1.Effect of Pibai Yucuo Formula (枇柏愈痤方) on Inflammatory Response in Lesional Tissue and Skin Barrier Damage in Acne Model Mice
Yunni LIU-TANG ; Yutong DENG ; Gaiying HE ; Huishang FENG ; Xuewen REN ; Yimei FANG ; Xuewan WANG ; Yatong LI ; Lingling CAI ; Yuanwen LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(11):1211-1219
ObjectiveTo investigate the possible mechanism of Pibai Yucuo Formula (枇柏愈痤方, PYF) in treating acne from the perspective of skin barrier damage. MethodsThirty-two mice were randomly divided into blank group, model group, minocycline group, and PYF group, with 8 mice in each group. Except for the blank group, mice were induced by intradermal injection of Cutibacterium acnes (C.acnes) combined with topical application of artificial sebum to establish acne model. The blank group and model group received intragastric administration of 0.2 ml of distilled water, while the PYF group received intragastric administration of 22.75 g/(kg·d)of PYF, and the minocycline group received 0.013 g/(kg·d)of minocycline suspension, all once daily for 5 consecutive days. On day 0 and day 6 of the experiment, the body weight of mice in each group was recorded, and the absolute value of the body weight difference during the experiment was calculated. Skin conditions were assessed with multifunctional skin imaging system on the 2nd, 4th and 6th day of the experiment. Skin barrier function indicators including transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and the water content of the stratum corneum and epidermis on day 0, 2, 4 and 6 of the experiment. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to observe stratum corneum and skin thickness on the 1st, 3rd and 5th day of the experiment. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe histopathological changes, while ELISA was used to detect interleukin-17A (IL-17A) levels, and immunofluorescence staining was used to assess skin barrier-related proteins filaggrin (FLG) and loricrin (LOR) levels of skin lesions on day 6 of the experiment. ResultsCompared to the blank group, the model group showed a decrease in body weight on day 6, and an increase in the absolute value of the difference in body weight before and after the experiment (P<0.05). On day 4 and 6, TEWL values increased, while water content in the skin stratum corneum and epidermis decreased (P<0.05), accompanied by elevated IL-17A level and reduced immunofluorescence intensity of FLG and LOR proteins (P<0.05). The model group mice showed papules or pustules at the skin modeling site with progressively worsening desquamation under multifunctional skin imaging system. OCT revealed focal epidermal protrusions, blurred epidermal-dermal boundaries, and disorganized structural layers. HE staining showed significant epidermal hyperkeratosis and incomplete keratinization in the skin, with keratin plug formation in hair follicles and glandular lumens, thickened stratum corneum, hyperplasia of the stratum spinosum, as well as dense dermal inflammatory cell infiltration, and capillary dilation. Compared to the model group, both the minocycline group and the PYF group showed a reduced difference in body weight before and after experiment (P<0.05). On day 4 and 6, the TEWL value decreased, and water content of the skin stratum corneum increased (P<0.05); on day 6, the IL-17A level in the skin lesions decreased and immunofluorescence intensity of FLG and LOR proteins increased (P<0.05). On day 4 and 6, the severity of the skin lesions and range of redness and swelling were lighter than those in the model group, with reverted epidermal thickness, smoother surface and clearer epidermis-dermis boundary. HE staining showed that the degree of skin keratinization was reduced, and the inflammatory infiltration and vascular dilation in the dermis were improved compared to the model group. The PYF group showed better results than the minocycline group in reducing TEWL value on day 4 (P<0.05). ConclusionPYF may improve inflammation and skin barrier damage by downregulating IL-17A levels in lesion tissue and increasing skin barrier-related proteins, which could be one of the potential mechanism of action on acne.
2.Exploration of the Intervention Mechanism of Qingshi Anti-itch Ointment (青石止痒软膏) on Psoriasis Model Mice Based on Caspase-1/GSDMD Protein Pathway
Yatong LI ; Yuanwen LI ; Yutong DENG ; Xuewen REN ; Xuewan WANG ; Xinhui YU ; Tangyunni LIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(2):170-177
ObjectiveTo explore the possible action mechanism of Qingshi Anti-itch Ointment (青石止痒软膏, QAO) in the treatment of psoriasis. MethodsForty mice were randomly divided into four groups, blank group, model group, calcipotriol group and QAO group, with 10 mice in each group. Except for the blank group, psoriasis was induced by applying imiquimod cream to the dorsal skin. After modeling for 6 hours daily, the calcipotriol group and QAO group were treated with 0.5 g of calcipotriol ointment or 0.5 g of QAO, respectively, applied to the treated dorsal skin. The blank group and the model group received no treatment. The skin lesions were observed, and the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score was assessed every other day. After 7 days, Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE) staining was performed on dorsal skin tissue to observe pathological changes. The levels of interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and interleukin 18 (IL-18) were determined by enzym-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein levels of Caspase-1,Pro-Caspase-1, gasdermin D (GSDMD) and gasdermin-D-N (GSDMD-N) were detected by Western Blot (WB). The protein levels of GSDMD were observed by immunohistochemistry. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group mice showed redness, erythema, and white scales on their skin, with histological observations indicating epidermal thickening, elongated spines, and infiltration of inflammatory cells. The PASI scores of the skin tissue on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 were elevated; the IOD and AOD values of GSDMD protein increased; the protein levels of Caspase-1, Pro-Caspase-1,GSDMD, GSDMD-N, and IL-1β and IL-18 were significantly elevated (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the QAO group and calcipotriol group showed lighter skin lesions; the PASI scores on day 5 and day 7 in the QAO group, and on day 3, 5, and 7 in the calcipotriol group, were reduced; the IOD and AOD values of GSDMD protein, and the protein level of Caspase-1, GSDMD, and GSDMD-N, as well as level of IL-18 and IL-1β decreased in both groups; in the calcipotriol group, Pro-Caspase-1 protein level also decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the calcipotriol group, the QAO group showed slightly redder skin, more obvious thickening of the stratum corneum, and less capillary dilation; the PASI scores on day 3 and day 7 increased, while the score on day 5 was reduced; the protein level of Pro-Caspase-1, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, and the level of IL-18 and IL-1β were increased in the QAO group (P<0.05). ConclusionQAO can effectively relieve psoriasis dermatitis in mice. Its potential mechanism may be related to the regulation of the Caspase-1/GSDMD protein pathway, down-regulation of IL-18 and IL-1β levels, and alleviation of pyroptosis.
3.Metabolic engineering of Escherichia coli for efficient biosynthesis of L-citrulline.
Linfeng XU ; Wenwen YU ; Xuewen ZHU ; Quanwei ZHANG ; Yaokang WU ; Jianghua LI ; Guocheng DU ; Xueqin LV ; Jian CHEN ; Long LIU
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(1):242-255
L-citrulline is a nonprotein amino acid that plays an important role in human health and has great market demand. Although microbial cell factories have been widely used for biosynthesis, there are still challenges such as genetic instability and low efficiency in the biosynthesis of L-citrulline. In this study, an efficient, plasmid-free, non-inducible L-citrulline-producing strain of Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) was engineered by combined strategies. Firstly, a chassis strain capable of synthesizing L-citrulline was constructed by block of L-citrulline degradation and removal of feedback inhibition, with the L-citrulline titer of 0.43 g/L. Secondly, a push-pull-restrain strategy was employed to enhance the L-citrulline biosynthesis, which realized the L-citrulline titer of 6.0 g/L. Thirdly, the NADPH synthesis and L-citrulline transport were strengthened to promote the synthesis efficiency, which achieved the L-citrulline titer of 11.6 g/L. Finally, fed-batch fermentation was performed with the engineered strain in a 3 L fermenter, in which the L-citrulline titer reached 44.9 g/L. This study lays the foundation for the industrial production of L-citrulline and provides insights for the modification of other amino acid metabolic networks.
Citrulline/biosynthesis*
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Escherichia coli/genetics*
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Metabolic Engineering/methods*
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Fermentation
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NADP/biosynthesis*
4.A Randomized Controlled,Double-Blind Study on Huaban Jiedu Formulation (化斑解毒方) in the Treatment of Psoriasis Vulgaris with Blood-Heat Syndrome
Xuewen REN ; Yutong DENG ; Huishang FENG ; Bo HU ; Jianqing WANG ; Zhan CHEN ; Xiaodong LIU ; Xinhui YU ; Yuanwen LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(16):1679-1686
ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Huaban Jiedu Formulation (化斑解毒方, HJF) in treating psoriasis vulgaris with blood-heat syndrome. MethodsA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted with 60 patients diagnosed with psoriasis vulgaris of blood-heat syndrome. Patients were randomly assigned to either a treatment group or a control group, with 30 cases in each. The treatment group received HJF granules orally, one dose a day, combined with topical Qingshi Zhiyang Ointment (青石止痒软膏), while the control group received placebo granules, one dose a day, combined with the same topical ointment. Both groups were topically treated twice daily of 28 days treatment cours. Psoriasis area and severity index (PASI), visual analogue scale for pruritus (VAS), traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, dermatology life quality index (DLQI), and psoriasis life stress inventory (PLSI) were assessed before treatment and on day 14 and day 28. Response rates for PASI 50 (≥50% reduction) and PASI 75 (≥75% reduction), as well as overall clinical efficacy, were compared between groups. Serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-17 (IL-17) were measured before and after 28 days of treatment. Adverse reactions during treatment were recorded. ResultsAfter 28 days of treatment, both groups showed significant reductions in PASI total score, lesion area score, erythema, scaling, and infiltration scores, pruritus VAS score, TCM syndrome score, DLQI, PLSI, and serum IL-6 and IL-17 levels (P<0.05). Compared to the control group, the treatment group had significantly greater improvements in PASI total score and erythema score, TCM syndrome score, serum IL-6 and IL-17 levels, and PASI 50 response rate after 28 days (P<0.05). Between-group comparisons of score differences before and after 28-day treatment revealed that the treatment group showed significantly better improvements in PASI total, lesion area score, erythema score, TCM syndrome score, DLQI, PLSI, and inflammatory markers (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The total effective rate on day 14 and day 28 was 40.00% (12/30) and 83.33% (25/30) in the treatment group, versus 6.90% (2/29) and 41.38% (12/29) in the control group, respectively. The clinical efficacy in the treatment group was significantly superior to that in the control group (P<0.05). Mild gastric discomfort occurred in 3 patients in the treatment group and 1 in the control group. ConclusionHJF can effectively improve skin lesions and TCM symptoms relieve pruritus, enhance quality of life, and reduce inflammatory markers IL-6 and IL-17, in patients with blood-heat syndrome of psoriasis vulgaris, with a good safety profile.
5.Early efficacy of local tranexamic acid in reducing postoperative swelling in hallux valgus surgery
Ning SUN ; Xuewen WANG ; Yong WU ; Shuang REN ; Heng LI ; Hui DU ; Xiaofeng GONG
Journal of Peking University(Health Sciences) 2025;57(1):172-177
Objective:To evaluate the early efficacy of local application of tranexamic acid on the osteotomy surface during hallux valgus surgery in reducing postoperative occult blood loss and thus postopera-tive swelling.Methods:The data of 40 cases with hallux valgus osteotomy admitted to the Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery of Jishuitan Hospital from July 11,2022 to October 8,2022,including 5 males and 35 females were retrospectively analyzed.According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria,32 cases were finally divided into 16 cases in the observation group(application of tranexamic acid)and 16 cases in the control group(no application of tranexamic acid).The observation group was paired with the con-trol group one by one in accordance with the operation style,and the change in the anterior and posterior diameter of the first metatarsal head,the change in the circumferential diameter of the foot,the length of the first metatarsal midline and the length of the plumbline of the foot measured by postoperative CT were compared between the two groups before and after surgery,in order to evaluate the degree of swelling around the incision after the surgery.The first metatarsal midline and plumb line were measured by reference to the two auxiliary lines that intersect the soft tissue border in the sesamoid bone position to measure the rotation angle of the first metatarsal.A total of three clinicians completed the measurements of these two line segments and interobserver comparisons were performed.Results:By interobserver com-parison,the consistency of the length of the midline of the first metatarsal and the plumbline measured by CT was high and could be considered a reliable measurement.After the paired t-test,there was no statis-tical difference in the amount of changes in the anteroposterior diameter of the first metatarsal before and after surgery between the observation and control groups(P>0.05),and the amount of changes in the circumferential diameter of the foot before and after surgery was smaller in the observation group than in the control group,which was statistically significant(P<0.05);the length of the midline of the first metatarsal and the plumbline of the foot measured by CT after surgery was smaller in the observation group than in the control group,which was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:Local ap-plication of tranexamic acid on the osteotomy surface during hallux valgus osteotomy can relieve postopera-tive swelling to some extent,which may be related to the fact that tranexamic acid reduces occult blood loss in the postoperative period.
6.Clinical guideline for vertebral augmentation of acute symptomatic osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures (version 2025)
Bolong ZHENG ; Wei MEI ; Yanzheng GAO ; Liming CHENG ; Jian CHEN ; Qixin CHEN ; Liang CHEN ; Xigao CHENG ; Jian DONG ; Jin FAN ; Shunwu FAN ; Xiangqian FANG ; Zhong FANG ; Shiqing FENG ; Haoyu FENG ; Haishan GUAN ; Yong HAI ; Baorong HE ; Lijun HE ; Yuan HE ; Hua HUI ; Weimin JIANG ; Junjie JIANG ; Dianming JIANG ; Xuewen KANG ; Hua GUO ; Jianjun LI ; Feng LI ; Li LI ; Weishi LI ; Chunde LI ; Qi LIAO ; Baoge LIU ; Xiaoguang LIU ; Xuhua LU ; Shibao LU ; Bin LIN ; Chao MA ; Xuexiao MA ; Renfu QUAN ; Limin RONG ; Honghui SUN ; Tiansheng SUN ; Yueming SONG ; Hongxun SANG ; Jun SHU ; Jiacan SU ; Jiwei TIAN ; Xinwei WANG ; Zhe WANG ; Zheng WANG ; Zhengwei XU ; Huilin YANG ; Jiancheng YANG ; Liang YAN ; Feng YAN ; Guoyong YIN ; Xuesong ZHANG ; Zhongmin ZHANG ; Jie ZHAO ; Yuhong ZENG ; Yue ZHU ; Rongqiang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(9):805-818
Acute symptomatic osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fracture (ASOTLF) can lead to chronic low back pain, kyphosis deformity, pulmonary dysfunction, loss of mobility, and even life-threatening complications. Vertebral augmentation is currently the mainstream treatment method for this condition. In 2019, the Editorial Board of Chinese Journal of Trauma and the Spinal Trauma Group of Orthopedic Surgeons Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association collaboratively led the development of Clinical guideline for vertebral augmentation for acute symptomatic osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures. Six years later, with advances in clinical diagnosis and treatment techniques as well as accumulating evidence in related fields, the 2019 guideline requires updating. To this end, the Spinal Trauma Group of Orthopedic Surgeons Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, the Spinal Health Professional Committee of China Human Health Science and Technology Promotion Association, and the Minimally Invasive Orthopedics Professional Committee of Shaanxi Medical Doctor Association have organized experts in the field to develop the Clinical guideline for vertebral augmentation of acute symptomatic osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures ( version 2025) , based on the latest evidence-based medical researches. This guideline incorporates 3 recommendations retained from the 2019 version with updated strength of evidence, along with 12 new recommendations. It provides recommendations from six aspects of diagnosis, pain management, treatment option selection, prevention of postoperative complications, anti-osteoporosis therapy, and postoperative rehabilitation, aiming to provide a reference for standard treatment of vertebral augmentation for ASOTLF in hospitals at all levels.
7.Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with acquired von Willebrand syndrome: a case report and literature review
Fengdi WANG ; Bingjie DING ; Mengjuan LI ; Xuewen SONG ; Junxia HU ; Liu LIU ; Hu ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2025;46(11):1068-1071
This article reports the diagnosis and treatment of a patient with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) initially manifested as acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AvWS), along with a literature review. The patient, a 22-year-old male, was diagnosed with hereditary von Willebrand disease at the initial stage due to repeated mucosal bleeding, and was later diagnosed with DLBCL (non germinal center type, Ann Arbor stage Ⅳ) due to chest wall mass. Through chemotherapy combined with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and zebutinib maintenance therapy, the patient achieved sustained complete remission, and the coagulation function returned to normal. This case provides an important reference for the diagnosis and treatment of lymphoma associated AvWS, and highlights the importance of early recognition of basic diseases.
8.Study on the role of the STING-IRF3 pathway in rapid pacing-induced senescence of HL-1 myocytes
Yajia LI ; Zhen CAO ; Yuanjia KE ; Yuntao FU ; Yanni CHENG ; Dishiwen LIU ; Xuewen WANG ; Kexin GUO ; Xiaojian LONG ; Qingyan ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2025;44(9):1268-1276
Objective:To explore the impact of the stimulator of interferon genes(STING)-interferon regulatory factor 3(IRF3)pathway on the senescence of rapid pacing HL-1 myocytes.Methods:HL-1 cells were divided into five groups: the control group(HL-1 cells without any treatment), pacing group(HL-1 cells paced for 48 hours), STING siRNA group(HL-1 cells paced for 48 hours and transfected with STING siRNA), NC siRNA group(HL-1 cells paced for 48 hours and transfected with NC siRNA), and H151 inhibitor group(HL-1 cells paced for 48 hours with the addition of 1 μmol/L STING inhibitor H151). Mitochondrial membrane potential was assessed in control and pacing group cells, and mitochondrial MitoTracker and TFAM co-localization staining was performed on these cells.Cellular senescence was evaluated using β-galactosidase staining in each group, and the positive rate of cellular senescence was observed and calculated.Western blotting was employed to detect the expression levels of STING, IRF3, P-IRF3, P16, P21, and P53 proteins in all groups.Immunofluorescence was utilized to examine the expression distribution of STING and P21 across the various groups.ELISA was performed to measure the concentrations of interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 in the cell supernatants from each group as part of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype(SASP).Results:Compared with the control group, the ratio of mitochondrial JC-1 multimer to monomer was significantly decreased in the pacing group( t=16.42, P<0.05), the co-localization of mitochondrial MitoTracker and TFAM in the cells was significantly weakened, the proportion of cells with positive cellular senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining significantly increased in the pacing group, the expression levels of STING, P-IRF3/IRF3, P16, P21, and P53 proteins were significantly elevated in the pacing group, and the concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 in the cell supernatants were markedly increased.Compared with the pacing group, the proportion of cells with positive cellular senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining decreased in the STING siRNA group and H151 inhibitor group ( F= 18.13, P<0.05), the expression levels of STING, P-IRF3/IRF3, P16, P21, and P53 were reduced in the STING siRNA group and H151 inhibitor group ( F=16.84, 26.56, 74.70, 31.80, 31.23, all P<0.05), and the concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 in the cell supernatants decreased( F=197.80、1 339.00、1 308.00, all P<0.001). Conclusions:Rapid pacing of HL-1 cells can promote mtDNA release into the cytoplasm, activate the STING-IRF3 pathway, accelerate cellular senescence, and enhance the secretion of SASP.Inhibiting the expression of STING can delay the senescence induced by the rapid pacing of HL-1 cells and reduce SASP secretion.
9.A review of deep learning dataset construction and model application based on microbial imaging
Jia DU ; Jiancheng XU ; Qi ZHOU ; Ze LI ; Xuewen LI
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(2):280-285
With the rapid development of computer vision technology, deep learning models have demonstrated new research area and potential value in intelligent microbiological detection. By utilizing multilayer neural networks and large amounts of training data, these models are capable of automated extraction and analysis for complex features, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of detection. This paper introduces the research background of deep learning in microbiological image detection, and elaborates on the methods for constructing microbiological image datasets, including data collection, preprocessing, annotation, and partitioning, and introduces typical deep learning models as well as their application examples in various microbiological detection. Deep learning in microbiological image analysis faces numerous challenges which needs further development.
10.Early-to-mid-term efficacy of supramalleolar osteotomy in the treatment of traumatic ankle arthritis secondary to peri-ankle fracture
Xuewen WANG ; Heng LI ; Xiaofeng GONG ; Liangpeng LAI ; Hui DU ; Yong WU
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma 2025;27(1):39-45
Objective:To evaluate the early-to-mid-term efficacy of supramalleolar osteotomy (SMO) in the treatment of traumatic ankle arthritis secondary to peri-ankle fracture.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 29 patients who had been treated for traumatic ankle arthritis secondary to old peri-ankle fracture by SMO from March 2018 to March 2023 at Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital. There were 14 males and 15 females, 39.0 (25.0, 49.0) years in age. Types of old fracture: 4 lower tibiofibular fractures, 19 ankle fractures, and 6 pilon fractures. Surgery was conducted for 16 cases and conservative treatment for the remaining 13 cases. The interval between the old fracture and the current surgery was 10.0 (2.0, 19.5) years. The clinical efficacy was evaluated using the ankle-hindfoot score of American Association of Foot and Ankle Surgery (AOFAS), foot function index (FFI), and visual analog scale (VAS) pain score. Imaging analysis was conducted and imaging comparisons were made between pre-surgery and post-surgery in terms of tibial anterior surface (TAS) angle, tibial lateral surface (TLS) angle, talar tilt (TT) angle, and changes in modified Takakura staging. Complications were recorded. Surgical satisfaction was investigated at the final follow-up.Results:The 29 patients were followed up for 17.0 (14.0, 23.5) months. The AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score [(84.2±9.6) points], FFI [7.0 (3.0, 10.9) points], VAS pain score [2.0 (1.0, 3.0) points], and TAS angle [90.84° (86.70°, 92.50°)] at the final follow-up for all patients were significantly better than the pre-surgery values [(68.0±16.7) points, 20.9 (6.1, 29.1) points, 5.0 (2.0, 8.0) points, and 78.63° (74.30°, 85.00°)] (all P<0.05). At the final follow-up, the ankle arthritis grading did not show any significant change ( P>0.05) and there were no significant differences in TT angle or TLS angle between pre-surgery and post-surgery ( P>0.05). Incision failed to heal in 1 case, incision healing was delayed in 3 cases, and ankle arthritis progressed on imaging in 6 cases. As for patient self-assessed satisfaction, 23 cases felt very satisfactory, 4 cases quite satisfactory, and 2 cases common, giving an overall satisfaction rate of 93.1% (27/29). Conclusions:SMO has led to good early-to-mid-term efficacy in the treatment of traumatic ankle arthritis secondary to peri-ankle fracture, showing obvious pain relief and functional improvement after correction of the ankle joint alignment, limited postoperative complactions and a high rate of patient satisfaction.

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