1.LSS deficiency ameliorates MASLD by downregulating NPC1L1 and activating the CD36/TLR4/JNK pathway
Zihan WANG ; Hongmei BAI ; Qingya HE ; Wenjing ZHOU ; Jian ZHONG ; Xiaoli JIANG ; Sumei ZHANG ; Shengquan ZHANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(5):812-818
ObjectiveTo investigate whether intestinal deficiency of lanosterol synthase (LSS), a key enzyme in cholesterol synthesis, influences the progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) by regulating intestinal cholesterol absorption and immune response. MethodsLSS heterozygous knockout (LSS+/-) mice and wild-type (WT) controls were generated using CRISPR/Cas9 technology and fed either a high-fat diet (HFD) or regular chow (CHOW). The model was validated by genotyping. Hepatic steatosis was assessed by HE and oil red O staining. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the localization and expression of NPC1L1 and CD36 proteins in the intestine. Western blot analysis was performed to measure JNK phosphorylation and TLR4 protein levels in intestinal tissues. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was employed to examine the mRNA expression of TLR4 and IL-6. ResultsLSS+/- mice were successfully validated by genotyping and reduced intestinal LSS protein expression. HE and oil red O staining of liver sections showed that, compared with WT mice fed a CHOW diet, WT mice fed a HFD exhibited a marked increase in hepatic lipid vacuoles. In contrast, compared with HFD-fed WT mice, HFD-fed LSS+/- mice displayed significantly attenuated hepatic lipid deposition and reduced serum ALT levels (P<0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that, compared with WT mice, the expression of the cholesterol absorption protein NPC1L1 in the intestinal villi of LSS+/- mice was downregulated under both CHOW and HFD conditions (PHFD<0.001). Conversely, the expression of the fatty acid transporter CD36 was upregulated in the intestines of LSS+/- mice (PCHOW<0.05, PHFD<0.01). Western blot analysis demonstrated that, compared with WT mice, TLR4 protein expression in the intestines of LSS+/- mice significantly increased under both CHOW and HFD conditions (both P<0.05). JNK phosphorylation level was significantly elevated in LSS+/- mice under CHOW condition (both P<0.05). Under HFD condition, total JNK protein expression increased, but its phosphorylation level showed no significant change. qPCR analysis showed that, compared with WT mice, the mRNA levels of TLR4 (PCHOW<0.01, PHFD<0.000 1) and IL-6 (PCHOW<0.001, PHFD<0.01) were significantly upregulated in the intestines of LSS+/-mice. ConclusionLSS deficiency counteracts hepatic lipid deposition by orchestrating a synergistic reprogramming involving restricted intestinal cholesterol absorption, enhanced fatty acid utilization, and activation of immune pathways, suggesting intestinal LSS as a potential therapeutic target of MASLD.
2.Effects of Yifei Jianpi Prescription on Airway Mucus Hypersecretion and Protein Expressions of EGFR/PKC/NF-κB Pathway in Rats with Acute Lung Injury
Yaru YANG ; Yujie YANG ; Zhongbo ZHU ; Xuhui ZHANG ; Xiping LIU ; Hongmei LI ; Shixia LI ; Shixin ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(9):83-90
Objective To observe the effects of Yifei Jianpi Prescription on airway mucus hypersecretion and protein expressions of EGFR/PKC/NF-κB pathway in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced acute lung injury(ALI)model rats;To explore its mechanism in the treatment of ALI.Methods Ten of 60 SPF SD rats were randomly selected as blank group,and the other rats were intratracheal instilled with LPS to establish ALI model.The model rats were randomly divided into model group,dexamethasone group and Yifei Jianpi Prescription high-,medium-and low-dosage groups,with 8 rats in each group.Each treatment group was given corresponding drug solution by gavage,and the blank group and model group were given equal volume of normal saline by gavage,once a day for 14 days.The pulmonary functions of rats were measured[peak expiratory flow(PEF),tidal volume(TV),expiratory volume(EV),50%expiratory flow rate(EF50)],HE staining was used to observe the morphology of lung tissue,AB-PAS staining was used to evaluate the proliferation and mucus secretion of goblet cells,the expressions of epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR),protein kinase C(PKC),nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)p65 and MUC5AC in lung tissue were detected by immunofluorescence staining,the mRNA expressions of EGFR and MUC5AC in lung tissue were detected by fluorescent quantitative PCR,and the content of MUC5AC in lung tissue was detected by ELISA.Results Compared with the blank group,PEF,TV,EV and EF50 of the model group rats significantly decreased(P<0.01);the bronchial wall was significantly thickened,the lumen narrowed,pulmonary interstitial edema and hyperemia,the thickness of alveolar wall increased,accompanied by a large number of inflammatory cells infiltration,and the lung tissue injury score increased significantly(P<0.01);goblet cells proliferated significantly,mucus secretion increased significantly(P<0.01);the protein expressions of EGFR,PKC,NF-κB p65,MUC5AC and mRNA expressions of EGFR and MUC5AC in lung tissue increased significantly(P<0.01),and the content of MUC5AC in lung tissue increased significantly(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,PEF,TV,EV and EF50 in dexamethasone group and Yifei Jianpi Prescription each dosage groups increased in varying degrees;the pathological injury of lung tissue was alleviated to varying degrees,the score of lung tissue injury was reduced;the proliferation of goblet cells was reduced,and the secretion of mucus was reduced,the expressions of EGFR,PKC,NF-κB p65,MUC5AC protein and EGFR,MUC5AC mRNA in lung tissue decreased,and the content of MUC5AC in lung tissue decreased.There was statistical significance in dexamethasone group and Yifei Jianpi Prescription high-and medium-dosage groups(P<0.01).Conclusion Yifei Jianpi Prescription can inhibit the hypersecretion of airway mucus and the high expression of EGFR/PKC/NF-κB pathway protein in rats with ALI induced by LPS.
3.Exploration on the Effects of Shengxian Huaxian Prescription on Pulmonary Fibrosis with Regulating the Polarization of M2 Type Macrophages Based on STAT6/PPAR-γ Pathway
Hong YANG ; Shixin ZHOU ; Hongmei LI ; Yanlin WU ; Xiping LIU ; Zhongbo ZHU ; Xuhui ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(1):113-119
Objective To observe the synergistic effect of Shengxian Huaxian Prescription and its disassembled prescription on pulmonary fibrosis;To explore whether its mechanism is related to regulating the STAT6/PPAR-y pathway to promote polarization of M2 type macrophages towards M1 type.Methods Ten SD rats were randomly selected from 70 rats as blank group,and the remaining rats were re-established pulmonary fibrosis model by intratracheal infusion of bleomycin.After modeling,the rats were divided into model group,positive group,Shengxian Huaxian Prescription group,Shengxian group,Tongluo group and Bushen group,with 10 rats in each group.Shengxian Huaxian Prescription group,Shengxian group,Tongluo group and Bushen group were given 12.60,7.65,3.60 and 2.25 g/kg of corresponding TCM solution,respectively;the positive group was given 0.12 g/kg of pirfenidone suspension;the blank group and the model group were given equal volume of normal saline,once a day,for consecutive 28 days.The lung function of rats was detected,the contents of IL-6 and TGF-β1 in serum were detected by ELISA,the pathological changes in lung tissue were observed by Masson staining,the expression of CD68,iNOS and CD206,Arg-1 in lung tissue were detected by immunofluorescence,the expression of SOCS1,SOCS3,STAT6,p-STAT6 and PPAR-γ in lung tissue were detected by Western blot.Results Compared with the blank group,the PEF,PIF and EF50 in model group rats significantly decreased,and the contents of serum IL-6 and TGF-β1 significantly increased,Masson staining showed a large amount of collagen fiber deposition,Ashcroft score significantly increased,CD206,Arg-1,STAT6,p-STAT6,PPAR-y protein expression significantly increased(P<0.01),the expressions of SOCS1 and SOCS3 protein significantly decreased(P<0.01),while the expression of CD68 and iNOS were not significantly changed(P>0.05).Compared with the model group,the PEF,PIF and EF50 in all administration groups significantly increased,and the contents of serum IL-6 and TGF-β1 significantly decreased,collagen fiber deposition in lung tissue were decreased to varying degree,Ashcroft score significantly decreased,the expression of CD206,Arg-1,STAT6,p-STAT6 and PPAR-γ protein significantly decreased(P<0.01),the expressions of CD68,iNOS,SOCS1 and SOCS3 protein significantly increased(P<0.05).The above indicators showed the most significant changes in Shengxian Huaxian Prescription group,followed by Shengxian group(P<0.01,P<0.05).Conclusion Both Shengxian Huaxian Prescription and its disassembled prescription have anti pulmonary fibrosis effects,and their mechanism may related to regulating the STAT6/PPAR-y pathway and promoting polarization of M2 type macrophages towards M1 type.Shengxian Huaxian Prescription group has the best effect,while Shengxian group play an important role in the prescription,and the compatibility between each group has a synergistic effect.
4.Hematopoietic stem cell and kidney transplantation from the same donor in a patient with acute myeloid leukemia and literature review
Yan YIN ; Zilin QUAN ; Li SONG ; Zhonglin FENG ; Dongmei CUI ; Liyan ZHAO ; Yuhang HU ; Qinghua ZHOU ; Xiaoli KANG ; Junjie LIAO ; Qizhen LIANG ; Suijin WU ; Hongmei WU ; Shuangxin LIU
Chinese Journal of Nephrology 2025;41(9):691-695
The paper reports a 32-year-old female acute myeloid leukemia patient who developed graft-versus-host disease after paternal hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, which subsequently led to renal thrombotic microangiopathy. She subsequently required a kidney transplant from the same donor 5 years later due to renal failure. Considering that both the bone marrow and kidney were from the same donor and the recovery of renal function was favorable, immunosuppressive therapy was discontinued after a short course of anti-rejection treatment, with maintained stable kidney function. This case suggests that under the condition of high chimerism, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and kidney transplantation from the same donor can achieve immune tolerance, potentially improving solid organ transplantation success rate. The findings provide a novel therapeutic approach for solid organ transplantation following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
5.Risk factors for slow-flow or no-reflow during percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction:a meta-analysis
Yunfei ZHANG ; Wenjuan YAN ; Hongmei WEN ; Weichen CHEN ; Hongjuan ZHOU ; Qiong HAN ; Jiaoyang XU ; Yingfeng LI
Journal of Interventional Radiology 2025;34(3):243-252
Objective Using meta-analysis to identify the risk factors for slow-flow or no-reflow during percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)in patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction(AMI).Methods A computerized retrieval of academic papers concerning the risk factors for slow-flow or no-reflow during PCI in patients with ST-segment elevation AMI from the databases of CNKI,Wanfang Database,VIP,SinoMed,PubMed,Web of Science,Embase,and Cochrane Library was conducted.The retrieval time period was from the establishment of the database to January 2024.In order to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the study,two independent reviewers screened the literature according to the preset inclusion and exclusion criteria,extracted key data,and strictly evaluated the quality of the literature.RevMan5.4 software was used to make meta-analysis.Results A total of 23 articles with a total of 9 780 cases were included in this analysis.The results of meta-analysis showed that reperfusion time ≥6 h(OR=1.52),preoperative TIMI blood flow≤level-Ⅰ(OR=1.12),heavy thrombus burden(OR=1.60),advanced age(OR=1.56),diabetes(OR=1.83),preoperative Killip grade≥Ⅲ(OR=2.52),long target vessel disease(OR=1.95),and collateral flow≤level-Ⅰ(OR=1.61)were the risk factors for slow-flow or no-reflow during PCI in patients with ST-segment elevation AMI.Preoperative systolic blood pressure<90 mmHg(OR=1.17)and high white blood cell(WBC)count(OR=1.27)were not the risk factors for slow-flow or no-reflow during PCI in patients with ST-segment elevation AMI.Conclusion Reperfusion time ≥ 6 h,preoperative TIMI blood flow≤level-Ⅰ,heavy thrombus burden,advanced age,diabetes,preoperative Killip grade≥level-Ⅲ,long target vessel lesion,and collateral blood flow≤level-Ⅰ are the independent risk factors for slow-flow or no-reflow during PCI in patients with ST-segment elevation AMI.
6.Correlation between salivary ANG-2 level and inflammation activity of oral lichen planus
Yuanyi XIANG ; Jingjing LUO ; Haiyang LI ; Zhongting WU ; Hongmei ZHOU
STOMATOLOGY 2025;45(1):45-50
Objective To assay the salivary ANG-2 level of oral lichen planus(OLP)patients,and analyze its correlation with in-flammatory activity of OLP.Methods Eighty-nine OLP patients were included,and divided into four subgroups as non-erosive asymp-tomatic(NEA),non-erosive symptomatic(NES),minor-erosive(MIE)and major-erosive(MAE)groups.Fifteen healthy adults were recruited as controls.Whole unstimulated saliva was collected from each participant,and the salivary ANG-2 level was measured by chemiluminescence immunoassays(CLIA)for analysis.Normal oral mucosal tissue,non-erosive and erosive OLP tissues were collected to detect and analyze the expression of ANG-2 positive blood vessels by immunohistochemistry(IHC).Results The base-lines of age and gender between OLP and control groups showed no significant difference.Compared to controls,the salivary ANG-2 levels of OLP group,non-erosive and erosive OLP subgroups were significantly higher(P<0.05),in which erosive OLP group was higher than non-erosive OLP group(P=0.022);NES subgroup was slightly higher than NEA(P=0.048),and there was no statistical significance between MIA and MEA subgroups(P=0.067).Spearman correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between sali-vary ANG-2 level and inflammation activity in OLP patients(r=0.314,P=0.003).The expression of ANG-2 in non-erosive OLP mu-cosal tissues slightly increased than normal oral mucosal tissue(P>0.05),but there was no significant difference.The expression of ANG-2 in erosive OLP mucosal tissues significantly increased than normal oral mucosal tissue(P<0.001)and non-erosive OLP group(P<0.001).Conclusion There is a certain correlation between sali-vary ANG-2 level and inflammatory activity of OLP,indicating that salivary ANG-2 level is probable to be one of the inflammatory activity indicators to monitor the state-variation of OLP as a clinical non-inva-sive method.
7.Endoplasmic reticulum stress involved in high-fat induced metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease
Weikang Hu ; Wenjing Zhou ; Jun Zhang ; Zhen Yang ; Hongmei Bai ; Zihan Wang ; Yinliang Qi ; Shengquan Zhang ; Sumei Zhang
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(6):1086-1090
Objective :
To investigate the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress in the occurrence and development of fatty liver induced by high fat.
Methods :
In the high-fat Drosophila model, the high-fat group was fed with high-fat medium, while the control group was fed with normal medium; in the mouse fatty liver model, the high-fat group was fed with high-fat diet, and the control group was fed with normal diet; in the HepG2 cell steatosis model, the high-fat group was induced by palmitic acid(PA), and the control group was cultured with DMEM. The fat body size of the third instar larvae of Drosophila melanogaster was photographed. Steatosis in mice liver and HepG2 cells was observed by H&E and Oil Red staining. The expression levels of ATF6, Bip and CHOP in the third instar larvae, liver tissues of mice and HepG2 cells were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qPCR) and Western blot.
Results :
In Drosophila model, fat body and fat storage were obviously increased in high fat fed flies when compared with control group. The formation of liver fat droplets and cells vacuolation were confirmed by H&E and Oil Red staining in mice livers fed with high fat and HepG2 cells with palmitic acid treatment. The expression levels of ATF6, Bip and CHOP were significantly increased in third instar larvae and mice livers fed with high fat and palmitic acid treated HepG2 cells with palmitic acid treatment.
Conclusion
High fat may induce the occurrence and development of hepatic steatosis by activating endoplasmic reticulum stress.
8.Value of Peripheral Blood DLGAP5 and RASSF1A Gene Methylation in the Differential Diagnosis of Benign and Malignant Lung Nodules
Hongmei ZHOU ; Xiaobin ZHAO ; Yaguang WU ; Jing XIAO
Journal of Modern Laboratory Medicine 2025;40(2):53-58
Objective To investigate the value of methylation levels of Discs large-associated protein5(DLGAP5)and Ras association domain family 1A(RASSF1A)in peripheral blood in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant lung nodules.Methods 110 patients with pulmonary nodules admitted to the Seventh People's Hospital of Hebei Province from December 2022 to June 2024 were selected as study subjects.Based on the diagnosis confirmed by pathological examination,52 patients with malignant lung nodules were included in the malignant group and 58 patients with benign lung nodules were included in the benign group.The methylation levels of DLGAP5 and RASSF1A genes in peripheral blood were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR).The diagnostic value of methylation of DLGAP5 and RASSF1A genes in peripheral blood on the benign and malignant nature of lung nodules and their relationship with clinicopathological characteristics of patients with malignant lung nodules were analyzed.Spearman's method was used to analyze the correlation between DLGAP5 and RASSF1A gene methylation levels and clinicopathological features.Results Compared with the benign group,the methylation levels of DLGAP5 and RASSF1A genes were higher in the peripheral blood of patients in the malignant group,and the differences were statistically significant(χ2=27.010,24.350,all P<0.001).The sensitivities of DLGAP5 methylation and RASSF1A methylation alone in the detection of malignant lung nodules were 61.54%,67.31%,and the specificity were 86.21%,79.31%,and the accuracies were 74.55%,73.63%,respectively.The sensitivity(84.62%)and accuracy(83.64%)of the combined two-gene methylation test for malignant lung nodules were better than that of single gene methylation(Z=2.816,2.497,all P<0.05).The concordance Kappa values of DLGAP5 methylation and RASSF1A methylation alone and in combination with the pathological results were 0.583,0.569 and 0.712,respectively.The nodules size,histological differentiation degree,lymph nodes and spiculation sign of patients with malignant pulmonary nodules were correlated with DLGAP5 and RASSF1A methylation levels,and the differences were statistically significant(χ2DLGAP5=4.644~14.981,χ2RASSF1A=4.293~12.629,all P<0.05).Correlation analysis showed that the methylation levels of DLGAP5 and RASSF1A genes were positively correlated with nodule size,histologic differentiation,lymph node metastasis and spiculation sign(rDLGAP5=0.512~0.683,rRASSF1A=0.527~0.691,all P<0.05).Conclusion The methylation levels of DLGAP5 and RASSF1A gene in peripheral blood were closely related to histological differentiation,lymph node metastasis and clinical staging.The combined detection of the two has high diagnostic value fro the benign and malignant nature of pulmonary nodules.
9.Construction and validation of a risk prediction model for low fall alertness in elderly inpatients
Xinxin LI ; Xiaoju TENG ; Xinkai ZHOU ; Hongmei MA ; Yating HAN ; Yingxia LI ; Jiamei ZHU ; Kun LUO
Journal of Shenyang Medical College 2025;27(1):12-19
Objective:To analyze the influencing factors of low fall alertness in elderly inpatients,construct a risk prediction model and validate it,providing a reference for clinical medical staff to identify elderly inpatients with low fall alertness in the early stage.Methods:A total of 605 elderly inpatients treated in Yijishan Hospital affiliated to Wannan Medical College from Oct 2023 to Mar 2024 were enrolled and randomly divided into the training group(n=423)and validation group(n=182)at a ratio of 7∶3.The patients were evaluated using a general information questionnaire,the Social Frailty Screening Tool(HALFT),the Tilburg Frailty Indicator(TFI),and the Self-Awareness of Falls in Elderly scale(SAFE).Multivariate logistic analysis was used to determine the influencing factors of low fall alertness in elderly inpatients.RStudio was used to construct a risk prediction model of low fall alertness.The discrimination,calibration,and clinical net benefit of the model were verified using the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves,calibration plots,and decision curve analysis(DCA).Results:Multivariate logistic analysis showed that the history of falls,monthly income,previous physical activity time,social frailty score and TFI score were independent risk factors for low fall alertness in elderly inpatients.The Hosmer-Lemeshow χ2 test showed that χ2=8.863,P=0.354,indicating good calibration of the prediction model.The area under the ROC curve of the training group and the validation group were 0.860(95%CI:0.815-0.904)and 0.937(95%CI:0.888-0.986),respectively,and the maximum Youden indices of the model was 0.576 and 0.788,respectively,indicating good discrimination of the model.The DCA decision curve showed that the model had good clinical effectiveness.Conclusion:The constructed model has a good prediction effect and can help clinical medical staff quickly and effectively screen out elderly inpatients at risk of low fall alertness.
10.Epidemiologic characteristics of dengue fever in Ruili City at the China-Myanmar border in late 2023
Lirong YUAN ; Wenzhi YANG ; Yue OUYANG ; Tang LIU ; Hongmei ZHAN ; Run CHEN ; Junyu ZHANG ; Hongning ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(7):735-741
This study was aimed atanalyzing the epidemic characteristics of dengue fever in Ruili City atthe China-Myanmar bor-der in late 2023,to provide evidence for local dengue fever prevention and control measures.Adult Aedes mosquitoes were collected from Ruili City with a backpack type mosquito sucking machine in October of 2023.Serum samples frompatients with suspected den-gue were collected in acutephase,in November of 2023.Detection ofdengue virus(DENV)nucleic acids in Aedesmosquitoes and acute phase serum samples from suspected dengue fever patients using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction,and nucleic acid positive samples were inoculated into Vero cells for viral culture.After three consecutive blind passage,samples with cytopathic effect(CPE)were collected for be sequencingand analysisof genetic and evolutionary information.Dengue case characteristics were analyzed through descriptive epidemiological methods.Among the 109 cases of dengue fever,the ratio of males to females was 1.27∶1.The youngest patient was 1 year old,the oldest patient was 84 years old,the age group of 20~59 years accounted for 73.39%,and the major-ity of occupations were freelancer(40.37%).A total of 827 female Aedes albopictus and 312 Aedes aegypti were collected,all of which tested negative for DENV nucleic acid.109 serum samples tested positive for DENV nucleic acid,including 49 DENV-1 and 60 DENV-2.Moreover,five DENV-1 and nine DENV-2 samples were obtainedthrough third-generation blind passaging with CPE.The E gene sequences of these five DENV-1 strains were detected,all were found to belong to DENV-1 genotype I,and had same evolu-tionary branch as the 2023 Guangzhou,China(PP563911),the 2019 Myanmar(MW793710),and 2019 Attapeu,Laos(MW559046).The nucleotide and amino acid sequence similarityamong the five DENV-1 genotype was 99.4%-99.9%and 99.8%-100.0%.Compared with the aforementioned epidemic strains,their nucleotide similarities were 99.5%-100.0%,99.4%-99.6%and 99.3%-99.5%,respec-tively,and amino acid similarity was 99.8%-100.0%.Nine DENV-2 E gene sequences were of Asian genotype I and belonged to the same evolutionary branch as the 2018 Myanmar(MW788982),2019 Hangzhou(OP684212)and 2019 Ruili(OQ928150).The nucleotide and amino acid similarities of the nine samples were 99.5%-100.0%and 99.8%-100.0%,respectively.Compared with the aforementioned epidemic strains,their nucleotide similarities were 99.7%-100.0%,99.3%-99.7%and 99.3%-99.7%,respectively,and the amino acid similarity was 99.8%-100%,99.8%-100.0%and 99.4%-99.6%,respectively.Two dengue vectors,Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti,were present in Ruili city,and the dengue outbreak was caused primarily by DENV-1 genotype I and DENV-2 Asian genotype I in later 2023.The sources of DENV-1 were probably the same as those of DENV-1 with Guangzhou(2023),and the sources of DENV-2 were probably from Myanmar.Dengue cases were found primarilyin the 20-59 year age group and freelancers,thus suggesting that relevant local departments should strengthen surveillance of dengue imported case and vector.


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