeje, Renuka Gadde, Trevor Peter
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1650 | 27 May 2022

Opinion Paper
The time to address diagnostic needs in universal health coverage 
is now: Leveraging the scale up of national testing capacity for 
HIV viral load and SARS-CoV-2
Francesco Marinucci, Jens Dhein
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1685 | 22 June 2022

Lessons from the Field
Strengthening laboratory networks in the Central Africa region: 
A milestone for epidemic preparedness and response
Patrick A. Njukeng, Charles Njumkeng, Callistus Ntongowa, 
Mohammed Abdulaziz
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1492 | 19 May 2022

Lessons from the Field
Practical tips to using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue 
archives for molecular diagnostics in a South African setting
Barbara S. van Deventer, Lorraine du Toit-Prinsloo, Chantal van Niekerk
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1587 | 23 June 2022

Lessons from the Field
Challenges with the pursuit of ISO 15189 accreditation in a public 
health laboratory in Ghana
Seth Attoh, Francis K.M. Tetteh, Mary McAddy, Kingsley Ackah, Richmond 
Kyei, Marcus Moroti, Cynthia Boateng, Laurinda Adusu-Donkor, Joseph 
Boafo, Alhassan Yakubu, Sarah Kwao, Emmanuel Sarkodie, Nana-Banyin 
Koranteng, Monica A. Addo, Frederick Hobenu, Kwasi Agyeman-Bediako, 
Raymond D. Fatchu
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1448 | 19 July 2022

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Vol 11, No 1 (2022)

ISSN: 2225-2002 (print)  |  ISSN: 2225-2010 (online)African Journal of Laboratory Medicine



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Table of Contents

Original Research
Appropriate use of plasma glucose tests for diagnosis of diabetes 
mellitus in Ibadan, Nigeria
Modupe A. Kuti, Olabisi T. Bamidele, Chioma T. Udeh, Bola J. Eseile, 
Olajumoke A. Ogundeji
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1433 | 29 April 2022

Original Research
High-risk human papillomavirus-associated vulvar neoplasia among 
women living with human immunodeficiency virus in Zambia
Fred Maate, Peter Julius, Stepfanie Siyumbwa, Leeya Pinder, 
Trevor Kaile, Mulindi Mwanahamuntu, Groesbeck Parham
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1563 | 12 May 2022

Original Research
Diagnostic challenges with accurate identification of Listeria 
monocytogenes isolates from food and environmental samples 
in South Africa
Teena S.M. Thomas, Juno Thomas, Karren le Roux, Sanelisiwe T. Duze, 
Faith Mkhwanazi, Adriano Duse
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1482 | 23 May 2022

Original Research
South African study of blast phase chronic myeloid leukaemia:  
A poor prognostic outlook
Katherine E. Hodkinson, Nikki Bouwer, Jenifer Vaughan
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1578 | 31 May 2022

Original Research
Enhancing accreditation outcomes for medical laboratories on 
the Strengthening Laboratory Management Toward Accreditation 
programme in Kenya via a rapid results initiative
Ernest P. Makokha, Raphael O. Ondondo, Daniel K. Kimani, Thomas 
Gachuki, Frank Basiye, Mercy Njeru, Muthoni Junghae, Marie Downer, 
Mamo Umuro, Margaret Mburu, Jane Mwangi
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1614 | 31 May 2022

Original Research
Aetiology of pancytopenia: Experience of a South African tertiary 
academic centre
Erica-Mari Nell, Zivanai C. Chapanduka
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1645 | 31 May 2022

Original Research
Newly implemented community CD4 service in Tshwaragano, Northern 
Cape province, South Africa, positively impacts result turn-around time
Lindi-Marie Coetzee, Naseem Cassim, Deborah K. Glencross
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1376 | 03 June 2022

Original Research
Childhood aplastic anaemia with paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria 
clones: A retrospective single-centre study in South Africa
Candice L. Hendricks, Ashen Naidoo, Rajendra Thejpal, Nadine Rapiti, 
Beverley Neethling, Yasmin Goga, Suvarna Buldeo
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1537 | 06 June 2022

Original Research
Implementation of a customised antimicrobial resistance laboratory 
scorecard in Cameroon, Ethiopia and Kenya
André Trollip, Renuka Gadde, Tjeerd Datema, Kamau Gatwechi, Linda 
Oskam, Zachary Katz, Andrew Whitelaw, Peter Kinyanjui, Patrick Njukeng, 
Dawit A. Wendifraw, Ibrahimm Mugerwa, Grace Najjuka, Nicholas Dayie, 
Japheth A. Opintan, Heidi Albert
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1476 | 20 June 2022

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Original Research
The application of sigma metrics in the laboratory to assess quality  
control processes in South Africa
Marli van Heerden, Jaya A. George, Siyabonga Khoza
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1344 | 22 June 2022

Original Research
Delays in HIV-1 infant polymerase chain reaction testing may leave 
children without confirmed diagnoses in the Western Cape province, 
South Africa
Kamela L. Mahlakwane, Wolfgang Preiser, Nokwazi Nkosi, Nasheen 
Naidoo, Gert van Zyl
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1485 | 23 June 2022

Original Research
The Togo national proficiency test pilot programme for basic clinical 
chemistry tests
Kafui C. Kouassi, Améyo M. Dorkenoo, Komivi Gbada, Yaovi-Gameli 
Afanyibo, Minogblon Têko, Adjane Koura
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1565 | 24 June 2022

Original Research
Implementing an intensified mentorship approach towards 
accelerated medical laboratory accreditation in 10 counties  
in Kenya
Susan K. Musau, Christina Mwachari, Elvis Kirui, Junghae Muthoni, 
Taylor Lascko, Natalia Blanco, Alash’le Abimiku, Emily Koech
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1814 | 01 July 2022

Original Research
Cost of running a full-service receiving office at a centralised testing 
laboratory in South Africa
Naseem Cassim, Neeshan Ramdin, Sadhaseevan Moodly, 
Deborah K. Glencross
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1504 | 13 July 2022

Original Research
Evaluation of fixed-panel, multicolour ClearLLab 10C at an 
academic flow cytometry laboratory in Johannesburg,  
South Africa
Deborah K. Glencross, Leanne Swart, Melanie Pretorius,  
Denise Lawrie
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1458 | 15 July 2022

Original Research
Formulation of phage cocktails and evaluation of their interaction 
with antibiotics in inhibiting carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella 
pneumoniae in vitro in Kenya
Noutin F. Michodigni, Atunga Nyachieo, Juliah K. Akhwale, Gabriel 
Magoma, Abdoul-Salam Ouédraogo, Andrew N. Kimang’a
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1803 | 18 July 2022

Original Research
Occurrence and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Salmonella 
species from poultry farms in Ibadan, Nigeria
Terese G. Orum, Olayinka O. Ishola, Oluwawemimo O. Adebowale
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1606 | 20 July 2022

Original Research
Therapeutic drug monitoring of phenytoin and valproic acid in 
critically ill patients at Windhoek Central Hospital, Namibia
Bonifasius S. Singu, Helen Morrison, Lydia Irengeya,  
Roger K. Verbeeck
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1628 | 21 July 2022

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Original Research
Prevalence of hepatitis B virus core antibodies among blood donors in 
Nigeria: Implications for blood safety
Foluke A. Fasola, Adeola A. Fowotade, Adedayo O. Faneye, Adeyeni 
Adeleke
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1434 | 26 July 2022

Original Research
Efficacy of diversely isolated lytic phages against multi-drug resistant 
Enterobacter cloacae isolates in Kenya
Ivy J. Mutai, Angela A. Juma, Martin I. Inyimili, Atunga Nyachieo, 
Anthony K. Nyamache
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1673 | 11 August 2022

Original Research
Establishment of haemoglobin A

2
 reference intervals in Pretoria, 

South Africa: A retrospective secondary data analysis
Cailin Nieuwenhuizen, Tshiphiri Netshidzivhani, Johan Potgieter
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1841 | 12 August 2022

Original Research
Hepatitis B virus infection and HBeAg positivity among pregnant 
women in South West Uganda
Naome Mugabiirwe, Rogers Kalyetsi, Richard Ayella, James Obote, 
Frank Ssedyabane
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1784 | 18 August 2022

Original Research
Bacteriological profile and antibiogram of blood culture isolates from 
bloodstream infections in a rural tertiary hospital in Nigeria
Oluwalana T. Oyekale, Bola O. Ojo, Adewale T. Olajide, Oluwatoyin I. Oyekale
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1807 | 24 August 2022

Original Research
GeneXpert rollout in three high-burden tuberculosis countries in Africa: 
A review of pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosis and outcomes from 2001 
to 2019
Victor Williams, Marianne Calnan, Bassey Edem, Chukwuemeka 
Onwuchekwa, Chika Okoro, Christine Candari, Rhodora Cruz, Kennedy 
Otwombe
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1811 | 30 August 2022

Original Research
Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System on the 
African continent: Early implementation 2017–2019
Barbara Tornimbene, Sergey Eremin, Reuben Abednego, Elamin O. Abualas, 
Ilhem Boutiba, Abiodun Egwuenu, Walter Fuller, Laetitia Gahimbare, Susan 
Githii, Watipaso Kasambara, Chileshe Lukwesa-Musyani, Fidy A. Miamina, 
Sekesai Mtapuri-Zinyowera, Grace Najjuka, Olga Perovic, Bassem Zayed, 
Yahaya A. Ahmed, Maha T. Ismail, Carmem L. Pessoa da Silva
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1594 | 31 August 2022

Original Research
Effect of sputum quality and role of Xpert® MTB/RIF assay for detection of 
smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis in same-day diagnosis strategy in 
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Waganeh Sinshaw, Abebaw Kebede, Adane Bitew, Mengistu Tadesse, 
Zemedu Mehamed, Ayinalem Alemu, Bazezew Yenew, Misikir Amare, 
Biniyam Dagne, Getu Diriba, Ephrem Tesfaye, Dinka F. Gamtesa, 
Yeshiwork Abebaw, Helina Mollalign, Getachew Seid,  
Muluwork Getahun
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1671 | 31 August 2022

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Original Research
Human herpes virus type-6 is associated with central nervous system 
infections in children in Sudan
Nada A. Abdelrahim, Nahla Mohamed, Magnus Evander, Clas Ahlm, 
Imad M. Fadl-Elmula
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1718 | 22 September 2022

Original Research
Audit of amylase and lipase requests in suspected acute pancreatitis 
and cost implications, South Africa
Annie E. Cook, Thumeka P. Jalavu, Annalise E. Zemlin
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1834 | 26 September 2022

Original Research
Red blood cell alloimmunisation in multi-transfused patients from an 
haemodialysis service in Burkina Faso
Koumpingnin Nebie, Salam Sawadogo, Salifo Sawadogo, Jérôme 
Koulidiati, Habi Y.A. Lengani, Abdoul G. Sawadogo, Jérôme Babinet, 
Mohammed Khalloufi, Saliou Diop, Eléonore Kafando
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1625 | 26 September 2022

Original Research
Comparison of commercial assays and two-step approach to detect 
Clostridioides difficile in South Africa
Sarishna Singh, Mae Newton-Foot, Pieter Nel, Colette Pienaar
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1809 | 29 September 2022

Original Research
Molecular detection of hepatitis B virus genotype E with immune 
escape mutations in chronic hepatitis B patients on long-term 
antiviral therapy in Jos, Nigeria
Joseph Anejo-Okopi, Edith Okeke, Pantong M. Davwar, Chika 
Onwuamah, Harris Onywera, Patience Omaiye, Mary Duguru, Ocheme 
J. Okojokwu, Otobo I. Ujah, Bulus Jonathan, Chima A. George, Ramyil S. 
Crown, Fiyaktu B. Yakubu, Judith O. Sokei, Leona C. Okoli, Onyemocho 
Audu, Seth C. Inzaule, Isaac O. Abah, Patricia Agaba, Oche O. Agbaji, 
Atiene S. Sagay, Claudia Hawkins
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1677 | 18 October 2022

Original Research
Agreement between Xpert and AmpFire tests for high-risk human 
papillomavirus among HIV-positive women in Rwanda
Anthere Murangwa, Kanan T. Desai, Julia C. Gage, Gad Murenzi, 
Patrick Tuyisenge, Faustin Kanyabwisha, Aimable Musafili, Gallican 
Kubwimana, Leon Mutesa, Kathryn Anastos, Hae-Young Kim, 
Philip E. Castle
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1827 | 19 October 2022

Original Research
Optimising courier specimen collection time improves patient access to 
HIV viral load testing in South Africa
Sarah J. Girdwood, Thomas Crompton, Naseem Cassim, Floyd Olsen, 
Portia Sejake, Karidia Diallo, Leigh Berrie, Dorman Chimhamhiwa, 
Wendy Stevens, Brooke Nichols
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1725 | 25 October 2022

Original Research
Practices and barriers to screening for hyperglycaemia in pregnancy 
among providers of antenatal care in Jos, Nigeria
Lucius C. Imoh, Abdulazis S. Longwap, Favour E. Haruna, Oghale J. Asieba, 
Joy P. Istifanus, Joy A. Imoh, Mathilda E. Banwat
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1845 | 31 October 2022

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Original Research
Causes of death and post-mortem testing for SARS-CoV-2 in a tertiary 
hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana
Edward Asumanu, Seth Attoh, Raymond X. Servor, Clement Laryea, Mary 
McAddy, Fred Hobenu, Raymond Factchu, Kwesi Agyemang-Bediako, 
Edward O. Nyarko, Godwin K. Nyarko, Marcus K. Moroti, Lawrence Edusei
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1766 | 23 November 2022

Original Research
Malaria an opportunistic infection in HIV/AIDS patients? – A Nigerian 
experience
Joseph N. Enuma, Felix O. Sanni, Malau B. Matur, Njab E. Jean, Tosan 
Erhabor, Iheukwumere I. Egbulefu
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1842 | 24 November 2022

Original Research
Oral human papilloma virus infection among dental clinic attendees in 
Ibadan, Nigeria
Adedayo O. Faneye, Oyeteju S. Babalola, Georgina N. Odaibo, Juwon 
Arotiba, Olufemi D. Olaleye
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1555 | 25 November 2022

Original Research
Impact of rapid centrifugation on routine coagulation assays in 
South Africa
Reola Haripersadh, Dashini Pillay, Nadine Rapiti
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1901 | 28 November 2022

Original Research
Commercial DURAClone panels for extending the repertoire of multicolour 
immunophenotypic panels in an academic flow cytometry laboratory in 
South Africa
Leanne Swart, Melanie Pretorius, Denise Lawrie, Deborah K. Glencross
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1720 | 29 November 2022

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Scientific Letter
Appropriate disposal of waste in the laboratory: Neglected but not 
forgotten
Christoffel J. Opperman, Sarishna Singh, Francois Barton
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1786 | 14 July 2022

Case Study
Extranodal presentation of a lymphoma with precursor B-cell 
phenotype and translocation t(8;14) in South Africa
Katherine E. Hodkinson, Yvonne Perner, Deborah K. Glencross, 
Tracey Wiggill, Adam Botha, Janet Poole
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1355 | 31 January 2022

Brief Report
Retrospective analysis of Vitek®2 performance compared to manual 
broth micro-dilution for colistin susceptibility testing of Acinetobacter 
baumannii complex isolates in South Africa
Vuyolwethu Fadana, Teena Thomas, Nina von Knorring
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1597 | 28 February 2022

Correction
Corrigendum: Higher proportion of non-classical and intermediate 
monocytes in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients in Egypt: 
A possible prognostic marker
Asmaa M. Zahran, Hanaa Nafady-Hego, Sawsan M. Moeen, Hanan A. 
Eltyb, Mohammed M. Wahman, Asmaa Nafady
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1713 | 25 March 2022

Reviewer Acknowledgement
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a2096 | 19 December 2022

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