Need Help with Memory

David_Sndrs39

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First time poster, long time lurker. There seems to be many really smart people on here and I could definitely use some of that knowledge. I've had bad memory issues for as long as I remember (yes, I get the irony of that statement). It's so bad that I often forget my coworkers names (been working with them for over 10 years), can't remember my wife's phone number, don't remember anything from my childhood, etc. I also walk around everyday with my mind in a fog. I've seen doctors about this but all they keep doing is prescribing me zoloft (or another antidepressent). They claim my issues are due to excessive anxiety. However, their treatment only makes things worse. Are there any supplements that I can safetly take to help with this? I'm on a pretty limited budget and would like to limit the cost of anything to maybe no more than $50/month.
 
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First time poster, long time lurker. There seems to be many really smart people on here and I could definitely use some of that knowledge. I've had bad memory issues for as long as I remember (yes, I get the irony of that statement). It's so bad that I often forget my coworkers names (been working with them for over 10 years), can't remember my wife's phone number, don't remember anything from my childhood, etc. I also walk around everyday with my mind in a fog. I've seen doctors about this but all they keep doing is prescribing me zoloft (or another antidepressent). They claim my issues are due to excessive anxiety. However, their treatment only makes things worse. Are there any supplements that I can safetly take to help with this? I'm on a pretty limited budget and would like to limit the cost of anything to maybe no more than $50/month.
Have you tried Huperzine A? That would be my first choice
 

David_Sndrs39

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Have you tried Huperzine A? That would be my first choice
I haven't tried huperzine. However, I've read a few things about it and many people claim it's dangerous to take (especially for long periods of time). Is that just another case of people online exaggerating the risks or maybe not taking it in a responsible manner?
 
Dr.Veritas

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Have you tried Huperzine A? That would be my first choice

I've had a pretty positive experience with Huperzine A, especially when coupled with Insitol Phosphate. Many friends of mine preach the benefits they receive from the two, especially those diagnosed with ADHD. Remember a healthy diet and sleep goes a long way.
 
koi1214

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First time poster, long time lurker. There seems to be many really smart people on here and I could definitely use some of that knowledge. I've had bad memory issues for as long as I remember (yes, I get the irony of that statement). It's so bad that I often forget my coworkers names (been working with them for over 10 years), can't remember my wife's phone number, don't remember anything from my childhood, etc. I also walk around everyday with my mind in a fog. I've seen doctors about this but all they keep doing is prescribing me zoloft (or another antidepressent). They claim my issues are due to excessive anxiety. However, their treatment only makes things worse. Are there any supplements that I can safetly take to help with this? I'm on a pretty limited budget and would like to limit the cost of anything to maybe no more than $50/month.
There are some nootropics worth looking into. Check out this log for starters:

www.anabolicminds.com/forum/supplement-reviews-logs/237261-brain-candy-log.html
 

David_Sndrs39

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you may compare with this one/ both these are recent to marketplace out only this month so may be not available but certainly by January
That does look like a very nice product. Any concern with taking an ach precursor and inhibitor at the same time?
 

David_Sndrs39

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I've had a pretty positive experience with Huperzine A, especially when coupled with Insitol Phosphate. Many friends of mine preach the benefits they receive from the two, especially those diagnosed with ADHD. Remember a healthy diet and sleep goes a long way.
What was your dose and frequency?
 
Dr.Veritas

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My 6 week run went something like this:

AM: Huperzine A 200mcg + 250mg Insitol
EVENING: Huperzine 200mcg +250mg Inistol + FishOil + 5HTP

However for the first week, I only stuck with one dose in the AM, along with the fishoil and 5HTP

The effects felt more pronounced after 12 days or so. It is not an instant fix by any means. I focused on getting my lifestyle back together after MCAT prep, I was drained. So focused on maintaing a consistent sleep cycle, well thought meal plans before supplementing the above. Hope this helps!
 

David_Sndrs39

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My 6 week run went something like this:

AM: Huperzine A 200mcg + 250mg Insitol
EVENING: Huperzine 200mcg +250mg Inistol + FishOil + 5HTP

However for the first week, I only stuck with one dose in the AM, along with the fishoil and 5HTP

The effects felt more pronounced after 12 days or so. It is not an instant fix by any means. I focused on getting my lifestyle back together after MCAT prep, I was drained. So focused on maintaing a consistent sleep cycle, well thought meal plans before supplementing the above. Hope this helps!
Thank you very much. That definitely helps a lot. It sounds like huperzine is what I need. Did you stop taking it after the 6 week run? If so, is it because you no longer needed it or because you're supposed to take some time off every month or two?
 
Dr.Veritas

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Yes I did discontinue use after 6 weeks. However not for any specific reason, other than financial. I was just a wreck preparing for the MCATs, whether the change was due to personal changes or crediting the stack, it was definitely a notable difference. I believe these are supplements you can take on a consistent basis over an extensive period of time.


Anyone else have any opposition to this?
 

David_Sndrs39

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Yes I did discontinue use after 6 weeks. However not for any specific reason, other than financial. I was just a wreck preparing for the MCATs, whether the change was due to personal changes or crediting the stack, it was definitely a notable difference. I believe these are supplements you can take on a consistent basis over an extensive period of time.


Anyone else have any opposition to this?
That's good because if it helps then it would be hard to stop using it. I went ahead and ordered the huperzine. Will that help for the brain fog too or is just for memory?
 
Synapsin

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I wouldn't use 400 mcg of Huperzine A a day, I'd stick to 200 mcg (100 mcg taken twice a day).
 
Dr.Veritas

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That's good because if it helps then it would be hard to stop using it. I went ahead and ordered the huperzine. Will that help for the brain fog too or is just for memory?
Overall mental clarity for me... I'm sure a clear mind leads to better memory? I've been banking on my memory throughout college, it's more of the focus that was the issue. Lets see how it treats you, worth a shot right?!
 

David_Sndrs39

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I wouldn't use 400 mcg of Huperzine A a day, I'd stick to 200 mcg (100 mcg taken twice a day).
The huperzine I ordered comes in 100 mcg capsules so trying that twice a day isn't a problem. Thank you.
 

David_Sndrs39

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Overall mental clarity for me... I'm sure a clear mind leads to better memory? I've been banking on my memory throughout college, it's more of the focus that was the issue. Lets see how it treats you, worth a shot right?!
Definately worth a shot. At this point I don't really have anything to lose because things won't improve on their own. Thanks for all your help.
 
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The fact that you don't remember your childhood is a little disconcerting; short term is more understandable as that is more electrical in nature however long term memory is actually stored. I would advise firstly seeking a specialist about this.

As far as supplements go, Focus XT is one of the best cognitive supplements available. Containing, Alcar (shown to increase acetylcholine levels is the brain) huperzine a (shown to inhibit acetylcholinesterase- i.e. inhibit the enzyme that breaks down ACh and thus causing an increase in ACh) and Choline which also converts into ACh.
 

David_Sndrs39

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The fact that you don't remember your childhood is a little disconcerting; short term is more understandable as that is more electrical in nature however long term memory is actually stored. I would advise firstly seeking a specialist about this.

As far as supplements go, Focus XT is one of the best cognitive supplements available. Containing, Alcar (shown to increase acetylcholine levels is the brain) huperzine a (shown to inhibit acetylcholinesterase- i.e. inhibit the enzyme that breaks down ACh and thus causing an increase in ACh) and Choline which also converts into ACh.
It's definately pretty annoying, that's for sure. I often get a hard time from my brothers when they're discussing something from when we were kids and I usually don't remember what they're talking about. I did ask both of my family physicians (changed to a new one last year) about seeing a specialist but they felt that wasn't necessary and that zoloft should fix my problem over time. Kept saying that even after almost a year of taking it and no improvement; unless they considered worse brain fog as an improvement.

Focus xt looks really good but I don't like not knowing how much is in it. Especially the huperzine content if that has the best chance of helping. So, I just ordered that same brand of huperzine capsules. I don't suppose you know an approximate range of the huperzine content in focus xt (maybe just based on subjective feel)?
 

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Yes I did discontinue use after 6 weeks. However not for any specific reason, other than financial. I was just a wreck preparing for the MCATs, whether the change was due to personal changes or crediting the stack, it was definitely a notable difference. I believe these are supplements you can take on a consistent basis over an extensive period of time.


Anyone else have any opposition to this?
Very strong opposition to prolonged use of an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Virtually all the data would support my notion
 

David_Sndrs39

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Very strong opposition to prolonged use of an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Virtually all the data would support my notion
What's considered prolonged use? Does dosage factor in at all (i.e. could a lower dosage be taken daily)? Would a few months be okay or are there better supplement options?
 

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What's considered prolonged use? Does dosage factor in at all (i.e. could a lower dosage be taken daily)? Would a few months be okay or are there better supplement options?
You should take no more than 100-200mcg daily for 4-6 weeks max. Galantamine is a better option
 

David_Sndrs39

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I just found a product called galantamind by life enhancement. Do you know if they're any good and if the 4 mg capsule taken 1 to 3 times a day (as they direct) is okay?
 

996ttelise

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Very strong opposition to prolonged use of an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Virtually all the data would support my notion
In English at a 6th grade level, are you saying do not take Focus XT daily for more than 6 weeks? I have been taking this stuff daily for a while. I thought you stated a while back the Hup A needs to be ingested consistently for a period of time to obtain full beneficial effects. How much Hup A in a dose of Focus
XT?
 

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In English at a 6th grade level, are you saying do not take Focus XT daily for more than 6 weeks? I have been taking this stuff daily for a while. I thought you stated a while back the Hup A needs to be ingested consistently for a period of time to obtain full beneficial effects. How much Hup A in a dose of Focus
XT?
I said Hup A, not focus xt. The doses we're talking are quite different
 

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I said Hup A, not focus xt. The doses we're talking are quite different
Thanks, but back to question. Is there something in Focus XT that should not be ingested daily besides caffeine? Is Hup A safe to ingest daily at recommended doses? If not how long should one take Hup A. Was the statement about not taking an anticholinexxxx inhibitor for more than 6 weeks directed at Focus XT or any ingredients in Focus XT. Thanks in advance. Just want to make sure morning jolt from Focus XT is not bad for me over the long term.
 

David_Sndrs39

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I just want to say that the people on this site are awesome and thank you very much for the helpful advice. It's nice to finally have some hope for maybe fixing this issue. Since I've already bought the Huperzine A, I'll probably start with using that for just the recommended four weeks. After that I'll try galantamine. Thanks again.
 
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The fact that you don't remember your childhood is a little disconcerting; short term is more understandable as that is more electrical in nature however long term memory is actually stored. I would advise firstly seeking a specialist about this.
It's definately pretty annoying, that's for sure. I often get a hard time from my brothers when they're discussing something from when we were kids and I usually don't remember what they're talking about. I did ask both of my family physicians (changed to a new one last year) about seeing a specialist but they felt that wasn't necessary and that zoloft should fix my problem over time. Kept saying that even after almost a year of taking it and no improvement; unless they considered worse brain fog as an improvement.
I do know how well the physicians you see do in school but they telling you zoloft fixing the problem on no recollect of childhood I think you will do well to see a specialist my friend.
 
Synapsin

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Thanks, but back to question. Is there something in Focus XT that should not be ingested daily besides caffeine? Is Hup A safe to ingest daily at recommended doses? If not how long should one take Hup A. Was the statement about not taking an anticholinexxxx inhibitor for more than 6 weeks directed at Focus XT or any ingredients in Focus XT. Thanks in advance. Just want to make sure morning jolt from Focus XT is not bad for me over the long term.
You'll be fine. Like with any supplement, you should cycle off eventually, so I would cycle off of Focus XT after 3 months for a month off.
 
koi1214

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I just want to say that the people on this site are awesome and thank you very much for the helpful advice. It's nice to finally have some hope for maybe fixing this issue. Since I've already bought the Huperzine A, I'll probably start with using that for just the recommended four weeks. After that I'll try galantamine. Thanks again.
Good luck and keep us updated on you progress.
 

David_Sndrs39

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I do know how well the physicians you see do in school but they telling you zoloft fixing the problem on no recollect of childhood I think you will do well to see a specialist my friend.
Yeah, you're right. I'm going to start with the huperzine (and later galantamine) but I think I'll also be a little proactive and try to find another doctor (probably a neurologist or something) to see about this. That way I'm at least doing something about it while trying to find a doctor that might help more than my current one.
 

David_Sndrs39

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Good luck and keep us updated on you progress.
Thank you. Hopefully I'll be updating this thread sometime in the future with the amazing progress I've made (either with the help of huperzine/galantamine or after seeing a specialist). :)
 
mw1

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This one was for 4 weeks at 200mcg on middle school student:

In 1999, Chinese researchers found, in a study designed to determine the efficacy of HuperzineA on memory and learning in adolescents, that similar results were observed to trila swith adults. They selected 34 matched pairs of apparently normal junior middle school students whose only significant complaints were of poor memory and difficulty in learning. The pairing was done in terms of age, sex, memory quotient, and overall psychological health, to ensure that comparisons would be meaningful. Using these criteria, the researchers found no statistically significant baseline differences between the students in the two groups, one of which was to be treated with HuperzineA, the other to receive a placebo. In a double-blind trial, one member of each pair, chosen randomly, was given 100 micrograms of synthetic HupA twice daily for four weeks, while the other member received the placebo. The students' memory quotients were measured before and after the trial, and their academic performance in their Chinese, English, and mathematics lessons was monitored as well. At the end of the study, the HuperzineA group scored significantly better than the control group on standard memory tests described as "accumulation," "recognition," "reproduction," "association," "tactual [tactile] memory," and "number of recitation," but not on tests of "picture memory" or "understanding." They had also done significantly better in their Chinese and English lessons, but not in math. No side effects of any kind were noted (Xu SS, Cai ZY, Qu ZW, Yang RM, Cai YL, Wang GQ, Su XQ, Zhong XS, Cheng RY, Xu WA, Li JX, Feng B. Huperzine-A in capsules and tablets for treating patients with Alzheimer's disease. Acta Pharmacol Sin 1999 Jun;20(6):486-90).
 
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Some people just don't have a great memory. Some people also sweat more than other people. You seem to be trying to fix something that isn't broken, what's worse is your seeking a fix to a medical or mental problem with supplements and asking advice on a bodybuilding/fitness/supplement message board. I'm not trying to sound harsh or mean. To me it sounds like this is not really a problem with your memory but your perception, but take my advice with a grain of salt because I'm just some nameless strange on the internet after-all. Your doctor prescribed Zoloft I'm guessing because your worried about your memory, when their is no need to actually worry about it. You're self fulfilling your problem by constantly worrying about it-causing it.

Once again, take my "advice" with a grain of salt because I'm just some nameless stranger on the internet on a fitness/supplement/bodybuilding/power-lifting message board.
 

David_Sndrs39

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This one was for 4 weeks at 200mcg on middle school student:

In 1999, Chinese researchers found, in a study designed to determine the efficacy of HuperzineA on memory and learning in adolescents, that similar results were observed to trila swith adults. They selected 34 matched pairs of apparently normal junior middle school students whose only significant complaints were of poor memory and difficulty in learning. The pairing was done in terms of age, sex, memory quotient, and overall psychological health, to ensure that comparisons would be meaningful. Using these criteria, the researchers found no statistically significant baseline differences between the students in the two groups, one of which was to be treated with HuperzineA, the other to receive a placebo. In a double-blind trial, one member of each pair, chosen randomly, was given 100 micrograms of synthetic HupA twice daily for four weeks, while the other member received the placebo. The students' memory quotients were measured before and after the trial, and their academic performance in their Chinese, English, and mathematics lessons was monitored as well. At the end of the study, the HuperzineA group scored significantly better than the control group on standard memory tests described as "accumulation," "recognition," "reproduction," "association," "tactual [tactile] memory," and "number of recitation," but not on tests of "picture memory" or "understanding." They had also done significantly better in their Chinese and English lessons, but not in math. No side effects of any kind were noted (Xu SS, Cai ZY, Qu ZW, Yang RM, Cai YL, Wang GQ, Su XQ, Zhong XS, Cheng RY, Xu WA, Li JX, Feng B. Huperzine-A in capsules and tablets for treating patients with Alzheimer's disease. Acta Pharmacol Sin 1999 Jun;20(6):486-90).
I'll definitely have to take a closer look later at the studies you provided. Thank you.
 

David_Sndrs39

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Some people just don't have a great memory. Some people also sweat more than other people. You seem to be trying to fix something that isn't broken, what's worse is your seeking a fix to a medical or mental problem with supplements and asking advice on a bodybuilding/fitness/supplement message board. I'm not trying to sound harsh or mean. To me it sounds like this is not really a problem with your memory but your perception, but take my advice with a grain of salt because I'm just some nameless strange on the internet after-all. Your doctor prescribed Zoloft I'm guessing because your worried about your memory, when their is no need to actually worry about it. You're self fulfilling your problem by constantly worrying about it-causing it.

Once again, take my "advice" with a grain of salt because I'm just some nameless stranger on the internet on a fitness/supplement/bodybuilding/power-lifting message board.
I hear what you're saying and agree with you to an extent. I also don't think your comment sounds a bit harsh or mean (just helpful like everyone has been so far...which I appreciate). Honestly, I can't really dispute what you're saying because I don't know or remember what my memory was like when I was younger. However, I do have comments from my family to go by. Every since I moved back in town five years ago (lived another state for more than ten years after college) the've been commenting on how bad my memory is now and that it never used to be like that. Besides that, all I have to go by is my grades in school (was told I had a 3.9 GPA in HS and 3.5 in college). I would think that those grades and an engineering degree would indicate that my memory was much better at one time. Otherwise I figure my grades would have suffered...maybe I'm wrong in assuming that. So, like I said, I really can't dispute what you're saying. I just have to trust the perception of my family and other information from my past.
 
Synapsin

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I'll definitely have to take a closer look later at the studies you provided. Thank you.
That stud is one of the reasons I recommended dosing 200 mcg a day. At doses >400 mcg, people begin to see rather unpleasant side effects. Like others have stated, be sure to eventually cycle off of the Huperzine A.
 
Jiigzz

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It's definately pretty annoying, that's for sure. I often get a hard time from my brothers when they're discussing something from when we were kids and I usually don't remember what they're talking about. I did ask both of my family physicians (changed to a new one last year) about seeing a specialist but they felt that wasn't necessary and that zoloft should fix my problem over time. Kept saying that even after almost a year of taking it and no improvement; unless they considered worse brain fog as an improvement.

Focus xt looks really good but I don't like not knowing how much is in it. Especially the huperzine content if that has the best chance of helping. So, I just ordered that same brand of huperzine capsules. I don't suppose you know an approximate range of the huperzine content in focus xt (maybe just based on subjective feel)?
You can always buy Alcar, Choline and Huperzine a from the same source (SNS) and mix it up yourself. I will say however that Hup A may not be your best option as we are not in a position to diagnose over the interwebs (or even in real life lol) but are simply providing one solution to mask the problem (if it even helps is yet to be seen).

If it is so notable that people around you notice, then see a specialist (not just a GP) to determine the best course of action as it is somewhat apparent that it troubles you.
 

David_Sndrs39

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That stud is one of the reasons I recommended dosing 200 mcg a day. At doses >400 mcg, people begin to see rather unpleasant side effects. Like others have stated, be sure to eventually cycle off of the Huperzine A.
Just out of curiousity, what are your thoughts on huperzine vs galantamine? Looking at the price of galantamine, I'm curious as to whether it works so much better as to warrant the much higher cost.
 

David_Sndrs39

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You can always buy Alcar, Choline and Huperzine a from the same source (SNS) and mix it up yourself. I will say however that Hup A may not be your best option as we are not in a position to diagnose over the interwebs (or even in real life lol) but are simply providing one solution to mask the problem (if it even helps is yet to be seen).

If it is so notable that people around you notice, then see a specialist (not just a GP) to determine the best course of action as it is somewhat apparent that it troubles you.
Yeah, I think I'll see my GP after the holidays and see if I can get him to at least recommend a specialist. In the meantime, I'll try the huperzine I bought to see if it at least helps me focus during a very busy couple weeks at work.
 

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What's considered prolonged use? Does dosage factor in at all (i.e. could a lower dosage be taken daily)? Would a few months be okay or are there better supplement options?
Cycles of 2-4 weeks then break for as long as you were on.

Here is a great overview of supplements and memory. I find this site pretty reputable, and they cite the studies they use.
 
Synapsin

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Just out of curiousity, what are your thoughts on huperzine vs galantamine? Looking at the price of galantamine, I'm curious as to whether it works so much better as to warrant the much higher cost.
Galantamine is more effective and is better overall, but I'm not entirely sure I'd recommend it to a beginner. I think you should try Huperzine A, and only use Galantamine if you don't see the effects you're looking for. If you do use Galantamine, use 8-16 mg a day.
 

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How about try asking your doctor for Provigil instead.

I can't post a link, but just google it. It's more of an intelligence/productivity enhancer, so memory should be improved too.
 

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