1.Skeleton Binding Protein 1 of Plasmodium berghei Influences Deformability and Cytoskeletal Ultrastructure of Infected Erythrocyte
Xin-Yue GUO ; Huan-Qi ZHAO ; Yan-Xuan ZHONG ; Ru-Meng JIANG ; Yao-Xian LI ; Lei-Ting PAN ; Qian WANG ; Xiao-Yu SHI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1015-1027
ObjectiveThe malaria parasites remodel the host erythrocyte structure by exporting parasite proteins that interact with the membrane skeleton proteins of red blood cells (RBCs), facilitating their intracellular survival and pathogenicity. Skeleton-binding protein 1 (SBP1) is a conserved exported protein across Plasmodium species. In Plasmodium falciparum, SBP1 has been reported to interact with erythrocyte membrane skeleton proteins 4.1R and spectrin, while its contribution to erythrocyte remodeling and parasite virulence in Plasmodium berghei (Pb) remains unclear. This study aims to determine whether PbSBP1 associates with the host cytoskeletal protein 4.1R and to investigate its role in the remodeling of host RBCs and the pathogenicity of Plasmodium berghei. MethodsIn Plasmodium berghei, the relationship between PbSBP1 and the erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein 4.1R was examined using co-immunoprecipitation. A Pbsbp1 gene knockout mutant of Plasmodium berghei (Pbsbp1∆) was generated based on the principle of double crossover homologous recombination. The deformability of erythrocytes infected with Pbsbp1∆ parasites was assessed using microfluidic methods. Microchannels with an array of cylindrical pillars were used to detect modifications in infected RBC deformability. The infected RBCs were squashed between the rows and recovered between the columns and the transit velocity (μm/s) of infected RBCs travelling through the microchannel was recorded. The component of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton junctional complex, tropomodulin (TMOD), was fluorescently labeled, and the cytoskeletal network of infected erythrocytes was imaged using super-resolution stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) to analyze ultrastructural changes in the cytoskeleton of wild-type (WT) and Pbsbp1∆-infected erythrocytes. Actin-based junctional complexes were displayed as individual clusters by the labeled TMOD in the STORM images, and the cluster densities and distances between adjacent clusters of infected RBCs were calculated. Additionally, rodent malaria models (BALB/c mice) and experimental cerebral malaria models (C57BL/6 mice) were employed to monitor the growth of Pbsbp1∆ and WT parasites during the intraerythrocytic stage and their capacity to induce cerebral malaria in mice. ResultsPbSBP1 may participate in the remodeling of infected erythrocytes through direct or indirect interaction with the erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein 4.1R. Microfluidic assays revealed that the deformability of erythrocytes infected with Pbsbp1∆ parasites was significantly enhanced compared to those infected with WT parasites. STORM imaging further demonstrated that the ultrastructure of the erythrocyte cytoskeleton in Pbsbp1∆-infected cells was altered relative to that in WT-infected erythrocytes. The distances between nearest neighbors of clusters had a tendency to increase while the cluster densities were decreased in Pbsbp1∆-infected RBCs compared to WT-infected RBCs. Subsequent phenotypic analysis indicated that the growth rate of Pbsbp1∆ parasites during the intraerythrocytic stage was significantly slower than that of WT parasites, and their ability to induce cerebral malaria in mice was also attenuated. These findings suggest that PbSBP1 is involved in the remodeling of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton, likely through its direct or indirect interaction with protein 4.1R, thereby regulating the deformability of infected erythrocytes and influencing the pathogenicity of the blood-stage parasites. ConclusionThis study establishes a role for PbSBP1 in host erythrocyte remodeling and parasite virulence, providing new research strategies for the prevention and treatment of malaria.
2.Immunodynamic changes in a mouse model of malignant pleural effusion
Xiao-Lei WEI ; Xu GUO ; Chuang-Xin ZHANG ; Qi WANG ; Xiao-Fan LIU ; Ming-Ming SHAO ; Huan-Zhong SHI ; Kan ZHAI
Laboratory Animal Research 2026;42(1):59-67
Background:
Malignant pleural effusion (MPE), a common complication of advanced cancers, is associated with poor prognosis and reduced quality of life. Although host–tumor interactions are known to drive MPE development, the associated immune dynamics during disease progression remain unclear. Using a Lewis lung carcinoma-induced MPE model in C57BL/6JNidfc mice, we systematically evaluated general parameters and immune cell changes at two-day intervals throughout disease progression.
Results:
The day of Lewis lung carcinoma cell injection into the pleural space was designated as day 0. By day 10 post-injection (p.i.), MPE-bearing mice exhibited ~ 10% body weight loss, marking the experimental endpoint. Pleural tumor mass and pleural effusion volume were minimal up to day 4 p.i. but increased sharply from day 6 onward.CD45⁺ immune cell counts rose over time, and days 6, 8, and 10 p.i. marked key stages of MPE progression. On day 6, B cells, T cells, and natural killer cells, but not macrophages and neutrophils, increased significantly compared to earlier timepoints. By day 8, all immune cell subsets except T cells exceeded day 6 levels, and at day 10, natural killer cell numbers declined while others continued to increase. Besides, the numbers of CD8⁺ T cells, Th1 cells, regulatory T cells, and M2 macrophages progressively increased from day 6 to 10. Based on these data, days 6 and 10 were defined as early and advanced MPE stages, respectively, with distinct immune phenotypes. In advanced MPE, CD8⁺ T cells displayed reduced IFN-γ, TNF-α, Granzyme B, Perforin, FasL, and Ki-67, but upregulated PD-1 and CTLA-4 relative to early stage. Similarly, Th1 cells showed decreased IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2 production along with reduced Ki-67 expression. Advanced-stage M2 macrophages exhibited lower MHC-II levels and impaired phagocytosis, but higher PD-L1 and IL-10 production, while neutrophils showed reduced TNF-α release and phagocytic activity.
Conclusions
Our findings characterize the temporal immune dynamics associated with MPE progression in a mouse model, revealing a transition from an early immunostimulatory state to a late immunosuppressive state. This study enhances our understanding of MPE immunopathogenesis and provides a foundation for developing precise, stagespecific therapeutic strategies.
3.Effects of Tai Chi combined with inspiratory muscle resistance training on cardiopulmonary function among male college students in health care classes
HUANG Xin, YANG Zi, PAN Jinchen,GUO Yangbo, ZHENG Qi, CUI Jianmei, ZHENG Lei
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(9):1261-1266
Objective:
To compare the effects of 12 week Tai Chi combined with inspiratory muscle resistance training on cardiopulmonary function among male college students in health care classes, so as to provide a reference for improving the cardiopulmonary function of the students.
Methods:
From March to May 2025, 72 male students from the physical education health care classes at North University of China were selected and randomly divided into the control group ( n =25), the Tai Chi group ( n = 24), and the Tai Chi combined with inspiratory muscle resistance training group (combined group, n =23) by random number table method. The control group maintained normal living habits, the Tai Chi group underwent 12 weeks of Tai Chi exercise (three sessions per week, 90 minutes per session), and the combined group received 12 weeks of Tai Chi training (three sessions per week, 60 minutes per session) combined with 30 minutes of inspiratory muscle resistance training. Cardiovascular function[heart rate(HR), stroke volume(SV), cardiac output(CO), mean systolic pressure(MSP), mean diastolic pressure(MDP), vascular elastic dilatation coefficient (VDC), total peripheral resistance (TPR), viscosity (V)], pulmonary function [vital capacity (VC), forced vital capacity (FVC), maximum minute ventilation volume (MVV), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC] and heart rate variability (HRV) [HR, standard deviation of the normal to normal intervals (SDNN), root mean square successive difference (RMSSD), low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), LF/HF] of the three groups of subjects were tested before and after the experiment, the data were analyzed using analysis of covariance.
Results:
There were no statistically significant differences in any indicators among the three groups before the intervention ( F =0.00-2.49, all P >0.05). After the intervention, except FEV1/FVC, MDP and V, there were statistically significant differences of pulmonary function, cardiovascular function and HRV indicators among the three groups ( F =4.38-62.93, all P <0.05). Compared with the control group [(VC ( 3.28± 0.30)L, FVC (3.20±0.29)L, MVV (107.01±9.55)L, SV (65.68±2.34)mL, CO (5.36±0.18)L/min, VDC (0.40±0.03), step index (50.64±3.11), MSP (133.17±6.47)mmHg, TPR (1 281.34±100.78)dyn ·s ·cm -5 ], the VC [(3.43±0.24, 3.69±0.21)L], FVC [(3.34±0.16, 3.46±0.20)L], MVV [(112.54±8.95, 117.11±6.37)L], SV [(71.75±4.20, 75.39±3.71)L/time], CO[( 5.53± 0.14, 5.58±0.15)L/min], VDC (0.43±0.03, 0.44±0.02) and step index (53.38±5.77, 56.17±4.91) in the Tai Chi group and the combined group significantly increased, while the MSP [(120.17±6.42, 118.04±12.99)mmHg] and TPR [( 1 227.01 ±107.25, 1 217.69±64.93)dyn ·s ·cm -5 ] significantly decreased (all P <0.05). The HRV showed improvement. Moreover, compared with the Tai Chi group, VC, FVC, MVV, FEV1[(2.99±0.14,3.05±0.15)L], SV, step index, RMSSD[( 45.41± 9.59,52.82±7.67)ms] and HF [(2.74±0.13,2.87±0.16)ms 2] increased, while HR [(77.17±6.01, 73.83± 3.71)beats/min ] decreased in the combined group (all P < 0.05 ).
Conclusion
Twelve weeks of Tai Chi exercise and Tai Chi combined with inspiratory muscle resistance training can improve the cardiopulmonary function of male college students in health care classes, and the effect of the combined training is superior to that of Tai Chi training alone.
4.Determination of Organic Fluorinated Amines in Oral Care Products by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Charged Aerosol Detector Coupled with Solid-Phase Extraction
Xiao-Fang LI ; Yan PENG ; Di XIN ; Wei ZHOU ; Xiao-Hong QIAO ; Hua-Jin SHI ; Lei ZHANG ; Guo-Qiang CAI ; Ying LIU
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(8):1362-1370,中插100-中插105
The major components of Olaflur raw material were characterized using ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF/MS).The results revealed that cetyl amine fluoride(C16-AmF),octadecene amine fluoride(C18:1-AmF),and octadecyl amine fluoride(Olaflur)were the main components.The contents of C16-AmF,C18:1-AmF,and Olaflur in oral care products were determined via ultra performance liquid chromatography-charged aerosol detector coupled with solid-phase extraction(SPE-UPLC-CAD).The oral care sample was dispersed evenly with a 50%ethanol aqueous solution,and then vortexed with ethanol.The supernatant was collected by centrifugation,concentrated to near dryness,and redissolved with ultrapure water.The re-dissolved sample was loaded onto a Poly-Sery HLB Pro SPE column for purification and elution.The acetonitrile eluate was collected and concentrated to 1.0 mL.Finally,a prepared test solution was separated on a Thermo Acclaim Surfactant Plus chromatographic column(2.1 mm×150 mm,3 μm).Acetonitrile and 100 mmol/L acetic acid-ammonium acetate aqueous solution(pH=4.8)were used as the mobile phases for gradient elution.The flow rate was 0.3 mL/min and cloumn temperature was maintained at 40℃.The sample was detected using a charged aerosol detector,and quantified using an external standard method.The experimental results indicated that the three organic fluorinated amines showed good linear relationship in their respective concentration ranges.The correlation coefficients(r)were greater than 0.99.The limit of detection(LOD)and the limit of quantification(LOQ)of C16-AmF were 2.0 and 8.0 μg/mL,respectively.The LOD and LOQ of C18:1-AmF were 2.0 and 8.0 μg/mL,respectively.The LOD and LOQ of Olaflur were 3.0 μg/mL and 10.0 μg/mL,respectively.The spiked recoveries of the three organic fluorinated amines were 84.3%-104.2%,with relative standard deviations(RSDs)of 4.93%-5.82%.The 28 batches of commercial oral care samples were detected by this method and the results indicated that three organic fluorinated amines were detected in 18 samples and the total content were 22.2-11477.8 μg/g.This method had high sensitivity and good reproducibility.It was suitable for verifying the authenticity of the claims of oral care products promoted with Olaflur as the main efficacy ingredient and selling point,and provided a valuable reference for establishing and improving the standard analytical method for Olaflur.
5.Relationship between minimal residual disease on the 19th day and prognosis of children with acute B-lymphoblastic leukemia
Cong XIN ; Xin MI ; Yusu PAN ; Lei GUO ; Yongchao WANG ; Jizhao GAO
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;46(1):38-43
Objective To explore the relationship between minimal residual disease(MRD)on the 19th day(D19)and prognosis of children with acute B-lymphoblastic leukemia(B-ALL),as well as the correlation with related biological changes.Methods A total of 88 children with B-ALL newly diagnosed in this hospital from April 2016 to April 2020 who met the enrollment conditions were analyzed for induction therapy D19 MRD,overall survival(OS)rate,event-free survival(EFS)rate,chromosome karyotype,fusion gene and mu-tation gene.MRD≥ 0.01%was considered positive,and they were divided into MRD positive group and MRD negative group.The characteristics of OS rate,EFS rate,immunophenotype and molecular biology/cytogenet-ics were compared between the two groups over a period of 3 years.Results The 3-year OS rate and EFS rate of 88 pediatric patients were 92.0%and 86.4%,respectively.The rates of OS rate and EFS rate in MRD posi-tive group were lower than those in MRD negative group,with statistical significance(P<0.05).The detec-tion rate of CD10 in MRD positive group was lower than that in MRD negative group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Thirty-two patients(36.4%)detected 8 types of 35 fusion genes.The de-tection rates of BCR-ABL1 and E2A-PBX1 in MRD positive group were higher than those in MRD negative group,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Among 48 cases(54.5%)of pediatric pa-tients,41 types of 91 mutated genes were detected,and the remaining mutated genes were less than 5 cases.Abnormal karyotype was detected in 18 cases(20.5%),and no mitotic phase was detected in 17 cases.There was no difference in MRD between normal and abnormal karyotype.Binary Logistic regression analysis showed that BCR-ABL1 and E2A-PBX1 were prognostic factors of children with B-ALL.Conclusion The positive D19 MRD is the influential factor of adverse OS and EFS in children with B-ALL.Both E2A-PBX1 and BCR-ABL1 have adverse effects on the prognosis of children with B-ALL.
6.Efficacy of remimazolam-based anesthesia in daytime laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a multicenter, non-inferiority, randomized controlled trial
Qian HU ; Jian GUO ; Haijun YUAN ; Weiping LEI ; Haipeng LIU ; Chen YONG ; Yanhui HU ; Junping CHEN ; Jianliang SUN ; Zhijian LAN ; Jianhong XU ; Xin YU ; Gang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2025;45(6):720-725
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of remimazolam-based anesthesia in daytime laparoscopic cholecystectomy.Methods:In this multicenter, non-inferiority, randomized controlled trial, 300 American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅰ or Ⅱ patients of either sex, aged 18-60 yr, with body mass index of 18-28 kg/m 2, who underwent daytime laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia with tracheal intubation at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang University School of Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou First People′s Hospital Affiliated to Westlake University School of Medicine, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from August 2021 to August 2023, were selected and divided into 2 groups ( n=150 each) using a random number table method: remimazolam group (R group) and propofol group (P group). Anesthesia was induced as follows: Sufentanil was intravenously injected at a rate of 0.5 μg/kg, remimazolam was intravenously injected at a rate of 0.3 mg/kg in group R, propofol was intravenously injected at a rate of 2.0-2.5 mg/kg in group P, and cisatracurium besilate was intravenously injected at a rate of 0.2 mg/kg after loss of consciousness in two groups. The patients were mechanically ventilated after tracheal intubation. Anesthesia was maintained as follows: Remimazolam was intravenously injected at a rate of 0.5-1.0 mg·kg -1·h -1 in group R, propofol was intravenously injected at a rate of 4-10 mg·kg -1·h -1 in group P, and remifentanil was intravenously infused at a rate of 0.25-2.00 μg·kg -1·min -1, maintaining intraoperative bispectral index value of 40-60. The success rate of sedation was recorded, and non-inferiority tests were conducted. The time to loss of consciousness, emergence time, extubation time, recovery time of orientation, time of stay in post-anesthesia care unit and occurrence of delayed emergence were recorded. Liver function and renal function were measured before operation and within 24 h after operation. The occurrence of abnormal alanine transaminase, abnormal aspartate transaminase, abnormal creatinine and abnormal urea was recorded. The occurrence of adverse reactions during and after operation was recorded. Results:The success rates of sedation were 98.6% and 99.3% in group R and group P, respectively, there was no statistically significant difference in the success rate of sedation between the two groups ( P>0.05), and the difference in the success rates of sedation between the two groups was -0.007 (95% confidence interval-0.0301-0.0161), which met the pre-set non-inferiority criteria(95% confidence interval >-0.055). Compared with group P, the time to loss of consciousness and recovery time of orientation were significantly prolonged, and the incidence of delayed emergence was increased ( P<0.05), and no statistically significant changes were found in the emergence time, extubation time, time of stay in post-anesthesia care unit and severity of postoperative nausea and vomiting in group R ( P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the abnormal rates of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, creatinine and urea before and after operation between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:The efficacy of remimazolam-based anesthesia in daytime laparoscopic cholecystectomy is not inferior to that of propofol-based anesthesia.
7.Preliminary efficacy analysis of Castor branched stent combined with chimney technique for aortic arch lesions with inadequate proximal landing zones
Lei ZHANG ; Dexiang XIA ; Rui LI ; Pengcheng GUO ; Xin LI ; Chang SHU
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;34(6):1130-1138
Background and Aims:Endovascular repair of aortic arch diseases poses a major challenge in vascular surgery due to the need to both effectively exclude the lesion and preserve perfusion of supra-aortic branch vessels.The Castor branched aortic covered stent,with its integrated design and ability to maintain left subclavian artery(LSA)patency,offers potential advantages.When combined with the chimney technique for the left common carotid artery(LCCA),it may provide a minimally invasive and feasible solution for patients with insufficient proximal landing zones.This study aims to evaluate the preliminary feasibility and safety of this combined approach and provide clinical reference for the endovascular management of complex aortic arch pathologies.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 15 patients with aortic arch diseases who underwent treatment with the Castor branched stent-graft combined with LCCA chimney stenting at the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University between February 2023 and December 2024.Baseline characteristics,surgical procedures,perioperative complications,and follow-up outcomes were analyzed to assess technical success,complication rates,and branch vessel patency.Results:Among the 15 patients(11 males,average age 63.8 years),primary diagnoses included aortic dissection(33.4%),aortic arch aneurysm(53.3%),and penetrating aortic ulcer(13.3%).The technical success rate was 100%,with no perioperative deaths or major complications.During the follow-up period(4-26 months,mean 12.9 months),no adverse events such as stroke,paralysis,endoleak,or stent migration occurred.The patency rate of both the LCCA and LSA remained 100%.Conclusion:The Castor branched aortic stent-graft combined with LCCA chimney technique appears to be a technically feasible and safe short-term option for treating aortic arch diseases with insufficient proximal landing zones.It may serve as a promising alternative for complex aortic arch repair;however,large-scale,multicenter studies with long-term follow-up are needed to further validate its efficacy and safety.
8.Research progress on the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine in regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to intervene in endometriosis
Kaikai LEI ; Jinnan GUO ; Rong XIANG ; Xiaolong LI ; Xiaoling FENG ; Fang XU ; Hongying KUANG ; Xin MAO ; Miao SUN
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(10):112-123
Endometriosis is a common estrogen-dependent disease in women of childbearing age,often leading to chronic pelvic pain,infertility,ovarian cancer,and other serious complications,and jeopardizing the health of women.The pathogenesis of endometriosis is complex and involves the alteration of multiple signaling pathways mediated by hormones,immunity,genetics,and the environment,and their interactions.Wnt/β-catenin signaling is involved in the regulation of embryonic development and tissue homeostasis,and it has recently been implicated in the pathogenesis of endometriosis via multiple pathways.This review considers the biological characteristics of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and summarizes the main mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis,as well as the curr-ent research status of the regulation of this signaling pathway by traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of endometriosis.We aim to clarify how the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway affects the development of endometriosis,and suggest that future studies should focus on exploring its potential role as an indicator for the clinical prediction and early diagnosis of endometriosis,thus providing theoretical support for the early diagnosis of this condition and the development of targeted drugs.
9.Diagnostic value of the Kaiser score for US BI-RADS 4A lesions of breast and potential to avoid unnecessary biopsies
Zhuanzhuan GUO ; Bing ZHANG ; Zhe LEI ; Wenbin LIANG ; Quanxin YANG ; Xin CHEN
Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(2):304-309
Objective To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of the Kaiser score for ultrasound(US)BI-RADS 4A lesions and the potential to avoid unnecessary biopsies.Methods Data of patients who underwent breast US and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)between May 2019 and June 2023 were retrospectively collected,and all cases were confirmed by puncture biopsy or surgical pathology.The diagnostic efficacy of Kaiser score and MRI BI-RADS classification for US BI-RADS 4A lesions was calculated and compared using pathologic findings as the gold standard.Results A total of 119 lesions(74 benign and 45 malignant lesions)were found in the 119 patients.The diagnostic efficacy of the Kaiser score was significantly better than that of the MRI BI-RADS classification(AUC:0.88 vs.0.65,P<0.000 1).The concordance of the Kaiser score results with the pathologic findings and the inter-observer concordance were better than that of the MRI BI-RADS classification.Unnecessary biopsies could be avoided in 87.8%(65/74)and 33.8%(25/74)of the cases when the Kaiser score and the MRI BI-RADS classification were applied for the diagnosis of US BI-RADS 4A lesions,respectively.Conclusion The Kaiser score can provide a diagnostic basis for risk stratification of US BI-RADS 4A lesions,and its diagnostic efficacy and inter-observer agreement are superior to those of MRI BI-RADS classification.
10.Policy Analysis of Reimbursement Medical Consumables Catalogue and Payment Management in China
Yuzheng ZHANG ; Peimeng WANG ; Mengting JIA ; Yue LIU ; Xiaohui WANG ; Xue LI ; Yaoling WANG ; Rui LI ; Feiyi XIAO ; Lei ZHONG ; Xin GAO ; Xiaolu ZHANG ; Xuefei GU ; Wudong GUO
Chinese Health Economics 2025;44(2):34-40
Objective:To analyze the current situation of medical consumables management policy in China,and to provide a reference for the refined management of medical consumables.Methods:Through the policy triangle model and policy tool theory,it comprehensively analyzes the reimbursement medical consumables catalogue and payment management policy of medical insurance in China,covering the policy background,content,process,and participant dimensions.Results:The use frequency of medical consumables policy tools is not balanced,the payment management rules need to be refined,and the participation of multi-stakeholders such as patients is lacking.Conclusion:It is necessary to further strengthen the foundational management of reimbursement medical consumables catalogue,improve the access mechanism of medical consumables for medical insurance,and explore the formulation of categorized payment standards and innovative payment mechanisms.


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