1.The Effect of Qishao Tongbi Capsule (芪芍通痹胶囊) on the Wnt/β-catenin Pathway in a Rat Model of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Yumen XUE ; Xilin XU ; Wei HAN ; Jiaben XU ; Wenting XU ; Zelin LIU ; Xiaofeng ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(1):79-88
ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanism of Qishao Tongbi Capsule (芪芍通痹胶囊, QTC) in the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). MethodsSeventy-five rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, low-dose QTC group, high-dose QTC group, high-dose QTC +agonist group, with 15 rats in each group. Except for the control group, all other groups were subjected to a fibrous ring puncture to prepare an IDD model. After modeling, rats in low-dose QTC group and high-dose QTC group were given QTC at doses of 0.2 and 0.8 g/(kg·d) by gavage, respectively. Rats in high-dose QTC+ agonist group was given QTC at 0.8 g/(kg·d) and SKL2001 solution at 10 mg/(kg·d) by gavage. The control group and model group were given 10 ml/(kg·d) distilled water by gavage. All treatments were given once a day for 4 consecutive weeks. After treatment, X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used to detect IDD degree. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Safranin O-Fast Green staining were used to observe the morphological changes of the intervertebral disc tissue. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to examine the levels of proteoglycan, type Ⅱ collagen (COL Ⅱ), and matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) in the intervertebral disc tissue. Western blotting was used to detect the extracellular matrix (ECM)-related proteins (proteoglycan, COL Ⅱ, MMP-3, MMP-9, MMP-13), aging-related proteins (P53, P21, P16), apoptosis related proteins, including B-cell lymphoma/leukemia 2 (BCL-2), BCL-2 related X protein (BAX), Cleaved Caspase-3, and Wnt/β-catenin pathway related proteins such as Wnt3a, glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) and β-catenin in the intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus (NP) tissue. Reverse Transcription Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to assess the mRNA expression of Wnt3a, GSK-3β, and β-catenin in intervertebral disc tissue. ResultsCompared with the model group, rats in the low-dose QTC group and high-dose QTC group exhibited improved DHI, decreased Pfirmann grading, and alleviated IDD. The structural integrity of the NP and annulus fibrosus increased, and the number of the NP increased. The levels of proteoglycan, COL Ⅱ, BCL-2 and GSK-3β increased, while the levels of MMP-3, MMP-9, MMP-13, P53, P21, P16, BAX, Cleaved Caspase-3, Wnt3a and β-catenin protein decreased. The mRNA expression of Wnt3a and β-catenin mRNA decreased, while GSK-3β mRNA expression increased (P<0.05). Compared with the low-dose QTC group, the high-dose QTC group showed further improvements in DHI, decrease in Pfirrmann grading (P<0.05), and greater alleviation of IDD. The structural integrity of NP and annulus fibrosus was further enhanced, and the number of NP cells further increased. The levels of proteoglycan, COL Ⅱ, BCL-2 and GSK-3β were higher, while the levels of MMP-3, MMP-9, MMP-13, P53, P21, P16, BAX, Cleaved Caspase-3, Wnt3a and β-catenin were lower. The mRNA expression of Wnt3a and β-catenin decreased, while GSK-3β mRNA expression increased (P<0.05). Compared with the high-dose QTC group, the high-dose QTC +agonist group showed a decrease of DHI, an increase of Pfirmann grading (P<0.05), significant aggravation of IDD, reduction in structural integrity of the NP and annulus fibrosus, a decrease of NP cell count, lower levels of proteoglycan, COL Ⅱ, BCL-2 and GSK-3β, and higher levels of MMP-3, MMP-9, MMP-13, P53, P21, P16, BAX and Cleaved Caspase-3. Additionally, GSK-3β mRNA expression decreased (P<0.05). ConclusionQTC can inhibit NP cell aging, apoptosis, and ECM degradation in IDD rats, and its therapeutic effect may be mediated through the inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
2.Comparison on radiation doses of in vitro pre-fenestration and in situ fenestration thoracic endovascular aortic repair in treatment of aortic disease
Fang XUE ; Xiaofeng HAN ; Gang WANG ; Lei SHAO ; Guangrui LIU ; Tiezheng LI ; Xi GUO ; Wei QIU ; Xiaohai MA
Chinese Journal of Interventional Imaging and Therapy 2024;21(9):553-556
Objective To compare the radiation dose of in vitro pre-fenestration and in situ fenestration thoracic endovascular aortic repair(TEVAR)in treatment of aortic disease.Methods Data of 51 patients with aortic diseases who received in vitro pre-fenestration(group A)and 21 cases who underwent in situ fenestration(group B)TEVAR were retrospectively analyzed.The fluoroscopy duration,total reference air kerma(AK),total dose area product(DAP)and TEVAR time were compared between groups.Results TEVAR was successfully completed in all 72 patients.Fluoroscopy duration([21.42±8.04]min vs.[34.57±9.07]min)and total DAP(44315.0[31157.0,56307.5]μGy·m2 vs.72153.0[45460.0,82354.0]μGy·m2)in group A were both significantly lower than those in group B(both P<0.05),while total AK(2423[1638,3533]mGy vs.3600[1898,3921]mGy)and TEVAR time([83.41±22.89]min vs.[81.00±22.13]min)in group A were not significant different from those in group B(both P>0.05).Conclusion Compared with in situ fenestration TEVAR,both the fluoroscopy time and total DAP of in vitro pre-fenestration TEVAR significantly reduced for treating aortic diseases.
3.Mechanism of treatment of Tibet yak-origin Salmonella infections by Tibetan medicine Terminalia Chebula via Bax/Bcl-2 and PTGS2/SLC3A2 pathway was analyzed based on network pharmacology and experimental validation
Dengyu LI ; Kaiqin ZHANG ; Xiaofeng XUE ; Zhanchun BAI ; La YANG ; Shaohui WANG ; Jingjing QI ; Sizhu SUOLANG
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2024;44(9):2040-2049
In order to understand the potential target and related mechanism of action of Termina-lia Chebula treatment,network pharmacology and molecular docking methods were used in this experiment,and the challenge test of Salmonella from yak was performed.The active ingredients and potential targets of Terminalia Chebula were screened through HERB cluster identification database,TCMSP database and SwissTargetPrediction web page tool,and"gastroenteritis"was searched through OMIM and GeneCards database.Cytoscape and STRING databases were used to construct the Terminalia Chebula PPI network to screen out key targets,the intersection targets between Terminalia Chebula and enteritis were obtained through Venny platform,and gene ontol-ogy(GO)and Kyoto encyclopedia database of genes and genomics(KEGG)were enriched through DAVID database.The core target of screening was verified by molecular docking.After that,the gastrointestinal inflammation model of mice was established,the pathological changes of gastroin-testinal tract were observed,and the effect of Terminalia Chebula on the target protein was veri-fied by Western blot test.The results showed that:after analyzing and sorting out 8 main active in-gredients of Terminalia Chebula,118 targets of Terminalia Chebula were screened,11 161 targets of gastroenteritis and 100 targets of intersection were obtained;the core targets of PTGS2,CASP3,SLC3A2,Bax,Bcl-2 and TP53 of Terminalia Chebula and enteritis were obtained through PPI network.GO and KEGG enrichment analysis collected 337 items and 138 items,respectively,mainly related to chemokine pathway,PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,apoptosis related pathway,i-ron ion transport related pathway,NF-κB signaling pathway,etc.The results of molecular docking showed that chebulidic acid,the first active component of chebulidic acid,can bind to Bax,Bcl-2,PTGS2 and SLC3A2 through hydrogen bonding,hydrophobic action,π-π packing force and other intermolecular forces.The pathological tissue sections showed that Terminalia Chebula could sig-nificantly recover gastrointestinal tissue injury.Western blot test results showed that Terminalia Chebula can regulate the process of apoptosis and iron death through Bax/Bcl-2 and PTGS2/SLC3A2 pathways to achieve the effect of treating intestinal inflammatory damage.The results showed that Terminalia Chebula can regulate the occurrence and development of enteritis by regu-lating apoptosis and iron death through Bax/Bcl-2 and PTGS2/SLC3A2 pathways.Terminalia Chebula has the characteristics of multi-target and multi-pathway in the treatment of enteritis.
4.Correlation between serum human epididymis protein 4 levels and proteinuria in type 2 diabetes patients
Chunyan BO ; Shipei ZHANG ; Jinshen CHU ; Guohui XUE ; Fang WAN ; Junda CAO ; Keqi CHEN ; Jing CHEN ; Xiaofeng LIU ; Xueli CHEN
China Modern Doctor 2024;62(33):1-5
Objective To investigate the correlation of human epididymis protein 4(HE4)with proteinuria in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Methods A total of 147 T2DM patients from January 2020 to July 2023 in Jiujiang NO.l People's Hospital were enrolled in observation group.According to the severity of proteinuria,observation group was divided into three groups:Normal albuminuria group(101 cases),microalbuminuria group(25 cases),and massive albuminuria group(21 cases).50 healthy examinees with gender and age matching during the same period were selected as control group.HE4 levels and clinical indicators in each group were compared and analyzed.Correlation between HE4 and proteinuria was analyzed by using univariate and multivariate linear regression.Results The correlation network diagram reveals that HE4 functions was a pivotal node linking serum albumin,urinary microalbumin,urinary microalbumin-to-creatinine ratio(UACR),and renal function biomarkers.Compared to control group,HE4 levels significantly elevated in observation group(P<0.01).Both univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis demonstrate a positive correlation between HE4 and UACR.Logistic regression analysis shew that after adjusting for confounding factors including age,gender,estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR),albumin(ALB),blood urea nitrogen(BUN),serum creatinine(SCr),uric acid(UA),lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)etc.elevated HE4 levels was a risk factor for proteinuria(OR=1.110,95%CI:1.005-1.226).Conclusion Elevated HE4 levels in patients with T2DM is positivly correlated with UACR.Increase its level increases the risk of proteinuria in T2DM patients.
5.Multivariate analysis and prediction model of mild cognitive impairment in patients with atrial fibrillation and diabetes mellitus
Xin HUANG ; Pu ZHANG ; Yu GAO ; Kai CHEN ; Xiaofeng LI ; Huiyang GU ; Xue LIANG
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2024;40(16):2236-2243
Objective To explore the influencing factors of mild cognitive impairment(MCI)in patients with atrial fibrillation and diabetes mellitus,and to establish the prediction model,so as to provide guidance for the treatment of MCI in patients with atrial fibrillation and diabetes mellitus.Methods 199 patients with atrial fibrillation and diabetes diagnosed in the second ward of Cardiovascular Department of the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2023 to January 2024 were analyzed.The related factors of MCI in patients with atrial fibrillation and diabetes mellitus were analyzed by univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regres-sion.According to the results of multivariate logistic regression analysis,the prediction model of MCI in patients with atrial fibrillation and diabetes mellitus was established.Results Univariate analysis showed that age(P=0.002 3),homocysteine(P<0.000 1),fasting blood glucose(P=0.022 5),glycated hemoglobin(P=0.006 6),and blood uric acid(P=0.032 2)were the influencing factors of MCI.Multivariate logistic regression analysis:age(OR=1.08,P=0.000 4),homocysteine(OR=1.37,P<0.000 1),fasting blood glucose(OR=1.22,P=0.023 5),glycated hemoglobin(OR=1.61,P=0.004 2),and blood uric acid(OR=1.29,P=0.009 1)were the independent influencing factors of MCI.The optimal threshold is when the Youden index(YI=sensitivity+speci-ficity)is maximum.At the optimal threshold,the sensitivity was 0.74,the specificity was 0.80,and the area under the curve(AUC)was 0.809,indicating that the model can effectively predict the occurrence of MCI.Conclusion Age,fasting blood glucose,blood homocysteine,blood uric acid and glycosylated hemoglobin are independent risk factors for MCI in patients with atrial fibrillation and diabetes.The clinical prediction model based on multivariate logistic regression has a certain predictive value for the occurrence of MCI in patients with atrial fibrillation and diabetes mellitus.
6.Finite element analysis of osteoporosis in proximal femur after cannulated screw fixation for femoral neck fracture
Xiaofeng XUE ; Yongkang WEI ; Xiaohong QIAO ; Yuyong DU ; Jianjun NIU ; Lixin REN ; Huifeng YANG ; Zhimin ZHANG ; Yuan GUO ; Weiyi CHEN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(6):862-867
BACKGROUND:After the internal fixation of cannulated screws in femoral neck fractures,because the affected limb is often unable to bear weight in the short term and the implants with high stiffness have a stress shielding effect on the fracture end,it is easy to cause osteoporosis of the affected limb and changes in the biomechanical distribution of the proximal femur,the incidence of osteonecrosis of the femoral head is high after surgery.At present,few studies have been conducted on the biomechanical effects of osteoporosis at the proximal end of the femur occurring after femoral neck fracture surgery on femoral neck fracture treated with cannulated screws. OBJECTIVE:Using finite element analysis,to investigate the biomechanical effects of osteoporosis occurring after femoral neck fracture surgery on femoral neck fracture treated with cannulated screws and explore the role of biomechanical factors in osteonecrosis of the femoral head. METHODS:Based on the obtained CT scan data of the femur in a patient with a femoral neck fracture,a proximal femoral model for internal fixation for femoral neck fracture was established by Mimics 19.0,3-Matic,UG 11.0,Hypermesh 14.0,and Abaqus software.One finite element model of the proximal femur without osteoporosis and three finite element models of the proximal femur with osteoporosis were analyzed using Abaqus software.The stress,contact pressure,displacement peak and cloud map under different components of the four models were measured and analyzed,and the internal stress changes and distribution of the femoral head were compared and analyzed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The stresses and contact pressures of the femoral head and lower anterior cannulated screws varied more with the degree of osteoporosis.The peak displacement of the four models increased slowly with the degree of osteoporosis.By one-way analysis of variance,there was no significant effect of the degree of osteoporosis on the peak stress,contact pressure,and displacement of the different components.The internal stress distribution of the femoral head changed with the degree of osteoporosis.Changes in the biomechanical environment of the proximal femur have an important impact on osteonecrosis of the femoral head.
7.Antibiotic-loaded bone cement in treatment of calf compartment syndrome caused by diabetic foot necrotizing fasciitis
Peng XU ; Mingyu XUE ; Yongjun RUI ; Fanyu BU ; Xiaofeng GUO ; Yikai XIE
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(17):2637-2641
BACKGROUND:At present,the treatment methods for necrotizing fasciitis mostly use negative pressure sealing suction after thorough debridement.This method requires repeated debridement to completely remove necrotic infected tissue,causing serious physical and economic burdens to patients. OBJECTIVE:To introduce a rare clinical case of calf compartment syndrome caused by diabetic foot necrotizing fasciitis,and summarize the clinical experience of using antibiotic-loaded bone cement for treatment and comprehensive management. METHODS:A total of 6 patients with calf compartment syndrome caused by diabetic necrotizing fasciitis admitted to Wuxi 9th Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from August 2017 to August 2020 were selected,including 5 males and 1 female with an average age of 54 years.During the perioperative period,the patients'general condition was evaluated and systemic nutritional support treatment was given.In the first stage,all patients received complete debridement to control infection,antibiotic-loaded bone cement packing,and negative pressure sealed drainage.In the second stage,bone cement was removed and wound repair was performed.The wound healing,as well as the occurrence of redness,swelling,and exudation was observed during the follow-up. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The wounds of four patients were fresh after twice antibiotic-loaded bone cement packing,and the membrane formation was good,and one patient was good after three times of antibiotic-loaded bone cement packing,and the wounds of all five patients healed well after the second stage of skin grafting.Due to the difficulty in maintaining intraoperative blood pressure and infection in all four compartments of the lower leg,a patient underwent emergency knee amputation.Meanwhile,the stump wound was placed with antibiotic-loaded bone cement.The wound was closed directly after the secondary bone cement was removed,and the wound healed in the first stage.(2)The six patients were followed up for 6-24 months after discharge.At the last follow-up,all six patients had good wound healing and no symptoms such as redness,swelling,and exudation.The quality of life of the patients was significantly improved,and all of them were satisfied with the curative effect.(3)The occurrence of calf compartment syndrome should be vigilant when diabetic foot necrotizing fasciitis is highly suspected.Early diagnosis and timely incision decompression are of great importance.Besides,the application of antibiotic-loaded bone cement in the treatment of calf compartment syndrome caused by diabetic necrotizing fasciitis has a good short-term effect.
8.Effects of marathon exercise on knee cartilage volume and T2 relaxation time
Lingbin XU ; Feng FU ; Xiaofeng YANG ; Qiqian SANG ; Yafei XU ; Mingjie WU ; Lu XUE
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2024;44(5):294-301
Objective:To investigate the effects of marathon exercise on knee cartilage volume and T2 relaxation time (T2 value) based on MRI.Methods:From December 2018 to December 2021, 25 healthy volunteers without long-distance running habits and 32 non-professional marathon runners with long-term long-distance running were recruited to undergo knee MRI 3D water-selective excitation (three dimensional water-selective excitation, 3D-WATS) and T2 mapping imaging were performed, and the cartilage volumes in 5 knee areas and T2 values in 42 subareas were extracted for analysis. To compare the cartilage volume and its ratio to body surface area of knee joint of healthy volunteers and non-professional marathon runners, the T2 value of cartilage in each subregion, and the correlation between marathon exercise intensity and the volume and T2 value of cartilage in different regions.Results:Compared with healthy volunteers, there was no significant difference in cartilage volume or the ratio of body surface area to body volume of non-professional marathon runners ( P>0.05). There were significant differences between healthy volunteers and non-professional marathon runners in cartilage T2 values of the median layer of medial condyle of femur (47.61±5.65 ms and 44.29±6.10 ms) and the deep layer of medial condyle of femur (36.82±9.05 ms and 31.67±7.59 ms), deep precondylar area of medial femur (38.37±4.68 ms and 34.09±4.19 ms), shallow area of medial condylar area of femur (52.17±11.11 ms and 45.51±7.76 ms), middle layer of medial condylar area of femur (49.09±5.08 ms and 45.63±5.04 ms), medial layer of anterior condylar region of lateral femur (45.69±4.68 ms and 42.57±5.77 ms), superficial layer of posterior condylar region of lateral femur (55.42±18.41 ms and 47.99±8.39 ms), deep layer of anterior tibial medial plateau (33.40±7.76 ms and 29.03±5.69 ms), deep layer of posterior tibial medial plateau (31.28±5.02 ms and 27.92±5.99 ms), deep layer of patellofemoral surface (35.65±6.99 ms and 32.30±5.28 ms), respectively ( P<0.05). In non-professional marathon runners, the medial tibial plateau cartilage volume was negatively correlated with step frequency ( r=-0.371, P=0.035), the lateral femoral condylar cartilage volume was negatively correlated with step frequency ( r=-0.365, P=0.043), and the lateral tibial plateau cartilage volume was negatively correlated with step frequency ( r=-0.550, P=0.001). The T2 value of the medial layer cartilage in the anterior tibial medial plateau region was negatively correlated with body weight ( r=-0.277, P=0.039) and body mass index ( r=-0.290, P=0.030). The T2 value of the superficial layer of patellofemoral surface was negatively correlated with the amount of running in 3 months ( r=-0.457, P=0.010). The superficial T2 value in the posterior lateral plateau of the tibia was negatively correlated with stride length ( r=-0.437, P=0.014), and the medial layer cartilage T2 value in the anterior condylar area of the lateral femur was negatively correlated with stride frequency ( r=-0.380, P=0.035). Conclusion:Marathon exercise had little effect on the knee cartilage volume, but had a certain effect on the cartilage T2 value, resulting in changes in cartilage structure. The higher the step frequency, the smaller the cartilage volume. The greater the body weight or body mass index, the greater the amount of running in 3 months, and the greater the stride length, the lower the cartilage T2 value.
9.Sampling inspection results of disinfection products in Shaanxi Province in 2020 - 2023
Yongbing CHENG ; Baobao CHEN ; Xiaoling ZHANG ; Jianfeng XUE ; Xiaofeng DONG ; Zhaowei MENG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2024;35(6):93-96
Objectives To understand the quality status of disinfection products in the market in Shaanxi Province, and to provide a basis for taking targeted management measures. Methods From 2020 to 2023, in accordance with the national disinfection product management regulations and standards, the physicochemical and microbial tests of disinfection products in Shaanxi Province were carried out through supervised sampling, and the test results were analyzed according to the active ingredients, illegal addition, stability, and bactericidal or bacteriostatic performance. Results The overall qualification rate of the active ingredient content of disinfectants sampled in Shaanxi Province was 90.48%, with the lowest qualification rate in 2023 (84.38%). The overall qualification rate of quantitative sterilization test of disinfectants was 90.12%, showing a decreasing trend year by year (P=0.272). The overall qualification rate of anti-bacterial products was 88.59%, and the bactericidal test results of 20 antibacterial products were all qualified. The overall qualification rate of bacteriostatic performance testing for bacteriostatic products was 86.17%, with the pass rate of bacteriostatic product germicidal efficacy testing of different components in descending order being quaternary ammonium salt/silver ion > guanidine > others > lysozyme, and there was statistically significant difference (P=0.004). The detection rate of illegal additives in antimicrobial products was 7.07%, with the main detection indicators being miconazole nitrate, clobetasol propionate, and dexamethasone acetate. Conclusion The qualified rate of disinfection products in Shaanxi Province is relatively high, but there is a downward trend. It is necessary to continue to strengthen the daily supervision and product testing of disinfection product manufacturers, and promote the continuous improvement of disinfection product quality.
10.PCID2 is highly expressed in gastric cancer and affects the prognosis by regulating cancer cell cycle and proliferation
Nuo ZHANG ; Zhen ZHANG ; Yulu ZHANG ; Xue SONG ; Xiaofeng ZHANG ; Jing LI ; Lugen ZUO ; Jianguo HU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(2):324-332
Objective To investigate the expression of PCI Domain Containing 2(PCID2)in gastric cancer,its effect on gastric cancer cell cycle and proliferation and the possible molecular mechanisms.Methods We examined PCID2 expression levels in gastric cancer and adjacent tissues from 100 patients undergoing radical gastrectomy in our hospital between January,2012 and December,2016,and analyzed the correlation of PCID2 expression level with cancer progression and postoperative 5-year survival rate of the patients.GO enrichment analysis was performed to identify the possible pathways that mediated the effect of PCID2 in gastric cancer progression.The effects of lentivirus-mediated PCID2 knockdown and overexpression on cell proliferation and cell cycle were analyzed in gastric cancer MGC-803 cells and in nude mice.Results PCID2 was highly expressed in gastric cancer tissues and positively correlated with peripheral blood levels of CA19-9 and CEA(P<0.01).In gastric cancer patients,a high PCID2 expression was associated with a significantly lowered postoperative 5-year survival rate(P<0.001)as an independent risk factor for postoperative survival(HR:2.987,95%CI:1.616-5.519).The sensitivity,specificity,and area under the curve of PCID2 for predicting postoperative 5-year survival were 76.74%,75.44%,and 0.755(P<0.001),respectively.GO enrichment analysis suggested that PCID2 was associated with gastric cancer cell cycle progression.PCID2 overexpression in MGC-803 cells significantly promoted cell proliferation,G1/S phase transition,expressions of cyclin D1 and CDK6,and the growth of transplanted xenograft in nude mice(P<0.05).The expressions of p27 and p16 were significantly lowered in gastric cancer tissues,and their expression levels were negatively regulated by PCID2 expression in MGC-803 cells(P<0.05).Conclusion PCID2 is highly expressed in gastric cancer tissues in close correlation with poor prognosis of the patients.High PCID2 expression promotes gastric cancer proliferation and cell cycle progression by inhibiting the expression of p27 and p16.


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