1.Xixintang-medicated Serum Regulates Aβ25-35-induced Polarization of BV-2 Microglial Cells
Chaokai YANG ; Yongchang DIWU ; Yangyang WU ; Xia XING ; Dengkun WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):18-26
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Xixintang (XXT)-medicated serum on the amyloid β-protein (Aβ)25-35-induced polarization of BV-2 microglial cells by a cell experiment and uncover the potential mechanisms of this formula in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), thus providing scientific evidence for the clinical application of XXT. MethodsBV-2 microglial cells were subcultured. The optimal concentrations of XXT-medicated serum and Aβ25-35 were determined via the cell-counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The cell experiment was carried out with the following groups: blank control, model (Aβ25-35 at 40 μmol·L-1), XXT-medicated serum (Aβ25-35 at 40 μmol·L-1 + 10% XXT-medicated serum), and blank serum (Aβ25-35 at 40 μmol·L-1 + 10% blank serum). After 24 hours of cell incubation, immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (IBA1), CD16/32, and CD206. Real-time PCR was performed to measure the mRNA levels of CD206, CD163, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and arginase 1 (Arg-1). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to quantify the levels of nerve growth factor (NGF), iNOS, and Arg-1. The nitric oxide (NO) concentration was determined via the nitrate reductase method. ResultsCompared with the blank control group, the model group showed increased expression of IBA1 and CD16/32 (P<0.01), decreased expression of CD206 (P<0.05), upregulation in the mRNA level (P<0.01) and content (P<0.05) of iNOS, downregulation in the mRNA levels of CD206, CD163, and Arg-1 (P<0.05, P<0.01), lowered levels of Arg-1 and NGF (P<0.05), and an elevation in the NO level (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the XXT-medicated serum group exhibited reduced expression of IBA1 and CD16/32 (P<0.05, P<0.01) and increased expression of CD206 (P<0.01). Both the content and mRNA level of iNOS were downregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the mRNA levels of CD206, CD163, and Arg-1 were upregulated (P<0.01) in the XXT-medicated serum group. In addition, the XXT-medicated serum group showed elevated levels of Arg-1 and NGF (P<0.05) and a lowered level of NO (P<0.05). The blank serum group showed no statistically significant differences in the measured parameters compared with the model group. ConclusionThe XXT-medicated serum can inhibit the polarization toward the M1 phenotype and promote the polarization toward the M2 phenotype, exerting anti-inflammatory and neurotrophic effects.
2.Herbal Textual Research on Malvae Semen in Famous Classical Formulas
Dongxue CHEN ; Yibo LIU ; Yangyang YU ; Guoshuai LYU ; Huili WU ; Xinle HAN ; Yue TAN ; Minhui LI ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):252-264
The medicinal use of Malvae Semen has a long history. In this paper, by consulting the ancient materia medica, prescription, agronomy, literature and other aspects of the classics, the name, origin, evolution of scientific name, quality, harvesting and processing, functions and indications and others of Malvae Semen were systematically sorted out and verified, so as to provide a basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. According to the textual research, Shennong Bencaojing began to use Dongkuizi as the correct name, which was used in the past dynasties, and there were also aliases such as Kuicaizi, Huacai, and Kuizi. Through the original research, it can be seen that Kuicai is the mainstream original plant of Malvae Semen, that is, Malva verticillata var. crispa, the Alcea rosea and M. cathayensis are also used. In modern times, the seeds of Abutilon theophrasti have been passed off as Malvae Semen, while the seeds of M. verticillata var. crispa have rarely been used in medicine. And Abutili Semen has been another medicinal material with different efficacy since the collection of Newly Revised Materia Medica in the Tang dynasty. Since the Ming and Qing dynasties, the cultivation of Kuicai has been decreasing, while A. theophrasti is more common and easy to obtain, and Abutili Semen and Malvae Semen are similar in morphology and confused, which should be corrected. In addition, Malvae Fructus is a Mongolian customary medicinal herb, which is different from the traditional use of seeds in traditional Chinese medicine. Kuicai, as an important vegetable in history, was widely cultivated and gradually shrunk after the Song dynasty, it is now mainly produced in southern provinces. The quality evaluation of Malvae Semen is better for those with dry bodies, full grain, grayish brown color, no mud, and no impurities. The harvesting is generally in the autumn and winter. After drying, it is seeded, sieved peel and impurities, mashed, or slightly stir-fried to yellow-white color with gentle fire. It is sweet, cold and slippery in nature and taste, with the main effects of laxation, diuresis, lactation and elimination of swelling. The efficacy of Abutili Semen is clearing heat and removing toxicity, promoting diuresis and removing nebula, the efficacy is quite different from that of Malvae Semen. Based on the results of textual research, it is suggested that M. verticillata var. crispa should be used as the medicinal source of Malvae Semen in the development of famous classical formulas, the corresponding processing methods should be selected according to the requirements of drug processing in the formulas, while the raw products are recommended to be used if the processing is not specified.
3.Herbal Textual Research on Malvae Semen in Famous Classical Formulas
Dongxue CHEN ; Yibo LIU ; Yangyang YU ; Guoshuai LYU ; Huili WU ; Xinle HAN ; Yue TAN ; Minhui LI ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):252-264
The medicinal use of Malvae Semen has a long history. In this paper, by consulting the ancient materia medica, prescription, agronomy, literature and other aspects of the classics, the name, origin, evolution of scientific name, quality, harvesting and processing, functions and indications and others of Malvae Semen were systematically sorted out and verified, so as to provide a basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. According to the textual research, Shennong Bencaojing began to use Dongkuizi as the correct name, which was used in the past dynasties, and there were also aliases such as Kuicaizi, Huacai, and Kuizi. Through the original research, it can be seen that Kuicai is the mainstream original plant of Malvae Semen, that is, Malva verticillata var. crispa, the Alcea rosea and M. cathayensis are also used. In modern times, the seeds of Abutilon theophrasti have been passed off as Malvae Semen, while the seeds of M. verticillata var. crispa have rarely been used in medicine. And Abutili Semen has been another medicinal material with different efficacy since the collection of Newly Revised Materia Medica in the Tang dynasty. Since the Ming and Qing dynasties, the cultivation of Kuicai has been decreasing, while A. theophrasti is more common and easy to obtain, and Abutili Semen and Malvae Semen are similar in morphology and confused, which should be corrected. In addition, Malvae Fructus is a Mongolian customary medicinal herb, which is different from the traditional use of seeds in traditional Chinese medicine. Kuicai, as an important vegetable in history, was widely cultivated and gradually shrunk after the Song dynasty, it is now mainly produced in southern provinces. The quality evaluation of Malvae Semen is better for those with dry bodies, full grain, grayish brown color, no mud, and no impurities. The harvesting is generally in the autumn and winter. After drying, it is seeded, sieved peel and impurities, mashed, or slightly stir-fried to yellow-white color with gentle fire. It is sweet, cold and slippery in nature and taste, with the main effects of laxation, diuresis, lactation and elimination of swelling. The efficacy of Abutili Semen is clearing heat and removing toxicity, promoting diuresis and removing nebula, the efficacy is quite different from that of Malvae Semen. Based on the results of textual research, it is suggested that M. verticillata var. crispa should be used as the medicinal source of Malvae Semen in the development of famous classical formulas, the corresponding processing methods should be selected according to the requirements of drug processing in the formulas, while the raw products are recommended to be used if the processing is not specified.
4.Research progress on Astragali Radix for promoting healing of chronic refractory wound
Yangyang YU ; Yuan GAO ; Jinling HE ; Hao WU ; Keyu CHEN ; Yuxing ZHAO
China Pharmacy 2025;36(19):2473-2478
Chronic refractory wound (CRW) presents significant clinical treatment challenges due to pathological characteristics such as persistent inflammation, bacterial infection, oxidative stress and inadequate angiogenesis. Astragali Radix, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, exerts multi-target pharmacological effects on CRW through its active components, including Astragalus polysaccharides, flavonoids, and astragaloside Ⅳ, etc. Fundamental studies indicate that these components promote CRW healing by modulating inflammatory responses, inhibiting pathogen growth, improving antioxidant capacity and stimulating neovascularization. Network pharmacology and bioinformatics studies have revealed that active components of Astragali Radix target and modulate key signaling nodes such as nuclear factor-κB, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt, AMP-activated protein kinase, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, as well as inflammation-angiogenesis-related pathways, thereby synergistically exerting anti-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic effect. Clinical applications have demonstrated that oral formulations (e.g., Huangqi guizhi decoction, Danggui huangqi decoction, etc.) reduce healing time of CRW and lower inflammatory marker levels, while topical preparations (e.g., Zizhu ointment, Huangqi shengji ointment, electrostatically spun Astragalus polysaccharide composite nanofibre dressings, etc.) significantly improve healing rates of CRW and minimize complications.
5.Automatic acquisition and analytic procedure of acupuncture manipulation based on optical navigation.
Changshuai ZHANG ; Zihao FENG ; Weichao CHANG ; Weigang MA ; Yongjian WU ; Haiming LI ; Xingfang PAN ; Haiyan REN ; Yangyang LIU ; Zhaoshui HE ; Wenjun TAN
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(10):1383-1390
This paper presents an automatic acquisition and analytic procedure of acupuncture manipulation based on optical navigation, aiming at solving the shortcomings of existing acquisition methods of acupuncture manipulation. An acquisition holder installed at the handle tail of filiform needle was designed to display the movement trajectory of the needle during acupuncture delivery by collecting the movement trajectory of holder. The 3-month old male Bama miniature pig was selected as the experimental subject, and 6 points, "Bojian" "Qiangfeng" "Housanli" "Xiaokua" "Huiyang" (BL35) and "Baihui" (GV20), were selected during acupuncture manipulation. The optical navigation system was used to collect the real-time data, and these data were per-processed and analyzed using mean filtering and Fourier transform. The acupuncture procedure was divided into 3 stages, inserting, lifting-thrusting, and twisting. The results showed that the accuracy was 96.3% at lifting-thrusting stage, and that was 100.0% at twisting stage. The decomposition effect of the entire procedure was satisfactory. This study provides a new approach to the quantitative analysis of acupuncture manipulation. In the future, it needs to further optimize the algorithm and expand the sample size so as to improve the accuracy of this analytic technique.
Acupuncture Therapy/methods*
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Male
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Animals
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Swine
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Acupuncture Points
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Humans
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Swine, Miniature
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Needles
6.Electroacupuncture Alleviates Traumatic Brain Injury in Rats by Down-Regulating GCPII Gene Expression
Xiaomei WEI ; Rongbo DUAN ; Yangyang TANG ; Tao WU
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(7):1887-1897
Objective To study whether electroacupuncture(EA)attenuates traumatic brain injury(TBI)by down-regulating glutamate carboxypeptidase Ⅱ(GCPII)gene expression in rats.Methods Rats were divided into Sham group(n=10),TBI group(n=11),TBI+EA group(n=11),TBI+EA+GCPII-NC group(n=11)and TBI+EA+GCPII-OE group(n=11).Sham group rats underwent sham surgery,while other groups rats underwent TBI modeling using an electronic brain injury instrument.The rats in Sham group and TBI group were fed normally,and the rats in other groups were treated with electroacupuncture for 14 days.On the basis of electroacupuncture treatment,rats in TBI+EA+GCPII-NC group and TBI+EA+GCPII-OE group were injected with GCPII-NC and GCPII-OE,respectively.After treatment,the cognitive function of rats was evaluated by neurological function score and Morris water labyrinth task.HE and TUNEL staining were performed on brain tissue.The water content,glutamate(Glu)content,calcium(Ca2+)concentration,superoxide dismutase(SOD),catalase(CAT),glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)and malondialdehyde(MDA)in brain tissue of rats in each group were measured.The mRNA or protein expression of GCPII,Bax,Bcl2 and cleaved caspase-3 in brain tissue were detected by qRT-PCR or Western blot.Results Compared with Sham group,the expression of mRNA and protein of GCPII in TBI group increased,the neurological function score and escape latency increased,the number of crossing the platform decreased,the water content increased,the cortex showed obvious damage,the content of Glu increased,the concentration of calcium increased,the levels of SOD,CAT and GSH-Px decreased,the level of MDA increased,the positive rate of TUNEL increased,the expression of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 protein increased,and the expression of Bcl2 protein decreased significantly(P<0.05).Compared with TBI group,the expression level of mRNA and protein of GCPII in TBI+EA group decreased,the neurological function score and escape latency decreased,the number of crossing platform increased,the water content decreased,the morphology of cortex improved obviously,the content of Glu decreased,the concentration of calcium decreased,the level of SOD,CAT and GSH-Px increased,the level of MDA decreased,the positive rate of TUNEL decreased,the expression level of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 protein decreased,and the expression level of Bcl2 protein increased significantly(P<0.05).Compared with TBI+EA group and TBI+EA+GCPII-NC group,the expression level of mRNA and protein of GCPII in TBI+EA+GCPII-OE group increased,neurological function score and escape latency increased,the number of crossing platform decreased,water content increased,cortical injury aggravated,Glu content increased,calcium concentration increased,SOD,CAT and GSH-Px levels decreased,MDA level increased,TUNEL positive rate increased,Bax and cleaved caspase-3 protein expression increased,and the expression of Bcl2 protein decreased significantly(P<0.05).Conclusion By down-regulating the expression of GCPII gene,electroacupuncture reduced the content of glutamate in the brain tissue of TBI rats,thereby inhibiting calcium overload,oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis in the brain tissue,and thereby improving cognitive function and alleviating brain injury.
7.Clinical effects of tibial periosteal distraction combined with antibiotic bone cement in treating diabetic foot ulcer
Yan CHEN ; Lei FENG ; Ting HUANG ; Yangyang ZHENG ; Jie MA ; Jian WU
Chinese Journal of Burns 2025;41(7):655-664
Objective:To explore the clinical effects of tibial periosteal distraction combined with antibiotic bone cement in treating diabetic foot ulcer.Methods:The study was a retrospective observational study. From March 2021 to March 2024, 52 patients with diabetic foot ulcers who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to Gansu Provincial People's Hospital, including 25 males and 27 females, aged 34-77 years. According to the treatment methods used by the patients, they were divided into control group (22 cases) treated with antibiotic bone cement alone and combined group (30 cases) treated with tibial periosteal distraction combined with antibiotic bone cement. Toe amputation rate, limb amputation rate, length of hospitalization, and ulcer healing time-consuming of patients were recorded. Before the first treatment and 3 weeks after the last treatment, the ankle skin temperature and ankle-brachial index of the affected foot were measured routinely, the pain of the affected foot was evaluated by using visual analog scale (VAS), and the peripheral nerve function of the affected foot was evaluated by 10 g nylon thread examination (denoted as 10 g nylon thread test value). Three weeks after the last treatment, the clinical efficacy of patients was evaluated and the overall rate of clinical efficacy was calculated.Results:There were no statistically significant differences in the comparison of toe amputation rate and limb amputation rate of patients in the 2 groups ( P>0.05). The length of hospitalization and ulcer healing time-consuming of patients in combined group were (23±5) and (41±6) d, respectively, which were significantly shorter than (27±5) and (46±6) d in control group (with t values of 3.08 and 3.18, respectively, both P values <0.05). The ankle skin temperature of the affected foot of patients in combined group was (34.1±1.5) ℃, and the ankle-brachial index was 0.72±0.08 three weeks after the last treatment, which were significantly higher than (32.1±1.6) ℃ and 0.58±0.09 before the first treatment within the group (with t values of 5.10 and 6.37, respectively, P<0.05) and (31.8±1.1) ℃ and 0.59±0.09 three weeks after the last treatment in control group (with t values of 6.88 and 5.49, respectively, P<0.05). The pain VAS score of the affected foot of patients in combined group 3 weeks after the last treatment was significantly lower than that before the first treatment within the group and 3 weeks after the last treatment in control group (with t values of 8.16 and 6.83, respectively, both P values <0.05), and the 10 g nylon thread test value was significantly higher than that before the first treatment within the group and 3 weeks after the last treatment in control group (with t values of 6.15 and 4.23, respectively, both P values <0.05). Three weeks after the last treatment, the overall rate of clinical efficacy of patients in combined group was 96.7% (29/30), which was significantly higher than 63.6% (14/22) in control group, χ2=7.51, P<0.05. Conclusions:Tibial periosteal distraction combined with antibiotic bone cement has good clinical effects in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. It can shorten the length of patients' hospitalization, promote the healing of the ulcers, reduce the pain in the affected foot, and improve the blood supply and peripheral nerve function in the affected foot.
8.Effects of Xixin Decoction (洗心汤)-Containing Serum on BV-2 Microglial Activation and Immune Inflammation Induced by Aβ25-35
Yangyang WU ; Yongchang DIWU ; Chaokai YANG ; Xia XING ; Dengkun WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(7):717-723
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xixin Decoction (洗心汤, XD) in treating Alzheimer's disease (AD). MethodsXD-containing serum was prepared, and the BV-2 microglial cell viability was assessed using the CCK8 assay to determine the optimal intervention concentrations of XD-containing serum and amyloid-beta 25-35 (Aβ25-35) for subsequent experiments. BV-2 cells were divided into four groups, control group, model group (Aβ25-35), XD-containing serum group (Aβ25-35+ XD-containing serum), and blank serum group (Aβ25-35 + blank serum). After 24 hours of culture, the levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and arginase-2 (Arg-2) in the supernatent were detected by ELISA. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect the protein levels of ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (IBA1), CD86, and CD206. RT-PCR was used to analyze the mRNA expression of IL-1β, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-10 (IL-10). ResultsThe concentrations of 10% XD-containing serum and 40 μmol·L-¹ Aβ25-35 were selected for subsequent experiments. Compared to the control group, the model group showed significantly increased levels of IL-1β and COX-2 in the supernatant, as well as elevated protein expression of IBA1 and CD86 and increased mRNA expression of IL-1β and IL-6, while exhibiting significantly reduced levels of Arg-2 in the supernatant, CD206 protein expression, and IL-10 mRNA expression (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the XD-containing serum group showed significant improvement in all these indicators (P<0.01), whereas no statistically significant differences were observed in the blank serum group (P>0.05). ConclusionXD may regulate microglial activation, inhibit pro-inflammatory factors, and enhance anti-inflammatory factor release, thereby improving neuroimmune inflammation and inhibiting the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
9.Exploration on teaching reform of Food Analysis experiment course under the concept of employment-oriented education
Nan CHANG ; Rongmei LI ; Xiucong PEI ; Siyao WANG ; Lin ZHOU ; Yangyang LIU ; Jie WU
Journal of Shenyang Medical College 2025;27(6):655-658
Objective:To explore the teaching reform of the Food Analysis experiment course under the concept of employment-oriented education,and to improve students'practical ability and employment competitiveness.Methods:Taking students majoring in Food Quality and Safety at a certain university as the research objects,the control group adopted traditional teaching,while the experimental group carried out reforms by optimizing the curriculum system,innovating the teaching mode,and establishing a diversified evaluation system.The total scores,teaching effectiveness,satisfaction with the teaching mode,and the evaluation of graduates by employers between the two groups were compared.Results:The average total score of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).The teaching effect evaluations of the experimental group in improving experimental operation skills and enhancing employment position cognition were all higher than those of the control group(P<0.05).The satisfaction of the experimental group with the teaching mode was better than that of the control group(P<0.05).In the evaluation results of employers on graduates,the excellent rate of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group(P<0.01).Conclusion:The reform measures effectively improve the teaching quality and students'comprehensive literacy,and deliver high-quality talents with both practical ability and innovative thinking to the food industry.
10.Effect of Morin on inflammatory response in young asthmatic rats by regulating mTOR/STAT3 signaling pathway
Yangyang CHEN ; Hongqi MA ; Jing YANG ; Zongyue WU ; Ping ZHU
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(6):1394-1400
Objective:To investigate effect and mechanism of Morin on inflammatory response of young asthmatic rats by regu-lating mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)/signal transducers and activators of transcription 3(STAT3)signaling pathway.Methods:An asthma rat model was established.Experiment was separated into Control group,Model group,Morin low-dose[Morin-L,10 mg/(kg·d)]group,Morin medium dose[Morin-M,30 mg/(kg·d)]group,Morin high-dose[Morin-H,100 mg/(kg·d)]group and Morin high-dose+mTOR activator group[Morin-H+MHY-1485,100 mg/(kg·d)Morin+7 mg/(kg·d)MHY-1485]group.Enhanced expiratory interval value was detected and recorded;Total IgE,ovalbumin(OVA)specific IgE,IL-4,IL-5,IL-17,IL-13,IFN-γ and TGF-β1 levels were determined by ELISA;Giemsa staining was applied to observe and record situation of related inflammatory cells;proportion of Th1,Th2 and Th17 cells were detected by flow cytometry;HE and PAS staining were applied to observe pathologi-cal changes in lung tissue and goblet cell proliferation;GATA-binding protein 3(GATA-3)expression was detected by immunohisto-chemistry and qRT-PCR;Western blot was applied to detect expression and phosphorylation levels of mTOR and STAT3 proteins.Results:Compared with Control group,inflammatory cell infiltration was obvious in Model group,with irregular thickening of tube wall and basement membrane,obviously more goblet cells,and increased mucus secretion,Penh value,IL-4,IL-5,IL-17,IL-13,total IgE and OVA-sIgE levels,macrophages,lymphocytes,eosinophils and neutrophils numbers,Th2 and Th17 cells proportion,average optical density of GATA-3,GATA-3 mRNA and phosphorylation levels of mTOR and STAT3 were obviously increased(P<0.05),proportion of Th1 cells and IFN-γ level were significantly reduced(P<0.05).Compared with Model group,bronchial wall structure of rats in Morin-L,Morin-M and Morin-H groups was smoother and more complete,with epithelial cells arranged in a more orderly manner,moderate airway wall thickness,reduced inflammatory cell infiltration,and reduced goblet cell proliferation,Penh value,IL-4,IL-5,IL-17,IL-13,TGF-β1,total IgE and OVA-sIgE levels,numbers of macrophages,lymphocytes,eosinophils and neutrophils,proportion of Th2 and Th17 cells,average optical density of GATA-3,GATA-3 mRNA,and phosphorylation levels of mTOR and STAT3 were obviously decreased(P<0.05),proportion of Th1 cells and IFN-γ level were significantly increased(P<0.05).MHY-1485 reversed inhibitory effect of morin on inflammatory response in asthmatic rats(P<0.05).Conclusion:Morin may inhibit activation of mTOR/STAT3 signaling pathway,inhibit inflammatory response in young rats with asthma,and thereby improve asthma symptoms.

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