1.Effect of Yifei Jianpi Prescription on Lipopolysaccharide-induced Lung Immune Inflammatory Response in Rats Based on STAT1/IRF3 Pathway
Hongjuan YANG ; Yaru YANG ; Yujie YANG ; Zhongbo ZHU ; Quan MA ; Yanlin WU ; Hongmei LI ; Xuhui ZHANG ; Xiping LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):146-155
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Yifei Jianpi prescription on the of signal transducer and activator of transcription protein 1 (STAT1)/interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) signaling pathway in a pneumonia model induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and to explore the mechanism of Yifei Jianpi prescription in improving lung immune and inflammatory responses. MethodsSixty male SPF SD rats were used in this study. Ten rats were randomly assigned to the normal control group, and the remaining 50 were instilled with LPS in the trachea to establish a pneumonia model. After successful modeling, the rats were randomly divided into the model group, dexamethasone group (0.5 mg·kg-1), and Yifei Jianpi prescription high-dose (12 mg·kg-1), medium-dose (6 mg·kg-1), and low-dose (3 mg·kg-1) groups, with 10 rats in each group. Treatment was administered once daily, and the normal control and model groups received the same volume of normal saline. After 14 days, flow cytometry was used to detect the classification of whole blood lymphocytes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure serum levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin M (IgM), and the content of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in alveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe lung tissue pathology and score the damage. Thymus weight, spleen weight, and wet-to-dry weight ratio (W/D) were recorded. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of STAT1, IRF3, IL-6, and interferon-alpha (IFN-α) in lung tissues, while Western blot was performed to assess the protein expression of STAT1, IRF3, IL-6, and IFN-α. ResultsCompared with the normal control group, the model group showed significantly increased proportion of B lymphocytes in peripheral blood, decreased proportions of NK cells and CD4+/CD8+ (P<0.05, P<0.01), decreased serum levels of IgG and IgA, significantly increased IgM levels (P<0.01), significantly elevated content of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 in BALF, and significantly decreased IL-10 levels (P<0.01). Lung tissue damage was evident, with significant increases in thymus and spleen weights and a higher W/D ratio (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of STAT1, IRF3, IFN-α, and IL-6 in lung tissues was significantly upregulated (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Yifei Jianpi prescription groups showed significantly reduced proportions of B lymphocytes in peripheral blood, increased proportions of NK cells and CD4+/CD8+ ratios (P<0.05, P<0.01), significantly increased serum levels of IgG and IgA, significantly decreased IgM levels (P<0.05, P<0.01), significantly reduced levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 in BALF, and significantly increased IL-10 levels (P<0.01). Lung tissue damage was alleviated, thymus and spleen weights were significantly reduced, and the W/D ratio was markedly decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of STAT1, IRF3, IFN-α, and IL-6 in lung tissues was significantly downregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionYifei Jianpi prescription can alleviate lung tissue damage and improve immune and inflammatory responses in LPS-induced pneumonia rats. The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of STAT1/IRF3 signaling pathway activation.
2.Effect and mechanism of embryonic intervention with Zuogui pill on the glucose tolerance in offsprings of pregnant rats with gestational diabetes mellitus
Min YANG ; Yujie WU ; Kainan SUN ; Yonghui WANG ; Chaoqun WANG ; Kaixia XU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(16):1981-1987
OBJECTIVE To explore the effect and mechanism of embryonic intervention with Zuogui pill on the glucose tolerance in offsprings of pregnant rats with gestational diabetes mellitus. METHODS Pregnant rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group, positive control group (insulin glargine), Zuogui pill low-, medium- and high-dose groups (4.725, 9.45, 18.9 g/kg). In addition to the blank group, streptozotocin was injected intraperitoneally to establish a gestational diabetes mellitus rat model. From day 6 to day 18 of pregnancy, each group was given relevant medicine and distilled water intragastrically, once a day. After 21 days of birth, the body weight and body length of offsprings were recorded, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated through a glucose tolerance test. After 22 days of birth, fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin (FINS) levels in serum, insulin sensitivity index (ISI), and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were measured, and the morphological structure of pancreatic tissue was observed. The protein spectrum of pancreatic tissue was analyzed by tandem mass tag-based proteomics, and protein and mRNA expression levels of apolipoprotein A1(ApoA1), solute carrier family 27 member 1 (Slc27a1), kininogen 1(Kng1) and sodium/potassium-transporting ATPase subunit alpha 2 (Atp1a2), solute carrier family 7 member 5 (Slc7a5), solute carrier family 3 member 2 (Slc3a2), bile acid-coenzyme A: amino acid N- acyltransferase (Baat), eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 subunit gamma (Eif2s3) were detected. RESULTS Compared with the model group, the body weight, body length and ISI of offsprings in the positive control group and Zuogui pill medium-dose group were significantly increased (P<0.05), while the glucose tolerance and islet cell proliferation were significantly improved, and the AUC, FBG, FINS and HOMA-IR were significantly decreased (P<0.05). There were 88 potential target proteins for the embryonic intervention of Zuogui pill in offsprings of pregnant rats with gestational diabetes mellitus,involving multiple pathways such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), cyclic guanosine monophosphate-protein kinase G (cGMP-PKG), fat digestion and absorption, and bile secretion. The proteins closely related to glucose metabolism and insulin resistance mainly included ApoA1, Slc27a1, Kng1, Atp1a2, Slc7a5, Slc3a2, Baat, and Eif2s3. Among them, compared with the model group, protein and mRNA expressions of Slc7a5, Slc3a2, and Baat in the pancreatic tissues of pregnant rat offsprings in the Zuogui pill medium-dose group were significantly up-regulated (P<0.05); protein and mRNA expressions of ApoA1, Slc27a1, Kng1, Atp1a2 and Eif2s3 were all significantly down-regulated (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The intervention of Zuogui pill in the embryonic period on offsprings of pregnant rats with gestational diabetes mellitus can improve their blood glucose levels and pancreatic pathological morphology. The mechanism may be related to the upregulation of the expressions of Slc7a5, Slc3a2, and Baat and the down-regulation of ApoA1, Slc27a1, Kng1, Atp1a2 and Eif2s3 expressions in the PPAR, cGMP-PKG, fat digestion and absorption, and bile secretion pathways.
3.The Development and Application of Chatbots in Healthcare: From Traditional Methods to Large Language Models
Zixing WANG ; Le QI ; Xiaodan LIAN ; Ziheng ZHOU ; Aiwei MENG ; Xintong WU ; Xiaoyuan GAO ; Yujie YANG ; Yiyang LIU ; Wei ZHAO ; Xiaolin DIAO
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(5):1170-1178
With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence technology, chatbots have shown great potential in the healthcare sector. From personalized health advice to chronic disease management and psychological support, chatbots have demonstrated significant advantages in improving the efficiency and quality of healthcare services. As the scope of their applications expands, the relationship between technological complexity and practical application scenarios has become increasingly intertwined, necessitating a more comprehensive evaluation of both aspects. This paper, from the perspective of he althcare applications, systematically reviews the technological pathways and development of chatbots in the medical field, providing an in-depth analysis of their performance across various medical scenarios. It thoroughly examines the advantages and limitations of chatbots, aiming to offer theoretical support for future research and propose feasible recommendations for the broader adoption of chatbot technologies in healthcare.
4.Fungal luminescence pathways: research and applications.
Yujie WU ; Jiarui XU ; Hongyu CHEN ; Hao DU
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2024;40(1):1-14
The fungal bioluminescence pathway (FBP) is a metabolic pathway responsible for the generation of bioluminescence derived from fungi. This pathway utilizes caffeic acid as the substrate, generating a high-energy intermediate, and the decomposition of which yields green fluorescence with a wavelength of approximately 520 nm. The FBP is evolutionally conserved in luminescent fungal groups. Unlike other bioluminescent systems, the FBP is particularly suitable for engineering applications in eukaryotic organisms, especially in plants. Currently, metabolically engineered luminescent plants are able to emit visible light to illuminate its surroundings, which can be visualized clearly in the dark. The fungal bioluminescent system could be explored in various applications in molecular biology, biosensors and glowing ornamental plants, and even green lighting along city streets.
Luminescence
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Light
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Fluorescence
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Eukaryota
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Green Light
5.A Randomized,Double-blind,Multi-center Clinical Trial of Tengfu Jiangya Tablets Combined with Valsartan/Amlodipine in Treatment of Grade 2 Hypertension with Hyperactivity of Liver Yang
Yuchen QI ; Yunlun LI ; Yujie WU ; Haiquan WANG ; Yu WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(9):83-92
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Tengfu Jiangya tablets combined with valsartan/amlodipine in the treatment of grade 2 hypertension with liver Yang hyperactivity syndrome. MethodAccording to a randomized,double-blind,and placebo parallel control method,288 patients with grade 2 hypertension with liver Yang hyperactivity from 7 subcenters were included. They were randomly divided into an observation group (144 cases) and a control group (144 cases),and then treated with Tengfu Jiangya tablets combined with valsartan/amlodipine and placebo combined with valsartan/amlodipine,respectively. The efficacy was evaluated after four weeks of intervention. During the experiment,the safety indicators and adverse reaction events of the subjects were recorded for safety evaluation,and the efficacy indicators and TCM syndrome scores were recorded for effectiveness evaluation. Sensitivity analysis was also conducted on the statistical results of the main efficacy indicators such as blood pressure (BP) compliance rate to ensure the accuracy of the analysis results. 88 groups of blood samples from each of the treatment and control groups were included as test subjects. Fasting blood samples were collected from the patients in the clinical trial on the day before and after medication,and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed on the treated serum. The levels of arachidonic acid (AA),thromboxane B2 (TXB2),and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the serum of the patients before and after treatment were measured to explore the regulation of inflammatory factors in the body by Tengfu Jiangya tablets. ResultA total of 271 patients (133 in the observation group and 138 in the control group) completed the trial. There was no statistically significant difference before and after treatment in such safety indicators as the blood routine (white blood cells,red blood cells,and platelets),urine routine (urinary protein and urinary red blood cells),alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,creatinine,urea,and abnormal electrocardiogram,and no serious adverse reactions were observed. After four weeks,the systolic blood pressure (SBP) difference and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) difference of patients in the observation group were greater than those in the control group(P<0.01). According to the criteria for determining the antihypertensive effect,the overall response rate in the observation group[89.47%(119/133)] was higher than that in the control group[57.97%(80/138)] (Z=2.593,P<0.01). The SBP compliance rate was 61.65%(82/133) and 37.68%(52/138) in the observation group and control group, respectively. The DBP compliance rate in the observation group was 78.20%(104/133),while in the control group it was 55.07%(76/138). The overall BP compliance rate in the observation group was 48.12%(64/133),while in the control group it was 23.19%(32/138). The BP compliance rates in the observation group were all significantly higher than those in the control group(χ2=15.571,16.236,18.404,P<0.01). According to the criteria for evaluating the therapeutic effect of TCM syndrome integration,the overall response rate of the observation group[57.89%(77/133)] was higher than that of the control group[38.41%(53/133)] (Z=-3.172,P<0.01).Compared with those before treatment, the levels of serum AA and TXB2 in the two groups were significantly decreased after treatment (P<0.01), and the level of PGE2 in the observation group was significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with those of the control group after treatment, the levels of AA and TXB2 in the observation group were significantly decreased, while the level of PGE2 was significantly increased (P<0.01). The results suggest that Tengfu Jiangya tablets can effectively reduce inflammatory factors,reduce the production of inflammatory mediators,and thus prevent the occurrence of inflammatory reactions in the treatment of patients with grade 2 hypertension. ConclusionTengfu Jiangya tablets can more effectively reduce patients' SBP and DBP,improve their BP compliance rates,and improve their TCM syndromes in the treatment of grade 2 hypertension with liver Yang hyperactivity. Its clinical application is safe. Tengfu Jiangya tablets has outstanding clinical efficacy and can be used as an effective intervention method for the treatment of grade 2 hypertension with liver Yang hyperactivity syndrome.
6.Latest research progress in airway stenosis after lung transplantation
Yujie ZUO ; Menggen LIU ; Jiaxin WAN ; Yuxuan CHEN ; Wenlong HU ; Junjie ZHANG ; Yuyang MAO ; Jing CHEN ; Ailing ZHONG ; Lingzhi SHI ; Bo WU ; Chunrong JU ; Dong TIAN
Organ Transplantation 2024;15(3):474-478
With the optimization of surgical technologies and postoperative management regimens, the number of lung transplantation has been significantly increased, which has become an important treatment for patients with end-stage lung disease. However, due to the impact of comprehensive factors, such as bronchial ischemia and immunosuppression, the incidence of airway stenosis after lung transplantation is relatively high, which severely affects postoperative survival and quality of life of lung transplant recipients. In recent years, with the improvement of perioperative management, organ preservation and surgical technologies, the incidence of airway stenosis after lung transplantation has been declined, but it remains at a high level. Early diagnosis and timely intervention play a significant role in enhancing clinical prognosis of patients with airway stenosis. In this article, the general conditions, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of airway stenosis after lung transplantation were reviewed, aiming to provide reference for comprehensive management of airway stenosis after lung transplantation and improving clinical prognosis of lung transplant recipients.
7.Regulation of Immune Balance by Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Cough Variant Asthma: A Review
Han YANG ; Yonghuang YAN ; Wenting ZHANG ; Peixuan ZHU ; Fang YAN ; Yujie WU ; Shiqing QIAO ; Tieshan WANG ; Zeqi SU ; Ting WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(5):206-212
Cough variant asthma (CVA) is a chronic respiratory disease with cough as its main symptom. The occurrence of CVA is closely related to non-specific airway inflammation, and its pathogenesis involves environmental, genetic, immune, and other factors. In recent years, the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of CVA have attracted the attention of experts and scholars in China and abroad, especially its prominent role in regulating immune balance, relieving cough symptoms in CVA patients, and reducing recurrence. T Helper cells 1 (Th1), T helper cells 2 (Th2), T helper cells 17 (Th17), and regulatory T cells (Treg) are derived from CD4+ T cells. Immune imbalance of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg is a new hotspot in the pathogenesis of CVA and a potential key target in the treatment of CVA by TCM. Th cell subsets are in dynamic balance under physiological conditions, maintaining respiratory immune homeostasis in which pro-inflammatory cytokines and anti-inflammatory cytokines are balanced. Immature helper T cells (Th0) can be differentiated into Th1, Th2, Th17, Treg, and other cell subsets due to cytokine types in the microenvironment in the stage of CVA maturation. The proliferation of Th2 cells leads to eosinophilic airway inflammation. Excessive differentiation of Th17 cells induces neutrophil airway inflammation. Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg cells are mutually restricted in number and function, and the immune imbalance of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg is easy to aggravate the generation of inflammatory response. Restoring immune balance is particularly important for the airway anti-inflammatory therapy of CVA. In this paper, the imbalance of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg and the pathogenesis of CVA were systematically expounded. Meanwhile, the latest research on the regulation of immune imbalance by TCM compound, single TCM, and its effective ingredients in the treatment of CVA was reviewed. It provides ideas and references for revealing the scientific connotation of TCM regulating immune balance therapy of CVA, as well as the development of clinical treatment and basic research of CVA.
8.Influencing factors of survival of patients with airway stenosis requiring clinical interventions after lung transplantation
Lingzhi SHI ; Heng HUANG ; Mingzhao LIU ; Hang YANG ; Bo WU ; Jin ZHAO ; Haoji YAN ; Yujie ZUO ; Xinyue ZHANG ; Linxi LIU ; Dong TIAN ; Jingyu CHEN
Organ Transplantation 2024;15(2):236-243
Objective To analyze the influencing factors of survival of patients with airway stenosis requiring clinical interventions after lung transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 66 patients with airway stenosis requiring clinical interventions after lung transplantation were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate and multivariate Cox’s regression models were adopted to analyze the influencing factors of survival of all patients with airway stenosis and those with early airway stenosis. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the overall survival and delineate the survival curve. Results For 66 patients with airway stenosis, the median airway stenosis-free time was 72 (52,102) d, 27% (18/66) for central airway stenosis and 73% (48/66) for distal airway stenosis. Postoperative mechanical ventilation time [hazard ratio (HR) 1.037, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.005-1.070, P=0.024] and type of surgery (HR 0.400, 95%CI 0.177-0.903, P=0.027) were correlated with the survival of patients with airway stenosis after lung transplantation. The longer the postoperative mechanical ventilation time, the higher the risk of mortality of the recipients. The overall survival of airway stenosis recipients undergoing bilateral lung transplantation was better than that of their counterparts after single lung transplantation. Subgroup analysis showed that grade 3 primary graft dysfunction (PGD) (HR 4.577, 95%CI 1.439-14.555, P=0.010) and immunosuppressive drugs (HR 0.079, 95%CI 0.022-0.287, P<0.001) were associated with the survival of patients with early airway stenosis after lung transplantation. The overall survival of patients with early airway stenosis after lung transplantation without grade 3 PGD was better compared with that of those with grade 3 PGD. The overall survival of patients with early airway stenosis after lung transplantation treated with tacrolimus was superior to that of their counterparts treated with cyclosporine. Conclusions Long postoperative mechanical ventilation time, single lung transplantation, grade 3 PGD and use of cyclosporine may affect the survival of patients with airway stenosis after lung transplantation.
9.Regulatory effect mechanism of Eucommia ulmoides on postpartum depression in rats
Yujie LI ; Wenjing CHEN ; Lan ZHANG ; Yingzhen WU ; Yongjie XU ; Xiaolan WANG ; Junlin HOU ; Liping YANG
China Pharmacy 2024;35(11):1303-1308
OBJECTIVE To explore the effect mechanism of Eucommia ulmoides on improving postpartum depression in rats. METHODS Pregnant rats were randomly divided into normal group, postpartum depression group, and low-dose and high-dose groups of E. ulmoides (1.34, 2.68 g/kg, calculated by crude drug), with 10 rats in each group. Except for the normal group, the rats in other groups suffered from fear stress to induce postpartum depression model during pregnancy; at the same time of modeling, the administration groups were given relevant medicine intragastrically, while the normal group and postpartum depression group were given physiological saline intragastrically for 21 days. Postpartum behaviors of rats during the experiment were assessed using the open field test, Morris water maze test and sucrose preference test. Additionally, the levels of corticosterone (CORT) in serum, corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) and urocortin (UCN) in hypothalamus, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in hypophysis were detected; meanwhile, the protein expressions of CRF receptor 1 (CRFR1), CRFR2, and voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1) in hippocampal tissue were measured; the proportions of apoptotic cells and JC-1 high potential cells in hippocampal tissue were determined, and the morphology of hippocampal tissue was observed. RESULTS Compared with postpartum depression group, the high-dose group of E. ulmoides showed improvements in appetite, mental state, and hair color in rats; their body weight had increased; the scores of vertical movement, horizontal movement and self-sorting significantly increased; from the 2ed to 4th day avoidance latency significantly shortened, and the times of crossing the platform and the time of crossing the platform Δ 基金项目国家自然科学基金青年基金项目(No.82204789) significantly increased/prolonged (P<0.05); the ratio of glucose and water consumption significantly increased at 20 days of pregnancy and 30 days postpartum (P<0.05); the levels of CRF, UCN, ACTH and CORT, phagocytic rate, protein expressions of CRFR2 and VDAC1, and the proportion of apoptosis cells in hippocampal tissue were decreased significantly (P<0.05); the proportion of JC-1 high potential cells significantly increased (P<0.05), and the phenomenon of edema around neuronal cells was significantly improved. CONCLUSIONS E. ulmoides can improve postpartum depression by inhibiting excessive activation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, decreasing the expression of CRFR2, thereby inhibiting the expression of VDAC1, and decreasing the apoptosis of neuronal cells.
10.Regulatory effect mechanism of Eucommia ulmoides on postpartum depression in rats
Yujie LI ; Wenjing CHEN ; Lan ZHANG ; Yingzhen WU ; Yongjie XU ; Xiaolan WANG ; Junlin HOU ; Liping YANG
China Pharmacy 2024;35(11):1303-1308
OBJECTIVE To explore the effect mechanism of Eucommia ulmoides on improving postpartum depression in rats. METHODS Pregnant rats were randomly divided into normal group, postpartum depression group, and low-dose and high-dose groups of E. ulmoides (1.34, 2.68 g/kg, calculated by crude drug), with 10 rats in each group. Except for the normal group, the rats in other groups suffered from fear stress to induce postpartum depression model during pregnancy; at the same time of modeling, the administration groups were given relevant medicine intragastrically, while the normal group and postpartum depression group were given physiological saline intragastrically for 21 days. Postpartum behaviors of rats during the experiment were assessed using the open field test, Morris water maze test and sucrose preference test. Additionally, the levels of corticosterone (CORT) in serum, corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) and urocortin (UCN) in hypothalamus, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in hypophysis were detected; meanwhile, the protein expressions of CRF receptor 1 (CRFR1), CRFR2, and voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1) in hippocampal tissue were measured; the proportions of apoptotic cells and JC-1 high potential cells in hippocampal tissue were determined, and the morphology of hippocampal tissue was observed. RESULTS Compared with postpartum depression group, the high-dose group of E. ulmoides showed improvements in appetite, mental state, and hair color in rats; their body weight had increased; the scores of vertical movement, horizontal movement and self-sorting significantly increased; from the 2ed to 4th day avoidance latency significantly shortened, and the times of crossing the platform and the time of crossing the platform Δ 基金项目国家自然科学基金青年基金项目(No.82204789) significantly increased/prolonged (P<0.05); the ratio of glucose and water consumption significantly increased at 20 days of pregnancy and 30 days postpartum (P<0.05); the levels of CRF, UCN, ACTH and CORT, phagocytic rate, protein expressions of CRFR2 and VDAC1, and the proportion of apoptosis cells in hippocampal tissue were decreased significantly (P<0.05); the proportion of JC-1 high potential cells significantly increased (P<0.05), and the phenomenon of edema around neuronal cells was significantly improved. CONCLUSIONS E. ulmoides can improve postpartum depression by inhibiting excessive activation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, decreasing the expression of CRFR2, thereby inhibiting the expression of VDAC1, and decreasing the apoptosis of neuronal cells.

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