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Batstra, Prof. Laura

Laura Batstra
Laura Batstra

Laura Batstra (1973) graduated cum laude in psychology in 1997. She then joined the University Medical Center Groningen as a psychologist, where she worked on various projects in the field of indirect patient care. At the end of 2004 she was awarded a PhD for her thesis ‘Difficult Birth, Difficult Life?’ She went on to work as a treating psychologist at an institution for child and youth psychiatry. 2012 saw the publication of Batstra’s book ‘ Hoe voorkom je ADHD? Door de diagnose niet te stellen ’ (‘How can ADHD be prevented? By not diagnosing it.’), in which she advocates a new approach to ADHD problems.

According to Batstra, in recent years, there has been an excessive focus on disorder-thinking. "If people experience symptoms that are actually part of life, we too quickly assume that something is wrong and that individual medical help is needed. For example, a child who is just a bit hyperactive might be prescribed ADHD medication. Or someone labeled with 'complex grief' because they grieve a deceased loved one for too long. I don't want to deny or trivialize these issues, but I believe we should critically assess whether they belong in psychiatry and if medication is the right approach."

Batstra’s fields of research include methods for preventing over-diagnosis without risking under-treatment. ‘In many cases involving children perceived as problematic, the child can be spared the negative effects of a psychiatric diagnosis if help and support is offered to adults in that child’s environment.’ 2012 saw the publication of Batstra’s book ‘ Hoe voorkom je ADHD? Door de diagnose niet te stellen ’ (‘How can ADHD be prevented? By not diagnosing it.’), in which she advocates a new approach to ADHD problems.

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News article de Volkskrant
News article de Volkskrant

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Publications

2024

Batstra, L., & Thoutenhoofd, E. D. (2024, Feb 29). Discussing the ‘obsession’ with childhood disorder labelling. Sociology Lens. https://www.sociologylens.net/article-types/opinion/childhood-disorder-labelling/48831
Batstra, L., de Vries, W., & Thoutenhoofd, E. D. (2024). Does Using Core Quadrants Lead to More Teacher Self-Efficacy and Less Perceived Problem Behaviour? European Journal of Inclusive Education, 3(1), 43-59. https://doi.org/10.7146/ejie.v3i1.137366
Hofstra, M., Conradi, M., van Dijk, E., & Batstra, L. (2024). 'Gefeliciteerd, u heeft toch geen kanker': De impact van een ernstige misdiagnose. Medisch Contact, 2024(16), 18-20. https://www.medischcontact.nl/actueel/laatste-nieuws/artikel/gefeliciteerd-u-heeft-toch-geen-kanker
Batstra, L., & de Vries, W. (2024). Meer leerkracht met kernkwadranten? Orthopedagogiek: Onderzoek en Praktijk, 63(2), 43-55.
Lucassen, P., van Dijk, E., Ligthart, S., Houwen, J., olde Hartman, T., & Batstra, L. (2024). ‘Stepped diagnosis’ bij mensen met psychische klachten. Huisarts en Wetenschap, 67(6), 20-22. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12445-024-2831-0
Ponnou, S., Timimi, S., Briffault, X., Batstra, L., Gøtzsche, P. C., & Gonon, F. (2024). WHO Essential Medicines List and methylphenidate for ADHD in children and adolescents. The Lancet. Psychiatry, 11(2), 92-93. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(23)00392-9

2023

Batstra, L. (2023). ADHD: Macht en Misverstanden: volledig herziene 6e druk. (6 ed.) Lucht.
Batstra, L. (2023, Mar 2). Armoede is een (domme politieke) keuze. MUG Magazine .
Batstra, L. (2023). Handleiding Labelen of Handelen? Omgaan met emotionele en gedragsproblemen van leerlingen.
van Dijk, E., van Tol, D., Wienen, B., & Batstra, L. (2023). Psychische klachten: waarom niets doen zo lastig is. Huisarts en Wetenschap, 66(10), 26-29. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12445-023-2321-9
Conradi, M., van den Bergh, L., Schrotenboer, E., & Batstra, L. (2023). Uitsluiten tegengaan. Jeugd in school en wereld, 36-39. Article 1.
Batstra, L., & Thoutenhoofd, E. D. (2023). Van kinderen naar leerkrachten met speciale onderwijsbehoeften. Pedagogische studien, 100(1), 125-136. https://doi.org/10.59302/PS.V100I1.13993
de Vries, W., van Roy, M., & Batstra, L. (2023). Van Stoornisdenken naar Interactie: Een onderzoek naar het effect van de methode Kernkwadranten op de zelfeffectiviteit van leerkrachten en hun perceptie van lastig leerlinggedrag. Nationaal Regieorgaan Onderwijsonderzoek.
Sluiter, M. N., Bos, E. H., Doornenbal, J. M., de Jonge, P., & Batstra, L. (2023). Wild and Willful Kids: Can We Help Parents? The Effectiveness of a Group Parent Training Program Without a Psychiatric Label. Journal of Psychiatric Practice, 29(3), 246-259. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRA.0000000000000704

2022

te Meerman, S., Freedman, J. E., & Batstra, L. (2022). ADHD and reification: Four ways a psychiatric construct is portrayed as a disease. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13, Article 1055328. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1055328
Batstra, L., van Roy, A. C. M., & Thoutenhoofd, E. D. (2022). Corrigendum: Teachers with Special Needs. De-Psychiatrization of Children in Schools(Front Sociol., (2021), 6, (781057), 10.3389/fsoc.2021.781057). Frontiers in Sociology, 6, Article 836331. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsoc.2021.836331
Batstra, L., Whitely, M., & Timimi, S. (2022). Editorial: ADHD: Science and society. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13, Article 1129728. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1129728
van Dijk, E., van Tol, D., Diemers, A. D., Wienen, A., & Batstra, L. (2022). Sick or Sad? A Qualitative Study on How Dutch GPs Deal With Sadness Complaints Among Young Adults. Frontiers in Sociology, 6, Article 765814. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsoc.2021.765814

2021

Batstra, L., Helmholt, E., Laning, J., & Vogel, D. (2021). Handleiding Druk & Dwars training Educatieve Professionals, 3 versies: Basistraining voor zowel Leerkrachten als Pedagogisch medewerkers en Gecombineerde Train-de-Trainer.
Batstra, L., Lotterman, J., & Dijk, K. (2021). "Ik heb geen visie op ADHD, ik heb een visie op kinderen”: ADHD in de kinderopvang. Kiddo, 2021(5), 52-55.
Batstra, L. (2021). Is er toekomst voor ADHD? De Psycholoog, 56(6), 10-15.
van Roy, M., & Batstra, L. (2021). Met Kernkwadranten naar Interactie en Eigenaarschap: Trainingsmap voor onderwijsprofessionals. Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Faculteit Gedrags- en Maatschappijwetenschappen.
Batstra, L., & Sluiter, M. (2021). Rebelleren, nuanceren en ontzien. Een andere kijk op ADHD. PIP-pedagogiek in praktijk, 27(123), 42-46.
Batstra, L. (2021). Researchers should do more to bring their findings to society: the case of ADHD-medication. Sociology Lens. https://www.sociologylens.net/article-types/opinion/adhd-medication-research/36169
te Meerman, S., Batstra, L., Dekkers, T. J., Groenman, A., Hoekstra, P. J., Hofhuis, M., Jonkers, R., Polderman, T. J., Lambregts-Rommelse, N., Verburg, M., Veenman, B., & Wienen, B. (2021). Richtlijn Voorlichting ADHD. ZonMW.
Batstra, L., & te Meerman, S. (2021). Richtlijn Voorlichting ADHD gelanceerd. In Sozio-Special: Buitengewoon Normaal (Vol. 3, pp. 83-85). (Sozio). SWP Uitgeverij.
Batstra, L., van Roy, M., & Thoutenhoofd, E. D. (2021). Teachers with Special Needs. De-Psychiatrization of Children in Schools. Frontiers in Sociology, 6, Article 781057. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsoc.2021.781057

2020

te Meerman, S., Batstra, L., Freedman, J., Hoekstra, R., & Grietens, H. (2020). ADHD and brain anatomy: What do academic textbooks used in the Netherlands tell students? Children & Society, 34(2), 136-150. https://doi.org/10.1111/chso.12362
te Meerman, S., Batstra, L., Freedman, J., Hoekstra, R., & Grietens, H. (2020). ADHD and brain anatomy: First do no harm! Sociology Lens. https://www.sociologylens.net/article-types/opinion/adhd-brain-anatomy-first-do-no-harm/29128
Batstra, L. (2020). ADHD-richtlijnen: Kind en de (ortho)pedagogiek voorop! De Pedagoog, 2020(3), 12-13.
Batstra, L., & Doornenbal, J. (2020). De opvoedingsomgeving versterken: Een decennium Druk & Dwars. PIP-pedagogiek in praktijk, (116).
Wienen, A., Korenromp, H., Batstra, L., & Graas, T. A. M. (2020). NRO rapport Werkbaar in de klas: Het effect van samenwerking tussen ouders, leraren, maatschappelijk werk en jeugdhulp in de schoolklas. Nationaal Regieorgaan Onderwijsonderzoek.
Batstra, L. (2020). Passend Onderwijs: Anders handelen vereist Anders denken. TIB: Tijdschrift Intern Begeleiders, 2020(5).
Batstra, L., & Thoutenhoofd, E. D. (2020). The lack of common sense in disorder thinking. Sociology Lens. https://www.sociologylens.net/article-types/opinion/lack-of-common-sense-in-disorder-thinking/29776
Batstra, L., Foget, L., van Haeringen, C., Meerman, S. T., & Thoutenhoofd, E. D. (2020). What children and young people learn about ADHD from youth information books: A text analysis of nine books on ADHD available in Dutch. Scandinavian journal of child and adolescent psychiatry and psychology, 8, 1-9. https://doi.org/10.21307/sjcapp-2020-001

2019

Sluiter, M. N., de Vries, Y. A., Koning, L. G., Hak, E., Bos, J. H. J., Schuiling-Veninga, C. C. M., Batstra, L., Doornenbal, J. M., & de Jonge, P. (2020). A Prescription Trend Analysis of Methylphenidate: Relation to Study Reports on Efficacy. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research , 47(2), 291–299. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-019-00983-6
te Meerman, S., Batstra, L., Hoekstra, R., & Grietens, H. (2019). Academic textbooks on ADHD genetics: Balanced or biased? (vol 12, 1305590, 2017). International journal of qualitative studies on health and well-Being, 14(1), Article 1616433. https://doi.org/10.1080/17482631.2019.1616433
Sluiter, M. N., Wienen, A. W., Thoutenhoofd, E. D., Doornenbal, J. M., & Batstra, L. (2019). Teachers' role and attitudes concerning ADHD medication: A qualitative analysis. Psychology in the schools, 56(8 ), 1259-1270. https://doi.org/10.1002/pits.22270
Wienen, A. W., Sluiter, M. N., Thoutenhoofd, E., de Jonge, P., & Batstra, L. (2019). The advantages of an ADHD classification from the perspective of teachers. European Journal of Special Needs Education, 34(5), 649-662. https://doi.org/10.1080/08856257.2019.1580838

2018

Wienen, A. W., Batstra, L., Thoutenhoofd, E., Bos, E. H., & de Jonge, P. (2019). Do troublesome pupils impact teacher perception of the behaviour of their classmates? European Journal of Special Needs Education, 34(1), 114-123. https://doi.org/10.1080/08856257.2017.1421600
Wienen, A. W., Reijnders, I., van Aggelen, M. H., Bos, E. H., Batstra, L., & de Jonge, P. (2019). The relative impact of school‐wide positive behavior support on teachers’ perceptions of student behavior across schools, teachers, and students. Psychology in the schools, 56(2), 232-241. https://doi.org/10.1002/pits.22209
Wubs, D., Batstra, L., & Grietens, H. (2018). Balancing between care-giving and professionalism: Women's narratives on fostering a victim of maternal sexual abuse. Child and Family Social Work, 23(4), 757-764. https://doi.org/10.1111/cfs.12597
Wubs, D., Grietens, H., & Batstra, L. (2018). Het schip niet willen laten stranden: Verhalen over de zorg voor pleegkinderen met een verleden van seksueel misbruik . Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Faculteit Gedrags- en Maatschappijwetenschappen.
Wubs, D., Batstra, L., & Grietens, H. W. E. (2018). Speaking With and Without Words-An Analysis of Foster Children's Expressions and Behaviors That Are Suggestive of Prior Sexual Abuse. Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 27(1), 70-87. https://doi.org/10.1080/10538712.2017.1390716
Wienen, A. W., Batstra, L., Thoutenhoofd, E., de Jonge, P., & Bos, E. H. (2018). Teachers' perceptions of behavioral problems in Dutch primary education pupils: The role of relative age. PLoS ONE, 13(10), Article 0204718. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0204718
Batstra, L. (2018). Van psychiatrische kinderziekten naar sociale en maatschappelijke problemen. In D. Graas, A. de Klein, J. Stevens, T. Jansen, & G. van Nunen (Eds.), Écht doen wat nodig is: Pleidooi voor kleinschalige effectieve jeugdhulp (pp. 72-78). Stichting Beroepseer.
Batstra, L. (2018). Wat is er mis met een stoornis? Passend Onderwijs Magazine, 6(3), 6-9.

2017

te Meerman, S., Batstra, L., Grietens, H., & Frances, A. (2017). ADHD: A critical update For educational professionals. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being , 12(1), Article 1298267. https://doi.org/10.1080/17482631.2017.1298267
Batstra, L. (2017). ADHD: Macht en Misverstanden. Lucht.
Batstra, L. (2017). ADHD en hersenen: First do no harm! GZ-Psychologie, 9, 30-32. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41480-017-0066-4
Batstra, L. (2017). Meneer Ten Brug. In Hoera, ik sta voor de klas! (4 ed., pp. 14-16). Quirijn.
te Meerman, S., Batstra, L., Hoekstra, R., & Grietens, H. (2017). Study books on ADHD genetics: balanced or biased? International journal of qualitative studies on health and well-Being, 12, Article 1305590. https://doi.org/10.1080/17482631.2017.1305590
Batstra, L., Te Meerman, S., Conners, K., & Frances, A. (2017). Subcortical brain volume differences in participants with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adults. The Lancet. Psychiatry, 4(6), 439. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(17)30107-4
Foget, L., van Haeringen, C., te Meerman, S., & Batstra, L. (2017). Wat leert de jeugd van educatieve kinderboeken en ADHD? Orthopedagogiek: Onderzoek en Praktijk, 56(9-10), 170-182.

2016

Wubs, S., Grietens, H., & Batstra, L. (2016). Family narratives on fostering a child with a history of sexual abuse. Abstract from EUSARF 2016, Oviedo, Spain.
te Meerman, S., Batstra, L., Hoekstra, R., & Grietens, H. (2016). Selective quantitative writing on ADHD genetics in study books: A critical analysis. Abstract from EUSARF 2016, Oviedo, Spain.

2015

Batstra, L., Nieweg, E. H., Engelsman, R. C. A., & Hadders-Algra, M. (2015). Een 'stepped diagnosis' aanpak voor drukke dwarse en dromerige kinderen. In S. Vandamme (Ed.), Van nu en straks: Over toekomstdenken (pp. 81-92). Academia Press.

2014

Krabbe, E., Thoutenhoofd, E., Conradi, M., Pijl, S., & Batstra, L. (2014). Birth months as predictor of ADHD medication use in Dutch school classes. European Journal of Special Needs Education, 29(4), 571-578. https://doi.org/10.1080/08856257.2014.943564
Batstra, L., Nieweg, E. H., Pijl, S., Van Tol, D. G., & Hadders-Algra, M. (2014). Childhood ADHD: A Stepped Diagnosis Approach. Journal of Psychiatric Practice, 20(3), 169-177. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.pra.0000450316.68494.20
Postma-Van der Woude, P., van Joolingen, J., & Batstra, L. (2014). De visie op ADHD, standvastig of beïnvloedbaar? Orthopedagogiek: Onderzoek en Praktijk, 53(10).
Batstra, L., Nieweg, E. H., Engelsman, R. C. A., & Hadders-Algra, M. (2014). Een ‘Stepped Diagnosis’ aanpak voor drukke, dwarse en dromerige kinderen. Orthopedagogiek: Onderzoek en Praktijk, 53(10), 409.
Batstra, L., Nieweg, E. H., & Hadders-Algra, M. (2014). Exploring five common assumptions on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Acta Paediatrica, 103(7), 696-700. https://doi.org/10.1111/apa.12642
Batstra, L., & te Meerman, S. (2014). Handleiding groepscursus voor ouders van kinderen met druk en dwars gedrag.
Wubs, D., Grietens, H., & Batstra, L. (2014). Project Iris - Caring for a sexually abused foster child.. 285. Paper presented at EUSARF 2014 'Making a difference', Copenhagen, Denmark.
Batstra, L. (2014). Reducing Overdiagnosis without Risking Undertreatment. Abstract from Preventing Overdiagnosis, Oxford.

2013

Thomas, R., Mitchell, G. K., & Batstra, L. (2013). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: are we helping or harming? BMJ-British Medical Journal, 347, Article 6172. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.f6172
Batstra, L. (2013). Epiloog. In I. Devisch (Ed.), Ziek van gezondheid. Voor elk probleem een pil? (pp. 149-162). De Bezige Bij.
Krabbe, E., Batstra, L., Conradi, M., & Pijl, S.-J. (2013). Jong gedrag vaak verward met ADHD. Medisch Contact, 68(23), 1241-1243.
Thoutenhoofd, E., & Batstra, L. (2013). Overleeft de psychiatrie de DSM-5? De Psycholoog, 48(3), 10-17.
Batstra, L., & Frances, A. (2013). Psychiatrische overdiagnostiek voorkomen zonder onderbehandeling te riskeren. De Psycholoog, 48(6), 10-17.
Batstra, L., Thomas, R., & Mitchell, G. (2013). Regulators should do more to protect whistleblowers, commission says Reply. BMJ-British Medical Journal, 347, Article 7080. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.f7080
Batstra, L. (2013). Stepped diagnosis in child psychiatry. Paper presented at Inclusive Education Conference, Groningen, Netherlands.
Batstra, L., & Thoutenhoofd, E. (2013). The risk that DSM-5 will further inflate the diagnostic bubble. Paper presented at Conference of the Behavioral and Social Sciences, Groningen, Netherlands.
Batstra, L. (2013). Tussen verzinsel en hersenziekte: Wat is nu écht ADHD? . JA! Tijdschrift van de Artsen(vereniging) Jeugdgezondheidszorg Nederland, 29, 7-9.
Frances, A., & Batstra, L. (2013). Why So Many Epidemics of Childhood Mental Disorder? Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 34(4), 291-292. https://doi.org/10.1097/DBP.0b013e31829425f5

2012

Batstra, L., Hadders-Algra, M., Nieweg, E., Van Tol, D., Pijl, S. J., & Frances, A. (2012). Childhood emotional and behavioral problems: reducing overdiagnosis without risking undertreatment. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 54(6), 492-494. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-8749.2011.04176.x
Batstra, L., & Frances, A. (2012). Diagnostic Inflation Causes and a Suggested Cure. JOURNAL OF NERVOUS AND MENTAL DISEASE, 200(6), 474-479. https://doi.org/10.1097/NMD.0b013e318257c4a2
Batstra, L., & Frances, A. (2012). DSM-5 Further Inflates Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. JOURNAL OF NERVOUS AND MENTAL DISEASE, 200(6), 486-488. https://doi.org/10.1097/NMD.0b013e318257c4b6
Batstra, L. (2012). Hoe voorkom je ADHD? Door de diagnose niet te stellen. Uitgeverij Nieuwezijds.
Batstra, L., & Frances, A. (2012). Holding the line against diagnostic inflation. Psychotherapy and psychosomatics, 81, 5-10.
Batstra, L., & Frances, A. (2012). Holding the Line against Diagnostic Inflation in Psychiatry. Psychotherapy and psychosomatics, 81(1), 5-10. https://doi.org/10.1159/000331565
Nieweg, E., & Batstra, L. (2012). Medicamenteuze behandeling van ADHD bij kinderen en adolescenten. Geneesmiddelenbulletin, 46(11), 121 - 129.
Batstra, L. (2012). Red de diagnose ADHD. De Psycholoog, 47(7-8), 26 - 30.
Batstra, L., & Thoutenhoofd, E. D. (2012). The risk that DSM-5 will further inflate the diagnostic bubble. Current Psychiatry Reviews, 8, 260-263.

2011

Batstra, L. (2011, Jan 20). ADHD: een pleidooi voor normaliseren.
Batstra, L. (2011, Nov 19). Gedragsproblemen in de klas Workshop.
Batstra, L. (2011). Ingezonden brief als reactie op 'ADHD zeker geen modegril'. Medisch Contact, 66(11), 694.
Batstra, L. (2011, May 12). Leave the kids alone! On stepped diagnosis.
Batstra, L., & Pijl, S. J. (2011). Zorgplicht in het buitenland. Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, afdeling Orthopedagogiek.

2009

Batstra, L. (2009). Protocol kortdurende thuisbehandeling bij ADHD en ODD.

2006

Batstra, L., Neeleman, J., Elsinga, C., & Hadders-Algra, M. (2006). Psychiatric morbidity is related to a chain of prenatal and perinatal adversities. Early Human Development, 82(11), 721-729. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2006.03.003

2004

Tuin-Batstra, L. V. D. (2004). Difficult birth, difficult life? s.n.
Batstra, L., Hadders-Algra, M., Ormel, J., & Neeleman, J. (2004). Obstetric optimality and emotional problems and substance use in young adulthood. Early Human Development, 80(2), 91-101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2004.04.016

2003

Batstra, L., Neeleman, J., & Hadders-Algra, M. (2003). Can breast feeding modify the adverse effects of smoking during pregnancy on the child's cognitive development? Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 57(6), 403-404. https://doi.org/10.1136/jech.57.6.403
Batstra, L., Hadders-Algra, M., & Neeleman, J. (2003). Effect of antenatal exposure to maternal smoking on behavioural problems and academic achievement in childhood: prospective evidence from a Dutch birth cohort. Early Human Development, 75(1-2), 21-33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2003.09.001
Batstra, L., Neeleman, J., & Hadders-Algra, M. (2003). The neurology of learning and behavioural problems in pre-adolescent children. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 108(2), 92-100.

2002

Batstra, L., van de Wiel, HBM., & Schuiling, GA. (2002). Opinions about 'unexplained subfertility'. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology, 23(4), 211-214.
Batstra, L., Bos, EH., & Neeleman, J. (2002). Quantifying psychiatric comorbidity - Lessions from chronic disease epidemiology. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 37(3), 105-111.

2001

Batstra, L. (2001). The effect of antenatal exposure to maternal smoking on behavioural problems and academic achievement in childhood; Prospective evidence from a Dutch birth cohort.. Paper presented at Global burden, local progress; Section on Epidemiology and Public Health" van de World Psychiatric Association in Baltimore , Baltimore, United States.

1998

Batstra, L., Schultz, W. C. M. W., & van de Wiel, H. (1998). Uiterlijk, relaties en seksualiteit. Psychologie, (Februari).
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