1.SIRT5 Potentiates Hepatocarcinogenesis by Modulating Protein Acylation in Mice
Yu ZHANG ; Feng-Rui REN ; Jia-Yun LI ; Xiang-Yu CHEN ; Zi-Yi WANG ; Qi SUN ; Jun-Cheng ZHAO ; Ye ZHANG ; Zhen HUANG ; Hao HU ; Tao-Tao WEI ; Min XIAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1712-1722
ObjectiveHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents 90% of all primary liver cancers. The main risk factors associated with HCC include viral hepatitis (B and/or C), alcohol abuse, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which progressively advance to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and ultimately evolve into HCC. Surgical resection represents the most effective treatment for HCC, while recent advances in immunotherapy, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive cell therapies, have provided improved treatment prospects for patients with unresectable HCC. However, the complex metabolic heterogeneity of HCC limits the therapeutic efficacy. Metabolic intermediates acyl-CoA not only provide energy and substrates for numerous biochemical reactions but also serve as donors for protein lysine acylation, a major class of post-translational modification (PTM). Therefore, a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying protein lysine acylation and hepatocarcinogenesis is urgently needed. MethodsThe levels of protein lysine acylation and silence information regulator 5 (SIRT5) expression levels in clinical HCC samples were analyzed by Western blot. Quantitative malonylome and succinylome of HCC samples were analyzed by antibody-based affinity enrichment coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. The proliferation of HCC cells was analyzed with Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assays, the apoptosis was quantified by Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide (PI) staining coupled with flow cytometry, and the ability of cells to migrate was assayed by Transwell assays. The enzymatic activity of glutathione S-transferase Mu 1 (GSTM1) was quantified. Transgenic mice with hepatic overexpression of SIRT5 were constructed using CRISPR-Cas9, and primary hepatocarcinogenesis was induced by administration of diethylnitrosamine. ResultsWestern blot analysis indicated that the expression level of SIRT5 was elevated in clinical samples from HCC patients, and the levels of lysine malonylation, glutarylation, and succinylation were significantly reduced in HCC tissues. Knockout of SIRT5 in MHCC-97H and MHCC-97L hepatoma cells suppressed cell proliferation, and increased the percentage of apoptotic cells significantly. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses of the differentially malonylome and succinylome of HCC samples revealed significant enrichment in two major classes of biological processes: core energy metabolism (e.g., glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, tricarboxylic acid metabolic process, fatty acid beta oxidation) and detoxification and oxidative stress response (e.g., response to toxic substance, chemical carcinogenesis, reactive oxygen species (ROS)). SIRT5 removes malonylation from lysine residues in GSTM1 and restores its detoxification activity, which is crucial for the survival of hepatocytes under stressed conditions. More importantly, in vivo experiment indicated that hepatic-specific overexpression of SIRT5 in mice accelerated diethylnitrosamine-induced liver fibrosis and hepatocarcinogenesis, indicating the critical role of SIRT5 in HCC progression. ConclusionThis study highlights the previously unrecognized SIRT5-GSTM1 axis as a key regulator in hepatocarcinogenesis, and suggests a potential target for the treatment of patients with HCC.
2.Effects of Bushen Huoxue Formulation (补肾活血方) on Synaptic Vesicle-Associated Proteins in Neurons and the Intestinal Barrier in Parkinson's Disease Model Rats
Naxin WEI ; Yingfan CHEN ; Xiaorong QI ; Qian ZHANG ; Xiaohan GENG ; Yuzhi ZHANG ; Min LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(15):1640-1649
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of Bushen Huoxue Formulation (补肾活血方, BSHXF) in Parkinson's disease (PD) from the perspectives of synaptic vesicle cycling and intestinal barrier function. MethodsForty-eight male SD rats were randomly divided into four groups, control group, model group, Madopar group, and BSHXF group, with 12 rats in each group. Except for the control group, rats were administered rotenone by gavage once daily for 4 consecutive weeks to establish a PD rat model. After successful modeling, rats in the BSHXF group received concentrated BSHXF solution by gavage at a dose of 13.5 g/(kg·d), while rats in the Madopar group received Madopar tablet suspension at 2 g/(kg·d). Rats in the control group and the model group were administered distilled water by gavage at 10 ml/(kg·d). All groups received continuous gavage treatment for 2 weeks. Motor function was evaluated using the open field test (total distance traveled, average speed, and total distance traveled in the central zone), rotarod test (latency to fall), and balance beam test (traversal time). Histopathological changes in colon tissues were observed by HE staining. Western Blotting was used to detect the protein levels of α-synuclein (α-syn), phosphorylated serine 129 α-synuclein (pSer129-α-syn), vesicle-associated membrane protein 2 (VAMP2), and synaptophysin (SYP) in the substantia nigra and colon tissues. The mRNA expression levels of α-syn, VAMP2, and SYP were detected by RT-PCR, and α-syn expression was examined by immunohistochemistry. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to assess the levels of tight junction protein 1 (ZO-1) and occludin in colon tissues, as well as tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) levels in substantia nigra tissues. ResultsCompared with the control group, rats in the model group showed reduced total distance traveled, average speed, and central-zone distance in the open field test, decreased latency to fall in the rotarod test, and prolonged traversal time in the balance beam test. The protein levels of pSer129-α-syn and α-syn, as well as α-syn mRNA expression were increased in the substantia nigra and colon tissues, whereas the protein and mRNA expression levels of VAMP2 and SYP were decreased. The relative integrated optical density of α-syn in the substantia nigra and colon tissues was increased, while the relative fluorescence intensities of ZO-1 and occludin in colon tissues and TH in the substantia nigra were decreased (P<0.05). HE staining showed focal necrosis in the mucosal layer of colon tissues, disappearance of some intestinal glands, extensive inflammatory cell infiltration, and proliferation of fibrous connective tissue in the submucosa. Compared with the model group, both the Madopar group and BSHXF group showed varying degrees of improvement in the above indicators (P<0.05). Pathological damage in colon tissues was also alleviated, with only mild fibrous tissue proliferation and limited diffuse inflammatory cell infiltration observed in the mucosal layer. Compared with the Madopar group, rats in the BSHXF group exhibited increased average speed, central-zone distance, and latency to fall in the rotarod test. The levels of pSer129-α-syn and α-syn proteins in the substantia nigra were decreased, while VAMP2 protein expression was increased. In colon tissues, SYP protein levels and mRNA expression were elevated. The relative fluorescence intensity of ZO-1 in colon tissues and TH in substantia nigra tissues was also increased (P<0.05). ConclusionBSHXF may improve motor dysfunction in PD by regulating synaptic vesicle cycling, restoring intestinal barrier integrity, and improving neuronal synaptic function through modulation of synaptic vesicle-associated protein expression in the substantia nigra and colon tissues.
3.Effects of Bushen Huoxue Formulation (补肾活血方) on Synaptic Vesicle-Associated Proteins in Neurons and the Intestinal Barrier in Parkinson's Disease Model Rats
Naxin WEI ; Yingfan CHEN ; Xiaorong QI ; Qian ZHANG ; Xiaohan GENG ; Yuzhi ZHANG ; Min LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(15):1640-1649
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of Bushen Huoxue Formulation (补肾活血方, BSHXF) in Parkinson's disease (PD) from the perspectives of synaptic vesicle cycling and intestinal barrier function. MethodsForty-eight male SD rats were randomly divided into four groups, control group, model group, Madopar group, and BSHXF group, with 12 rats in each group. Except for the control group, rats were administered rotenone by gavage once daily for 4 consecutive weeks to establish a PD rat model. After successful modeling, rats in the BSHXF group received concentrated BSHXF solution by gavage at a dose of 13.5 g/(kg·d), while rats in the Madopar group received Madopar tablet suspension at 2 g/(kg·d). Rats in the control group and the model group were administered distilled water by gavage at 10 ml/(kg·d). All groups received continuous gavage treatment for 2 weeks. Motor function was evaluated using the open field test (total distance traveled, average speed, and total distance traveled in the central zone), rotarod test (latency to fall), and balance beam test (traversal time). Histopathological changes in colon tissues were observed by HE staining. Western Blotting was used to detect the protein levels of α-synuclein (α-syn), phosphorylated serine 129 α-synuclein (pSer129-α-syn), vesicle-associated membrane protein 2 (VAMP2), and synaptophysin (SYP) in the substantia nigra and colon tissues. The mRNA expression levels of α-syn, VAMP2, and SYP were detected by RT-PCR, and α-syn expression was examined by immunohistochemistry. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to assess the levels of tight junction protein 1 (ZO-1) and occludin in colon tissues, as well as tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) levels in substantia nigra tissues. ResultsCompared with the control group, rats in the model group showed reduced total distance traveled, average speed, and central-zone distance in the open field test, decreased latency to fall in the rotarod test, and prolonged traversal time in the balance beam test. The protein levels of pSer129-α-syn and α-syn, as well as α-syn mRNA expression were increased in the substantia nigra and colon tissues, whereas the protein and mRNA expression levels of VAMP2 and SYP were decreased. The relative integrated optical density of α-syn in the substantia nigra and colon tissues was increased, while the relative fluorescence intensities of ZO-1 and occludin in colon tissues and TH in the substantia nigra were decreased (P<0.05). HE staining showed focal necrosis in the mucosal layer of colon tissues, disappearance of some intestinal glands, extensive inflammatory cell infiltration, and proliferation of fibrous connective tissue in the submucosa. Compared with the model group, both the Madopar group and BSHXF group showed varying degrees of improvement in the above indicators (P<0.05). Pathological damage in colon tissues was also alleviated, with only mild fibrous tissue proliferation and limited diffuse inflammatory cell infiltration observed in the mucosal layer. Compared with the Madopar group, rats in the BSHXF group exhibited increased average speed, central-zone distance, and latency to fall in the rotarod test. The levels of pSer129-α-syn and α-syn proteins in the substantia nigra were decreased, while VAMP2 protein expression was increased. In colon tissues, SYP protein levels and mRNA expression were elevated. The relative fluorescence intensity of ZO-1 in colon tissues and TH in substantia nigra tissues was also increased (P<0.05). ConclusionBSHXF may improve motor dysfunction in PD by regulating synaptic vesicle cycling, restoring intestinal barrier integrity, and improving neuronal synaptic function through modulation of synaptic vesicle-associated protein expression in the substantia nigra and colon tissues.
4.Development and validation of the rapid health aging assessment scale for the Chinese population
Bingqi YE ; Jialu YANG ; Jianhua LI ; Wunong CHEN ; Jianhua YE ; Xiaotao ZHOU ; Yong WANG ; Siqi LI ; Qi ZHANG ; Wanying ZHAO ; Jiayi SONG ; Chun WANG ; Yan LIU ; Min XIA
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(7):1078-1083
Objective:To develop a rapid assessment scale for healthy aging suitable for the Chinese population.Methods:Based on existing healthy aging assessment scales, national standards, and expert consensus, an initial Healthy Aging Rapid Assessment Scale was drafted through two rounds of expert consultation. A pre-survey was conducted with 3 220 subjects recruited from Guangzhou between July 2023 and July 2024. Items were screened through item analysis and exploratory factor analysis to form the final scale. Reliability and validity of the final scale were validated across five cities: Guangzhou, Dongguan, Shenzhen, Baoding, and Chuxiong.Results:The initial version comprised 36 items, while the finalized scale contained 18 items across three dimensions: metabolic health, mental health, and cognitive health. Test-retest reliability ranged from 0.71 to 0.81 across all study sites. The Spearman-Brown coefficient varied between 0.91-0.96, Cronbach′s α between 0.77-0.83, comparative fit index (CFI) between 0.90-0.98, goodness-of-fit index (GFI) between 0.90-0.99, and root-mean-square error of approximation (RMSEA) between 0.03-0.09. For the three dimensions, reliability and validity metrics demonstrated consistency: Spearman-Brown coefficients 0.87-0.99, Cronbach′s α 0.77-0.83, CFI 0.90-0.98, GFI 0.90-0.99, and RMSEA 0.03-0.09 across four regions.Conclusion:The developed Healthy Aging Rapid Assessment Scale for the Chinese population exhibits robust reliability and validity.
5.Progress in Methods for Electrochemical Detection of Thrombin
Di WU ; Xi-Yao ZHANG ; Jing-Jing XU ; Yi-Ting CHEN ; Wen-Qi TANG ; Wen-Hui XU ; Song-Min CHEN ; Qiong HU ; Li NIU
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(9):1403-1410
As a serine protease,thrombin can convert soluble fibrinogen into insoluble fibrin and plays a pivotal role in the coagulation cascade.Therefore,the accurate quantitative assay of thrombin levels is of great value in the evaluation of coagulation function,clinical screening and prognostic monitoring of coagulation-related diseases,and screening of drugs for targeted therapy.Existing methods for thrombin detection can be divided into two categories,e.g.,the assay of concentration levels using nucleic acid aptamers as the affinity elements and the assay of activity levels based on the hydrolytic cleavage of substrate peptides.In recent years,electrochemical biosensors have attracted much attention in thrombin detection due to high sensitivity,high selectivity,simple instrument,fast response,and good portability.In this review,the latest research progress in methods for electrochemical detection of thrombin was summarized,focusing on the detection principles and the applied signal amplification strategies of related electrochemical biosensors.In addition,the challenges with respect to the practical use of electrochemical thrombin biosensors and the prospects were discussed.
6.Environmental Temperature and the Risk of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Transmission in the Yangtze River Region of China.
Yan Qing YANG ; Min CHEN ; Jin LI ; Kai Qi LIU ; Xue Yan GUO ; Xin XU ; Qian LIANG ; Xing Lu WU ; Su Wen LEI ; Jing LI
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(3):290-302
OBJECTIVE:
To assess health equity in the Yangtze River region to improve understanding of the correlation between hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) and socioeconomic factors.
METHODS:
From 2014-2016, data on HFMD incidence, population statistics, economic indicators, and meteorology from 26 cities along the Yangtze River were analyzed. A multi-city random-effects meta-analysis was performed to study the relationship between temperature and HFMD transmission, and health equity was assessed with respect to socio-economic impact.
RESULTS:
Over the study period, 919,458 HFMD cases were reported, with Shanghai (162,303) having the highest incidence and Tongling (5,513) having the lowest. Males were more commonly affected (male-to-female ratio, 1.49:1). The exposure-response relationship had an M-shaped curve, with two HFMD peaks occurring at 4 °C and 26 °C. The relative risk had two peaks at 1.30 °C (1.834, 95% CI: 1.204-2.794) and 31.4 °C (1.143, 95% CI: 0.901-1.451), forming an M shape, with the first peak higher than the second. The most significant impact of temperature on HFMD was observed between -2 °C and 18.1 °C. The concentration index (0.2463) indicated moderate concentration differences, whereas the Theil index (0.0418) showed low inequality in distribution.
CONCLUSION
The incidence of HFMD varied across cities, particularly with changes in temperature. Economically prosperous areas showed higher risks, indicating disparities. Targeted interventions in these areas are crucial for mitigating the risk of HFMD.
Female
;
Humans
;
Male
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Cities/epidemiology*
;
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease/transmission*
;
Incidence
;
Risk Factors
;
Temperature
7.Association of Body Mass Index with All-Cause Mortality and Cause-Specific Mortality in Rural China: 10-Year Follow-up of a Population-Based Multicenter Prospective Study.
Juan Juan HUANG ; Yuan Zhi DI ; Ling Yu SHEN ; Jian Guo LIANG ; Jiang DU ; Xue Fang CAO ; Wei Tao DUAN ; Ai Wei HE ; Jun LIANG ; Li Mei ZHU ; Zi Sen LIU ; Fang LIU ; Shu Min YANG ; Zu Hui XU ; Cheng CHEN ; Bin ZHANG ; Jiao Xia YAN ; Yan Chun LIANG ; Rong LIU ; Tao ZHU ; Hong Zhi LI ; Fei SHEN ; Bo Xuan FENG ; Yi Jun HE ; Zi Han LI ; Ya Qi ZHAO ; Tong Lei GUO ; Li Qiong BAI ; Wei LU ; Qi JIN ; Lei GAO ; He Nan XIN
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(10):1179-1193
OBJECTIVE:
This study aimed to explore the association between body mass index (BMI) and mortality based on the 10-year population-based multicenter prospective study.
METHODS:
A general population-based multicenter prospective study was conducted at four sites in rural China between 2013 and 2023. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models and restricted cubic spline analyses were used to assess the association between BMI and mortality. Stratified analyses were performed based on the individual characteristics of the participants.
RESULTS:
Overall, 19,107 participants with a sum of 163,095 person-years were included and 1,910 participants died. The underweight (< 18.5 kg/m 2) presented an increase in all-cause mortality (adjusted hazards ratio [ aHR] = 2.00, 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.66-2.41), while overweight (≥ 24.0 to < 28.0 kg/m 2) and obesity (≥ 28.0 kg/m 2) presented a decrease with an aHR of 0.61 (95% CI: 0.52-0.73) and 0.51 (95% CI: 0.37-0.70), respectively. Overweight ( aHR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.67-0.86) and mild obesity ( aHR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.59-0.87) had a positive impact on mortality in people older than 60 years. All-cause mortality decreased rapidly until reaching a BMI of 25.7 kg/m 2 ( aHR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92-0.98) and increased slightly above that value, indicating a U-shaped association. The beneficial impact of being overweight on mortality was robust in most subgroups and sensitivity analyses.
CONCLUSION
This study provides additional evidence that overweight and mild obesity may be inversely related to the risk of death in individuals older than 60 years. Therefore, it is essential to consider age differences when formulating health and weight management strategies.
Humans
;
Body Mass Index
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Prospective Studies
;
Rural Population/statistics & numerical data*
;
Aged
;
Follow-Up Studies
;
Adult
;
Mortality
;
Cause of Death
;
Obesity/mortality*
;
Overweight/mortality*
8.Development and validation of the rapid health aging assessment scale for the Chinese population
Bingqi YE ; Jialu YANG ; Jianhua LI ; Wunong CHEN ; Jianhua YE ; Xiaotao ZHOU ; Yong WANG ; Siqi LI ; Qi ZHANG ; Wanying ZHAO ; Jiayi SONG ; Chun WANG ; Yan LIU ; Min XIA
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(7):1078-1083
Objective:To develop a rapid assessment scale for healthy aging suitable for the Chinese population.Methods:Based on existing healthy aging assessment scales, national standards, and expert consensus, an initial Healthy Aging Rapid Assessment Scale was drafted through two rounds of expert consultation. A pre-survey was conducted with 3 220 subjects recruited from Guangzhou between July 2023 and July 2024. Items were screened through item analysis and exploratory factor analysis to form the final scale. Reliability and validity of the final scale were validated across five cities: Guangzhou, Dongguan, Shenzhen, Baoding, and Chuxiong.Results:The initial version comprised 36 items, while the finalized scale contained 18 items across three dimensions: metabolic health, mental health, and cognitive health. Test-retest reliability ranged from 0.71 to 0.81 across all study sites. The Spearman-Brown coefficient varied between 0.91-0.96, Cronbach′s α between 0.77-0.83, comparative fit index (CFI) between 0.90-0.98, goodness-of-fit index (GFI) between 0.90-0.99, and root-mean-square error of approximation (RMSEA) between 0.03-0.09. For the three dimensions, reliability and validity metrics demonstrated consistency: Spearman-Brown coefficients 0.87-0.99, Cronbach′s α 0.77-0.83, CFI 0.90-0.98, GFI 0.90-0.99, and RMSEA 0.03-0.09 across four regions.Conclusion:The developed Healthy Aging Rapid Assessment Scale for the Chinese population exhibits robust reliability and validity.
9.Expert Consensus on the Ethical Requirements for Generative AI-Assisted Academic Writing
You-Quan BU ; Yong-Fu CAO ; Zeng-Yi CHANG ; Hong-Yu CHEN ; Xiao-Wei CHEN ; Yuan-Yuan CHEN ; Zhu-Cheng CHEN ; Rui DENG ; Jie DING ; Zhong-Kai FAN ; Guo-Quan GAO ; Xu GAO ; Lan HU ; Xiao-Qing HU ; Hong-Ti JIA ; Ying KONG ; En-Min LI ; Ling LI ; Yu-Hua LI ; Jun-Rong LIU ; Zhi-Qiang LIU ; Ya-Ping LUO ; Xue-Mei LV ; Yan-Xi PEI ; Xiao-Zhong PENG ; Qi-Qun TANG ; You WAN ; Yong WANG ; Ming-Xu WANG ; Xian WANG ; Guang-Kuan XIE ; Jun XIE ; Xiao-Hua YAN ; Mei YIN ; Zhong-Shan YU ; Chun-Yan ZHOU ; Rui-Fang ZHU
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(6):826-832
With the rapid development of generative artificial intelligence(GAI)technologies,their widespread application in academic research and writing is continuously expanding the boundaries of sci-entific inquiry.However,this trend has also raised a series of ethical and regulatory challenges,inclu-ding issues related to authorship,content authenticity,citation accuracy,and accountability.In light of the growing involvement of AI in generating academic content,establishing an open,controllable,and trustworthy ethical governance framework has become a key task for safeguarding research integrity and maintaining trust within the academic community.This expert consensus outlines ethical requirements across key stages of AI-assisted academic writing-including topic selection,data management,citation practices,and authorship attribution.It aims to clarify the boundaries and ethical obligations surrounding AI use in academic writing,ensuring that technological tools enhance efficiency without compromising in-tegrity.The goal is to provide guidance and institutional support for building a responsible and sustainable research ecosystem.
10.Preliminary examination of the genetic characteristics and antimicrobial resistance genes of Salmonella Alachua
Yue LIU ; Xue-bin XU ; Yi HU ; Qi-fang GU ; Cheng LIU ; Zhen-an YUAN ; Min CHEN
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(2):164-170
This study was aimed at preliminarily investigating the genetic and antimicrobial resistance characteristics of Salmonella Alachua isolates through whole-genome analyses.Five Salmonella Alachua isolates from various sources(both hu-man and non-human)were collected and identified.Phenotype and serotype verification,antimicrobial susceptibility testing,and whole-genome sequencing were performed.Virulence genes,antimicrobial resistance genes,and plasmid replicons were predicted according to globally available Salmonella Alachua genomic data.A phylogenetic tree was constructed to explore the genetic background.The first report of Salmonella Alachua in China emerged in Shanghai in 2015,and patients presented pri-marily with diarrhea.The isolates have been found predominantly in the eastern and southern coastal regions.Among the five i-solates analyzed,four belonged to sequence type(ST)2061,and one belonged to ST1298.All isolates were susceptible to most commonly used clinical antibiotics.Whole-genome analyses revealed that two ST2061 strains carried the blaKPC-2 gene,and one ST1298 strain carried the fosA7 gene.Phylogenetic analysis of global Salmonella Alachua populations indicated that the ST2061 clone belonged to the C1 clade,which was closely related to strains from the UK,whereas the ST1298 clone was found in the C4 clade,a globally disseminated fosA 7-positive lineage.This study provides initial insights into the genetic and antimi-crobial resistance characteristics of Salmonella Alachua in China,highlighting the presence of strains carrying blaKPC-2 and fo-sA7 genes.These findings may provide a reference for future large-scale molecular epidemiological surveillance and source-trac-ing efforts,and they underscore the importance of enhanced resistance monitoring for Salmonella Alachua.

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