PREVENTATIVE GENETIC SERVICES

personalized preventative genetic services

Preventative Cardiovascular Screening Our mission is to eliminate disparities by providing genetic services and personalized medication for the prevention of cancer and other diseases. We are dedicated to continuously expanding our network of practitioners and offering opportunities for their professional development, enhancement, and patient support. Our services include four non-invasive genetic tests using buccal swabs/mouth rinses:

  • Personalized Medication Metabolism Assessment
  • Preventative Cancer Screening
  • Preventative Disease Screening
  • Preventative Cardiovascular Screening

GreenMCMeds provides an advanced genomic solution by integrating pharmacogenomics testing (PGx) and therapeutic drug monitoring. This powerful combination improves clinical decisions, empowering physicians to create more precise and efficient treatment plans customized to individual patient needs.

With a steadfast dedication to scientific rigor and patient care, GreenMCMeds stands as a beacon of excellence in genetic services within Chicago. Drawing from over 30 years of combined clinical research experience, and bolstered by our cultural competence and unwavering commitment to diverse ethical standards, we adeptly cater to the varied needs of both patients and practitioners. Through this commitment, we uphold a gold standard of care.

Through our Strategic Holistic Ongoing Partnership (SHOP) Program, GreenMCMeds prioritizes community health by providing education and training to healthcare professionals and the broader community. Our data-driven, evidence-based approach ensures comprehensive service plans tailored to each patient, exemplifying our dedication to diverse, high-quality, personalized preventative care.

OUR COMPLETE Genetic Services

Personalized Medication Assessment

Our personalized medication metabolism assessment aims to enhance patient outcomes by addressing the shortcomings of trial-and-error medicine. Utilizing Pharmacogenomics (PGx) testing, we identify how individual genetic variations influence drug response, particularly in drug metabolism. The practitioner carefully reviews the detailed patient report, determining whether adjustments to medications are necessary or if current prescriptions should be maintained. Additionally, our PharmD hotline is readily available to address any questions or concerns from both patients and practitioners regarding their assessment report.

DISEASE CARRIER Screening

Our carrier screening analyzes 62 genes associated with 24 of the most prevalent and devastating hereditary diseases. Recommended for individuals in their reproductive stage (male or female, aged 18-45 years old), this test offers insight into the probability of passing one or more diseases from the panel down to their children. Moreover, it provides valuable genetic information irrespective of family planning intentions, benefiting individuals who are adopted or have an unknown family history.

Cancer Screening

Research indicates that up to 10% of cancers stem from inherited genetic factors, termed hereditary cancers. Genetic testing can assess an individual's susceptibility to these cancers by analyzing 31 genes associated with 8 different types of tumors, utilizing specific qualification criteria to determine risk levels. Offering this test empowers patients to proactively manage their health, potentially mitigating or even preventing the onset of cancer.

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE TESTING

Our non-invasive genetic test is designed to detect mutations associated with monogenic diseases of early atherosclerosis. The panel of genes analyzed influences plasma lipid levels (including total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides) as well as blood sugar. These targeted diseases significantly impact cardiovascular risk due to their early onset and poor prognosis without aggressive medical intervention. Patients meeting clinical criteria for familial hypercholesterolemia have a 60% to 80% chance of identifying the responsible mutation through our test. By detecting these mutations early, we can facilitate timely diagnosis and intervention to reduce cardiovascular risk.

Cancer Screening

Individuals at elevated risk for cancer have various options to mitigate their risk, including more frequent screenings, risk factor avoidance, lifestyle modifications, preventive medication (chemoprevention), and/or risk-reducing surgeries like mastectomy or oophorectomy. Our cancer screening panel encompasses tests for specific cancers such as breast, ovarian, colorectal, pancreatic, endometrial, gastric, skin, and prostate cancer. These screenings are personalized based on an individual's risk factors and medical history, aiding in the early detection of cancer when treatment is most effective. Early detection significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and survival.

Hereditary Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common female cancer, affecting approximately 1 in 8 women in the United States. Approximately 5-10% of breast cancers are hereditary. Hereditary cancers are caused by a mutation in a gene that can be passed on from generation to generation. Women who have an abnormal mutation can have up to an 87% risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetimes.


Factors that may increase your risk of Breast cancer include:

  • Family history of breast cancer
  • Genetic Mutations
  • Dense breast tissue
  • Early onset of menstrual periods or late menopause
  • History of radiation to the chest area
  • Not having children or having them later in life
  • Postmenopausal hormone therapy
  • Increased Age, Alcohol, Obesity

How to reduce the risk of Breast cancer:

  • Frequent Breast Cancer screenings
  • Preventative medications
  • Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all
  • Exercise most days of the week
  • Limit postmenopausal hormone therapy
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Risk-reducing surgery

Hereditary Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is the ninth most common cancer in women, but it ranks fifth as the cause of cancer death in women. While most ovarian cancer does not run in the family, approximately 10-15% of ovarian cancer is hereditary. Hereditary cancers are caused by a mutation in a gene that can be passed on from generation to generation. Women who have an abnormal mutation can have up to a 44% risk of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer during their lifetimes.


Factors that may increase your risk of Ovarian cancer include:

  • Family history of breast cancer
  • Genetic Mutations
  • A previous cancer diagnosis
  • Increasing age
  • Never having been pregnant

How to reduce the risk of Ovarian cancer:

  • Consider taking Birth Control Pills
  • Preventative Surgery

Hereditary Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is cancer that starts in either the colon or the rectum. Most Colorectal cancer does not run in the family, but approximately 5% of colorectal cancer is hereditary. Hereditary cancers are caused by a mutation in a gene that can be passed from generation to generation. Women who have an abnormal mutation can have up to an 80% risk of being diagnosed with colorectal cancer during their lifetimes. Therefore, it is important for practitioners to talk to patients about family history of colorectal cancer and discuss undergoing regular screenings to catch any potential issues early.


Factors that may increase your risk of Colon cancer include:

  • Family history of colon cancer
  • Genetic mutations
  • History of colon polyps, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and other diseases
  • Older age (>50), African-American race
  • Low-fiber, high-fat diet.
  • Diabetes, Obesity, Smoking, Alcohol Consumption

How to reduce the risk of Colon cancer:

  • People with an average risk of colon cancer can consider screening beginning at age 50
  • People with an increased risk, such as those with a family history of colon cancer, should consider screening soon. African-Americans and American Indians may consider beginning colon cancer screening at age 45
  • Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, drink alcohol in moderation, if at all
  • Stop smoking
  • Exercise most days of the week, Maintain a healthy weight
  • Various Medications
  • Risk-reducing surgery

Hereditary Pancreatic Cancer

Approximately 1 in 76 people will develop pancreatic cancer in their lifetime. Most pancreatic cancer develops by chance and does not run in families. However, some pancreatic cancers are hereditary. Hereditary cancers are caused by a mutation in a gene that can be passed on from generation to generation and cause up to 10% of pancreatic cancers. Women who have an abnormal mutation can have up to a 70% risk of being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer during their lifetimes. Therefore, if you have a family history of pancreatic cancer or any other hereditary cancer, it is important to talk to your doctor and consider genetic testing to assess your risk.


Factors that may increase your risk of pancreatic cancer include:

  • Personal or family history of pancreatic cancer
  • Genetic Mutations
  • Smoking
  • Excess body weight
  • Chronic inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
  • Diabetes
  • African-American race

How to reduce the risk of Pancreatic cancer:

  • Stop smoking
  • Maintain a Healthy Weight
  • Choose a Healthy Diet

Endometrial Cancer

  1. Endometrial cancer, which is cancer of the lining of the uterus, is the most common cancer of the female reproductive organs. It affects approximately 1 in 41 women. While most cases of endometrial cancer are not hereditary, between 1-5% of cases are caused by a genetic predisposition. It is important to be aware of this hereditary risk if there is a family history of endometrial cancer, as it can help with early detection and prevention. Regular check-ups and screenings can also help catch endometrial cancer early on when it is more treatable.

Factors that may increase your risk of Endometrial cancer include:

  • Family history of uterine or colon cancer
  • Genetic mutations
  • Increasing age
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes
  • Changes in the balance of female hormones in the body
  • Starting menstruation at an early age - before age 12 - or beginning menopause later increases the risk of endometrial cancer
  • Never having been pregnant
  • Hormone Therapy

How to reduce the risk of Endometrial cancer:

  • Talk to your doctor about the risks of hormone therapy after menopause
  • Consider taking birth control pills
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Exercise most days of the week

Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, is a type of cancer that begins in the stomach. While most cases of stomach cancer are not hereditary, some gene abnormalities can increase the risk of developing one or more types of gastric cancers.


Factors that may increase your risk of Gastric cancer include:

  • Family history of stomach cancer
  • Genetic Mutations
  • A diet high in salty and smoked foods and low in fruits and vegetables
  • Infection with Helicobacter pylori
  • Long-term stomach inflammation
  • Smoking
  • Stomach polyps

How to reduce the risk of Gastric cancer:

  • Choose a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables and reduce the amount of salty and smokey foods
  • Exercise most days of the week and maintain a healthy weight
  • Certain Medications
  • Increased Screenings
  • Stop Smoking

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the skin. It is divided into two main categories: non-melanoma and melanoma. Non-melanoma skin cancers, which include basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are the most common types of skin cancer and are generally less dangerous than melanoma. However, melanoma is a much more aggressive form of skin cancer that can spread rapidly to other parts of the body if not detected and treated early. It is important to protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays by wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun during peak hours. 


Factors that may increase your risk of Skin cancer include:

  • Family history of skin cancer
  • Genetic mutations
  • Exposure to sunlight/UV radiation
  • Fair skin, Moles, Skin lesions
  • History of sunburns or fragile skin

How to reduce the risk of Skin cancer:

  • Avoid the sun during the middle of the day
  • Wear sunscreen year-round and protective clothing
  • Avoid tanning beds
  • Be aware of sun-sensitizing medications
  • Vigilant screening

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer found in men, after skin cancer. It is estimated that 1 in every 8 men will develop prostate cancer during their lifetime. While most cases of prostate cancer occur by chance and do not have a hereditary component, a small percentage of prostate cancers are caused by inherited genetic mutations. Men who have a family history of prostate cancer or who carry certain genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, are at an increased risk of developing the disease. In its early stages, prostate cancer may not cause any noticeable symptoms, which is why regular screenings are important for early detection. Men over the age of 50, African American men, and men with a family history of prostate cancer are at a higher risk of developing the disease and should talk to their healthcare provider about screening options.


Factors that may increase your risk of Prostate cancer include:

  • Family history of prostate cancer
  • Genetic Mutations
  • Older Age (>65), African American Race, Obesity

How to reduce the risk of Prostate cancer:

  • Choose a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables
  • Exercise most days of the week. Exercise improves your overall health, helps you maintain a healthy weight
  • Certain Medications
  • Increased Screenings

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common female cancer, affecting approximately 1 in 8 women in the United States. Approximately 5-10% of breast cancers are hereditary. Hereditary cancers are caused by a mutation in a gene that can be passed on from generation to generation. Women who have an abnormal mutation can have up to an 87% risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetimes.


Factors that may increase your risk of Breast cancer include:

  • Family history of breast cancer
  • Genetic Mutations
  • Dense breast tissue
  • Early onset of menstrual periods or late menopause
  • History of radiation to the chest area
  • Not having children or having them later in life
  • Postmenopausal hormone therapy
  • Increased Age, Alcohol, Obesity

How to reduce the risk of Breast cancer:

  • Frequent Breast Cancer screenings
  • Preventative medications
  • Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all
  • Exercise most days of the week
  • Limit postmenopausal hormone therapy
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Risk-reducing surgery

Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is the ninth most common cancer in women, but it ranks fifth as the cause of cancer death in women. While most ovarian cancer does not run in the family, approximately 10-15% of ovarian cancer is hereditary. Hereditary cancers are caused by a mutation in a gene that can be passed on from generation to generation. Women who have an abnormal mutation can have up to a 44% risk of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer during their lifetimes.


Factors that may increase your risk of Ovarian cancer include:

  • Family history of breast cancer
  • Genetic Mutations
  • A previous cancer diagnosis
  • Increasing age
  • Never having been pregnant

How to reduce the risk of Ovarian cancer:

  • Consider taking Birth Control Pills
  • Preventative Surgery

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is cancer that starts in either the colon or the rectum. Most Colorectal cancer does not run in the family, but approximately 5% of colorectal cancer is hereditary. Hereditary cancers are caused by a mutation in a gene that can be passed from generation to generation. Women who have an abnormal mutation can have up to an 80% risk of being diagnosed with colorectal cancer during their lifetimes. Therefore, it is important for practitioners to talk to patients about family history of colorectal cancer and discuss undergoing regular screenings to catch any potential issues early.


Factors that may increase your risk of Colon cancer include:

  • Family history of colon cancer
  • Genetic mutations
  • History of colon polyps, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and other diseases
  • Older age (>50), African-American race
  • Low-fiber, high-fat diet.
  • Diabetes, Obesity, Smoking, Alcohol Consumption

How to reduce the risk of Colon cancer:

  • People with an average risk of colon cancer can consider screening beginning at age 50
  • People with an increased risk, such as those with a family history of colon cancer, should consider screening soon. African-Americans and American Indians may consider beginning colon cancer screening at age 45
  • Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, drink alcohol in moderation, if at all
  • Stop smoking
  • Exercise most days of the week, Maintain a healthy weight
  • Various Medications
  • Risk-reducing surgery

Pancreatic Cancer

Approximately 1 in 76 people will develop pancreatic cancer in their lifetime. Most pancreatic cancer develops by chance and does not run in families. However, some pancreatic cancers are hereditary. Hereditary cancers are caused by a mutation in a gene that can be passed on from generation to generation and cause up to 10% of pancreatic cancers. Women who have an abnormal mutation can have up to a 70% risk of being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer during their lifetimes. Therefore, if you have a family history of pancreatic cancer or any other hereditary cancer, it is important to talk to your doctor and consider genetic testing to assess your risk.


Factors that may increase your risk of pancreatic cancer include:

  • Personal or family history of pancreatic cancer
  • Genetic Mutations
  • Smoking
  • Excess body weight
  • Chronic inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
  • Diabetes
  • African-American race

How to reduce the risk of Pancreatic cancer:

  • Stop smoking
  • Maintain a Healthy Weight
  • Choose a Healthy Diet

Endometrial Cancer

  1. Endometrial cancer, which is cancer of the lining of the uterus, is the most common cancer of the female reproductive organs. It affects approximately 1 in 41 women. While most cases of endometrial cancer are not hereditary, between 1-5% of cases are caused by a genetic predisposition. It is important to be aware of this hereditary risk if there is a family history of endometrial cancer, as it can help with early detection and prevention. Regular check-ups and screenings can also help catch endometrial cancer early on when it is more treatable.

Factors that may increase your risk of Endometrial cancer include:

  • Family history of uterine or colon cancer
  • Genetic mutations
  • Increasing age
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes
  • Changes in the balance of female hormones in the body
  • Starting menstruation at an early age - before age 12 - or beginning menopause later increases the risk of endometrial cancer
  • Never having been pregnant
  • Hormone Therapy

How to reduce the risk of Endometrial cancer:

  • Talk to your doctor about the risks of hormone therapy after menopause
  • Consider taking birth control pills
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Exercise most days of the week

Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, is a type of cancer that begins in the stomach. While most cases of stomach cancer are not hereditary, some gene abnormalities can increase the risk of developing one or more types of gastric cancers.


Factors that may increase your risk of Gastric cancer include:

  • Family history of stomach cancer
  • Genetic Mutations
  • A diet high in salty and smoked foods and low in fruits and vegetables
  • Infection with Helicobacter pylori
  • Long-term stomach inflammation
  • Smoking
  • Stomach polyps

How to reduce the risk of Gastric cancer:

  • Choose a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables and reduce the amount of salty and smokey foods
  • Exercise most days of the week and maintain a healthy weight
  • Certain Medications
  • Increased Screenings
  • Stop Smoking

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the skin. It is divided into two main categories: non-melanoma and melanoma. Non-melanoma skin cancers, which include basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are the most common types of skin cancer and are generally less dangerous than melanoma. However, melanoma is a much more aggressive form of skin cancer that can spread rapidly to other parts of the body if not detected and treated early. It is important to protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays by wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun during peak hours. 


Factors that may increase your risk of Skin cancer include:

  • Family history of skin cancer
  • Genetic mutations
  • Exposure to sunlight/UV radiation
  • Fair skin, Moles, Skin lesions
  • History of sunburns or fragile skin

How to reduce the risk of Skin cancer:

  • Avoid the sun during the middle of the day
  • Wear sunscreen year-round and protective clothing
  • Avoid tanning beds
  • Be aware of sun-sensitizing medications
  • Vigilant screening

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer found in men, after skin cancer. It is estimated that 1 in every 8 men will develop prostate cancer during their lifetime. While most cases of prostate cancer occur by chance and do not have a hereditary component, a small percentage of prostate cancers are caused by inherited genetic mutations. Men who have a family history of prostate cancer or who carry certain genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, are at an increased risk of developing the disease. In its early stages, prostate cancer may not cause any noticeable symptoms, which is why regular screenings are important for early detection. Men over the age of 50, African American men, and men with a family history of prostate cancer are at a higher risk of developing the disease and should talk to their healthcare provider about screening options.


Factors that may increase your risk of Prostate cancer include:

  • Family history of prostate cancer
  • Genetic Mutations
  • Older Age (>65), African American Race, Obesity

How to reduce the risk of Prostate cancer:

  • Choose a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables
  • Exercise most days of the week. Exercise improves your overall health, helps you maintain a healthy weight
  • Certain Medications
  • Increased Screenings

DISEASES WE SCREEN FOR


Select the disease to get more detailed information.

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A SUGGESTED STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS TO

INCORPORATE TESTING IN YOUR OFFICE

Below is a suggested step-by-step process to seamlessly integrate testing into your office, thereby enhancing clinical judgment and improving patient quality of life:


  1. Pre-Screen Patients: Begin by pre-screening patients to identify those who meet the criteria for testing. This could involve reviewing medical records, discussing relevant family history, and considering other risk factors.
  2. Educate Patients: Have trained staff members explain the purpose and benefits of the test to eligible patients. Ensure patients understand the procedure and obtain their informed consent before proceeding.
  3. Sample Collection: Collect a sample from the patient's mouth using the provided swab. Make sure the collection process is performed correctly to ensure sample integrity.
  4. Documentation: Before shipping the sample, gather necessary documentation, including a copy of the patient's ID and insurance card (front and back). This ensures proper identification and billing procedures.
  5. Shipping Procedure: Package the collected samples according to the provided protocol. Utilize the prepaid shipping packaging and label included in the packet, which typically contains the requisition/consent form, swab, shipping package, and label.
  6. Shipping Logistics: Arrange for the shipment of the samples using the provided shipping label and packaging. Follow the designated shipping procedures to ensure samples reach the testing facility safely and efficiently.
  7. Cost Considerations: Emphasize to practitioners that all materials required for the testing process, including marketing materials and prepaid shipping packaging, are provided at no cost. Assure them that there are no start-up or ongoing expenses associated with providing these services.


By following this systematic approach, you can seamlessly integrate testing into your office workflow, providing patients with a more accurate, comprehensive, and effective treatment plan while minimizing administrative burdens and costs.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
  • WILL A GENETIC TESTING COLLECTION SPECIALIST BE PROVIDED FOR THE PRACTICE?

    Depending on the type of clinic, a Genetic Testing Specialist (GTS) will be provided by the laboratory. This specialist will handle various tasks including pre-screening, sample collection, testing procedures, and packaging/shipping of all collected samples on a day-to-day basis.

  • HOW DOES A POSITIVE CANCER/DISEASE SCREENING AFFECT THE PATIENT?

    A positive test result indicates that the patient carries a mutation associated with a particular disease, thereby placing them at a higher risk compared to the average individual. However, it's crucial to understand that a positive result does not guarantee that the patient will inherit the disease or develop cancer. Instead, it serves as valuable information for healthcare providers to assess the patient's risk factors and potentially implement preventive measures or more vigilant screening protocols. It's essential for patients to work closely with their healthcare team to understand the implications of the positive result and to develop a personalized plan for monitoring and managing their health moving forward.

  • HOW DOES A NEGATIVE CANCER/DISEASE SCREENING AFFECT THE PATIENT?

    A negative test result indicates that the patient does not carry the specific mutation associated with an increased risk of developing a particular disease. However, it's important to recognize that a negative result does not completely rule out the possibility of developing the disease in the future. Other factors, such as lifestyle choices and environmental influences, can also contribute to disease development.


    While a negative result may offer some reassurance, it's essential for patients to continue practicing healthy behaviors and participating in regular screenings as recommended by their healthcare provider. Additionally, ongoing communication with healthcare professionals can help individuals understand their overall health risks and make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

  • WHAT DOES IT COST MY PATIENTS TO GET TESTED?

    Patients undergo a questionnaire to assess their eligibility for coverage. Subsequently, our billing team conducts a prior authorization with the patient's insurance to determine if they qualify for 100% coverage. If the patient bears any financial responsibility for their test sample, they will receive direct communication regarding available payment options. Patients also have the option to opt out at any time before the laboratory processes the sample to prevent billing.

  • WHAT DOES IT COST YOU, THE PRACTITIONER?

    There are absolutely no start-up costs or ongoing expenses for practitioners, clinics, or organizations to offer genetic testing services to their patients. We provide all necessary kits, marketing materials, and prepaid shipping packaging labels for mailing samples to our testing laboratory.

  • WHAT ARE YOUR ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES?

    Our primary responsibility is to facilitate the identification of qualified patients for specific tests. Clinic staff assesses family history and insurance coverage using an accepted insurance list to determine patient eligibility. Once a patient is identified as a suitable candidate for the service, they are informed about the service during their encounter and asked to sign the Requisition and Consent Forms. Additionally, the patient's insurance information is obtained at this time. 


    Following this, our team performs a mouth swab or rinse on the patient, after which everything is meticulously packaged in a prepaid shipping bag and mailed off to the testing laboratory.

  • WHAT CAN YOUR PATIENT GAIN BY BEING TESTED?

    By undergoing testing, patients can gain valuable insights into their genetic makeup and how it may influence their response to medications. After reviewing the patient's report, the practitioner may decide to adjust the patient's medication regimen or maintain the current prescriptions. Additionally, the report provides information on how the patient metabolizes all medications, both new and old, enabling informed decisions about lifestyle choices to reduce the risk of developing cancer or other diseases. 


    Furthermore, the report includes recommendations on the frequency of screening for early detection of developing cancer or disease. In some cases, patients may have the option to pursue preventive medication, such as chemoprevention therapy, to reduce the risk of cancer. Overall, undergoing testing empowers patients to take proactive steps towards managing their health and potentially preventing adverse health outcomes.

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