1.Exploration on the Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment Strategies for Inflammation-Cancer Transformation in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Based on the Theory of Cold Qi-Induced Accumulation
Jiahe WU ; Muyao CUI ; Xue CHEN ; Bingwei YANG ; Haoyu ZHAI ; Chenglei WANG ; Ying WU ; Weidong LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(14):1489-1494
It is proposed that cold qi-induced accumulation encapsulates the core pathogenesis of the inflammation-cancer transformation in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Cold pathogens may serve as the initiating factor. When first invading the intestines, cold pathogens obstruct the flow of qi; over time, the lingering cold impairs the middle jiao (焦), eventually leading to the accumulation of cold-phlegm and blood stasis. Based on the progressive nature of this transformation, the process can be divided into three stages, active stage, remission stage, and carcinogenic stage. In the active stage, the main pathogenesis involves stagnation of cold qi and accumulation of damp-heat in the intestines; in the remission stage, cold qi impairs the spleen, disrupting its transport and transformation functions; and in the carcinogenic stage, the mechanisms include cold-induced accumulation, phlegm accumulation from cold, and stagnation of cold and blood stasis. Accordingly, the treatment strategies are proposed.In the active stage, regulating qi, relieving stagnation, and harmonizing cold and heat; in the remission stage, warming yang, dispersing cold, tonifying qi, and strengthening the spleen; and in the carcinogenic stage, promoting qi circulation, dispersing cold, resolving phlegm, activating yang, and eliminating stasis to remove accumulation. These approaches aim to interrupt the transformation of IBD into colorectal cancer.
2.A practice guideline for therapeutic drug monitoring of mycophenolic acid for solid organ transplants.
Shuang LIU ; Hongsheng CHEN ; Zaiwei SONG ; Qi GUO ; Xianglin ZHANG ; Bingyi SHI ; Suodi ZHAI ; Lingli ZHANG ; Liyan MIAO ; Liyan CUI ; Xiao CHEN ; Yalin DONG ; Weihong GE ; Xiaofei HOU ; Ling JIANG ; Long LIU ; Lihong LIU ; Maobai LIU ; Tao LIN ; Xiaoyang LU ; Lulin MA ; Changxi WANG ; Jianyong WU ; Wei WANG ; Zhuo WANG ; Ting XU ; Wujun XUE ; Bikui ZHANG ; Guanren ZHAO ; Jun ZHANG ; Limei ZHAO ; Qingchun ZHAO ; Xiaojian ZHANG ; Yi ZHANG ; Yu ZHANG ; Rongsheng ZHAO
Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B 2025;26(9):897-914
Mycophenolic acid (MPA), the active moiety of both mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (EC-MPS), serves as a primary immunosuppressant for maintaining solid organ transplants. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) enhances treatment outcomes through tailored approaches. This study aimed to develop an evidence-based guideline for MPA TDM, facilitating its rational application in clinical settings. The guideline plan was drawn from the Institute of Medicine and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Using the Delphi method, clinical questions and outcome indicators were generated. Systematic reviews, Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) evidence quality evaluations, expert opinions, and patient values guided evidence-based suggestions for the guideline. External reviews further refined the recommendations. The guideline for the TDM of MPA (IPGRP-2020CN099) consists of four sections and 16 recommendations encompassing target populations, monitoring strategies, dosage regimens, and influencing factors. High-risk populations, timing of TDM, area under the curve (AUC) versus trough concentration (C0), target concentration ranges, monitoring frequency, and analytical methods are addressed. Formulation-specific recommendations, initial dosage regimens, populations with unique considerations, pharmacokinetic-informed dosing, body weight factors, pharmacogenetics, and drug-drug interactions are covered. The evidence-based guideline offers a comprehensive recommendation for solid organ transplant recipients undergoing MPA therapy, promoting standardization of MPA TDM, and enhancing treatment efficacy and safety.
Mycophenolic Acid/administration & dosage*
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Drug Monitoring/methods*
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Humans
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Organ Transplantation
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Immunosuppressive Agents/administration & dosage*
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Delphi Technique
3.Engineering cellular dephosphorylation boosts (+)-borneol production in yeast.
Haiyan ZHANG ; Peng CAI ; Juan GUO ; Jiaoqi GAO ; Linfeng XIE ; Ping SU ; Xiaoxin ZHAI ; Baolong JIN ; Guanghong CUI ; Yongjin J ZHOU ; Luqi HUANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(2):1171-1182
(+)-Borneol, the main component of "Natural Borneol" in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, is a high-end spice and precious medicine. Plant extraction cannot meet the increasing demand for (+)-borneol, while microbial biosynthesis offers a sustainable supply route. However, its production was extremely low compared with other monoterpenes, even with extensively optimizing the mevalonate pathway. We found that the key challenge is the complex and unusual dephosphorylation reaction of bornyl diphosphate (BPP), which suffers the side-reaction and the competition from the cellular dephosphorylation process, especially lipid metabolism, thus limiting (+)-borneol synthesis. Here, we systematically optimized the dephosphorylation process by identifying, characterizing phosphatases, and balancing cellular dephosphorylation metabolism. For the first time, we identified two endogenous phosphatases and seven heterologous phosphatases, which significantly increased (+)-borneol production by up to 152%. By engineering BPP dephosphorylation and optimizing the MVA pathway, the production of (+)-borneol was increased by 33.8-fold, which enabled the production of 753 mg/L under fed-batch fermentation in shake flasks, so far the highest reported in the literature. This study showed that rewiring dephosphorylation metabolism was essential for high-level production of (+)-borneol in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and balancing cellular dephosphorylation is also helpful for efficient biosynthesis of other terpenoids since all whose biosynthesis involves the dephosphorylation procedure.
4.Hedyotis diffusa extract inhibits aerobic glycolysis and promotes oxidative phosphorylation to suppress the proliferation of liver cancer cells
Hongyan HE ; Manxiang CHAO ; Cui ZHAI ; Qing ZHANG ; Haiyan LI
Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University(Medical Sciences) 2024;45(4):656-662
Objective To investigate the effect of Hedyotis diffusa extract(HDE)on the proliferation of liver cancer cells and its relationship with sugar metabolism reprogramming and oxidative phosphorylation and analyze its possible mechanisms.Methods CCK-8 and EDU experiments were used to determine the effect of different concentrations(20,40,80 mg/mL)of HDE on the growth of liver cancer cell line SNU-368.Lactate dehydrogenase activity,glucose uptake,lactate production,extracellular pH,mitochondrial respiratory chain complex activity,and cellular oxygen consumption were measured to analyze the effect of HDE on aerobic glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation in liver cancer cells.qRT-PCR experiments were used to detect the mRNA expressions of GLUT1,GLUT4,HK2,GPI,PFKL,ALDOA and HIF-1α in SNU-368 cells of different groups.Western blotting experiments were used to detect the protein expression of HIF-1α.A stable cell line overexpressing HIF-1αwas constructed by lentivirus transfection of liver cancer cells SNU-368 and then intervened with HDE;the expression of HIF-1α mRNA and protein was detected with qRT-PCR and Western blotting.Results CCK-8 results showed that the HDE exhibited a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on the proliferation of liver cancer cells(all P<0.05).Results from glucose metabolism-related tests indicated that the HDE could inhibit glucose uptake and lactate production,decrease lactate dehydrogenase activity,increase extracellular pH value,enhance cellular oxygen consumption,and elevate activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ and Ⅳ(all P<0.05).qRT-PCR results revealed that the HDE suppressed the mRNA expressions of GLUT1,HK2,GPI,and ALDOA(all P<0.05).qRT-PCR and Western blotting experiments showed that compared to the control group,the expression of HIF-1α mRNA and protein in the HDE group was significantly reduced.However,when HIF-1α was overexpressed and HDE was added in the HIF-1α-LV group,the expression of HIF-1α mRNA and protein increased again compared to the HDE group.Conclusion HDE inhibits glycolysis and promotes oxidative phosphorylation to inhibit the proliferation of liver cancer cells,and its mechanism of action may be related to the inhibition of HIF-1α expression.
5.Oral Proactive Healthcare and Obesity
Jing CUI ; Hanze DU ; Wenhao ZHAI ; Linlin WEN ; Lei HUANG ; Shi CHEN ; Daowei LI ; Hui PAN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2024;15(2):450-455
Oral health is closely related to systemic health. Common chronic oral diseases, periodontitis and periapical inflammation for example, not only affect the health of oral soft and hard tissues including the alveolar bone and gums, but may also cause changes in systemic conditions such as chronic low-grade inflammation, elevated oxidative stress levels, and dysbiosis of the microbiota. These changes in systemic health can exacerbate the progression of obesity. Therefore, through proactive oral health interventions such as maintaining good oral hygiene habits, modifying dietary structures, and undergoing oral examinations, it is possible to effectively prevent and alleviate inflammatory oral diseases, and actively intervene in obesity. This article delves into the impact of inflammatory oral diseases on obesity and their underlying mechanisms, defines the concept of "oral proactive healthcare", and systematically summarizes their preventive and therapeutic effects on inflammatory oral diseases, thereby demonstrating the potential of improving obesity through proactive oral health strategies.
6.Experimental Study on the Effect and Mechanism of TWIST1 Promoting Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling in a Rat Model of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension by Activation of Autophagy
Hongyan HE ; Manxiang CHAO ; Cui ZHAI ; Qing ZHANG ; Haiyan LI
Journal of Modern Laboratory Medicine 2024;39(4):45-49
Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of Twist-related protein 1(TWIST1)on pulmonary vascular remodeling induced by monocrotaline(MCT)in pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH)rats.Methods A total of 50 healthy male Sprague Dawley(SD)rats were randomly divided into five groups including control group,MCT-treated group,MCT and dimethyl sulfoxide(DMSO)-treated group,MCT and harmine-treated group MCT and hydroxychloroquine(HCQ)-treated group.The right ventricle systolic pressure(RVSP)was measured,right ventricular hypertrophy index(RVHI)and percentage of medial wall thickness(MT%)to assess the development of PAH.The protein levels of TW1ST1,autophagy markers LC3B and RND3 were determined using western blot.Results Compared with control group,expressions of TWIST1 and LC3B were increased by 2.32±0.22 folds and 0.87±0.19 folds in MCT-induced PAH group,with significant differences(t=15.812,11.227,all P<0.00 1),while the protein level of RND3 in MCT-induced PAH rats was decreased by 0.32±0.07 folds compared with control group,with significant difference(t=-13.003,P<0.001).Administration of TWIST1 inhibitor Harmine or autophagy inhibitor hydroxychloroquine significantly suppressed MCT-induced increase in LC3B and down-regulation of RND3 expression,and reduced RVSP,RVHI and MT%expressions in MCT-induced PAH rats,with significant differences(t=-24.277~16.636,all P<0.001).Conclusion TWIST1 promotes pulmonary vascular remodeling by inducing autophagy activation,thus promoting the occurrence and development of PAH.
7.Improvement of Colonic Mucosa Inflammatory Response in Mice with Ulcerative Colitis by Xiezhuo Jiedu Recipe Through miRNA-155-5p/JAK2/STAT3 Pathway
Chaodi SUN ; Mengmeng ZHAO ; Xiaomeng LANG ; Jie REN ; Xin KANG ; Jiancong CUI ; Sujie JIA ; Yujing MA ; Yue LIU ; Qiang CHUAI ; Wenjing ZHAI ; Jianping LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(11):174-182
ObjectiveThe differential expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) between the active stage and the remission stage of ulcerative colitis (UC) was analyzed by bioinformatics method, and the regulatory relationship was constructed by screening the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The mechanism of Xizhuo Jiedu recipe in the treatment of UC was speculated and verified by animal experiments. MethodThe miRNAs data set of colonic mucosa tissue of UC patients was obtained from the gene expression database (GEO), and the most differentially expressed miRNAs were screened by GEO2R, Excel, and other tools as research objects. TargetScan, miRTarbase, miRDB, STRING, TRRUST, and Matescape databases were used to screen key DEGs, predict downstream transcription factors (TFs), gene ontology (GO), and conduct Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. The key signaling pathways were selected for animal experiments. In animal experiments, the UC mouse model was prepared by making the mouse freely drink 2.5% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). Xiezhu Jiedu recipe and mesalazine were given by gavage for seven days, and the inflammatory infiltration of colonic mucosa was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of miR-155-5p in colon tissue. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were used to detect the protein expression levels of cytokine signal transduction inhibitor (SOCS1), phosphorylated transcriptional signal transductor and activator 3 (p-STAT3), phosphorylated Janus kinase 2 (p-JAK2), and retinoic acid-associated orphan receptor-γt (ROR-γt). The expression levels of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), interleukin-17 (IL-17), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in serum were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ResultThe GSE48957 dataset was screened from the GEO database, and miR-155-5p was selected as the research object from the samples in the active and remission stages. 131 DEGs were screened. The GO/KEGG enrichment analysis was closely related to biological processes such as positive regulation of miRNA transcription and protein phosphorylation, as well as signaling pathways such as stem cell signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, and helper T cell 17 (Th17) cell differentiation. The Matescape database was used to screen out 10 key DEGs, among which SOCS1 was one of the key DEGs of miR-155-5p. Further screening of the TFS of key DEGs revealed that STAT3 was one of the main TFs of SOCS1. The results of animal experiments showed that Xiezhu Jiedu Recipe could effectively down-regulate the mRNA expression of miR-155-5p and protein expression of p-STAT3, p-JAK2, and ROR-γt in colon tissue of UC mice and the expression of IL-17 and IL-6 in serum of UC mice, up-regulate the protein expression of SOCS1 and the expression of TGF-β and IL-10, increase the level of anti-inflammatory factors, and reduce inflammatory cell infiltration. ConclusionIt is speculated that Xizhuo Jiedu recipe may interfere with SOCS1 by regulating the expression of miR-155-5p in UC mice, inhibit the phosphorylation of STAT3, inhibit the differentiation of CD4+ T cells into Th17 cells, reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory factors (IL-17 and IL-6), and increase the levels of anti-inflammatory factors (TGF-β and IL-10). As a result, the inflammation of colon mucosa in UC mice was alleviated.
8.Promotion effect of chemokine CCL19-induced macrophage M1 polarization on chronic pancreatitis in mice and its mechanism
Lianzhi CUI ; Xiaowei ZHANG ; Yue ZHAI ; Yue PAN ; Xiuyan YU ; Hua ZHU
Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) 2024;50(6):1587-1596
Objective:To discuss the promotion effect of chemokine C-C motif ligand 19(CCL19)induced macrophage M1 polarization on chronic pancreatitis of the mice,and to clarify its related mechanism.Methods:Ten male C57BL/6N mice were selected,and the pancreatic acinar cells and peritoneal macrophages were extracted from these mice to construct the macrophage-acinar cell co-culture system.The co-culture system cells were divided into control group,model group,and small interfering RNA CCL19(si-CCL19)group.The morphology of the acinar cells in various groups were observed under microscope.Forty mice were randomly selected and divided into normal group and chronic pancreatitis group,and there were 20 mice in each group.HE staining was used to observe the pathomorphology of pancreatic tissue of the mice in two groups;immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the expressions of cytokeratin 19(CK19),amylase,M1 macrophage-related markers inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS),and F4/80 in pancreatic tissue of the mice in two groups and morphology of follicular cells and the expressions of CK19,amylase in the co-culture system cells in various groups;enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to detect the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin(IL)-6,and IL-1β in serum of the mice in two groups and in the co-culture system cells in various groups;immunohistochemistry was used to observe the expression of CCL19 protein in pancreatic tissue of the mice in two groups;Western blotting method was used to detect the expression levels of CCL19 protein and two nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)signaling pathway-related proteins P65,phosphorylate P65(p-P65),kappa B inhibitor of kinase α/β(IKKα/β),phosphorylated IKKα/β(p-IKKα/β),IkBα,phosphorylated IκBα(p-IκBα)in pancreatic tissue of the mice in two groups and in the co-culture system cells in various groups.Results:The HE staining results showed that the acinar cells in pancreatic tissue of the mice in normal group were tightly arranged;compared with normal group,the acinar cells of the mice in chronic pancreatitis group showed obvious vacuolation and acinar cell ductal metaplasia,indicating successful preparation of the mouse pancreatitis model.The immunofluorescence staining results showed that compared with control group,the acinar cells in model group exhibited severe vacuolation,the CK19 expression was significantly increased,and the amylase expression was significantly decreased;compared with model group,the acinar cell ductal metaplasia in si-CCL19 group was decreased,the CK19 expression was significantly decreased,and the amylase expression was significantly increased;compared with normal group,the expression of amylase in pancreatic tissue of the mice in chronic pancreatitis group was significantly decreased,while the expressions of CK19 and M1 macrophage markers iNOS and F4/80 were significantly increased.The ELISA results showed that compared with normal group,the serum levels of TNF-α,IL-6,and IL-1β of the mice in chronic pancreatitis group were significantly increased(P<0.05);compared with control group,the levels of TNF-α,IL-6,and IL-1β in the cells in model group were significantly increased(P<0.05);compared with model group,the levels of TNF-α,IL-6,and IL-1β in the cells in si-CCL19 group were significantly decreased(P<0.05).The immunohistochemistry results showed that compared with normal group,the expression of CCL19 protein in pancreatic tissue of the mice in chronic pancreatitis group was significantly increased.The Western blotting results showed that compared with normal group,the expression levels of CCL19 protein and NF-κB signaling pathway-related proteins p-P65,p-IKKα/β,and p-IκBα in pancreatic tissue of the mice in chronic pancreatitis group were significantly increased(P<0.05);compared with control group,the expression levels of CCL19,p-IKKα/β,p-P65,and p-IκBα proteins in the cells in model group were significantly increased(P<0.05);compared with model group,the expression levels of CCL19,p-IKKα/β,p-P65,and p-IκBα proteins in the cells in si-CCL19 group were decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion:CCL19 promotes the macrophage M1 polarization through the NF-κB signaling pathway,induces the formation of inflammatory microenvironment,and promotes the occurrence and development of pancreatitis.
9.Research on effect and mechanism of mangiferin on pancreatic cancer by regulating MMP9-mediated macrophage M2 polarization
Lianzhi CUI ; Danning ZHAO ; Hongshuai SUN ; Yue ZHAI ; Yue PAN ; Lili YE
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2023;39(12):2601-2605
Objective:To investigate effect and mechanism of mangiferin on regulation of M2-type macrophage polarization tar-geting MMP9 in pancreatic cancer.Methods:In vivo,therapeutic effect of mangiferin on pancreatic cancer was evaluated by drawing tumor growth curves and immunohistochemical staining.M2-type macrophages expression in pancreatic cancer was detected by immu-nofluorescence and ELISA.Effects of mangiferin on expression of MMP9 and downstream M2 macrophage polarization-related signaling pathways were detected by immunofluorescence,ELISA,Western blot and qRT-PCR.In vitro,MTT assay was utilized to detect effect of mangiferin on M2-type macrophage and therapeutic effect of mangiferin on pancreatic cancer.ELISA was used to detect effect of mangiferin on M2-type polarized macrophages.Effects of mangiferin on expression of MMP9 and its downstream signalling pathway were detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot.Results:Mangiferin had potential to inhibit growth of pancreatic cancer in mice pancreatic model,and could prevent expression of M2-polarized macrophages in pancreatic cancer in addition.At the same time,mangiferin could inhibit expression of MMP9 and downstream M2 macrophage polarization related signaling pathways in pancreatic cancer.Mangiferin inhibited proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells in a M2 type polarized macrophage-pancreas cancer cell co-culture model,inhibited macrophage M2 polarization,at the same time,expression of MMP9 and downstream M2 macrophage polarization related signaling pathway was inhibited.Conclusion:Mangiferin can inhibit macrophage M2 polarization by inhibiting MMP9 and its downstream signaling pathway,and play a role in pancreatic cancer therapy.
10.Establishment and preliminary application of the Mini-FERO form for formative evaluation in the standardized training for radiation oncology resident physicians
Cui GAO ; Yirui ZHAI ; Yongming ZHANG ; Runye WU ; Yuan TANG ; Wenyang LIU ; Pan MA ; Lei DENG ; Qingfeng LIU ; Wenqing WANG ; Ye-Xiong LI ; Shulian WANG ; Bo CHEN
Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology 2023;32(10):928-933
Objective:To establish the first Mini-Formative Evaluation of Radiation Oncology (Mini-FERO) scale in China and evaluate its preliminary application value in the standardized training for radiation oncology resident physicians.Methods:Based on the educational curriculum and examination requirements for the standardized training for radiation oncology resident physicians, as well as the standardized Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise (Mini-CEX) scale commonly used in clinical practice, the Mini-Formative Evaluation of Radiation Oncology (Mini-FERO) scale was developed to facilitate the standardized training for resident physicians in the field of radiation oncology. In this prospective study, a randomization method using a random number table was employed to select a cohort of 26 resident physicians who completed their rotations in Department of Radiation Oncology at the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from March 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021. The Mini-FERO scale was administered in the initial, middle, and final stages during the rotation period. The differences in evaluation scores before and after the assessments were analyzed by paired t-test. Furthermore, participating resident physicians and supervising teachers provided satisfaction ratings, and a comprehensive evaluation of the Mini-FERO scale was conducted. Results:The average scores of the three examinations of 26 resident physicians demonstrated a successive improvement, with individual performance in each assessed category also showing progressive enhancement. The second evaluation exhibited a more pronounced score increase compared to the first evaluation, with a mean improvement of (1.43±1.02) points ( t=7.13, P<0.001); while the third evaluation had a mean improvement of (0.41±0.50) points ( t=4.07, P<0.001) compaired to the second evaluation, with a mean difference of (1.02±1.15) points between the two ( t=4.53, P<0.001). The average time required for the assessments was (34.31±24.46) min. Overall satisfaction ratings from the evaluated resident physicians for the Mini-FERO scale were (8.42±0.85) points, and supervising teachers reported an overall satisfaction rating of (8.45±0.85) points. The satisfaction rate was 96% (25/26). Conclusions:In this study, the Mini-FERO scale was successfully developed and validated in the context of clinical teaching practice for radiation oncology resident physicians. The Mini-FERO scale is proven to be a feasible tool for assessing the gradual improvement of resident physicians throughout their learning process in the field of radiation oncology. Importantly, it offers the advantages of short assessment time, thereby avoiding additional burden on supervising teachers. The adoption of the Mini-FERO scale addresses current limitations of lacking of formative evaluation in the standardized training for radiation oncology resident physicians.

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